Travel Tips

It’s always a great time to visit Costa Rica, but our most popular months are summer, also known as the dry season, from January to April. It will be rare to see any rain at all during that time. The rest of the year might bring some rain, but outside of October/September, the rain shouldn’t affect your vacation too much. Expect sunshine in the mornings through the early afternoon, and the weather will remain nice and warm!

*Christmas and Easter week are extremely busy peak weeks. If you plan to visit Costa Rica at that time of year, make reservations well in advance and be prepared for full occupancy and higher rates.

Sunblock. SPF 25 or higher is recommended, and use it; we are much closer to the equator, so you’ll need some protection. We see it all the time, don’t ruin your vacation with a nasty sunburn, USE SUNBLOCK!

Mosquitos aren’t usually too bad, but always a good idea.

You’ll love the laidback and easygoing pace, but remember that nobody here is ever in a rush. So, please keep that in mind when you travel and try to relax.

Okay, well, don’t bring it, but if you are a drinker, buy your liquor at the airport when you are just arriving. Don’t worry about beer. It’s the same price everywhere, but the duty-free store will save you some money on the hard stuff!

Unlike Mexico and some other countries in Latin America, Costa Rica is safe. However, you must be aware of petty theft. Be smart, and don’t leave items unattended or out in the open where everyone can see (e.g., laptops left in the front seat of a car). Pay attention, and you should have no problems. Something else you need to look out for is the riptides at the beaches. Use caution when swimming, check for any warnings and stick with the pool if you don’t know how to swim!

The temperature does not vary much throughout the year. Plan on 80-90 degrees during the day, with evening temperatures dropping to 70-75. The ocean water is always lovely and warm. Don’t get caught up with weather reports, as they will ALWAYS show thunderstorms, even when it might be clear and sunny.

Check current rates, but typically, the exchange is around 500-550 colones to $1. Most merchants and restaurants take Debit and credit cards and will accept U.S. Dollars if bills are smaller than $20. ATMs are a good choice for getting local money, but you should be fine if you have smaller U.S. Dollar bills. Whatever you do, do not exchange money at the airport, where they will charge 10-15%!

Tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink; however, many prefer bottled water. We suggest a mix, and pick up some bottled water for your stay, but don’t be afraid to drink the tap water.

• When booking tours, stick with certified tour operators. Restaurants in Costa Rica include a 10% service charge. Typically, it’s customary to tip an additional 5-10%.
• “La cuenta por favor”, (the bill please).  At restaurants, don’t expect your server to bring you the bill. Costa Rica, that is considered rude, and you will only get the bill when you ask for it. U.S. products can be expensive in Costa Rica. If you are on a budget, shop locally and stick with Costa Rican brands.
• Bring an old cell phone or buy one here. Pre-paid SIM cards are available at grocery stores for as little as $5.
• Official taxis are red, with a yellow triangle on the door. You can stick with official taxis and avoid the others. Costa Rica’s electrical system and plug configuration are the same as in the U.S. Any devices you wish to bring should work fine.