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Costa Rica is a rugged, rainforested Central American country with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific. Though its capital, San Jose, is home to cultural institutions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of protected jungle, teeming with wildlife including spider monkeys and quetzal birds.
Climate in Costa Rica
The climate is tropical, with a short and moderate dry season, but it has a very intense and long rainy season towards the south. The maximum average temperature is 31°C (89°F), while the average minimum temperature is 22.7°C (73°F). The dry season lasts from January to March.
Time Difference in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is 7 hours behind of the UK
Language in Costa Rica
Spanish – Official language.
Commonly Used Words in Costa Rica
Hello = Hola
Goodbye = Adios
Thank you = Gracias
Please = Por favor
Yes = Si
No = No
Which Plug Do I Need in Costa Rica?
What is The Local Currency in Costa Rica?
Local currency of Costa Rica is Costa Rican Colón
£100 = 64,145.57 Costa Rican Colón (as of January 2025)
What Credit Cards Can I Use in Costa Rica
MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards in Costa Rica, followed by American Express. Most hotels and restaurants accept them, especially in touristy areas.
Tipping in Costa Rica
Tips are not included in the overall price of our treks and adventure trips, but most trekkers do tip their guides, porters, and cooks on the penultimate or final day of the trip. Tipping is a universal custom in adventure travel, but is not obligatory, so you should never feel forced into it, but it is a tradition on the trail. Tipping policies can be found through the Vamoos app for each individual trip.
Approximate Food & Drink Prices in Costa Rica (January 2025)
Coke/Pepsi 1,006.14 ₡
Water 816.45 ₡
Coffee 1,740.29 ₡
Beer 2,250.00 ₡
Inexpensive Meal 6,000.00 ₡
Passport Validity for Costa Rica
To enter Costa Rica, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 1 day after the day you plan to leave.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
COVID-19 Requirements for Costa Rica? (January 2025)
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Costa Rica.
Do I Need a Visa for Costa Rica? (January 2025)
British nationals do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. You may stay as a visitor for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver, although the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival.
Vaccination Requirements for Costa Rica
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Costa Rica guide.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
