Travelling to a new destination can bring up all kinds of questions, and having the answers before you go can set your mind at ease, leaving you to relax and enjoy your adventure. Our travel specialists have answered some of the top questions they get asked by our customers to help you plan and prepare for your Costa Rica holiday.
If you find you still have questions please do get in touch with our Costa Rica specialists.
Before departure
Your passport needs to be valid for the duration of your stay in Costa Rica. You can find out more information on entry requirements on our Visa, Passport and Money Advice page.
UK passport holders can enter Costa Rica without a tourist visa and stay for up to 180 days, although this is at the discretion of the immigration officer. You can find out more information on entry requirements on our Visa, Passport and Money Advice page.
Yes, we would always recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling, especially overseas, that is suitable for your requirements and needs.
With a hot, humid climate we would advise loose clothing made of natural materials like cotton and linen to keep you cool. Swimsuits are essential for a cooling dip in the pool or sea. A pair of trainers with good grip or hiking shoes is a good idea and a warm layer is advisable for the cooler climate of the cloud forest. You will find sunscreen is quite expensive in Costa Rica so we would advise on stocking up before leaving home.
It is always best to get the advice of a GP or travel nurse before travelling overseas to check which vaccinations you might need or if any boosters are required. The Travel Health Pro website provides a comprehensive guide on all the vaccinations you should consider.
Departure
We know heading off on holiday is always a little bit stressful, especially on the day you leave, so we would advise doing these things before you depart:
- Check you have all your necessary documentation, including your passport!
- Take a photo of your documents and email it to yourself and travelling partners. Having a copy on your phone always comes in handy too.
- Ensure you have all your chargers and converters for any phones, cameras, tablets you are taking. A portable battery pack is a handy item to have in your hand luggage.
- Take snacks and a big bottle of water for your flight.
- Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, we advise arriving 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
- Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and take a photo of your checked bag in case it goes missing en route.
- Sit back and relax knowing we have your holiday sorted!
Arrival
In Costa Rica the spoken language is Spanish. The majority of people you come across will have a good grasp of English, particularly in hotels, restaurants and tourist spots. Knowing a bit of Spanish will certainly help you from time to time, though so having a few basis words or phrases is helpful especially in more remote areas.
Hello: Hola
Goodbye: Adiós
Thank you: Gracias
Please: Por favor
“Pura Vida” meaning “pure life”, is spoken frequently as a part of the greeting and also in return when someone performs a nice gesture for you and you want to thank them.
Enjoy traditional dishes like casados and tacos in the local sodas. It will usually be meat, fish or vegetables with a staple of white rice and black beans, accompanied by a little salad with platanos or papas fritos.
The black beans are most commonly cooked up with onion, celery and red pepper in a sauce called ‘lizano sauce/salsa’, it’s delicious!
Another national favourite is ceviche, which is made from finely chopped raw fresh white fish, cured in lime juice, and mixed with onions and peppers to be scooped up on little soda crackers.
You’re guaranteed to find a favourite dish here. There is also plenty of international cuisine on offer depending on where you, including Italian, Mexican and even Japanese.
Costa Rican culture values family, community, and hospitality. It is also important to be respectful and to greet others politely. In addition, Costa Ricans are proud of their country’s natural beauty and approach life sustainably. It is advised to dress modestly and to be aware of local customs and traditions when visiting, especially in rural areas or tribal areas.
Safety
Costa Rica is one of Central America’s safest countries and generally you won’t find any problems. That said, it always pays to be vigilant when visiting any destination. It’s unlikely that you’ll fall victim to anything nasty, but it’s a good idea to be aware of petty crime as it can be an issue. Try to avoid travelling with anything of a very high value, but if you do, don’t leave it unattended. Make use of your hotel safe whenever you can.
If you are hiring a car, don’t leave any valuables in the car when it’s parked up as car crime can be an issue in certain areas. Try to park your car in official car parks as much as possible and make use of parking attendants in some areas who will watch your car for a small fee. This is the norm in Costa Rica in some places, so don’t be alarmed!
When travelling at night, make use of official taxis – you can always ask restaurants to call one for you.
We are contactable in the UK during office hours and our local partners in destination are available 24/7 for any support or help you might need. They are in the best position as they will be on the same timezone, they should be your first contact in a case of emergency.
Tips and practical information
The currency of Costa Rica is the Colón, named after Columbus. There are notes of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000 and coins. Prices are also often listed in US dollars, and cash is accepted everywhere. The most common credit cards are Visa and Mastercard. If you have a debit card that is affiliated with Cirrus or Maestro, you can withdraw cash in Colón or in Dollars. For safety, you can’t withdraw money after 22.00 so keep some in reserve. Nearly all hotels will accept credit and debit cards.
Tipping in Costa Rica is not mandatory, but it is appreciated in most service industries. A 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, so it’s not necessary to leave an additional tip unless you received exceptional service. For other services, such as taxis, tour guides, and hotel staff, a small tip of a few dollars is appropriate if you feel satisfied with the service provided.