Costa Rica Booklet
Explore Costa Rica
La Pura Vida
Congratulations on your upcoming adventure to Costa Rica! Get ready to create unforgettable memories in a tropical paradise that's just waiting to be explored.
Your Itinerary is confirmed, flights are booked, and you're ready to pack your bags. Now is the best time to read up on important information you should know before traveling. Don't worry, I've already put together a complete informational guide for you! Read over this Costa Rica Exploration Booklet and you'll never skip a beat when adventuring this beautiful country.
In this guide, we will be covering the following:
- Helpful Information
- Safety Tips
- Region Overviews
- Top Attractions
- Things to Do
- Restaurants & Bars
Helpful Information
1. Currency
1 Costa Rica Colón = 0.0019 USD
Cash is always best and the USD is widely accepted. Bring enough cash to get you through the day but NOT all you have. Keep you backup cash in a safe place at your hotel. Credit cards are accepted in major areas. Major towns will have an ATMs (with service charges from $1-$3 typically) but are more scares in the countryside. ATMs may "close" at 10pm, to avoid this look for ATMS marked with ATH with means "all hours".
Notify your bank of your travels before you leave so your card won't be flagged on your trip. Also, check with your card provider to see if they charge for using your card abroad.
2. Language
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish with Central American indiginous slang. English is widely understood especially in tourist rich areas. It would be a good idea to brush up on some Spanish - Use Babbel or Duoligo for practice!
3. Cell Phone & Electronics
Most of Costa Rica has excellent 4G cell service and data, but also of rural areas don't have service at all. Most business offer free Wifi to customers and guests. If you plan on using your cellphone plan from home, call your provider to see if they have international plans to prevent roaming fees. You can purchase a SIM card in Costa Rica but you have to have an unlocked phone to do so. Contact your service provider about the steps to changing out a SIM card.
Costa Rica uses a 110 Volt/ 60 cycle electricity. US and Canadian travelers do not need an adapter as plugs are 2-pronged flat type.
4. Water
Yes, Tap water is safe to drink throughout most of the country. If you're exploring the Caribbean side, I would stick to bottled water to be on the safe side.
5. Banks & Exchange Rates
Only Exchange at banks and approved change offices to prevent mishaps. Bank transactions require a physical passport, not a picture of one. Sales tax or value tax is 13% is included in the final price of products and services.
6. Tipping
Tipping is not a normal part of Costa Rican culture, but as a tourist it is VERY appreciated. You'll see tipping boxes in La Fortuna, Guanacaste, and Manuel Antonio because these are hot spots for American tourists. in some cases a Service Tax (10% tip) is added. Restaurants will state somewhere on the menu is gratuity is added.
Pay attention as some places will hand you 2 receipts. One with the Sales tax (13%) and Service Tax (10%) included. The other will be an "American" slip with an additional section for a tip. You can tip extra if you'd like, but the tip (service tax) is already included.
Tipping drivers is not necessary, but if you do tip in Colóns. Tipping hotel maids is considerate as they don't make very much, leaving 1000-2000 Colón a day equals a few dollars. Watch out for "parking guys" as they ask for money to "watch your car", there are no official parking lots and there are no employees to a parking lot.
Getting Around
Buses
Taking the bus is budget friendly and you can get (almost) anywhere as long as you're not in a hurry. Fares cost anywhere from 2$ to 25$ depending on the distance. Regional bus lines are owned by private companies so there is no centralized source of information. You can use this website: Visit Costa Rica. When taking the bus, opt for directo (over collectivo) as they make fewer stops and take less time. Checked bags are generally safe, but keep and eye on anything stored in the overhead rack.
Shuttle
Several companies offer tourist shuttles to and from popular destinations. They're generally faster and more comfortable but cost a little more. Shuttles are easier to use as they have fixed schedules, booked online and door-to-door service in many places. The main companies are Easyride, Interbus, Monkey Ride, and Tropical Tours. Fares range from 50$ to $120 based on distance.
Navigating
Waze and Google drive both provide great navigation throughout Costa Rica. Download your maps and routes before you set out because you'll likely loose reception when traveling through rural areas.
Emergency Information
General Emergencies ...................... Dial 911 [operator will connect you]
Fire Department ............................... Dial 118 [direct to fire brigade]
Red Cross ............................................ Dial 128 [In the event of a natural disaster]
Tourist Affairs .................................. Dial (800)-868-7476 or (800)-997-4766 [direct to transit police]
Drug Control ..................................... Dial (800)-2376-4266 [for drug control police]
Accidents or Stolen Vehicles ......... Dial 2222-9330 or 2222-9245 [direct to transit police]
Safty Tips
- Download the OIJ CR Safe App on your phone
A free app which provides safety advice and resources with no internet required.
- Don't Bring your Valuables to the Beach
Reports of missing bags and personal items occur everyday. Leave your valuables locked in the car or at the hotel.
- Be Aware of your Surroundings
For those with backpacks or purses, practice having your belongings infant of you. This includes putting your phone in your back pocket or hanging your bag at a restaurant.
- Be Alert when using Public Transportation
Transportation in Costa Rica is no different than riding a bus anywhere else. Always keep sight of your surroundings, be conscious of your phone placement, be careful about falling asleep.
- Don't Accept Unsolicited Help
Avoid someones offer to watch your luggage, to take a photo of you with your phone, and over-friendly help
- Don't Walk Alone at Night
Opt for taking a taxi instead of walking around at night.
Region Overviews
Alajuela
Alajuela spreads across the north along Nicaragua and is the more extensive province. The main entrance to the country, the Juan Santamaria International Airport, is located here. This province has enviable natural richness which includes rainforests and plans. Guests can visit the countries two most impressive and active volcanos, Arenal Volcano in San Carlos and Poás Volcano at the Central Volcanic Mountain Range. As well in this province, you can find different actives like zip lining, rafting, hanging bridges, waterfalls, coffee tours, and wildlife gardens.
San Jose
Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, is located in the central part of the country. Founded in the first half of the 18th century, the city nowadays is where visitors of the entire world converge. It has world-class museums, hotels, theaters, and historic buildings. Because this province boarders the others, it is easy to find a wide range of gastronomic offers, night life, and one-day tours within a short distance.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste enjoys warm weather, unique culture and is known for cattle ranching and spectacular beaches. It is the driest region of Costa Rica and boarders the pacific side of the country. Liberia International Airport is also located here. Guanacaste also offers a variety of National Parks, a picturesque mountain range, tropical forests, hot springs, and extended plains.
Cartago
Cartago sits in the middle of the country and was founded in 1563 being the first formal town in Costa Rica. It is a small province however holds the richest of the Spanish sites and traditions. Cartago has a humid, tropical climate. The Cerro Chirripo, the highest point in Costa Rica, is located here, at 3,600 meters above sea level. You can also find some of the best rafting trips, hike some national parks, and indulge in cultural foods.
Heredia
Heredia is Costa Rica'a smallest province and is appreciated for its colonial heritage and traditional architecture. The city of Heredia is best known as "City of the Flowers" and was founded in 1706. You can find an important number of coffee plantations where you can enjoy guided tours and visits. There are several places for adventure within the province, you will find amazing ziplinging, hanging bridges, rappelling, volcanos, a mountain ranges.
Limón
This Caribbean province is a natural paradise formed by a combination of dense tropical jungles, mountains, secluded white-sand beaches, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. The city of Limon is the point of arrival for visitors being a port which is essential to Costa Rica's economic life. Quiet waters in this spot are perfect for snorkeling with a wide variety of coral reefs and tropical fish.
Puntarenas
Puntarenas is the largest province of Costa Rica and is the main attraction of the Pacific Coastline. Covering more then 500 miles down the boarder, this vast province offers a variety of beaches, national parks, and natural reserves. It is a transition area between dry tropical lands of Guanacaste and the green forests of the Central Pacific. Besides surfing, this place is renowned for its nightlife, bars, and restaurants.
