Practical A–Z

Visa

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. A stamp is placed in the passport upon entry. Required:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay. ID card is NOT sufficient.
• Return or onward flight ticket: Almost always checked! Entry may be denied without an exit ticket. Tip: A cheap bus ticket to Panama or Nicaragua suffices as proof.
• Proof of financial means: Rarely requested, but theoretically 100 USD per day of stay. Showing a credit card is usually sufficient.

Extension

An extension beyond 90 days is not easily possible. The common method: briefly exit to Panama or Nicaragua, stay there for 72 hours (mandatory!), and re-enter. This is legal and widespread — but Costa Rica has started to scrutinize repeated "visa runs."

Exit Tax

A departure tax of 29 USD is charged when leaving by plane — but it is included in the ticket price for most airlines. When leaving by land: 8 USD (cash in USD or CRC).

Colón and Dollar — The Dual System

Costa Rica has two de facto currencies: the Costa Rican Colón (CRC) and the US Dollar (USD). In tourist areas, both are accepted everywhere. Hotels, tours, and national park entries are often priced in USD. In local sodas, buses, and shops, you pay in Colones — and get better prices.

Exchange rate (guideline 2025/26): 1 EUR ≈ 560–600 CRC / 1 USD ≈ 510–540 CRC

ATMs

ATMs are available in all cities and tourist locations. The most common banks: BAC (best choice, international cards always accepted), Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica. Tips:

• Withdrawal in Colones: Always withdraw in CRC, not in USD — the ATM exchange rate for dollars is poor
• Fees: About 2,000–4,000 CRC (3–7 USD) per withdrawal by the local bank + fees from your home bank
• Cards: Visa is the most reliably accepted. Mastercard works at most ATMs. Wise and Revolut are good options with low fees
• Tip: Withdraw at BAC ATMs — they reliably accept all international cards and have a high limit

Credit Cards

Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. In rural areas, sodas, and public buses: cash only! Always have enough Colones for the day.

General Safety Situation

Costa Rica is the safest country in Central America — and remarkably safe by Latin American standards. The crime rate is significantly lower than in neighboring countries, and violent crimes against tourists are rare. However, Costa Rica is not a European safety paradise, and petty crime is a real issue.

Common Problems

• Car Break-ins: THE number one problem for tourists with rental cars. Cars are regularly broken into at beaches, waterfalls, and hiking parking lots. Leave NOTHING visible in the car — not even flip-flops or an empty bag.
• Pickpocketing: In San José (especially around Mercado Central and on the bus), at busy beaches, and during festivals. Keep your backpack in front of you, valuables close to your body.
• Beach Theft: NEVER leave valuables on the beach, not even "briefly" while swimming. Wear a waterproof phone case around your neck.

Natural Hazards

• Rip Currents: Many Pacific beaches have deadly undertows. Swim only at supervised beaches! In a current: don't fight it, swim parallel to the shore.
• Crocodiles: Large crocodiles live in the Río Tárcoles and some river mouths. Do not swim in rivers that flow into the sea!
• Snakes: Fer-de-Lance (Terciopelo) is the most dangerous — common in lowlands. Stay on paths, wear sturdy shoes, never reach into bushes.
• Earthquakes & Volcanoes: Costa Rica is on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Light earthquakes are frequent and harmless. Volcanic eruptions are well monitored.

Vaccinations

No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany. Recommended:

• Hepatitis A: Recommended
• Hepatitis B: For longer stays
• Typhoid: For travel to rural areas
• Rabies: For close contact with animals (bats in caves, stray dogs)
• Update standard vaccinations: Tetanus, diphtheria, polio
• Yellow fever: Only required when entering from a yellow fever area (e.g., if you were previously in Colombia or Brazil)

Tropical Diseases

Dengue fever is common in Costa Rica, especially during the rainy season on both coasts and in Tortuguero. There is no vaccine — only mosquito protection helps:

• DEET spray (at least 30%) — morning and evening
• Long, light clothing at dusk
• Mosquito net in simple accommodations

Malaria occurs only in very remote areas on the Caribbean coast and the Osa Peninsula — the risk for tourists on usual routes is minimal. Prophylaxis is generally not necessary (consult with a tropical medicine specialist).

Medical Care

Costa Rica has a good public healthcare system (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social). Private clinics in San José (CIMA Hospital, Hospital Clínica Bíblica) meet international standards. In rural areas: limited care.

Travel health insurance with repatriation is mandatory!

Mobile & SIM Cards

A local SIM card is the best option for mobile internet in Costa Rica. At SJO airport, there are stands from Kolbi (state provider, best coverage), Claro, and Movistar. A SIM with 5 GB data costs about 5,000–8,000 CRC (9–14 USD) and lasts 30 days. Top-ups (recargas) at any supermarket and kiosk.

Coverage: In the Central Valley and tourist areas, 4G/LTE is standard. In remote areas (Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero, deep rainforest), coverage can be weak to non-existent — which adds to the charm there.

Wi-Fi

Almost every hotel, hostel, and restaurant offers free Wi-Fi. Speed varies: In San José and tourist centers, usually good (10–30 Mbps), in remote lodges sometimes very slow. Many jungle lodges intentionally advertise "Digital Detox" — no Wi-Fi is a feature, not a bug.

Phone

Costa Rica has no area codes — all phone numbers are 8 digits. Mobile numbers start with 5, 6, 7, or 8. Landline numbers start with 2. To call from Germany: +506 + 8-digit number.

National Park Entry

Since 2023, tickets for most national parks must be booked online via the SINAC system (sinac.go.cr). Entry prices for foreigners are 12–18 USD per person. Locals pay significantly less (1,000–1,600 CRC). Important rules:

• Online Reservation: For Manuel Antonio, Poás, and other popular parks, advance booking is mandatory. Days in advance during high season!
• Visitor Limit: Many parks limit the daily number of visitors — book early!
• Guide Requirement: In Corcovado, a certified guide is mandatory. In other parks, optional but highly recommended (animal discovery rate increases by 300%!).
• Opening Hours: Most parks open at 8:00 and close at 15:00–16:00 (last entry). Some are closed on Mondays (Manuel Antonio!).

Behavior with Wildlife

Costa Rica takes animal protection seriously, and as a visitor, you should too:

• Do NOT touch animals — not even the cute sloth babies or colorful frogs. Many are poisonous, and human contact harms all.
• Do NOT feed animals — monkeys accustomed to human food become aggressive and sick.
• Keep Distance: At least 3 meters from all wildlife. For photos: use zoom, don't get closer.
• No Selfies with Animals — the demand for "sloth selfies" has led to illegal capturing and holding of animals. Don't support this!
• Stay on Paths — for the protection of animals and your own safety (snakes!).

What You Absolutely Need

Costa Rica has extremely diverse climate zones — from hot beaches to cool cloud forests. A well-thought-out packing list saves nerves:

Clothing

• Rain Jacket (light, packable): A MUST, even in the dry season! It rains almost daily in the cloud forest and highlands.
• Hiking Boots (waterproof): Essential for national parks, volcanoes, and the Río Celeste. Flip-flops are NOT enough.
• Quick-Drying Clothing: Cotton never dries in the tropical climate — synthetic materials are better.
• Long Pants & Sleeves: For jungle hikes (mosquitoes, snakes) and cloud forest (cool!)
• Swimwear: At least 2 sets — they hardly dry during the rainy season.
• Warm Layer: For Monteverde (18°C), Irazú (5–10°C!), and evenings in the Central Valley.

Equipment

• DEET Mosquito Spray (30%+): Tropical DEET from the pharmacy, not the mild European kind
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Costa Rica bans environmentally harmful sunscreens in national parks
• Dry Bag: For boat tours (Tortuguero), rafting, and rain hikes
• Binoculars: Almost essential for bird watching — without binoculars, you'll see quetzals and toucans only as dots
• Flashlight/Headlamp: For night hikes and lodge paths without street lighting
• Adapter Type A/B: Flat, two-pin US plugs. Available in most lodges, but better safe than sorry

Costa Rica offers the full range from the 6-USD hammock to the 1,000-USD suite — and everything in between has its own charm.

Sodas, Cabinas & Hostels (€)

Cabinas are Costa Rica's version of the simple guesthouse: small, family-run accommodations with basic amenities (bed, fan, sometimes air conditioning). Double room: 25–50 USD. They are found everywhere, often not on booking platforms, but with a sign on the road. The best insider tips!

Hostels are available in all tourist locations: Dorms from 10–18 USD, private rooms from 30–50 USD. Shared kitchen and social atmosphere included. The best hostels: Selina (chain, multiple locations), Rocking J's (Puerto Viejo), Sleepers (Santa Elena).

Eco-Lodges (€€–€€€)

Costa Rica practically invented the eco-lodge. The best are architectural masterpieces in absolute natural settings: Wake up to the roar of howler monkeys, breakfast with a toucan view, and at night only the sounds of the rainforest. Prices: 80–300 USD/night. The CST certification (1–5 leaves) indicates the level of sustainability.

Boutique Hotels (€€€)

In recent years, numerous design hotels have emerged that combine aesthetics and sustainability. Especially in Santa Teresa, Nosara, and around Arenal, there are excellent options. 150–400 USD/night.

All-Inclusive Resorts (€€€€)

Mainly in Guanacaste (Papagayo Peninsula): Four Seasons, Andaz, Planet Hollywood, Westin. 300–1,000+ USD/night. Pure luxury, but you miss the "real" Costa Rica. Suitable for beach vacations without adventure.

Booking Tips

• High Season (Dec–Apr): Book at least 2–3 months in advance, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Semana Santa.
• Green Season (May–Nov): Discounts of 20–40%. Many lodges offer "3 nights for the price of 2" deals.
• Book Directly: Many local lodges are not on booking platforms or offer better prices when booking directly.
• WhatsApp: In Costa Rica, much is done via WhatsApp — including hotel bookings. The numbers are on the websites.

Restaurant Bill

In Costa Rica, every restaurant bill automatically includes 13% tax (IVA) and 10% service (Servicio) — a total of 23%! The 10% service goes to the staff. Additional tipping is not expected, but 5–10% extra for excellent service is gladly accepted.

Tipping Guide

Price Negotiation

Costa Rica is not a haggling country. In shops, supermarkets, and most restaurants, prices are fixed. Negotiating is only common for:

• Souvenir Markets: 10–20% discount possible, but friendly and without pressure
• Tours: When booking on-site (not online), sometimes 10–15% discount for groups or when booking multiple tours
• Accommodations: For longer stays (3+ nights) or in the Green Season, inquire directly
• Taxi: Always insist on the taximeter! "María" (as Ticos call the taximeter) must be running. If not — take another taxi.