Traveling to Costa Rica might raise different questions. Below, we’ve compiled the most commonly asked ones. Still have a question? Contact us and we’ll be happy to answer it!
Spanish is the official language, but many people also speak good English, especially in tourist areas. During all your tours and excursions, you’ll have bilingual guides. So don’t worry; you can get around most parts of Costa Rica with only English, but the Costa Ricans love it when you speak Spanish to them.
Costa Rica has a warm, tropical climate with two coastlines separated by tall mountain ranges, which are home to rainforests and volcanoes in between. The weather can vary greatly depending on your location, but most of the time it’s sunny and warm.
– On the Pacific side, there are two seasons: the dry season and the green season. The dry season lasts from December to April. During this time, you have blue skies and sunshine all day long, and it usually doesn’t rain at all, especially along the coast. Daytime temperatures range between 82–95°F (28–35°C), with evenings about 9°F (5°C) cooler.
– The days during the green season from May to November usually start with beautiful weather and sunshine, but sometimes in the afternoon, it rains for five minutes or hours—anything can happen. However, it’s still warm, and temperatures remain around 77-86°F (25–30°C) during the day. So, even when it rains, you usually won’t get cold.
– The Caribbean coastline has the most stable weather and constant sunshine during the summer months of September and October, but the Caribbean is beautiful all year round. And what does a little rain shower matter when temperatures range between 79–91°F (26–33°C) during the day, while you sit on a white sand beach with a drink in your hand and a palm as an umbrella?
– Up in the mountains and rainforest regions, the forest really shows its best colors in the sun. The climate depends on the elevation and which side of the mountain you’re on, whether the Pacific or the Caribbean. Temperatures are slightly lower than on the beach, ranging from 63 to 82°F (17 to 28°C), depending on the weather and wind conditions. As the name suggests, rain can fall in the rainforest year-round, but it’s also common to experience clear blue skies and sunshine.
“Pura Vida” is a Costa Rican phrase that translates to “pure life” in English. In Costa Rica, it’s more than a literal translation; it’s a way of life and a common expression used by locals. It conveys a sense of optimism, happiness, and appreciation for life. People use it as a greeting, a farewell, or to express satisfaction and contentment. Essentially, it represents the laid-back and positive attitude that Costa Ricans embrace towards life.
Yes, you do need a valid passport. It is recommended to have at least 6 months’ validity beyond your travel dates.
– Each country has different entry rules for Costa Rica, and it’s your responsibility to ensure you have the proper travel documents for your trip.
No visa is required to visit Costa Rica on vacation if you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen and plan to stay less than 90 days. You will need a valid passport and a return ticket within 90 days of your departure to enter Costa Rica.
– Each country has different entry rules for Costa Rica, and it’s your responsibility to ensure you have the proper travel documents for your trip.
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America, and with common sense, you have nothing to worry about. Like everywhere else in the world, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking home alone on the beach at night. Uber is really affordable here, so take advantage of it.
Costa Rica has an excellent healthcare and dental system. We always recommend that everyone purchase private travel insurance before going on a trip to ensure that, in the event of an accident or sickness, you receive care in the best and fastest way possible without any financial worries.
No, you don’t, but we always recommend consulting your medical provider before your trip.
The local currency in Costa Rica is the Colón or Colones (CRC), but U.S. dollars are also widely accepted in most places throughout the country. In October 2025, 1000 colones is nearly equal to 2 U.S. dollars, which makes it really easy to compare the two currencies.
Yes, you can! U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, and you can also withdraw or exchange them for the local currency, known as the Colón or Colones (CRC).
Yes, you can. Most businesses accept all major credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted in Costa Rica. It’s always good to have some cash on hand when traveling in Costa Rica, in case you want to buy something from a beach or street vendor or give a tip to a guide or driver.
ATMs are widely available throughout Costa Rica, at all major tourist spots, and in various locations such as banks and other businesses. You can withdraw local Colones from all of them, and most also allow you to take out US Dollars. You can also visit the bank to withdraw cash, but you’ll need to show your passport and bank card as ID.
The price of local beers, such as Imperial and Pilsen, ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 colones, or approximately $3 to $5 US dollars, at bars and restaurants. In the supermarket, you can buy them for just under 1,000 colones, or roughly $1.50-2 US dollars.
In most bars and restaurants, the price includes a 10% service charge that acts as the tip. You are not expected to tip more than this, but if you are especially satisfied, an extra tip is always appreciated. During your excursions and transfers, it’s customary to tip the guide and driver a few U.S. dollars each time, based on your satisfaction at the end of the tour or transfer.
Yes, you can. However, we recommend drinking bottled or filtered water to prevent an upset stomach during your vacation. Be sure to drink plenty of water every day to stay hydrated. Many hotels offer filtered water stations where you can refill your water bottle for free with clean, filtered water.
Yes, we highly recommend applying sunscreen with a high SPF, like 30-50+, to prevent sunburn from the intense sun. Costa Rica is only 10 degrees north of the equator, and the sun here is powerful but impressive. So please stay safe while you enjoy it!
Yes, if you’re coming from the U.S. or Canada, your plugs will fit perfectly, no adapter or converter needed. It’s 120 V/60 Hz, so you can plug in your chargers just as you would at home.
– If you’re from Europe or elsewhere, you’ll need a Type A/B adapter and possibly a voltage converter if your device isn’t dual-voltage (check the label for “Input 100–240V”).
Most hotels and restaurants offer free WiFi during your stay. Many transfer buses booked with Tulu Travel also provide free WiFi during your transfers, depending on signal strength. You can also buy local phone cards with internet access at the airport and in most supermarkets or phone stores.
Depending on where you’ll be in Costa Rica during your trip, you might not encounter any mosquitoes at all, but it’s always smart to carry some bug spray just in case they appear. They are most common at sunset and at night on the beach and in the rainforest. You can find OFF mosquito spray at most supermarkets and pharmacies in Costa Rica, but it’s also a good idea to bring some from home so you have it readily available.
Costa Rica has over 300 beaches along its two stunning coastlines.
• On the Pacific side, the coastline stretches about 750 miles (1,200 km) and features most of the country’s famous beaches and surf spots. Which beach is the most beautiful is up to you to decide, but we really like Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, Nosara, Sámara, Flamingo, Conchal, Playa Panama, Playa Blanca, Playa Hermosa, and Montezuma, to name a few of the best ones.
• On the Caribbean side, the coastline is about 125 miles (200 km) long, with fewer but stunning beaches such as Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Punta Uva, Manzanillo, and Playa Cocles, which are our favorites.
Costa Rica has many beautiful beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, with warm water year-round that’s perfect for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and fishing.
– Be aware that some beaches have strong currents depending on the tide, so it’s helpful to ask hotel staff or locals for advice before jumping in. If you see surfers, remember they need big waves, which means stronger currents. Surfers are usually friendly and familiar with the waters, so ask them where you should swim.
In most tourist towns and, of course, Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, and larger cities, Uber is available and easy and safe to use, just like back home. In smaller destinations, Uber might not be available, but ask the hotel staff, and they will help you book the best local taxis.
Tamarindo is one of the larger beach towns (though still small), and here you find a wide variety of beach bars, regular bars, and some clubs open late if you want to keep the party going. Santa Teresa is a well-known surf destination but always has a lively bar and live music scene, mainly at sunset and early evening. The same applies to most other beach destinations.
Right here, we’ve been helping thousands of happy clients with their customized Costa Rica packages since 2005.
Just call or text us at Tulu Travel on WhatsApp at +506 6201-8282 or Email travel@tulucostarica.com
No, all taxes and fees are included in the final price provided by Tulu Travel.
– If any national park fees, fishing licenses, or similar costs are not included in the package, they will be listed and displayed before you book and pay for your vacation package.
– Our packages do not include flights to and from Costa Rica.
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