Costa Rica, Dry
A curated packing list for your trip between Manuel Antonio beaches, Monteverde cloud forest, and Arenal volcano. Built for tropical heat, sudden cloud-forest cool, and the easy rhythm of pura vida days.
Border & arrival
What customs and immigration expect.
On the ground
How life actually works once you arrive.
Visa-free, 90 days
US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens enter visa-free. Onward ticket is required at the border (airline staff often check before boarding). Proof of funds ($100 per month of stay) is occasionally requested. Passport must be valid 6+ months with one blank page.
USD widely accepted, colón for change
Costa Rican colón (CRC) is the local currency, but USD is accepted nearly everywhere (hotels, tour operators, restaurants, even some markets). You will get change in colón. Bring small USD bills ($1, $5, $20) and use ATMs for colón as needed.
Tipping is light, often included
10% service charge is added by law to most restaurant bills (look for "10% servicio"). An extra 5-10% in cash for great service is appreciated. Round up taxis. Tour guides expect $5-15 USD per person per day; drivers $5 USD per day.
Mosquitoes are the everyday risk
Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya all circulate in Costa Rica. Bring DEET or picaridin repellent and reapply often, especially at dawn and dusk. Long sleeves and pants in the rainforest and Caribbean coast. Yellow fever is not a concern.
Tico time runs late
"Pura vida" is the national mood: relaxed, unhurried, friendly. Buses run when they run. Restaurant service is unrushed. Tour pickup windows are loose. Build buffer time into your day; do not stack four activities back-to-back.
Type A and B plugs at 120V
Same as the US, Canada, and Mexico. North American travelers do not need an adapter. UK, EU, Australian, and most Asian travelers do; check single-voltage hair tools.
Pre-Trip Checklist
Bookings, applications, and admin for the weeks before departure. Work backwards from your trip date.
- 6 weeks out
- 4 weeks out
- 2 weeks out
- 1 week out
- Day before
- Day of
Clothing
Quick-dry beats cotton in the humidity. Layered for the lowland-highland swing. One nicer outfit for evening dinners.
Shoes
Trail shoes for hikes, sandals for beaches, sturdy sole for everywhere muddy.
Toiletries & Personal Care
Pharmacies (farmacias) are good in cities, limited in remote areas. Pack what you need.
Health & Medications
Mosquito-borne illnesses, stomach bugs, and dehydration are the everyday risks.
Documents & Money
USD is widely accepted; colón for change. Cards work in cities and resorts.
Tech & Electronics
Same plug as the US. Cellular coverage spotty in remote rainforest.
Luggage & Organization
Soft-sided bags travel shuttles and 4x4 transfers better than wheels.
Comfort & In-Transit
Long-haul to San José from Europe; short hops from US. Internal shuttles can run 4-6 hours.
Weather & Climate Gear
Sun is intense at the coast, mist permanent in cloud forests. Pack for both.
Cultural & Activity-Specific
Wildlife watching, surfing, ziplining each ask for something specific.
Safety & Precautions
Costa Rica is one of the safer Latin American countries; petty theft from rental cars and beaches is the main concern.