How Things Work in Costa Rica

Costa Rican law mandates a 10% propina (service charge) on all restaurant bills, so you are already tipping every time you dine out. You may leave an extra tip for truly exceptional service, but it is never expected. Tipping is more customary for tour guides and drivers, where 10–15 USD per day per guide is appreciated. Hotel housekeeping, airport porters, and taxi drivers are not generally tipped, though rounding up a fare is welcome.

Long-distance buses (Tica Bus, TRALAPA, and regional companies) are the backbone of intercity travel and are very affordable. Shared tourist shuttles — operated by companies like Interbus and Grayline — are a popular middle-ground between cheap buses and expensive private taxis, connecting all major tourist hubs door-to-door. Uber operates in San José and most tourist towns and is generally cheaper and more reliable than street taxis. For remote destinations like Tortuguero or Corcovado, domestic flights with SANSA are the practical choice, saving hours of rough-road travel.

Private hospitals like CIMA Hospital and Clínica Bíblica in San José offer high-quality care comparable to North American standards and have English-speaking staff. The public CCSS (Caja) system is technically accessible to visitors but wait times are extremely long for non-life-threatening conditions. Pharmacies (farmacias) are widespread throughout the country and pharmacists can advise on common ailments and sell many medications over the counter. Snake bites are a genuine risk in jungle and rural areas — if bitten, seek emergency treatment immediately and try to photograph the snake for identification.

Cannabis possession for personal use has been effectively decriminalized, though public consumption and trafficking remain illegal. Wildlife protection laws are among the strongest in the world — touching, feeding, or harassing wildlife can result in heavy fines, and buying wildlife products or souvenirs made from protected species is illegal. Driving on beaches is prohibited at many coastal areas and enforced with fines. Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948 and has a very relaxed attitude toward photography of security forces, but drug trafficking and possession of hard narcotics carry serious prison sentences.

Costa Rica uses 911 as its single unified emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance — the same as the United States and Canada, making it easy for North American visitors to remember. The dedicated tourist assistance line 1800-TURISMO (1800-887476) connects callers with Spanish and English-speaking operators who can assist with crime reporting, lost documents, and tourist-specific situations. The Red Cross (Cruz Roja) operates ambulance services at 128. Coast guard and maritime emergencies are handled through 1800-800-8000.

The dominant 'pura vida' culture embraces a relaxed, casual approach to everything including dress. On the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals are standard for almost every occasion. Highland destinations like Monteverde and the Arenal area can be surprisingly cool and misty, so a light jacket or rain layer is essential. Churches and religious sites appreciate modest dress (covered shoulders and knees), though enforcement is extremely light by regional standards. Upscale restaurants in San José may prefer smart casual, but few enforce it.

Imperial lager is the beloved national beer and a cultural institution — you will find it everywhere from beach shacks to San José bars. Guaro, a sugarcane-based spirit sold under the Cacique brand, is the traditional national liquor and very inexpensive. Alcohol is available in supermarkets, liquor stores (licorerías), restaurants, and most tourist venues seven days a week. Drinking on beaches is generally legal and common at resort areas, though some national park beaches prohibit it. DUI checkpoints (alcohometría) are operated by the Transit Police and penalties include arrest and license suspension.

Unlike many Latin American countries, Costa Rica does not have a strong bargaining culture and attempting to haggle at standard shops, restaurants, or supermarkets would be considered rude. At artisan craft markets (mercados de artesanías) and with street vendors in tourist areas like La Fortuna or Jacó, polite negotiation for buying multiple items is sometimes possible and not offensive. Tour operators may offer small discounts for direct booking versus booking through hotel concierges, which is worth asking about. The pura vida mentality means ticos generally quote fair prices and are not in the business of dramatically overcharging tourists.

Photography is welcomed almost everywhere in Costa Rica — the country abolished its military in 1948 and there are no sensitive military installations to avoid photographing. National parks and wildlife reserves are paradise for nature photographers, but rangers enforce rules against approaching, touching, or disturbing wildlife for photographs. Always ask permission before photographing indigenous communities (particularly Boruca and Bribri territories) and local people in general as a matter of courtesy. Religious sites are typically fine to photograph inside and out, though quiet discretion during services is appreciated.

Tourist-oriented restaurants, tour operators, and attractions generally stay open seven days a week year-round. Banks and many government offices are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; ATMs remain accessible 24 hours. Semana Santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter) is the most important national holiday period — many businesses close, beaches fill with domestic tourists, and alcohol sales are prohibited on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Local farmers' markets (ferias del agricultor) are liveliest on Saturday mornings and are an excellent cultural experience.

Uber operates throughout San José and in most tourist destinations including La Fortuna, Jacó, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo, offering a convenient and price-transparent alternative to haggling with street taxis. Official licensed taxis are red with a yellow triangular logo on the door and are legally required to use the taxímetro meter — always insist on it or agree on a fixed price before getting in. Airport taxis serving Juan Santamaría International Airport are orange (operated by SJTACI) and use fixed zone-based rates displayed on charts inside the vehicle. Shared tourist shuttles (Interbus, Grayline, Caribe Shuttle) are a very popular and economical option for backpackers moving between destinations.

San José and most urban and developed tourist areas have treated municipal water that meets WHO drinking standards — you can drink from the tap at hotels and restaurants without concern. In rural areas, remote villages, and some beach towns, water quality can vary and locally sourced water may not be treated; check with accommodation staff before drinking. The Caribbean coast and some isolated Pacific communities are more likely to have water quality concerns than the Central Valley and Pacific resort areas. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available everywhere if you prefer certainty.

Costa Rica's currency is the colón (CRC) but US dollars are accepted at nearly all tourist businesses, hotels, tour operators, and many restaurants at posted exchange rates. BAC Credomatic ATMs are the most foreigner-friendly and can dispense both colones and USD. Banco Nacional and Scotiabank are also reliable for international card withdrawals. SINPE Móvil is a growing digital payment system used by locals but not yet practical for tourists. Always carry some cash in colones for rural areas, national park entrance fees (which must be paid in CRC or by card at the park), sodas, and local markets.

Kölbi (state-owned ICE network) is the recommended carrier for visitors because it has the widest coverage including many remote national park areas where Claro and Movistar struggle. Claro and Movistar are cheaper and fine for main tourist areas but drop off quickly outside urban zones. SIM cards are sold at the Juan Santamaría Airport arrivals hall and at phone shops throughout the country; registration requires your passport. eSIMs from providers like Airalo work in Costa Rica and are convenient for travelers who don't want to swap physical SIMs. Coverage is generally good in all major tourist destinations, but deep jungle, remote Caribbean coast, and high mountain areas have spotty or no signal.

The electrical system in Costa Rica is the same as the United States and Canada: Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat pins plus a round grounding pin) sockets at 120 volts and 60Hz. European, Australian, and most international visitors will need a Type A/B adapter, available cheaply at airport shops and hardware stores. Power outages (apagones) are infrequent in urban areas but more common in rural and remote zones, particularly during heavy rainy season storms. Surge protectors are a sensible addition for protecting electronic devices especially in rural lodges.

The most common tourist scam is taxi drivers refusing to use the meter and quoting inflated flat rates — always insist on 'por taxímetro' or use Uber. A well-known trick near popular tourist businesses is a stranger telling you the place is 'closed today' and offering to take you to an 'equally good' alternative that pays them a commission — ignore these redirects and verify closures yourself. Vendors in very touristy areas like La Fortuna and Jacó may inflate prices for souvenirs; compare prices at multiple stalls. Beach car break-ins are extremely common — this is not a scam but a serious and organized crime that targets rental cars, which are identifiable by their plates.

Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in Central America and is generally safe for tourists in popular areas. San José has higher-crime neighborhoods — La Merced, La Coca-Cola bus terminal area, and parts of downtown are best avoided at night. Tourist areas including Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Puerto Viejo are generally safe for daytime activities but standard urban awareness applies after dark. Violent crime targeting tourists is rare; opportunistic theft from unattended bags and rental car break-ins are the dominant risks. Express kidnappings are extremely rare but have been reported in isolated instances near San José.

Costa Ricans (ticos and ticas) are known throughout Latin America for their friendliness, warmth, and relaxed attitudes — the 'pura vida' (pure life) ethos permeates everyday interactions. Greetings are important: a handshake for first meetings and a light cheek kiss for women who are acquainted is standard. Punctuality is relaxed — arriving 15–30 minutes late to social events is normal and not considered rude, though tourist services like tours and shuttles operate on schedule. Environmental consciousness and respect for nature are deeply valued national identity points — expressing appreciation for the country's biodiversity will always resonate positively. Tipping nature and wildlife guides well is culturally important as it validates their expertise.

Costa Rican Spanish (español costarricense) is considered one of the clearest and most neutral accents in Latin America, making it a popular destination for Spanish learners. English is extensively spoken in all major tourist destinations, national parks, and international hotels, and most tour operators communicate comfortably in English. Outside tourist corridors — in rural towns, local sodas, and public buses — English is less common, and basic Spanish phrases will be greatly appreciated and practically useful. Ticos use 'mae' (like 'dude') in casual speech and 'pura vida' constantly — using them will always get a smile.

Costa Rica offers two completely different coastlines: the Pacific (Guanacaste's dry golden beaches, Manuel Antonio's lush cove beaches, Tamarindo's surf scene) and the Caribbean (Puerto Viejo's laid-back reef beaches, Tortuguero's wild turtle nesting shores). Rip currents are a serious and sometimes fatal hazard at many Pacific beaches — look for flags, ask locally, and never swim alone. The Tárcoles River mouth on the central Pacific coast is famous for large American crocodiles that enter the surf zone — do not swim near river mouths. Stingrays rest in shallow sandy areas; the 'stingray shuffle' (dragging feet rather than stepping) causes them to move away before you step on them.

Costa Rica drives on the right side of the road and road signs follow international conventions, though signage is notoriously sparse outside main highways — GPS is essential. Many roads to popular destinations including Monteverde, Corcovado, and rural Nicoya Peninsula are unpaved, potholed, and become significantly worse during rainy season (May–November). River crossings (vados) are common on some rural routes and should only be attempted in a 4WD when the water level is clearly safe — never attempt a flooded crossing. Drunk driving checkpoints are operated regularly, speed limits are enforced with radar, and seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.

The national dish is the casado — a complete plate of rice, black beans, a protein (chicken, beef, fish, or pork), salad, and plantains — available at sodas for 3,000–5,000 CRC and representing some of the best food value in the country. Gallo pinto (rice and black beans cooked together with Salsa Lizano sauce) is the beloved national breakfast, served with eggs, cheese, and sour cream (natilla). Fresh ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice and chili) is outstanding on both coasts. Chifrijo — a bowl of rice, beans, crispy pork skin (chicharrones), pico de gallo, and avocado — is the quintessential Costa Rican bar snack. Fresh tropical fruit (mango, papaya, pineapple, maracuyá) is abundant and cheap throughout the country.

Catholicism is the official state religion and the Catholic church plays a central role in Costa Rican culture and daily life. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in Cartago is the most important religious site — a major national pilgrimage destination on August 2nd (La Romería) where hundreds of thousands walk from San José. Semana Santa (Holy Week before Easter) is the most significant religious period, with masses, processions, and closures across the country. Churches throughout Costa Rica are generally open to visitors, welcome photography, and require only the common courtesies of modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees), silence during services, and removal of hats.

Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (verano, December–April) brings reliable sunshine to the Pacific coast and is peak tourist season with the highest prices; and the green/rainy season (invierno, May–November) brings afternoon and evening rains that make the jungle lush and waterfalls dramatic. The Caribbean coast operates on an opposite pattern — its dryish periods are around February–March and September–October, while the rest of the country is dry. Monteverde is cool and misty year-round due to cloud forest conditions. The rainy season is not a reason to avoid Costa Rica — rains are often predictable afternoon showers, wildlife is active, and travel costs drop significantly.

Costa Rica has a reputation as the most expensive country in Central America, but strategic choices make budget travel very manageable. Eating at sodas (local family restaurants) instead of tourist restaurants can cut food costs by 60–70% — a casado at a soda costs 3,000–5,000 CRC versus 12,000–20,000 CRC at a tourist restaurant. Public intercity buses are extremely cheap (a San José to La Fortuna bus is under 2,500 CRC) but slower than shuttles. National park entrance fees are unavoidable at $18–25 USD per person per park but represent outstanding value for the wildlife and scenery delivered. Free wildlife experiences are plentiful — roadside sloths and monkeys, the Tárcoles River bridge crocodile viewing, and many wildlife sightings require no park entry.