Costa Rica

Banking

Currency 

Local currency: Costa Rican Colón 
Symbol: ₡ 
ISO code: CRC 
Subunit: Céntimo 
Banknotes: ₡1000, ₡2000, ₡5000, ₡10000, ₡20000, ₡50000, ₡100000 
Coins: ₡5, ₡10, ₡25, ₡50, ₡100, ₡500 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Climate

Annual rainfall: 2000 - 5000 mm 
Average temperature: 24°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is sunny and the wildlife viewing is excellent. 

Cuisine

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Costa Rican cuisine is diverse and flavorful, often featuring rice, beans, plantains, and fresh seafood. Gallo Pinto, a dish made of rice and beans, is a staple. Other highlights include Casado, a traditional lunch plate, and ceviche, a seafood dish marinated in citrus juices. Notable local drinks include horchata, refrescos (fruit drinks), and guaro, a sugarcane liquor. 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Electricity

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 120V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Dress

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Transport

SANSA operates services between San José and provincial towns and tourist resorts, including Tortuguero, Tamarindo, Quepos and Golfito. A bus is provided from the airline offices in San José to the airport. Costa Rica has domestic airline services which offer flights around the country. Much of Costa Rica is riddled with atrocious roads, so flying is often preferred.  

Costa Ricans drive on the right side of the road. Stretches of the Pan-American Highway leading to and from the major cities tend to be okay, but the rest is a mix of dust, gravel, potholes and mountainous roads. You must be over 21 to hire a car, and though an international driver’s license is safest, you are likely to be able to use a full license from your own country. You will need a credit card for the deposit.

There are many different car hire companies in Costa Rica, predominantly in San José and at the main airport, but it is advisable to either book a car through a local travel agency or to be exceptionally careful to note and confirm any damage or scratches to the vehicle before you drive off. Also, ensure that the vehicle comes with a spare tyre and a jack, because Costa Rica’s roads are such that you may well need one.

Taxis are numerous and inexpensive in San José. The taxis are coloured red (except those serving the Juan Santamaría International Airport, which are orange).

Public transport via road in Costa Rica ranges from the large coach companies such as the Tica Bus and Transnica, which are comfortable and air-conditioned, to little shuttle buses in the Nicoya Peninsula.

Costa Rica also has a railway system that offers visitors a fun way to explore parts of the country.