How Things Work in Costa Rica
Everything Tourists Need to Know
A 10% service charge (ley de propina) is legally included in all restaurant bills, so no additional tip is required.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica has no national rail system; intercity buses are the cheapest option, while shared tourist shuttles and domestic flights connect remote destinations.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica has good private hospitals in San José, but travel insurance is essential as private care is expensive and public hospitals are slow for non-emergencies.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica is generally law-relaxed with a 'pura vida' attitude, but wildlife protection, environmental laws, and anti-drug laws are strictly enforced.
Updated 2025-06
Dial 911 for all emergencies; tourists can also call 1800-TURISMO (1800-887476) for dedicated tourist assistance.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica is extremely casual with no strict dress requirements — light clothing is ideal for the coast and layers are needed for cooler highland areas.
Updated 2025-06
The legal drinking age is 18, alcohol is widely available, and drinking on most beaches is legal, but drunk driving is strictly enforced.
Updated 2025-06
Bargaining is not generally expected in Costa Rica — prices at restaurants, shops, and malls are fixed, though some flexibility exists at craft markets.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica is very photography-friendly with outstanding wildlife photography opportunities, though national park rules require you not to disturb animals for a shot.
Updated 2025-06
Most tourist businesses operate seven days a week, but banks close on weekends and Semana Santa (Holy Week) causes widespread closures across the country.
Updated 2025-06
Uber is widely available and generally reliable in tourist areas; official red taxis must use the taxímetro meter, and orange taxis serve San José's airport.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water is safe to drink in San José and most developed areas, making Costa Rica one of the few Central American countries where this is reliable.
Updated 2025-06
ATMs from BAC, Banco Nacional, and Scotiabank reliably accept foreign cards; USD is widely accepted in tourist areas but colones are needed for rural destinations.
Updated 2025-06
Kölbi offers the best coverage especially in rural areas and national parks; SIMs are available at airports and require passport registration.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica uses Type A and B plugs at 120V/60Hz — identical to the United States and Canada, so North American visitors need no adapter.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica has relatively low scam rates, but taxi overcharging, vendor overpricing in tourist areas, and beach car break-ins are the most common risks.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica is much safer than its Central American neighbors, but petty theft, beach bag snatching, and rental car break-ins are genuine and very common risks.
Updated 2025-06
'Pura vida' is Costa Rica's national motto, greeting, and philosophy — embracing it and being warm and respectful will earn you instant goodwill from ticos.
Updated 2025-06
Spanish is the official language and English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and national parks, though rural areas have limited English coverage.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica's beaches are stunning but carry serious hazards including rip currents, crocodiles at some river mouths, and stingrays — read local warning signs carefully.
Updated 2025-06
Drive on the right side; a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended as many rural roads are unpaved, unsigned, and may require river crossings.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rican cuisine centers on the casado (rice, beans, meat, salad) and gallo pinto (breakfast rice and beans) — eating at sodas (local family restaurants) is cheap, authentic, and delicious.
Updated 2025-06
Costa Rica is a predominantly Catholic country with a church in every town; modest dress and quiet behavior are appreciated but strictly enforced at very few sites.
Updated 2025-06
The dry season (December–April) is the most popular time with sunny Pacific beaches, while the green season (May–November) offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Updated 2025-06
Eat at sodas, use public buses, and plan national park visits carefully to manage costs — Costa Rica is one of the more expensive Central American destinations but budget travel is very achievable.
Updated 2025-06