Costa Rica: Do's & Don'ts for First Time Visitors
What you need to know before traveling to Costa Rica
"Pura Vida," my driver nodded as I stepped out into the blackness of night. A wall of humidity hit me as the air-conditioned bus pulled away from me and back onto the highway. I saw groups of teens meandering about and locals patiently waiting for cabs.
As usual, I walked to my Airbnb and save a few bucks.
Unlike most Latin American (LATAM) countries I'd set foot in, I instantly felt safe arriving in Costa Rica. Two minutes in, I felt like I understood this whole Pura Vida (pure life) business. The earth felt soft underfoot, and my heart sang alongside the crickets and frogs chorusing beside me. I was already in love.
But little did I know I was actually in danger. And this is just the beginning of what I learned. Here's what travelers should know before visiting Costa Rica in a simple do's and don't list.
Do: Have an exit ticket
To enter Costa Rica as a tourist, you must present your exit ticket upon entry, regardless of your entry mode. American, Canadian, and EU tourists can stay up to 6 months with only a passport, depending on your travel documents. For instance, a return flight that says you're leaving in a week might only get you a 30-day stamp at immigration. However, if you have a ticket with a return flight months away, you'll likely get the full 180-day tourist stamp. If you plan on staying longer, you'll need to check out available visa options or apply for an extension.
Do: Get outside!
Nature lovers, you're in for a delicious treat!
Costa Rica is the BEST country for nature and wildlife. Out of all 24 countries I've slow travelled through, THIS is the place to absorb the great outdoors.
The plants and animals are so diverse and literally EVERYWHERE. Plants grow through sidewalks, breaking through cement, and creepy crawling any man-made structures like they're part of its natural design.
Statistically, Costa Rica only makes up 0.03% of the earth's surface but holds 5% of its biodiversity. Isn't that wild? And the terrain is diverse. Canoe in lakes, hike a crater, zipline through the jungle, or choose your favorite flavor of coastline – you can do it all in Costa Rica!
It's also inspiring to see such mindfulness and concern for our planet earth. Costa Rica cares about its land. The government protects significant portions of land in favor of plants and animals and lowers CO2 emissions. 28% of its landmass is protected national parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges. It's also a leader in renewable energy, relying 99% on renewable sources. However, this does lead to challenges, such as power outages.
The sun hits differently in Costa Rica. It rises around 5am and goes down around 5:30pm. Early, sure, but dang – those Pacific sunsets are something else!
Back to my first night walking toward my Airbnb, it seemed like the dark night was… darker in Costa Rica? Actually, this is accurate. There are multiple reasons for this.
For one, Costa Rica has low levels of light pollution, and rural areas, which comprise most of the country's landmass, have very little unnatural light.
The dense jungle provides shaded canopies, which are great during a hot, humid hike but can be perilous to drivers (and pedestrians) at night.
Outside of major cities, there aren't a lot of sidewalks in the country in general – let alone lit walkways. So, my first night walking that windey two-lane highway? Well, let's just say cars had a hard time seeing me. (Don't worry, mom! I ended up taking a cab.)
And Costa Rica's nature, while beautiful, can hurt. Dengue fever is common in mosquitoes and has risen in recent years. There are also earthquakes and the risk of tsunamis and landslides, which close roads and cause delays. Be prepared for anything, including lots of heat and humidity (and mosquitoes) during high tourism season and washed-out roads with poor visibility in the wet season.
Which brings me to my next point…
Do: Rent a 4X4
You'll need a ride to get to the best nature spots. Most people don’t know how hard it is to get around in Costa Rica.
Coach buses, while slow, can get you between cities but not to every small village or trailhead. I haven’t found many shared vans (collectivos) or shuttle services yet. From what I’ve seen, most visitors rent a vehicle, four-wheeler or motorcycle.
If you want to visit mountain fincas (coffee farms), hike waterfalls, or stroll secret beaches, you need something reliable over Costa Rica’s rough roads. This is where four-wheel drive helps. There’s no guarantee you won’t have to drive over a pile of earth from a landslide or pass through a ditch or deep pothole.
Some existing highways are snaking their way through the country but are relatively new and quite busy. Frequent traffic jams happen without warning, and once you get off the main roads, anything paved could be in rough shape from the harsh weather conditions.
While the main highway between San José and Jacó is generally suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles, some beach access roads may have significant speed bumps or uneven surfaces that can be challenging for standard passenger or low-clearance cars.
I was shocked that even wildly popular surf towns like Santa Teresa have nothing but rough, mud roads and zero sidewalks. It was stressful and overwhelming to crawl along in my SUV while hordes of surfers/cars/dogs/motorbikes/4-wheelers strolled about on this bumpy dirt road. I learned that if you're not a ballsy and somewhat aggressive driver, you won't get anywhere. Period.
On top of that, time moves differently here. Known as Tico Time, buses show up late, traffic accidents get cleared up slowly, and even the person making your coffee takes their sweet time.
Costa Ricans generally have a relaxed approach to time. Be patient and flexible. It’s not that people don’t mean well. It’s more that if you take a step back, many priorities are actually more trivial than we realize.
That said, you should plan out your days with a commute time built into it. Don’t forget snacks for the ride!
Do: Learn Some Spanish
Learning some of the local language before traveling is always a good idea. The one thing that made me feel at ease traveling solo in México was learning Spanish. It feels empowering to understand the conversations happening around me and directed towards me.
But other benefits can improve your travel experience, too. Not every restaurant has photos of their regional dishes. How many times are you going to fall back on ordering a hamburguesa?
Having a bit of Spanish gives you more ability to ask for recommendations, accommodations, or help. Imagine you get into a traffic accident or need directions – having a translator works, but being able to communicate can help you in any situation that might arise.
On top of this, learning even a few phrases demonstrates respect for the local culture and language. It can open doors to more meaningful connections with Costa Ricans and other travelers.
You don't have to be fluent in Spanish to visit Costa Rica. Many Costa Ricans speak some level of conversational English, but not everyone does. It's always nice to have enough Spanish to be polite, say please and thank you, and be able to ask where the nearest toilet is.
You can learn the basics on an app like Duolingo, take small group courses with an instructor on Babbel Live, or watch Butterfly Spanish on YouTube.
Do: Bring money
As mentioned, Costa Rica isn't exactly a budget getaway.
Costa Rica's prices are on par with American food prices. Keep in mind that the majority of products are imported and carry import taxes on top. Mostly, food items and gas cost more than in the USA. Foreign adults pay much higher entry costs to amusement parks and sites than nationals – even if they have temporary residency.
Shoutout to Costa Rica for being the first place. I've never had to pay to go up a Mirador! To be fair, it was pretty, my car was kept safe in a guarded parking lot, and unlike the national parks, pets were permitted.
Eating out at a restaurant in Costa Rica is slightly cheaper than in the USA, especially if eating lunch at a local "soda" restaurant. Wildlife sanctuaries typically cost around $60 per adult, and a single surf lesson can range from $80 USD. And you can expect to pay around $5 for a cup of coffee.
Most places accept USD, but using the local currency, the Costa Rican Colón is recommended. You'll often receive a less favorable exchange rate when paying in USD. If you can, order some Colónes from your bank beforehand or take some out of an ATM when you arrive.
Water is potable in many places, so you don't have to buy bottled water, but it's always best to ask if the water is safe to drink first, especially if in rural or undeveloped areas.
To save money, shop at the big supermercados like Palí for the best prices on foodstuffs or stores like Pequeño Mundo to buy items in bulk. But, for the best deals on produce hit up the local street stands or food trucks parked along the road. You won't regret it!
Don’t: Ignore the street food
Other creators will tell you to check out a delicious local soda (diner). But does rice and beans actually make you feel excited? Of course, it doesn't. Good news - there are WAY better options.
First of all, Costa Rican coffee is world-famous. It's not a native species to Costa Rica, but it originally came from Cuba. But coffee has flourished due to Costa Rica's terrain - mountains with altitude, volcanic soil, and favorable growing climate.
Many privately owned greenspaces are dubbed fincas, even though most don't seem to grow coffee on them.
I tend to buy 1820 ground coffee from the grocery stores, which is reasonably priced (especially if you buy in bulk). It's super balanced and very drinkable.
I've also tried Triángulo de oro and Volio, which are both gentle and smooth.
Secondly, if you wanna save money while in Costa Rica, don't go to restaurants - hit up the food stands and street food sellers instead. Honestly, every restaurant I've eaten in has been a waste of money. But I've had some of the ceviche with crushed Doritos beside the harbor rivals what I ate in Peru. No joke!
When cruising the coast, watch for the smaller Costa Rican towns. You'll see food trucks with a bunch of Ticos lined up ordering food. Green food flag! Some of these stands are fast food like burgers and dogs, but some sell things like fish stew, ceviche, etc.
Pro tip: Drive up into the mountains (here's where that 4X4 helps) and pay cash for fresh fruit off the trucks. You'll save a ton of money, and the fruit is fresh as heck. Generally, the markets and fruit sellers have better prices and products than in the chain stores. Plus, you can cut down on plastic waste by buying from them.
Don’t: Rush
Time moves differently in Costa Rica. There's a reason the word "ahorita" exists. It means "in a little while," but that little while can also mean hours or, more likely, never.
Some joke about time in Latin America as being behind schedule. Costa Rica isn't really the exception to that time rule either.
Buses show up when they want. Your Tinder date might not show up at all. Traffic accidents don't get cleared up quickly or thoroughly; even the person making your coffee takes their time. Going to the bank? Take a ticket and get in line. Want to cash out in the grocery store? Just join that long line of carts.
In general, people don't rush like you see in Canada and the USA, and no one seems to mind. To be fair, the tourists are on vacation in Costa Rica and don't need to be anywhere quickly. I've even met expats building businesses that are more likely to spend the day at the beach with their kids rather than hustle themselves to death.
Some people like getting from point A to B quickly, but there's not much point in Costa Rica. Besides, if you rush, you might just end up stuck behind an ox cart or waiting in a traffic jam while 4-wheelers zoom up the road shoulder beside you.
Embrace the 'Pura Vida' spirit instead. It's the essence of Costa Rican life. Allow yourself to relax and enjoy the slower pace. Don't let the pressure to rush spoil the moment.
Don’t: Panic
Costa Rica is beautiful, but it's important to be aware of potential natural hazards. Earthquakes can occur, and tsunamis are possible along the coast. There's also rapid development along the coastlines. While this contributes to Costa Rica's economic growth, it also has consequences. For instance, coastline construction can cause unintended erosion and landslides and spark controversy.
Hydroelectric power surges cause the power to go out frequently, and roadways get washed out during the wet season. The first time I lost power while trying to submit some client work for a deadline, I panicked. But then I remembered there was nothing I could really do about it. I was safe, in a beautiful place, and to my clients, clearly offline. Might as well enjoy the moment while it lasts.
Just like rip tides are more likely to occur on some beaches than others, you can do some research beforehand to keep yourself safe and away from hazards. But that's the thing about natural disasters – they often happen without much warning. Like with a riptide, the first rule is don't panic. Swim around it and save yourself.
Don’t: Fail to plan
This is rich coming from a slow traveler who mostly books one-way tickets and shows up with zero plan. But, if you don't have the luxury of slow travel, there's a lot you'll want to see in Costa Rica. And as mentioned, it can take a long time to get from place to place.
Ultimately, planning in advance could guarantee a smoother trip, such as helping you stay within your budget and preventing unexpected disappointments like finding a zipline closed on the day you planned to visit.
If you're trekking mountain tops and planning to chill on beaches, pack accordingly. In the mountains, temperatures can drop and change quickly while the sun gets hot during the day. Prepare to dress in layers and apply sunscreen.
I'd also suggest mapping out a travel itinerary, including places you want to stop, stay overnight, and how long you'll need to get from place to place. You can use Google Maps to map out distances, and something like Waze could highlight areas where slowdowns occur.
Always have a backup plan to your plan. That means having a way to call home and prepping a list of emergency numbers. It's a good idea to know how to contact your embassy in Costa Rica and have travel and medical insurance when needed.
Don’t: Leave valuables unattended
For Latin America (LATAM), Costa Rica is one of the safest places I've ever been. You'll often see police, and many stores and housing complexes have security posted at the gates. But all that security’s for good reason! Petty theft is rife in Costa Rica. Don't leave valuables unattended when at the beach, or show signs of wealth. That may mean leaving your expensive jewelry at home and only carrying what you need in cash.
Before you go, Google "common scams in Costa Rica" to learn what to look out for.
For instance, know the exchange rate if you’re paying in USD. Many people will pretend not to know it or offer you a terrible exchange. Download a free money conversion app like the Currency Converter app – it’s free and works offline.
Be sure to check the amount given back, especially if being given Colones. Some people assume you won’t count your change.
Another lesser known scam is something simple like asking for water at a restaurant. You may want to specify a glass of tap water “un vaso de agua del tapa” or else you may end up with a $10 glass bottle of water on your tab.
The Do’s and Don’ts for First-Time Travelers to Costa Rica
Do's:
Have your exit ticket ready: To avoid immigration issues.
Get outside! Explore the incredible nature and wildlife.
Rent a 4x4: Essential for navigating the diverse terrain.
Learn some Spanish: Enhance your travel experience and communication.
Bring money: Costa Rica can be expensive, so budget accordingly.
Try the street food: Delicious and more affordable than restaurants.
Don'ts:
Ignore the street food: Skip overpriced restaurants and savor local flavors.
Rush: Embrace the "Pura Vida" spirit and relax.
Panic: Be prepared for unexpected events like earthquakes or landslides.
Fail to plan: Research and plan your itinerary to make the most of your time.
Leave valuables unattended: Petty theft can occur, so take precautions.