Costa Rica is one of the easiest countries in Central America to visit. It is safe, organized, and welcoming, with no visa required for many nationalities for stays up to 180 days. If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, understanding a few practical details before arrival will make your experience smoother and more affordable.

These Costa Rica travel tips focus on what actually matters: weather patterns, budgeting realistically, transportation choices, health preparation, and staying connected. Whether you are traveling to Costa Rica for beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, or wildlife, preparation reduces stress and unexpected costs.

From packing for the dry and green seasons to knowing how to travel in Costa Rica between regions, this guide covers the essential things to know before going to Costa Rica. You will also find practical advice on local food, entry requirements, and the best way to stay connected with a Costa Rica eSIM.

If you want simple, realistic travel tips for Costa Rica that help you avoid common mistakes, start here.

Entry Requirements and Essential Things to Know Before Going to Costa Rica

Before traveling to Costa Rica, confirm your documents and entry conditions. The process is straightforward for most visitors, but small oversights can cause delays.

If this is your first international trip, check out our travel tips for first-time flyers to make airport and flight prep smoother.

Visa and Passport Rules

Most travelers from the United States, Canada, the UK, and the EU can enter visa-free for up to 90–180 days, depending on nationality. Always check your specific passport rules before departure.

These are standard checks when planning a trip to Costa Rica.

Health Requirements

There are no mandatory vaccines for most travelers arriving from North America or Europe. However:

• Hepatitis A and B vaccines are commonly recommended
• Routine vaccinations should be up to date
• Yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from certain endemic countries

Mosquito protection is important, especially in rural and coastal areas. Bring insect repellent and consider long sleeves for evenings.

Before you leave, read our guide on how to save on roaming so you don’t return home to an unexpected phone bill.

Safety Overview

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America. That said, petty theft can occur in tourist areas. Practical Costa Rica vacation tips include:

• Avoid leaving valuables unattended on beaches
• Do not display large amounts of cash
• Use hotel safes where available

When swimming, always check local advice about rip currents. Conditions vary by beach.

Currency and Payments

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (CRC), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are common in cities and beach towns.

ATMs are easy to find in populated areas. Smaller rural towns may operate primarily in cash.

Understanding these basics is one of the most important travel tips for Costa Rica, especially when budgeting for meals and transport.

Weather and Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Understanding the seasons is one of the most important Costa Rica travel tips. Weather affects pricing, crowds, and daily plans.

Want to understand the culture better? Explore these fun facts about Costa Rica before you arrive.

Costa Rica has two main seasons:

Dry Season (December to April)

This is the most popular time for traveling to Costa Rica. Expect sunny mornings, lower humidity in some regions, and minimal rainfall on the Pacific coast.

Advantages:

• Consistent beach weather
• Easier road conditions
• Better hiking visibility

Considerations:

• Higher hotel prices
• Increased demand for tours
• Popular areas book out early

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica during peak dry season, reserve accommodations and car rentals well in advance.

Green Season (May to November)

Often called the rainy season, this period usually brings afternoon showers rather than all-day rain. Mornings are often clear, especially on the Pacific side.

Advantages:

• Lower prices
• Fewer crowds
• Lush landscapes

Considerations:

• Some rural roads may become muddy
• Outdoor tours may adjust schedules

Monteverde and other high-elevation regions remain cooler year-round. Bring a light jacket for evenings. In rainforest zones, humidity stays high regardless of season.

One of the practical tips for visiting Costa Rica is packing for variation. Light breathable clothing works for most regions, but include:

• A compact rain jacket
• Quick-dry shoes or sturdy walking shoes
• Sun protection

Knowing how the weather shifts between coasts and mountains helps when deciding how to travel in Costa Rica between destinations.

How to Travel in Costa Rica: Transportation Options and Practical Advice

Understanding how to travel in Costa Rica helps you avoid wasted time and unnecessary expenses. Distances may look short on a map, but mountain roads, weather, and traffic can slow journeys.

Public Buses

Buses are the most affordable option when traveling to Costa Rica on a budget. They connect most towns and cities, but routes can be slow and indirect.

What to expect:

• Low fares
• Frequent stops
• Limited luggage space
• Longer travel times

Bring small bills for tickets. This is one of the most practical Costa Rica vacation tips if you are watching expenses.

Shared Shuttles

Shared tourist shuttles operate between popular destinations such as San José, Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio.

Advantages:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Faster than public buses
• Air-conditioned

Costs are higher than buses but lower than private transfers. Many travelers planning a trip to Costa Rica choose this middle-ground option.

Rental Cars

A rental car offers flexibility, especially for rural or beach destinations. However, driving conditions vary.

Important travel tips for Costa Rica drivers:

• Some roads are unpaved
• Mountain roads can be narrow and winding
• 4×4 vehicles are recommended for remote areas
• Always confirm insurance coverage

During the green season, road conditions can deteriorate quickly after heavy rain. Factor extra time into your schedule.

Domestic Flights

Short domestic flights connect San José to areas like Tortuguero and Guanacaste. These save time but increase your budget.

When planning a trip to Costa Rica, choose transport based on:

• Distance between destinations
• Road conditions
• Budget
• Comfort level

The best way to travel in Costa Rica depends on your route. If you plan to explore multiple regions in one week, reduce transfers and avoid overpacking your itinerary.

Where to Go: Rainforests, Beaches, and Cultural Highlights

One of the most useful Costa Rica travel tips is to focus on two or three regions instead of trying to see everything in one trip. Travel times can be longer than expected, especially when traveling through Costa Rica’s mountain roads.

Arenal and La Fortuna (Volcano and Rainforest)

Arenal is one of the most popular stops when planning a trip to Costa Rica. The volcano dominates the skyline, surrounded by rainforest and waterfalls.

Why visit:

• Arenal Volcano National Park
• Hot springs
• Hanging bridges
• Waterfall hikes

Expect warm, humid conditions year-round. This region works well for first-time visitors who want nature without extreme travel logistics.

Monteverde (Cloud Forest)

Monteverde sits at a higher elevation, so temperatures are cooler. Mist and cloud cover are common.

Why visit:

• Cloud forest reserves
• Zip-lining
• Wildlife such as hummingbirds and quetzals

Pack a light jacket. Roads leading to Monteverde can be rough, so allow extra travel time. These are important things to know before going to Costa Rica if including this stop.

Manuel Antonio (Central Pacific)

Manuel Antonio combines beaches and rainforest wildlife.

Why visit:

• Manuel Antonio National Park
• White-sand beaches
• Sloths and monkeys
• Easy access from San José

It is compact and family-friendly, making it a strong option when traveling to Costa Rica for a short stay.

Guanacaste (Dry Pacific Coast)

Guanacaste is drier and sunnier, especially during the dry season.

Why visit:

• Surf beaches
• All-inclusive resorts
• Rincón de la Vieja Volcano

This region is accessible via Liberia Airport, which can simplify how to travel in Costa Rica if focusing only on the Pacific coast.

Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast)

Puerto Viejo offers a different atmosphere with Afro-Caribbean culture and cuisine.

Why visit:

• Reggae-influenced culture
• Surf breaks
• Proximity to Tortuguero

Expect more rainfall compared to the Pacific coast. This is one of the travel tips for Costa Rica travelers who want a quieter, less commercial vibe.

San José and the Central Valley

San José is often used as an arrival and departure point.

Why visit:

• Coffee plantations
• Museums
• Urban markets

While many travelers move quickly onward, spending a day here can ease jet lag and reduce rushed transfers.

Choosing regions carefully is one of the most practical Costa Rica vacation tips. Avoid switching hotels every night. Fewer bases mean less transit stress.

Still deciding when to go? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best time to travel to Costa Rica by season and region.

Budgeting and Daily Costs: What to Expect

Understanding costs early is one of the most important Costa Rica travel tips. Prices are generally mid-range, similar to many parts of the United States, especially in popular tourist zones.

Average Daily Budget

Costs rise quickly with luxury eco-lodges, private drivers, or high-end tours.

Food Costs

Eating at local “sodas” helps control expenses.

Dining at sodas is one of the most practical travel tips for Costa Rica if you want authentic meals without inflated tourist pricing.

Accommodation

Book early during the dry season (December–April). This is one of the key Costa Rica vacation tips for peak months.

Tours and Activities

Entrance fees and guided tours add up.

Examples:

• National park entrance: $10–$20
• Zip-lining: $50–$80
• Guided wildlife tours: $40–$100

When traveling to Costa Rica, prioritize one or two signature experiences rather than overbooking every day.

Money Tips

• USD is widely accepted, but change may be given in colón
• ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas
• A 10% service charge is included in restaurant bills, so tipping is not mandatory

Budget flexibility is essential. Weather changes, transportation delays, or spontaneous tours can shift spending slightly.

Planning realistically is one of the most effective tips for visiting Costa Rica without financial surprises.

Practical Costa Rica Travel Tips to Remember

These Costa Rica travel tips bring everything together in one place so you can prepare efficiently.

1. Do Not Overpack Your Itinerary

Travel times are longer than they look. When planning a trip to Costa Rica, choose two or three regions instead of trying to see the entire country in one week.

2. Pack for Weather Changes

Even during the dry season, rain can appear in mountain or rainforest areas. Lightweight clothing, a compact rain jacket, and sturdy walking shoes are essential tips for visiting Costa Rica.

3. Eat at Local “Sodas”

Small local restaurants serve traditional meals at lower prices than tourist-focused venues. This is one of the most effective Costa Rica vacation tips for managing your food budget.

4. Carry Small Cash Bills

While cards are widely accepted, small towns and buses often prefer cash in colón. Avoid displaying large amounts of money.

5. Plan Transport Realistically

When deciding how to travel in Costa Rica, remember that winding mountain roads and weather can slow journeys. Add buffer time when traveling through Costa Rica between destinations.

6. Protect Against Sun and Insects

High UV exposure and mosquitoes are common in coastal and rainforest areas. Sunscreen and insect repellent are not optional.

7. Download Offline Maps

The signal can weaken in remote areas. Even if you have a Costa Rica eSIM, offline maps are a smart backup.

8. Respect Local Culture

“Pura vida” reflects a relaxed national mindset. Patience and flexibility go a long way.

Connectivity and eSIM Costa Rica Options

Reliable mobile data makes traveling to Costa Rica easier. You will likely depend on maps, ride services, translation tools, and booking confirmations throughout your trip. While Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés, coverage can be inconsistent in rural areas.

One of the most practical Costa Rica travel tips is setting up a Costa Rica eSIM before departure.

Why Choose an eSIM Costa Rica Plan?

An eSIM Costa Rica plan allows you to activate mobile data digitally. After purchase, you receive a QR code by email. Scan it in your phone settings, and your data connection activates upon arrival.

There is no need to visit a kiosk or swap physical SIM cards. This is especially useful when planning a trip to Costa Rica with multiple destinations.

Before buying, confirm:

• Your phone supports eSIM
• Your device is unlocked
• You download offline maps as backup

Signal strength is strongest in urban and beach areas, and may weaken in remote rainforest or mountainous terrain.

Why Jetpac Is a Strong Option for Costa Rica

Jetpac offers travel-focused eSIM plans with features designed for international trips. With Jetpac eSIM for Costa Rica, you will stay connected like a local during your trip.

For travelers researching the best eSIM for Costa Rica, compare data limits, validity period, and rural coverage. Installing your Costa Rica eSIM before departure removes one task from arrival day.

FAQs

What are the most important Costa Rica travel tips for first-time visitors?

The most important Costa Rica travel tips include booking accommodations early during the dry season, packing light rain gear, eating at local sodas to save money, allowing extra travel time between regions, and setting up a Costa Rica eSIM before arrival for easy navigation.

What are the top things to know before going to Costa Rica?

Key things to know before going to Costa Rica include visa-free entry for many travelers, tropical weather patterns, the use of both colón and USD, and that distances take longer due to mountain roads. Travel insurance and insect protection are also recommended.

How much does it cost to travel to Costa Rica for a week?

When planning a trip to Costa Rica, a mid-range traveler should budget around $90–$120 per person per day. For a family of three, a 7-day trip typically costs $1,800–$2,300 excluding flights.

What is the best way to travel in Costa Rica?

The best way to travel in Costa Rica depends on your route. Rental cars offer flexibility for rural and beach areas, while shared shuttles work well between popular destinations. Public buses are the most affordable option.

What is the best eSIM for Costa Rica?

The best eSIM for Costa Rica depends on your data needs and travel length. A Costa Rica eSIM allows instant activation without visiting a kiosk. Many travelers choose prepaid plans that offer hotspot sharing, multi-network coverage, and no roaming fees.

Disclaimer

This blog is for educational purposes only. The information mentioned in this blog is based on publicly available data at the time of writing. Travel costs, entry requirements, transportation options, and mobile data services may change over time. Budget estimates and currency references are approximate. Travelers should independently verify all details with official sources before making bookings or travel decisions. Jetpac is not responsible for network coverage, speed, availability, or service interruptions while using an eSIM in Costa Rica.