Costa Rica Travel Tips: Essential Advice for Visitors

Costa Rica rewards visitors who show up prepared. The country packs an extraordinary range of experiences — cloud forests, world-class beaches, wildlife refuges, and outdoor adventures — into a compact geography, but the logistics can catch first-timers off guard. These practical tips will help you travel smarter and enjoy every day of your trip. For more reasons why Costa Rica stands out, start there before diving into the details below.

Best time to visit

Costa Rica has two main seasons, and both have genuine appeal.

Dry season (roughly December through April) is the classic high season. Skies are reliably clear, roads are easier to navigate, and most national parks are at their most accessible. It is also the busiest and most expensive period, so book accommodation and tours early.

Green season (roughly May through November) is when the country turns brilliantly lush. Afternoon or evening rain showers are common, but mornings are often sunny and trails feel far less crowded. Prices drop noticeably, and wildlife — particularly frogs, nesting sea turtles, and migratory birds — is especially active.

One important regional exception: the Caribbean coast (Limón province) follows a different rainfall pattern. It tends to be wetter in the months when the Pacific side is dry, but September and October bring drier, calmer spells — making those months surprisingly good for visiting the Caribbean.

Money and payments

• The Costa Rican colón (CRC) is the official currency. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, but you may receive change in colones.
• Credit and debit cards work in most towns, hotels, and larger restaurants. Visa and Mastercard are the most reliable.
• Carry some cash for rural markets, small sodas (local diners), national park entrance booths, and anywhere signage reads “efectivo solo” (cash only).
• ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are available in cities and larger towns. Use machines attached to banks during daylight hours for safety, and be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing.
• Tipping: A 10% service charge is commonly added to restaurant bills by law. Additional tipping is discretionary but appreciated for exceptional service, tour guides, and hotel staff.
• Do not expect fixed exchange rates to stay constant — avoid locking in expectations based on any rate you read online before you travel.

Many nationalities can enter Costa Rica visa-free for tourism. Requirements can and do change, so check current entry rules with your country’s embassy or a reliable official source well before your departure date.

Getting around

Costa Rica’s diversity means your transportation strategy should match your itinerary.

• Rental car (4x4 recommended): A high-clearance 4x4 gives you the freedom to reach remote beaches, mountain lodges, and lesser-visited parks. Road quality varies widely — some routes are paved, others are unpaved river-crossing adventures. Confirm road conditions locally before you head out.
• Domestic flights: Short hops by small plane connect San José to Nosara, Tamarindo, Drake Bay, Tortuguero, and other destinations in under an hour. It is often worth the cost to avoid a multi-hour drive.
• Shared and private shuttles: Reliable, comfortable shuttles run between all the major tourist destinations. A great option if you are not renting a car.
• Public buses: Affordable and extensive, but slower and less practical for tight itineraries or remote destinations.
• Offline maps: Download offline maps before you go. Cell data can be patchy in mountain or coastal areas, and having navigation that works without a signal is genuinely useful.

If you plan to drive, familiarize yourself with local driving conventions — unmarked speed bumps (“tumulos”) appear suddenly, and some roads flood during heavy rain.

Health and safety basics

Costa Rica is one of the safer destinations in Central America, but a few precautions make a real difference.

• Tap water is potable in most populated and tourist areas — one of Costa Rica’s genuine advantages over many regional neighbors. In very remote or rural zones, ask locally or stick to bottled water.
• Sun protection: The tropical sun is intense year-round. Use reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat, and rehydrate often — heat and humidity can sneak up on you faster than you expect.
• Insect protection: Mosquitoes are present, especially near lowland forests and during the rainy season. Use a DEET-based or recommended repellent and consider lightweight long-sleeved options for dawn and dusk.
• Travel insurance: Strongly recommended. Medical care in San José is good, but evacuation from remote areas and hospital stays can be costly without coverage.
• Emergency services: The emergency number in Costa Rica is 911 — it covers police, fire, and medical emergencies nationwide.
• For specific guidance on staying safe with your belongings and on the road, see our Costa Rica security tips.

What to pack

Pack light and breathable. You will likely move between different climate zones — a beach, a cloud forest, and a city might all be on the same itinerary.

• Lightweight, quick-dry clothing — humidity makes cotton feel heavy and slow to dry
• A packable rain jacket or poncho — essential even in dry season if you visit highlands or rain forests
• Sturdy sandals and closed-toe shoes — sandals for beach and town; trail shoes or waterproof hikers for forest paths
• Reef-safe sunscreen — protect both your skin and the marine ecosystems you came to see
• Insect repellent — DEET or picaridin-based
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch — invaluable on boat trips, white-water rafting, or during sudden downpours
• A reusable water bottle — tap water is generally safe, and this reduces plastic waste in a country that takes conservation seriously

Connectivity and language

Staying connected in Costa Rica is straightforward.

• Local SIM cards and eSIMs are readily available at the airport and in major towns. Local data plans are affordable and coverage is solid in populated and tourist areas, though it can thin out in remote highlands or on rural back roads.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, hostels, and cafés, even in smaller beach towns.
• Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, tour companies, and many restaurants — especially in Guanacaste, the Central Valley, and the Southern Zone.
• Learning a handful of phrases before you arrive pays dividends. Ticos (Costa Ricans) respond warmly to visitors who make an effort: por favor (please), gracias (thank you), ¿cuánto cuesta? (how much does this cost?), and ¿dónde está…? (where is…?) will carry you far.

With a little preparation, Costa Rica is an exceptionally welcoming destination. The country has built its reputation on genuine natural beauty and a culture of hospitality — show up curious, flexible, and ready for the unexpected, and you will leave wanting to come back.