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...]
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.
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...]
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...]
Tipping Guidelines
how much to tip? | 23% or 10% | not customary? Tipping was not the cultural norm in Costa Rica until it was introduced from the U.S. in the '80s. What About the Service Tax Included in the Bill? When you go to your automobile mechanic you receive an itemized bill for parts and labor. … [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...]
Passports & Visas
NOTE: As always tourist visas are issued to most visitors (see list of automatic visa countries) upon arrival. However, since Dec 1 the length of stay indicated on the visa may be less than the previous automatic 90 days. Unvaccinated travelers will be permitted to stay for the number of days … [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...]
Airport Check In
NOTE: As of November 1, 2020 every visitor is required to purchase Covid insurance and fill out a health survey prior to arriving in Costa Rica. NOTE: As of January 26, 2021 any traveler boarding a flight to the U.S. from Costa Rica is required to show a negative virus test (details and … [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...]
Costa Rica Travel Budget & Cost Calculator
instant...no e-mail or credit card required It only takes a minute to estimate how much you'll spend and what you will get for your money. Enter your info and your travel budget reads out instantly at the bottom. other Costa Rica budget information save a million | kids | food | tour … [Read more...]
Save a Million
A million Colones is about $1,700 and it's possible for two people to save that much on a week long vacation in Costa Rica using the money saving ideas below... How to Save a Million Colones Traveling in Costa Rica...sensational title for some sensible advice Credit card car insurance … [Read more...]
Bribery
It's not common, but it does happen. In thousands of kilometers of driving I've been pulled over twice... three... four times — once "legitimately" and three times fraudulently. I haven't paid mordida (a bribe) or received a ticket in any of the stops. $1,800 parking ticket | corruption | the bite … [Read more...]
Rent-a-Car Cost Comparisons
As you can see from the rate quote comparisons below the cost for a full size SUV rental can vary from $55.59 per day from Alamo using Credit Card coverage, to $95.90 from the local company Vamos, and up to $207.92 per day with full insurance coverage. 50% off | compare prices | damages | … [Read more...]