Tips for Visiting Costa Rica
Local insights from our team to help you make the most of your trip.
Local insights from our team to help you make the most of your trip.
Before you travel, review the U.S. State Department's Travel Checklist to prepare your documents and trip essentials, and check the current Costa Rica Travel Advisory for the latest safety guidance.
Make sure all passports are signed, including your children's. Immigration may check this upon arrival.
WhatsApp is the primary communication tool in Costa Rica. Locals, tour operators, and restaurants all use it. Download it before you arrive.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, light breathable clothing, and a rain jacket. Afternoon showers are common, especially during green season (May–November).
Consider purchasing travel insurance before your trip. A good policy can cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and unexpected delays, giving you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying Costa Rica.
Costa Rica writes dates day-first (DD/MM/YYYY), while the US writes them month-first (MM/DD/YYYY). So 07/02 means July 2 in the US but February 7 in Costa Rica. Double-check the order when booking tours, transfers, or reservations to avoid mix-ups.
Grab it at the airport duty-free on your way in. You'll save up to 30% and know it's authentic.
Online bookings may or may not include mandatory insurance, and the counter options can be confusing. We're happy to connect you with a trusted broker who can help you navigate insurance, waive additional driver fees, get better rates, personalized road assistance, and avoid hidden charges. Contact us via WhatsApp for assistance.
Looking for shuttle service? Contact us via WhatsApp for assistance.
Uber exists in Costa Rica but isn't reliable — especially outside San José. It also operates in a legal gray area and isn't officially regulated. For rides, use licensed red taxis (look for the yellow triangle on the door) or arrange transfers through your host or a local tour operator.
Costa Rica has two international airports: SJO (San José) and LIR (Liberia). If you're heading to La Fortuna, Monteverde, or the North Pacific beaches, fly into LIR to skip heavy traffic.
Cell service can be spotty in rural and mountainous areas. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Waze) in advance so you never lose your way.
Waze is the preferred navigation app for locals. It gives the most accurate traffic and route information for Costa Rica's roads.
Driving isn't terrible, but stay alert. Watch for motorcycles (they're everywhere), aggressive merging, and passing on two-lane roads. Main roads are paved; remote areas may have gravel or dirt roads.
Darkness falls quickly after 6 PM year-round, and Costa Rica's roads can be treacherous at night — even for experienced mountain drivers. Expect motorcycles without reflectors, pedestrians walking along the road, missing shoulders, concrete culverts, hairpin curves, and potholes. Plan your drives during daylight whenever possible.
Winding mountain roads and hairpin curves can cause motion sickness, especially for kids. If anyone in your group is prone to car sickness, bring motion sickness pills or remedies and take them before hitting the road.
Main roads can be busy, especially near towns, and there's ongoing road construction in many areas. Budget extra time and stay patient. It's all part of the adventure.
Costa Rica is small, but traffic is heavy and getting between tourist areas can take longer than the distance suggests. On a short trip, keep drives short so you don't spend half your vacation in the car, especially with kids. For example, trying to hit the Caribbean, South and North Pacific, and La Fortuna in 8 to 10 days may sound fun, but it can end up being exhausting.
No need to pump your own gas. An attendant will fill up your tank. A small tip (500–1000 colones) is appreciated but not required.
Be adventurous! Local restaurants called "sodas" serve homemade Costa Rican food at very affordable prices. Try casados, gallo pinto, and fresh natural juices.
Costa Ricans (Ticos) are incredibly warm and welcoming. Don't be afraid to say hi or practice your high school Spanish. They'll love it! English speakers are also easy to find if needed.
Costa Rica is generally safe, but use common sense as you would anywhere: keep your car locked, don't leave valuables visible, and be aware of your surroundings in busy areas.
Skip the self-guided tour. National parks are home to venomous snakes, spiders, and other dangerous wildlife that are easy to miss. A local naturalist guide will keep you safe, help you stay on marked trails, and spot incredible creatures you'd walk right past. It's well worth the cost and makes the experience unforgettable.
The local currency is the colón, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards work at most businesses, but carry some cash for small shops and sodas.
AAA members can exchange foreign currency with no added transaction service fees, though shipping or order minimums may apply depending on your regional club. Learn more on the AAA Foreign Currency page.
You may pay for tours, tips, and activities. Most operators accept credit cards, but some may charge you a 13% Value Added Tax (VAT) when paying with card.
In most parts of Costa Rica, including Guanacaste, tap water is safe to drink. One less thing to worry about!
More than a saying, it's a way of life. Slow down, enjoy the moment, and embrace the beauty all around you. Welcome to Costa Rica!