Helpful Hints

Using your Phone

Everyone in Costa Rica uses “WhatsApp”. It is recommended that you download it to communicate with anyone, including, but not limited to, your shuttle driver, rental management, family at home, tours, etc.

Be sure to talk to your cell phone provider to get international calling.

Dialing in and out of the country.

To Costa Rica from the States

Dial +506 followed by the number.

To the United States from Costa Rica

Dial +1 followed by the number.

Important Costa Rican Numbers

U.S. Embassy of CR: (506) 2510-2280 or (506) 2519-2279

Emergencies: 911 or 128

Ambulance: 118

Police: 117

Health

The water in Costa Rica is safe, however, sensitive stomachs can be affected. To be on the safe side, drink bottled water and save the tap water for brushing your teeth, showering, etc.

There is no malaria in Costa Rica! You will, however, want to bring plenty of bug spray. Wear it everyday and wherever you go.

Costa Rica is nine degrees from the equator and the sun is very strong. Even with the darkest complexion, one can burn in an hour. Wear sunscreen everyday, all day!

Driving/Rental Cars

Not all the roads are paved as they are in the United States, we recommend getting the insurance for rental cars. Credit card insurance coverage is no longer accepted by most rental car companies. When picking up your rental car, check for any markings/scratches on the exterior of the car, in fact, make a video. If you are pulled over by a Police Officer, TAKE THE TICKET. It is better to deal with the rental company.

What to Pack?

Sunscreen

Bug spray

Sunglasses

Hat for the sun

Rain Jacket (depending on season)

Hiking boots (if you plan to hike)

Medications that you will need, you may not have access to the same medications at the local pharmacy

You do not need a converter as Costa Rica uses the same plugs as the US.

Passport

You will need a valid passport to travel to Costa Rica. Please check that your passport does not expire before May 11, 2025. If you passport expires before that point, we recommend applying for a new one as you can be rejected upon entry. Make a copy of your passport photo and entry date, this is helpful if you were to lose your passport and need to procure a new one. When you arrive at your final destination, lock or put away your passport, and always carry the copies.

Tipping Etiquette

When eating out, tips are commonly added onto the final bill, as well as, the tax. Tip is typically added at 10% in addition to the tax automatically added. It is recommended to add an additional 5-8% tip to the bill. At small local restaurants (called “sodas” in CR) it is acceptable to leave change.

On the rare occasion that tax and tip are not on the final bill, give between 10-18%.

Leaving Costa Rica

As with all international travel, it is important to arrive at the airport about 2.5 hours before your departure time. For those returning a rental car, please give yourself additional time.