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Travel Essentials › Costa Rica

Travel Essentials

Costa Rica: What To Know Before You Go

Plugs: Types A and B (US-style), 120 V. Emergency: One number for everything 911. Tipping: Restaurants add a 10% service charge by law, so extra tipping is optional; tip guides and drivers a few dollars. Tap water: Generally safe to drink in most cities and tourist areas.

Open The Costa Rica Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types A and B (US-style), 120 V

Emergency Numbers

Tipping

Restaurants add a 10% service charge by law, so extra tipping is optional; tip guides and drivers a few dollars.

Water And Health

Tap water

Generally safe to drink in most cities and tourist areas

Vaccines

Routine vaccines, hepatitis A, typhoid; hepatitis B and rabies for some travelers

Malaria

Minimal risk in some remote areas (e.g., Limon province)

Apps To Download Before You Go

• Uber: The most used ride-hailing app in the San José area and larger towns, often cheaper than official red taxis.
• DiDi: A popular alternative to Uber with good coverage in the Central Valley.
• WhatsApp: Hotels, tour operators, shuttles and even restaurants take bookings almost exclusively by WhatsApp.
• Waze: Locals rely on Waze for driving because it handles unnamed roads, landmarks-based addresses and traffic better than alternatives.
• SINPE Móvil: The national phone-number payment system used by nearly everyone, though it requires a local bank account; useful to know when vendors ask for it.
• Interbus / Tica Bus: Booking apps for shared shuttles and long-distance buses between tourist hubs and neighboring countries.
• Kölbi: App of the state operator ICE for prepaid SIM top-ups and checking data, with the widest rural coverage.
• Uber Eats: The main food-delivery app in San José and beach towns like Jacó and Tamarindo.
• PedidosYa: A widely used delivery app for restaurants, pharmacies and supermarkets.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A warm handshake, or a light cheek kiss between women or a man and a woman, is common; Costa Ricans ('Ticos') value friendliness and small talk before business.

Pura vida attitude. 'Pura vida' (pure life) is used as greeting, farewell and general philosophy of a relaxed, positive pace; punctuality is more relaxed socially than in business.

Environmental respect. Costa Rica prides itself on conservation; stick to marked trails, don't feed wildlife, and follow eco-lodge rules closely.

Safety And Scams

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America for tourists, but opportunistic petty theft (pickpocketing, car break-ins, phone snatching) is common, especially in San José and at beaches.

Fake tour operators. Scammers offer heavily discounted tours online or on the street, take a deposit, and never show up; book through your accommodation or a reputable operator's official office.

Car break-ins ('rent-a-car' theft). Rental cars, especially at trailheads and beaches, are targeted for smash-and-grab theft; never leave valuables visible in a parked car.

Distraction theft. Groups sometimes work together to distract tourists (e.g., pointing out a 'stain' on clothing) while an accomplice steals belongings.

Women travelers. Costa Rica is considered fairly safe for women, though catcalling can occur; avoid isolated beaches or trails alone and take licensed taxis at night.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Mostly Safe

Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2020, making Costa Rica one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in Central America, though public displays of affection outside gay-friendly areas may still draw attention in more conservative or rural communities.

What Things Cost

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

The dry season (Dec-Apr) offers the most reliable weather and is peak season; the 'green season' (May-Nov) is cheaper and lusher but wetter, especially Sep-Oct.

Phrases

Basic Spanish phrases