Travelers frequently ask if they need to go to the bank in the U.S. to get Costa Rican colones (the local currency) before traveling. U.S. dollars are accepted nearly everywhere, dispensed by ATMs, used by the government to price national park fees and some taxes and many places have menus and … [Read more...]
Practical Information & Logistics
Once you know when and where you want to go and what you want to see and do it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty, make sure your budget can handle the trip, get your documents in order, find out if your phone will work (if you want it to), pack your bags, buy travel insurance and stash away the $29 bucks you may or may not need for the departure tax. This section includes all the logistical information we've accumulated over the decades.
Tipping Guidelines
how much to tip? | colones or dollars? | not culturally acceptable? What About the Tip Included in Restaurant Bills? When you go to your automobile mechanic you receive an itemized bill for parts and labor. Similarly when you go to a restaurant in Costa Rica you get a bill for food and a … [Read more...]
Money- How to Get & Spend in Costa Rica
The best way to access funds and pay for things while traveling in Costa Rica depends on... Security Economy Convenience Each is important. For example it would be convenient but not too safe to have $5,000 U.S. in your pocket. good & bad exchange | dynamic ripoff | how to | … [Read more...]
Useful Phone Apps for Travel in Costa Rica
Applications you can download to your phone to help with logistics, communication, and even learning a little during your Costa Rica vacation. All of these apps are free (some offer upgrades to eliminate advertising for a few bucks). All are available at the apple store or the play store for … [Read more...]
NO Covid Vaccination for Costa Rica
UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. No testing required No vaccination required No "pase de salud" electronic health pass required No travel insurance required No QR codes … [Read more...]
Laundry
Tips and Tricks for Laundry on the Road Even on a short trip to Costa Rica you may find yourself in need of clean clothes half way through your travels. Two sweaty t-shirts, a salt crusted rash guard, mangrove swamped board shorts, mud caked hiking pants, six smelly socks and some unmentionable … [Read more...]
Use a SIM Card or Buy a Costa Rican Phone
If you purchase an international plan in advance most U.S. and Canadian providers offer reasonable service and rates for you to use your own cell phone and number in Costa Rica. Almost any phone since 2016 will work but without a prepaid international plan the roaming fees (no, the "unlimited talk … [Read more...]
Passports & Visas
NOTE: As always tourist visas are issued to most visitors (see list of automatic visa countries) upon arrival. However, the length of stay indicated on the visa may be less than the previously automatic 90 days. Proper documentation is the sole responsibility of each traveler. … [Read more...]
Airport Check In
Please have all of your documents in order, all your i's dotted and t's crossed, because petty bureaucrats love nothing quite so much as rare, random, but rigid enforcement of seemingly arbitrary and capricious rules and regulations. TRAVELING TO Costa Rica >> passport | visa | return ticket … [Read more...]
FAQ – Costa Rica’s Jan. 8, 2022 Vaccine Mandate
UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. No testing required No vaccination required No "pase de salud" electronic health pass required No travel insurance required No QR codes … [Read more...]
Travel Insurance
NOTE: As of April 1, 2022 the requirement that every un-vaccinated visitor to Costa Rica is required to prove they have travel insurance that covers Covid when they arrive at the airport has been eliminated. see details No Coverage = No Refunds, No Exchanges & No Credits Use it or lose it. … [Read more...]
Covid Testing Requirements & Locations
UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. Testing is still required to return to the U.S. and many other countries. SJO international airport and LIR offer one hour antigen testing. … [Read more...]
Required Travel Insurance
UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the insurance requirement and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been eliminated. No testing required No vaccination required No "pase de salud" electronic health pass required No travel insurance required No QR … [Read more...]
Electronic Health Pass – Pase de Salud
UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the health pass and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been eliminated. No testing required No vaccination required No "pase de salud" electronic health pass required No travel insurance required No QR codes … [Read more...]
Packing List
Cool Fun Stuff | Full Annotated List | Simple Checklist | Unpacking List | 25lb Carry-On List Packing is a personal process. I've seen people arrive with nothing but baggy shorts, flip flops, a t-shirt and sunglasses. I've also seen travelers with two huge roller suitcases bulging with who knows … [Read more...]
Immunization Records
No immunizations are required for travelers entering Costa Rica from the U.S., Europe or Canada. You do not need an "immunity passport" (aka World Health Organization international certificate of vaccination). Covid 19 Vaccine NOT Required UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all … [Read more...]
Camping
Camping in Costa Rica is a great way to get to out of the way places, and experience the fascinating night and very early morning hours in the tropical forests. Costa Rica's Best Camp Sites boondocks | national parks | RV parks | backpacking | cabinas | glamping Tips for Tropical Camping in … [Read more...]
When Can We Travel to Costa Rica?
UPDATE: As of April 1, 2022 the vaccine mandate and all other Covid related entry and travel restrictions for Costa Rica have been suspended. No testing required No vaccination required No “pase de salud” electronic health pass required No travel insurance required No QR … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Travel “After” the Pandemic
The number one question we get is... "when will Costa Rica open for travel?" ...the answer to "when?" depends on... "what will international travel be like when Costa Rica re-opens?" crazy idea | when? | outdoors! | crisis | immunity passports? | gone | prices The Ministry of Health's … [Read more...]
How Much Does Costa Rica Cost?
A week of vacation in Costa Rica costs between $850 and $1,450 for an average traveler in mid-priced hotels, lodges or rental houses and doing standard tours (assuming double occupancy). Beachfront accommodations and high dollar activities like deep sea fishing will quickly push the budget over … [Read more...]