As you might know, I’m a super nerd. Before I visit a country I write up a short dossier with quick information people need to know before going there. I also update this info when I get back with fresh knowledge!
About a year ago I decided to start sharing these notes on this blog. I’ve written one about Singapore and Ecuador so far and plan to continue building these ‘cheat sheets’ as my world travel plans unfold in retirement. So in case you’re heading to Costa Rica or are just curious about the country here are the quick things you need to know:
Flight
Flights to western Costa Rica (where I went) can get pricey in the Dry Season (AKA now). We chose to go during the Dry Season because mamma needs her sun. Most flights from Seattle were about $730, but we discovered that Costa Rica can be visited for a relatively small number of points. Instead of paying that large chunk of change I booked my flight for $80 and 41,000 SkyMiles so check all your options (including points) before booking.
Money
Currency
The currency in Costa Rica is called the Colón (no laughing!…It’s slightly less hilarious than Vietnam’s currency “the dong.” I felt like a middle schooler when handling money there, but I digress). So currency is called the Colón, but most places also accept USD. Just a heads up that even if you pay in USD you might receive change in Colóns anyway so be prepared for that. 1 USD = About 600 Colóns.
Tipping
Tipping in Costa Rica isn’t mandatory, but my American habits died hard and I always tipped – sometimes accidentally double tipping so learn from my mistake! Restaurants seem to add 10-20% to the bill automatically so check your bill before automatically tipping on the total.
ATMs
ATMs were plentiful on the west side of the country where we were, BUT note that in addition to your bank possibly having a limit to how much you can take out of an ATM at a time – some banks in Costa Rica also have their own limits so be aware of that and plan accordingly in case you need to take out a lot of money quickly like we had to.
Language
I accidentally made a faux pas. In Spanish lessons within the US we are told that the correct response to “Gracias” (thank you) is “de nada” (you’re welcome or literally ‘it’s nothing’). Not the case in Costa Rica! There “de nada” is only something you would say to your family – it’s very informal. What you should say to everyone else is “con mucho gusto” (with much pleasure/my pleasure). Oops!
Nature
The Sun
Despite not being on the Equator (hello Ecuador) the Costa Rican sun is HOT! Beware and apply sunscreen accordingly. My partner got seriously burned Day 1 while sitting in the shade. You’ve been warned!
Wildlife
One of the things I loved about Costa Rica is its wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled because animals are EVERYWHERE! We were only there a week and did not go out of our way to see animals and still spotted an insane amount. Highlights include a spotted dolphin pod and rays flipping out of the water.
Noise
Someone on Twitter mentioned that they didn’t need an alarm clock because the howler monkeys awakened them every day. Luckily that wasn’t the case for us, but we did have fun trying to figure out what the hell that scream/bark sound we kept hearing was. It turns out it was a family of 25 howler monkeys living their life. They moved further from us after that first day, but if you have different luck bringing ear plugs just in case is a good idea.
And that’s it. Happy Travels!
Have you ever been to Costa Rica? If so, do you have any other tips to share? If you haven’t been, are you interested in going?
I did a great trip there about 10 years ago, spent most of my time in Drake Bay which is a tiny place on the west coast right near Corcovado. It was bliss!
Just looked up Drake Bay – it’s gorgeous! Adding it to my list for when I go back. Do you think you’ll go back?
Looks like a fun trip! I’ve never been there but I need to see a Sloth! Where did you stay? Also how do you acquire you your Delta Miles? I am currently doing the Chase Gauntlet but always looking through to the future. I fly Delta a lot!
You DO need to see a sloth! They might be my spirit animal. We were in Ocotal! It has a pretty black sand beach. For this trip I believe I got the silver Delta credit card – I just saw they are offering a 70K miles bonus right now if you want to check it out. Yeah I fly Delta a lot too since I’m usually going between their hub cities (Atlanta/Seattle). Let me know how getting miles works out!
Cool, nice write-up! Costa Rica is definitely on my list of places to visit!
So glad you liked it! I would highly recommend Costa Rica – absolutely loved it and definitely going back. Also the low cost of living (compared to the US) is a cherry on top.
We have been to the Pacific Coast of CR twice now, basically to sit on the beach. First trip was to Flamingo Beach and second trip was to Tamarindo. We enjoyed Tamarindo as it had a very diverse food scene.
At some point I’d like to go back to check out the mountains, volcanoes, and white water rafting.
I love your use of the word dossier. It sounds so fancy 🙂
Loved Tamarindo! Was looking at AirBnBs there actually lol…Flamingo Beach is on my list. I met someone who lived there and said it was awesome. Sounds like you had a great time and totally go back – I know I am! And haha I’m glad someone thinks I’m fancy!
One of the things I learned from an American expat there (guided horseback tours, waitressed in a restaurant, and taught school) and was confirmed by our Airbnb host (ariel performer) is how tipping works. With the tourism on the rise, the government is taking a little more notice in the country so things like taxes are also on the rise. While we think it’s a cheap(er) place to visit, the actual cost of living is rising quickly, yet the wages are not keeping pace. That “tipping” you see on a receipt it typically what the government takes. And if you do leave your own tip, it is typically taken by the owner of the establishment. If you get great service and you want to recognize that person for their service, they have the greatest chance of keeping it if you hand them colones directly and discreetly. Of course, trying to find that line and not appearing creepy can be tough!
The expat said she got the most money from her horseback touring because when people would tip, it was usually a direct hand to hand exchange of cash. Our host said she was paid minimal and the owner of the gym she got classes from kept all the tips – but she did it because she loved it)
I wished I had learned this earlier in my trip as I would have changes a few things, but I also wondered if it’s the same in other countries.
That’s great to know! I was hearing about the cost of living increasing compared to how it was a few years ago (since this was my first trip I had no idea). Those are some greats tips to make sure the person giving you the service actually receives the tip! I’ve heard that that is the case as well in other countries (the owner taking the tip if one is given). Also great to know the tip on the receipt is taken by the government – I’ve learned so much!