Costa Rica Guide

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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.

Things I Wish I’d Packed

surge protected multi outlet with USB charging ports

A summary of several thousand comments from visitors on the Costa Rica Travel Group when asked what they should have brought on vacation. leave it | bring it | on both lists | full packing list | why pack it? | unexpected Obviously what you should bring on a trip to Costa Rica depends on … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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To Do: 3-6 Months Before Costa Rica Travel

The items on this list can be checked off in a few minutes but if you discover something that needs doing don't wait until the last minute to be sure you're ready to visit Costa Rica. checklistpassport valid? | no fee ATM | prep credit card | keen's | vaccinations | airfare finder | ESTA | … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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Big Detour – Tempisque Bridge Closure

northern detour around the closed tempisque river bridge

Alert: The ferry service from Puntarenas to/from Paquera has been resumed. It was closed for several weeks after the Naviera Tambor Ferry crashed into and damaged the dock at Paquera in early April.>> UPDATE MAY 1, 2024 Tempisque Bridge Repairs Starting April 1, 2024 the Friendship Bridge … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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ATMs, Cashpoints, Money Machines in Costa Rica

ATMs in Costa Rica dispense both of the widely accepted currencies (colones and dollars), and are the most common way for travelers to access cash. zero fees | reduced fees | safety | empty & broken | credit cards | money - best way? ATM Fees Can Add Up ATM fees can range from 0% (see … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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How To – Money in Costa Rica

Costa Rica new currency

Using the simple strategy below can save travelers hundreds of dollars/euros/pounds on a Costa Rica vacation. Money - Cash/Credit/Debit Cards The lowest transactional cost, safest and most convenient money strategy overall when traveling in Costa Rica is simple ATMs | zero fees | reduced … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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U.S. Dollar to Costa Rica Colón

Easy Exchange calulation Colones to Dollars

Currency Conversion Made Easy - Simple Exchange from Colones to Dollars As you can see in the chart of official exchange rates at Costa Rica's banks and financial institutions below they will each give you between ¢500 and ¢507 for each $U.S. 1 you exchange (the "buy" rate). That means using … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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Currencies of Costa Rica

Costa Rica new currency

U.S. Dollar & Costa Rican Colón The official currency of the Republic of Costa Rica is the colón (colones plural) but U.S. dollars are accepted nearly everywhere, dispensed by ATMs, locals banks have dollar savings accounts and greenbacks are used by the Costa Rican government for national … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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Dollars Accepted – Changing Money in Costa Rica

Easy Exchange calulation Colones to Dollars

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Tipping Guidelines

5 colon note is worth about a penny

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Money- How to Get & Spend in Costa Rica

Best Way to Pay Colones Dollars Credit Cards ATM

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Useful Phone Apps for Travel in Costa Rica

Useful Costa Rica Phone Apps

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...]

Ray & Sue

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NO Covid Vaccination for Costa Rica

U.S. CDC vaccination record card

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Laundry

Laundry day on the farm

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Use a SIM Card or Buy a Costa Rican Phone

Seriously? On her phone in the hot water river.

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Passports & Visas

passport & immunizations

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 180 days.  Proper documentation is the sole responsibility of each traveler.  This … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

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Airport Check In

Most of the time LIR is nearly empty, but most flights depart in the early afternoon so around 12:00 it can be a bit of a mob scene with long checkin lines. For a couple of months after the new terminal opened there were some computer and personel problems that delayed travelers significantly, but now it's relatively smooth and quick.

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...]

Ray & Sue

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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...]

Ray & Sue

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Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Certificate

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Covid Testing Requirements & Locations

map of locations of Covid 19 test centers in 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.  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...]

Ray & Sue

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Required Travel Insurance

Minimum Costa Rica Insurance vs full travel insurance with cancellation

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...]

Ray & Sue

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Practical Info

Practical Info
  • Things I Wish I’d Packed
  • To Do: 3-6 Months Before Costa Rica Travel
  • Big Detour – Tempisque Bridge Closure
  • ATMs, Cashpoints, Money Machines in Costa Rica
  • How To – Money in Costa Rica
  • U.S. Dollar to Costa Rica Colón
  • Currencies of Costa Rica
  • Dollars Accepted – Changing Money in Costa Rica
  • Tipping Guidelines
  • Money- How to Get & Spend in Costa Rica
  • Useful Phone Apps for Travel in Costa Rica
  • NO Covid Vaccination for Costa Rica
  • Laundry
  • Use a SIM Card or Buy a Costa Rican Phone
  • Passports & Visas
  • Airport Check In
  • FAQ – Costa Rica’s Jan. 8, 2022 Vaccine Mandate
  • Travel Insurance
  • Covid Testing Requirements & Locations
  • Required Travel Insurance



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