Costa Rica Guide

travel information and maps

  • Vacation Planning
  • Best Trips Ever>>
  • More Fun Than Humanly Possible
  • Costa Rica
    • Top Ten
    • Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
    • Things To Do in Costa Rica
    • Maps
    • Transportation
      • Rental Cars
        • Advantages of Driving
        • Disadvantages Driving
        • Code of the Road
        • Navigation & Drive Time
        • Rental Insurance Explained
        • Can’t Get There
      • Airports
        • Flights Worth Taking
        • LIR or SJO
        • Airfare Deals
        • Domestic Airlines
        • Domestic Air Tips
      • Taxis
      • Bus Schedule
    • Food
      • Typical Menu
      • Batidos & Refrescos
      • Gallo Pinto
      • Tamales
      • Ceviche
      • Ensalada Palmito
      • Sopa Negra
      • Vinagre Chilera
    • Weather
      • Seasons in Costa Rica
      • Current Storms in Costa Rica
    • Regions
  • Nature & Wildlife
    • National Parks
    • Wildlife Refuges
    • Ecozones
    • Best Places to See Wildlife in Costa Rica
  • Practical Info
    • Health & Safety
      • Health Tips
        • Altitude Sickness
        • Chikungunya
        • Natural Disasters
      • Crime
        • Cons & Rip-offs
        • Corruption
        • Violent Crime
    • Will My Phone Work?
    • Packing List
    • Passports & Docs
    • Money – How To?
    • How Much Does it Cost?
    • Travel Tips
  • Stories
    • Photos
    • Trek Across Costa Rica
    • Sendero de Oro
    • Quebrada Gata
    • Bicycle Touring
    • About Us
  • Move to Costa Rica
  • Free Travel Pack
no obligation custom trip plan & price quote

1-866-816-0197

· Copyright © 2023 ·

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.

Money- How to Get & Spend in Costa Rica

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Useful Phone Apps for Travel in Costa Rica

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

NO Covid Vaccination for Costa Rica

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Dollars Accepted – Changing Money in Costa Rica

Dollars Accepted – Changing Money in Costa Rica

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. The answer is no. It's unlikely that any U.S. or other foreign bank would have so much as a single Colón in the vault and fees for special orders may … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Laundry

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Use a SIM Card or Buy a Costa Rican Phone

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Passports & Visas

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.    Proper documentation is the sole responsibility of each … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Airport Check In

Airport Check In

NOTE: Covid insurance and the health survey are NO LONGER REQUIRED to enter Costa Rica.  NOTE: Testing is NO LONGER REQUIRED for flights to the U.S. from Costa Rica. Please have all of your documents in order, all your i's dotted and t's crossed, because petty bureaucrats love nothing quite … [Read more...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

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

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Travel Insurance

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Covid Testing Requirements & Locations

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Tipping Guidelines

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Required Travel Insurance

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Electronic Health Pass – Pase de Salud

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Packing List

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Immunization Records

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Camping

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

When Can We Travel to Costa Rica?

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Costa Rica Travel “After” the Pandemic

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

How Much Does Costa Rica Cost?

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...]

Ray & Sue

Cost · ToDo · Plan·Costa Rica Guide logo animated·Top10 · Best Time · Contact

Next Page »

toll free Costa Rica travel desk!
1-866-816-0197

CONTACT US

Budget
  • Tipping Guidelines
  • How Much Does Costa Rica Cost?
  • Costa Rica Travel Budget & Cost Calculator
  • Save a Million
  • Rent-a-Car Cost Comparisons
  • How Much Does Food Cost?
  • Isn’t That Free?
  • Eating Cheap?
  • Budgeting with Children
  • How Much Does Travel Cost?
  • Get the Most for Your Money



Costa Rica Guide on facebook
Costa Rica Guide on Facebook