Mexico & Central America
Costa Rica
The easiest, best-organised country in Central America for a first solo trip, with surf, wildlife and big hostel and nomad scenes. It's also the region's most expensive, and petty theft is common.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa95 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyCRCUS$1 ≈ ₡456.71Details
- Price level59%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911All emergencies 911
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe in San José and most towns; some beach and rural areas, including parts of the Caribbean coast, advise bottled or filtered.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityThe most welcoming country in Central America; San José has a gay scene and Manuel Antonio is popular.Details
- Internet182 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 71 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for the length of your tourist stay; carry your original passport when driving.
- Digital nomad visaYesDigital Nomad (Remote Worker) StayDetails
Where to go in Costa Rica
13 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La FortunaTown | 4/5 | $2,410–3,720 | Dec–Apr | 17/100 |
| San JoséCapital city | 3/5 | $2,410–3,720 | Dec–Apr | 9/100 |
| TamarindoTown | 3/5 | $2,850–4,380 | Dec–Apr | 6/100 |
| Manuel AntonioBeach town | 4/5 | $2,630–4,160 | Dec–Apr | 13/100 |
| Santa TeresaBeach town | 4/5 | $3,070–4,820 | Dec–Apr | 7/100 |
| MonteverdeMountain town | 4/5 | $2,410–3,720 | Dec–Apr | 17/100 |
| Puerto ViejoTown | 3/5 | $2,190–3,500 | Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct | 14/100 |
| NosaraTown | 4/5 | $3,070–4,820 | Dec–Apr | 6/100 |
| TortugueroTown | — | $1,860–2,850 | Feb–Apr, Sep–Oct | — |
| JacóTown | 3/5 | $2,630–3,940 | Dec–Apr | 10/100 |
| UvitaTown | 4/5 | $2,410–3,720 | Dec–Apr | 17/100 |
| Playas del CocoTown | — | $2,410–3,720 | Dec–Apr | — |
| SámaraTown | — | $2,410–3,720 | Dec–Apr | — |
When to visit Costa Rica
The Pacific side and Central Valley are driest December–April (peak prices). The Caribbean coast is best September–October. May–November is green season with afternoon rain.
Good to know
Entry
- Bring an onward or return ticket and proof of funds; airlines often check before boarding.
- The officer sets your permitted stay at entry; overstays are fined about US$100 per month.
- The air departure tax (about US$29) is included in most tickets.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy with the entry stamp; police check documents.
- Feeding wild animals is illegal and fined.
- Drug offences carry a minimum eight-year prison sentence.
Etiquette
- 'Pura vida' works as hello, thanks and goodbye.
- Ticos avoid confrontation; stay calm and polite in disputes.
- Keep your distance from wildlife and never feed monkeys or coatis.
Tipping
Restaurants add a 10% service charge by law, so extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers on tours.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Costa Rica
- Government of Canada travel advice: Costa Rica
- Visit Costa Rica (ICT): digital nomads
- Speedtest Global Index: Costa Rica
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.