Costa Rica

Travel tips for Costa Rica: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards widely accepted. Cards are accepted at roughly 95% of businesses due to government mandates, but travelers still recommend carrying some cash for tips, small vendors, unexpected tolls, and rural areas like the Osa Peninsula.

Try the food

Gallo Pinto: A hearty breakfast staple consisting of rice and black beans stir-fried together with onions, bell peppers, and cilantro, often served with eggs and plantains.
Casado: A traditional lunch platter featuring a balanced mix of rice, beans, a protein like chicken or fish, salad, and sweet fried plantains.
Chifrijo: A popular bar snack layered with rice, beans, fried pork belly, and pico de gallo, served with tortilla chips.

Say it in Spanish

Hello: Hola
Thank you: Gracias
Please: Por favor
Excuse me: Con permiso
How much is this?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
The bill please: La cuenta, por favor
Yes / No: Sí / No
Goodbye: Adiós

Essentials

Plugs: Type A / Type B
Voltage: 120V, 60Hz
Driving: Right side
Tap water: Usually safe
Emergency: 911 (all emergencies), 128 (ambulance), 118 (fire)
SIM tip: Purchase a prepaid Kolbi or Claro SIM card at the airport or local kiosks, or install an eSIM like Airalo before your trip for immediate data access upon landing.

Etiquette

A 10% service charge is legally included in all restaurant bills, so additional tipping is not required, though leaving a little extra loose change is appreciated for excellent service.