Suppose you want to use a mobile phone in Costa Rica. In that case, you must bring an UNLOCKED cell phone and buy a SIM prepaid card at the ICE (the national telecommunications company) booth in the baggage section of the airport (or in a telephone company office in any city around the country). The unlocked cell phone must be a quad-band GSM or 3G handset or at least have an 850 or 1800 MHz band. Most US phones use 950 mHz. Motorola and Sony Ericcson are brands that have models with the right bands. At the airport ICE booth, you can ask for the different SIM prepaid cards they offer and they will be inserted in your handset. Some of them will include internet access.

British nationals do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You may stay as a visitor for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver, although the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival.

For more details please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements#:~:text=Visa%20requirements,the%20immigration%20officer%20on%20arrival.

Basically, in more than 90% of the country the drinking water is drinkable for tourists without any problems. In remote destinations like Tortuguero or Corcovado it is recommended to use bottled or filtered water. Most accommodations have a water station where you can fill up your own reusable water bottle (preferably stainless steel for hot and cold) for free.

Otherwise please buy large bottles of water to reduce plastic consumption!

The local currency is the Colón (CRC, ¢).

Withdrawal of cash from ATMs is possible in an amount of about € 300 per day in Colones and / or US $ Payment with US $ is possible in most places. It is recommended to pay with US $, if the price is shown in dollars. Otherwise bad exchange rate. We also recommend to pay with Costa Rican Colones. Many banks have cancelled contracts with Maestro, so it is not always possible to withdraw money with a Maestro bank card. Try at: 

• (i) Banco Nacional
• (ii) BAC San José
• (iii) Scotiabank
• (iv) Davivienda
• (v) Banco Promerica

When withdrawing money, “current account” must be selected instead of “credit card” Credit card: MASTER CARD or VISA CARD recommended. American Express is only accepted by a few service providers. The same applies to the deposit of a rental car.

Please check with your bank:

• (i) Activation of your card for Costa Rica necessary.
• (ii) Fee to withdraw money with credit card.
• (iii) Maximum amount of money that can be withdrawn daily.
• (iv) Card limit high enough for rental car deposit.

(a) It is advisable to use only banks or authorized exchange offices. Your passport is required for bank transactions!

(b) Please DO NOT change money in the airport building: bad exchange rate. There is an ATM at the airport (in the security area, just after the border control and duty free), we recommend to withdraw some cash already here while waiting for your luggage.

(c) Use ATMs only in bright and public places and politely but firmly refuse help or company from strangers when using them.

(d) Payment by credit card is widespread in Costa Rica; you can pay by credit card in most public places, hotels, restaurants and stores.

Tip: always have some change in cash with you, e.g. for parking and tolls.

The road traffic is very similar to ours, only more chaotic. However, the condition of the roads is different, because there are often potholes and landslides due to the heavy rains. Also, keep to the speed limits.

• (i) Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• (ii) Always keep the doors and windows of the car closed. Do not leave valuables in the car.
• (iii) Avoid driving when it is dark. Please always leave on time so that you arrive at your destination before dark (6:00 pm).
• (iv) Always park in guarded parking lots.
• (v) In case of a flat tire: DO NOT seek help from others, but go to a busy place and contact the police and/or your car rental company.
• (vi) your car rental company.

Trick thieves are not afraid to break open cars – especially rental cars – and steal luggage in seconds, even in daylight and when the driver is only a short distance away. This happens more often in tourist centers and San José.

• (i) Never leave luggage unattended and park loaded vehicles only in fenced and guarded parking areas.
• (ii) Tragen keep your backpack/bag in front of your chest to prevent a trick thief from reaching into your backpack/bag from behind unnoticed.
• (iii) Wertsachen be sure to carry only what is necessary and avoid jewelry altogether, as well as visibly worn fanny packs.
• (iv) Empfehlenswert is to have, for example, a thin fanny pack that you wear under your clothes – it is very thin, waterproof and comfortable to wear against your skin. From the outside you can not see them.
• (v) Bringen carry a waterproof bag (dry-bag) for your valuables so you can take them with you into the sea when you visit the beach.
• (vi) Keep your passport in the hotel safe and identify yourself to the Costa Rican authorities with a copy of your passport for smaller tours.

Tip: Take a photo of your first passport page and entry stamp, as well as key documents, and save them to your phone or mail account.

A valid vaccination against yellow fever is required for all travelers older than 9 months upon entry from a yellow fever area and must be proven by an International Vaccination Certificate.

Vaccination protection exists from ten days after the yellow fever vaccination. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a ban on entering the country.

Otherwise, no vaccinations are required for entry; tetanus and polio protection may be recommended, as well as a malaria standby preparation under certain conditions.

For more details about vaccinations and health advice please visit:

https://www.passporthealthglobal.com/en-gb/destination-advice/costa-rica/

https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/central-america/costa-rica

If you need prescription medication during your trip and carry it in your hand luggage, an official translation of the medical certificate in English or Spanish is required.

General medical care in Costa Rica is well developed, as you will find an ebais (primary care health center) in every town. In larger cities there are both public as well as private hospitals. In case of serious illnesses, accidents, etc. you should always go to one of the hospitals in the greater San José area (Clínica Bíblica or CIMA San José). Thus, in case of emergency, assistance can be provided by the Lumle’s local partner.

When you leave Costa Rica you have to pay a departure tax. The most common airlines already include this in the fare and show this on your ticket. Please check the price listing of your invoice before your departure and contact the airline if necessary.

If you need to pay the departure tax of US $29 (cash or credit card) before check-in, you will find ATMs in the departure lounge.

Please note: At peak times, there may be longer waiting times at the counters, so it is imperative that you adhere to the check-in times required by the airlines!

You can reach out to Lumle through their website or contact them directly via email or phone. Their experienced travel consultants will assist you in designing and booking your ideal Costa Rica adventure.

Absolutely! Lumle specializes in designing personalized itineraries based on your preferences, interests, and budget. They can tailor-make your trip to include specific activities, destinations, and durations.

Yes, Lumle can arrange accommodations for you, ranging from eco-lodges to luxury resorts. They work with a variety of partners to provide options that align with their sustainable travel ethos.

Costa Rica has a tropical climate, and the best time to visit depends on your preferences. The dry season, from December to April, is popular for outdoor activities and beach trips. The wet season, from May to November, offers lush green landscapes and is great for wildlife spotting.

Lumle offers a wide range of activities, including wildlife tours, rainforest hikes, zip-lining, surfing lessons, volcano visits, and cultural experiences. They specialize in eco-friendly and sustainable travel, ensuring that these activities have minimal impact on the environment.

Costa Rica is generally considered a safe country for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to exercise caution, take necessary safety measures, and be aware of your surroundings.

Contact us to help you advise you and craft you The Experiences. Below places are best for you and build your ideal Costa Rica holiday package.

Arenal Volcano—Adventure Capital.
Manuel Antonio—1 National Park.
Tamarindo Beach—Surf & Sunsets.
Monteverde—Birdwatching Paradise.
Conchal Beach—Shell Beach.
Gulf of Papagayo—Calm Waters.