Costa Rica Travel Tips: 5 Things to Know Before You Go
Costa Rica travel tips can make a big difference when planning your trip. Costa Rica is a gorgeous country in Central America with coastlines on both the Caribbean and the Pacific.
While most cultural institutions are located in the capital city of San José, Costa Rica is best known for its beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and incredible biodiversity.
From the moment we landed, we took in the fresh air and started imagining what it would be like to live there. Before any trip, I like to do a little research to see what I should know ahead of time. So here are five tips from my own experience to help you have an amazing time in Costa Rica.
1. Use Local Currency (and Avoid Airport Exchange)
As soon as we landed, I exchanged $45 USD into Costa Rican colones. At the airport rate of 499.81 per dollar, I received ¢22,491.58.
Later, I realized that paying in colones usually saves money. When you pay in U.S. dollars, prices are often rounded up. Costa Rica also doesn’t use small coins like pennies or nickels, so change is rarely exact.
If you use a credit or debit card, ask to be charged in colones, not U.S. dollars. When we were charged in USD, we noticed an extra $1–$5 added to our bank statements.
Important tip: Do not use airport exchange services if you can avoid them. Later we saw better exchange rates in town, between ¢560 and ¢582 per dollar.
2. Bug Spray and Sunscreen Are Essentials
Bug spray is your best friend in any tropical climate. One of our friends was covered in bites, while my daughter and I only had a few because we stayed protected.
If you’re traveling with only a carry-on, finding a travel-sized bug spray can be tricky. A simple solution is to refill a small spray bottle or perfume atomizer with your regular product.
Sunscreen is just as important. Even during the rainy season, the sun is strong and can burn through the clouds quickly. Apply it daily, even when it looks overcast. Speaking of the rainy season…
3. Rainy Season Doesn’t Ruin the Trip
Costa Rica stays warm year-round because it’s close to the equator. The biggest seasonal difference is rain.
The rainy season (also called “green season”) runs from May to mid-November. It usually rains in the late afternoon and stops within a few hours.
The rain didn’t stop our beach days, water park visits, or nighttime relaxation. However, it did cancel our river tubing due to safety concerns with rising water levels. Overall, the rain was manageable and didn’t ruin our experience.
4. Knowing Some Spanish Is Very Helpful
My family is from the Dominican Republic, born and raised. IKnowing Spanish made our trip much easier. I was able to ask questions, order food, and get help more easily.
It was also funny to see people’s reactions when I spoke Spanish. Many assumed I was American and were surprised by my fluency. That usually led to fun conversations about where my family is from.
That said, Costa Rican Spanish uses different words and phrases. For some things, I still relied on Google Translate or a little charades and that worked just fine.
5. Expect to Disconnect From Technology
If you’re someone who likes to post online or work while traveling, be prepared for limited service. Many rainforest hotels have Wi-Fi only in common areas, and cell service can be weak or nonexistent.
At first this felt inconvenient, but it became a blessing. Being offline allowed me to fully enjoy the trip and be present with my daughter. I truly experienced Costa Rica through her eyes, and that made the trip even more special.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica is a beautiful, peaceful, and adventurous place to visit. With a little preparation, you can avoid common frustrations and enjoy everything it has to offer. I hope these Costa Rica travel tips help you enjoy your trip.
If you’re planning a trip, I hope these Adventure tips also help you make the most of it!
Do you have any Costa Rica travel tips of your own? Share them in the comments!
