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Costa Rica Travel Guide

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know of Costa Rica, and to prepare for the trip of your dreams.

FAQ

Is the water drinkable?

Costa Rica has a high coverage of drinking water, allowing you to safely drink tap water in most areas.

Is it easy to transport in Costa Rica?

The road system in Costa Rica has greatly improved in recent years, allowing comfortable transportation to almost any part of the country. It is recommended to explore Costa Rica with a 4x4 car for the best experience. Additionally, there is extensive coverage of public buses, making it easy to get around. There are also many private and tourist transport companies offering more comfortable travel options. Internal air transport is another option, providing quick and easy travel across the country.

What forms of payment are accepted?

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Colón. The bills come in denominations of ¢1,000, ¢2,000, ¢5,000, ¢10,000, ¢20,000, and ¢50,000. The exchange rate with the US dollar is variable, and dollars can be exchanged at banks. Most shops accept US dollars. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, while American Express is less commonly accepted. In rural areas, credit card services are more limited, so it's advisable to carry cash.

What electrical system is used?

Electricity in Costa Rica is 110 volts AC, and the connectors and plugs are of the American style. In very few rural areas, there is no electricity, though some places use their own generators or solar energy.

How much tip should I give?

Restaurants must charge a 13% sales tax and a 10% service tax by law. These 10% taxe are distributed internally among the waitstaff, equivalent to a tip. However, if you receive exceptional service, it is customary to leave an additional tip. An average extra tip can be between $3 to $5.

Is a visa required to enter Costa Rica?

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Europe, along with most Latin American and Central American countries, do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. For more information consult the requirements according to your country of origin on Embassy of Costa Rica.

Do I need a copy of the passport?

We recommend you always carry your passport with you and bring a legible copy of the first pages at least and the one where the stamp of entry to the country is stamped. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months. When you do tourist activities during your stay, it is best to leave the original stored in the hotel security box. The copy is not valid for bank paperwork.

Important Information

See the following topics for information on Costa Rica:

Costa Rica