How Does Alcohol Rules Work in Costa Rica?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
The legal drinking age is 18, alcohol is widely available, and drinking on most beaches is legal, but drunk driving is strictly enforced.
2What You Need to Know
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.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Try a 'guaro sour' — the local cocktail made with Cacique guaro, lime, and sugar — for an authentic Costa Rican experience.
- 2Imperial beer is available almost everywhere and is the cheapest and most culturally appropriate beer choice.
- 3Never drink and drive — Transit Police operate breathalyser checkpoints especially on weekend nights and holiday weekends.
Important Warning
DUI enforcement is serious — a blood alcohol level above 0.05% is illegal and can result in arrest, vehicle impoundment, and deportation proceedings for foreigners.
How does this compare?
Alcohol Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
The legal drinking age is 18; during Ley Seca (election dry law) all alcohol sales are banned, and drinking in public is illegal in Mexico City.
The legal drinking age is 18, alcohol is inexpensive and widely available, but drink-driving is strictly enforced with a near-zero tolerance BAC limit.
The drinking age is 19 in most provinces (18 in Alberta, Quebec, and Manitoba), and alcohol is sold at government-run liquor stores, not general supermarkets.
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More About Costa Rica
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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