Costa Rica Explorer

Visitors to the Republic of Costa Rica will find that despite its small size, the country has an incredible number of attractions and activities to offer. Five per cent of the world’s biodiversity can be found within Costa Rica’s borders and great efforts have been made to preserve this rich resource; protected national parks make up almost 25% of the land – more than any other country in the world. From fishing and surfing to white water rafting and exploring volcanic regions, Costa Rica is the perfect playground for nature lovers and adventures seekers alike.

This information is for people travelling on a full 'British Citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Costa Rica's current rules for the most common types of travel.

Your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 1 day after the day you plan to leave Costa Rica. You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported or stolen.

You can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver. The exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival. 

When leaving the country by air, you may need to pay a departure tax of 29 US dollars. Most airlines include this in the ticket prices, but if you need to pay it, you can use cash or card. 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Costa Rica (in Spanish). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

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 

In addition to colones, US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, though it is best to have some local currency to use as well, especially in more rural areas. 

Banking 

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

MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards in Costa Rica, followed by American Express. Most hotels and restaurants accept all of these, especially in touristy areas.  ATM’s are widely available (no ATM’s in Tortuguero on the Caribbean Coast).  You may need to authorize your card for use internationally and should be safety conscious when using an ATM in Costa Rica.

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

Tipping:

Tipping is always at your discretion.  Tour Guides and drivers appreciate a tip at the end of the tour so you may like to contribute to a group tip in appreciation of a good service. We recommend between $5-$10 a day, per person. Please note this is just a guideline, and you may wish to tip more or less at your discretion. 

Air: 

Main airlines: Avianca, Copa Airlines 
International Airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) 
Domestic Airports: Tobias Bolaños International Airport (SYQ), Limón International Airport (LIO) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

You will be transported around with transfers and buses provided by our suppliers. 

INSURANCE

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad, emergency evacuation and repatriation.  We cannot stress enough the importance of having the appropriate travel insurance.  Other insurance such as for luggage theft or loss should also be taken into consideration as well as insurance for travel cancellation.

Check for any exclusions and ensure that your policy covers you for all activities, including cover for medical evacuation by air ambulance. 

You are required to forward Art Safari the name of your insurance provider with contact details and your policy number before departure.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

For detailed and/or definitive medical advice, please consult your physician. Your medical requirements are your responsibility. 

Please contact your general practitioner in regards to the appropriate immunisations 6 – 8 weeks before your holiday. 

As a general rule, we try to keep health out of general conversation during the trip, though please talk in confidence to your tour leader if you have any worries at all during the time you are away.

Medical care in Costa Rica is of a generally high standard. Ambulance services in remote areas may vary. Only initial emergency medical treatment is available without charge for visitors. Subsequent treatment will be charged. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.  

Please note that for your own safety you should inform us about any intolerances or allergies against any medications that you may have and also of any medical conditions, for example high blood pressure, epilepsy, asthma, heart conditions, etc.

If you are taking any prescribed medication with you for the tour please also take a copy of the prescription, you may be asked to present it at Customs.

Take care of yourself and look out for your fellow travellers. 

TOP TIPS

Generally please make sure you are fit for travel and resistant to all bugs.  You are staying in wonderful places where the chefs are used to preparing food for delicate western stomachs; however, just in case, it might be worth bringing a small supply of whatever you find works best for you (Imodium is a popular choice!).

Please consult your GP or medical advisor on what immunisations you may require for this trip. You can also have a look on the https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home website for helpful information. 

It is advised to bring a good, strong bug spray to help with those pesky mosquitoes! There is a low risk of Malaria, Zika and Dengue Fever throughout Costa Rica, but it is still best to take precautions. 

International air travel can be very tiring. Please remember to try stay hydrated, get as much sleep as you can and move around where possible to keep the blood flowing! Compression socks can be very helpful too. 

For us tourists, it is common to experience diarrhoea at some stage especially when it’s hot or when you are over tired. It can be your body reacting to different water or food which carries bacteria that your body has had no previous contact with and to which it has not developed an immune response.

Avoid drinking un-boiled water or having ice cubes, eating raw meat or fish, unwashed fruit or veg, and most importantly do not drink the tap water. 

As tempting as the cute, cuddly animals may be, please avoid touching domestic and/or wild animals. Rabies has been reported in Costa Rica, and even with a vaccine, medical advice should be sought after if you are bitten. Please don't stroke the dogs!

It is always wise to travel a travel medical kit or first-aid kit. You may wish to include:

Motion sickness pills

Anti-histamines and bite relief cream

Sun protection

Paracetamol

Imodium and Re-hydration sachets

Insect repellent 

This is not a complete medical guide; it is only travel advice. Please speak with a medical professional for specific information. 

Most visits to Costa Rica are trouble free, but incidents of violent crime against tourists have increased. It's always sensible to be cautious, as with any travel around the world. 

• Keep your money and passport secure at all times. It is recommended to carry a copy of your passport, and keep the original safe.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery when walking around]
• Watch your bags and belongings at all times
• Use safety deposit boxes in hotels, where available.
• Never leave your luggage, personal belongings or hotel key unattended. 
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash at one time. Take smaller amounts of cash for purchases in travel wallets or zip pockets. 
• Don't resist a robbery. Report to the police immediately.

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%. Please remember tipping is entirely at your discretion, and it is your personal choice how much you feel is necessary to tip. 

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

Summer: 

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

July and August fall in the 'green season', which means sunny afternoons, afternoon showers and lots of luscious wildlife! Day time temperatures range between 24-30°C , with cooler evenings around 18°C . You will be welcomed with hours of sunlight, with sunrises around 5am (great for early morning sketchers!).

Please remember to bring a hat, a very cool pair of sunglasses and lots of sun cream! Avoid peak, midday heat and perch in the shade where possible. Hydration is key, always. Please remember to drink lots of water and if you are feeling unwell in the heat, please let you tutor know immediately. 

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 

*Please read the attached packing checklist for a further, in-depth idea of what to pack!
  

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.