10 Things Foreign Tourists Should Know Before Visiting Costa Rica
Costa Rica draws millions of international visitors every year — and it's easy to see why. Between misty cloud forests, volcano hikes, and beaches on two different coastlines, this small Central American country delivers an outsized adventure. But before you book that flight, there are a few practical realities that catch first-time visitors off guard.
At OnGoBe Travel and Health, we believe the best trips start with the right preparation — not just an itinerary, but a clear understanding of entry rules, health precautions, and local customs. Here are the 10 things every foreign tourist should know before visiting Costa Rica.
1. Most Visitors Don't Need a Visa — But You Do Need an Onward Ticket
Travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, and dozens of other countries can enter Costa Rica visa-free for tourism, typically for stays ranging from 90 up to 180 days depending on your nationality and the immigration officer's discretion at arrival. What trips people up isn't the visa — it's proof of onward travel. Costa Rican immigration generally expects to see a return or onward ticket dated within your permitted stay, so keep a digital or printed copy handy at check-in and on arrival.
Quick tip: Check your passport's validity before you pack. Most airlines enforce a six-month validity rule even though Costa Rican law technically only requires validity through your stay.
2. The Currency Is the Colón, But US Dollars Work Almost Everywhere
Costa Rica's official currency is the colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and tour operators throughout tourist areas. That said, you'll usually get better prices — and avoid awkward exchange-rate math — by paying in colones for everyday purchases. A few practical notes:
ATMs are common in cities and tourist towns but can be scarce in remote areas — withdraw cash before heading off the beaten path.
Torn, marked, or older-series US bills (especially $100 notes) are frequently refused by banks and businesses.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist zones, but always carry some small-denomination cash for markets, local sodas (small family-run eateries), and rural areas.
3. Tap Water Is Safe in Most Areas — With a Few Exceptions
Unlike many destinations in the region, Costa Rica's tap water is safe to drink in San José and most tourist zones, thanks to strong national water infrastructure. That's good news for your wallet and the environment — bring a reusable bottle. The exception is rural or remote areas, particularly during the rainy season, where bottled or filtered water is the safer choice. When in doubt, ask your hotel or lodge.
4. Health Precautions Matter More Than You'd Think
No vaccinations are mandatory for most tourists entering Costa Rica — the exception is a yellow fever certificate for travelers arriving from certain African or South American countries. Still, health experts commonly recommend being up to date on routine vaccines (like hepatitis A and typhoid) if you'll be eating and drinking outside major tourist areas, and taking mosquito-bite precautions seriously.
Costa Rica's coastal lowlands see occasional cases of dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses, so:
Pack a DEET-based insect repellent and use it at dawn and dusk.
Wear long sleeves in jungle and lowland areas.
Avoid swimming in freshwater rivers and lakes, where parasites can be a concern — stick to supervised ocean beaches instead.
This is exactly where travel health insurance earns its keep. Even minor injuries from ziplining, surfing, or hiking can mean a clinic visit, and having coverage that includes medical evacuation gives real peace of mind in more remote regions.
5. Healthcare Is Good — But Not Free, and Not Everywhere
Costa Rica is known for having one of the best healthcare systems in Latin America, and private clinics in San José and major tourist hubs offer high-quality, English-speaking care. However, once you head into rural provinces or remote peninsulas, medical facilities become limited. Combine that with the fact that healthcare here isn't automatically covered for foreign visitors, and travel medical insurance stops being optional — it becomes a core part of trip planning, not an afterthought.
6. Costa Rica Is Generally Safe, But Petty Theft Is Real
Violent crime against tourists is rare, and Costa Rica is consistently ranked among the safest countries in Latin America. The more realistic risk is petty theft — bag snatching, car break-ins, and distraction scams in crowded tourist areas or parking lots. A well-known one is the "flat tire scam," where someone punctures your rental car's tire, then offers to "help" while an accomplice takes your belongings.
Simple precautions go a long way:
Don't leave valuables visible in a parked car.
Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash.
Stay alert in crowded bus terminals, markets, and beach parking areas, especially at night.
7. "Pura Vida" Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a Phrase
You'll hear "Pura Vida" — literally "pure life" — everywhere, used as a greeting, a farewell, a thank-you, and a philosophy all at once. It reflects the unhurried, appreciative approach Costa Ricans ("Ticos") take toward life. Embracing that mindset will actually improve your trip: buses run on their own schedule, service is relaxed rather than rushed, and locals respond warmly to visitors who are patient and friendly rather than in a hurry.
A little Spanish also goes further than you'd expect. English is common in hotels and tour companies, but learning a handful of polite phrases opens doors — and hearts — in smaller towns.
8. The Weather Isn't as Simple as "Dry Season" vs. "Rainy Season"
Costa Rica's dry season (roughly December through April) is the most popular time to visit, especially for beach travel, while the "green season" (May through November) brings lower prices, fewer crowds, and lush landscapes — along with more rain. But microclimates matter here: the Caribbean coast follows a different rhythm than the Pacific side, and cloud forest regions like Monteverde can be cool and misty year-round. Always check regional forecasts for your specific itinerary rather than relying on a single national pattern.
9. Distances Are Short on the Map, Long on the Road
Costa Rica is a small country, but winding mountain roads, unpaved stretches, and river crossings can make a 100-kilometer drive take three or four hours. First-time visitors often underestimate travel time between destinations and end up rushing. When planning your route:
Build in extra time between stops, especially during the rainy season.
Consider a 4x4 rental if you're heading to national parks or remote beaches.
Domestic flights or shuttle services can be worth the cost for longer distances.
10. Budget for More Than You'd Expect
Costa Rica has a reputation as an eco-adventure paradise — and a reputation for being pricier than its Central American neighbors. Park entrance fees, guided tours, and rental cars with mandatory insurance add up quickly. As a rough guide, budget travelers can get by on somewhere around $50–70 USD per day, while mid-range travelers should plan for $100–200 USD per day once tours and transportation are factored in. Booking national park entries and popular tours in advance can also help you avoid last-minute price surges during peak season.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Travel Healthy
Costa Rica rewards travelers who show up prepared — not just with the right gear, but with the right expectations around health, safety, and logistics. Understanding entry requirements, respecting local health precautions, and securing solid travel health insurance can be the difference between a smooth adventure and a stressful one.
At OnGoBe Travel and Health, we help travelers plan trips that protect both the itinerary and the person taking it. Whether you're heading to a rainforest zipline or a black-sand beach, a little preparation lets you focus on what matters: soaking up that Pura Vida spirit.
Planning your trip to Costa Rica? Explore our travel health resources and get a personalized coverage recommendation before you go.
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