COSTA RICA'S CALLING

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (CRC) as its official currency. But US dollars are widely accepted in many places, especially in tourist areas.

If you love sunshine and zero chance of a surprise downpour, December - April (the dry season) is your best bet. May – November is the rainy season, but hey, fewer crowds, lush green landscapes, and cheaper prices? Sounds like a win.

Costa Rica’s got that perfect tropical vibe- hot and sunny all year, with a dry season (Nov-April) full of sunshine and a wet season (May-Oct) where the rain keeps things lush and green. Whether you're beachside or rainforest-bound, the weather’s always ready for adventure!

Your visa requirements can change depending on your nationality. Check out our handy visa guide for the latest info.

ATMs are everywhere in cities, slightly more elusive in the jungle. They dish out both colónes and US dollars.

Around a week (7–10 days) lets you hit beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests without feeling rushed. But if you’ve got only 5 days, you can always pick one or two regions and make them count.

Restaurants usually add a 10% service charge, but a little extra is always appreciated.

You’ll need a Type A & B, 120V adaptor (same as the US and Canada). So, if you're coming from Europe, the UK, or Australia - you’ll need an adapter.

Lightweight clothes, a waterproof jacket (hello, rainforest), hiking shoes, swimwear, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. Oh, and don’t forget your sense of adventure - you’ll need it for ziplining, volcano hikes, and spotting sloths in the wild.

Costa Rica is one of the most LGBTQIA+ friendly destinations in Latin America. Same-sex marriage is legal here, and cities like San José and Puerto Viejo are super welcoming. Just be mindful that rural areas can be a bit more conservative, so a little cultural sensitivity goes a long way.