Planning a trip to Costa Rica? This Central American gem is known for its incredible biodiversity, pristine beaches, and adventure activities. To help you prepare for your journey, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling to Costa Rica.
For most travelers, including citizens of the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and the European Union, a visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, and you may be asked to show proof of onward travel, such as a return or onward ticket. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for an extension at a Costa Rican immigration office.
The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on the activities you’re interested in. The dry season, from December to April, is the most popular time to visit, offering sunny weather perfect for beaches and outdoor adventures. The green season, from May to November, brings daily rain showers but also fewer crowds, lower prices, and lush, green landscapes. If you’re planning to explore rainforests, wildlife areas, or enjoy water sports, the green season can still be an excellent time to visit.
Yes, Costa Rica is generally considered one of the safest countries in Central America for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s important to take basic precautions. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, keep valuables secure, and avoid leaving personal belongings unattended on the beach. In larger cities like San José, it’s recommended to avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas. Nature excursions should be done with a guide, especially in remote areas such as the Osa Peninsula or Corcovado National Park.
The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted in most tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, and prices are often quoted in both dollars and colones. It’s a good idea to carry some local currency for smaller purchases, especially in more rural areas. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist destinations, and most major credit cards are accepted.
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and by tour operators. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases, such as “Hola” (Hello), “Gracias” (Thank you), and “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?), can enhance your experience, especially in rural areas where English may be less common.
Costa Rica offers a range of transportation options, depending on your destination. Public buses are affordable and widely used for travel between cities and towns. For more comfort and convenience, especially when traveling to remote areas, shuttle services and private transfers are popular among tourists. Renting a car is another option for those who want flexibility, though road conditions can vary in rural areas. Domestic flights are available for faster travel between cities like San José, La Fortuna, and the Osa Peninsula. In beach towns, bicycles and taxis are commonly used for short trips.
What you pack depends on the region and season you’re visiting. For beach destinations like Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection. In the highland and rainforest areas, like Monteverde or La Fortuna, pack layers, a rain jacket, and sturdy shoes for hiking. Don’t forget insect repellent, especially if you’re visiting rainforests or national parks. A reusable water bottle is also handy for staying hydrated while exploring.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in most parts of Costa Rica, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. However, if you’re visiting more remote areas or rural regions, it’s advisable to stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may prefer bottled water throughout your trip.
Before traveling to Costa Rica, it’s recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and hepatitis A. Some travelers, particularly those visiting rural or jungle areas, may also need vaccines for typhoid or hepatitis B. Malaria risk is low in most areas, but if you plan to visit remote rainforests, it’s a good idea to take precautions against mosquito bites and consult with your healthcare provider about anti-malarial medication. Always check with your doctor for the latest travel health advice before your trip.
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated in Costa Rica. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is typically included in the bill, but it’s customary to leave an additional tip if you receive excellent service. For hotel staff, small tips for housekeeping or porters are appreciated. Tour guides and drivers usually receive tips for their services, especially if they’ve provided an exceptional experience. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare is a common courtesy.
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:
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:
(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.
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.
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.
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