Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re traveling to Costa Rica. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it’s a great travel destination. Whether you’re planning a Costa Rica honeymoon or a family trip to Costa Rica, you’re going to love it! We feel that there are a few things you should know before your trips to Costa Rica, which will make your trip much more enjoyable!
Language of Costa Rica
Spanish is the main language spoken in Costa Rica. However, with such an emphasis on tourism, there are many people who speak English in Costa Rica. It’s always helpful to know a little bit of Spanish so you can attempt to speak with the locals. They will appreciate it, even if they speak English.
Costa Rica Currency
The money in Costa Rica is called colones, or the colon. The bills start at 1,000 colones and go up to 50,000 colones. Most places will also accept US Dollars, although you’re likely to get your change back in Costa Rican currency. If you plan to spend US Dollars in Costa Rica, make sure you have small bills. Most places won’t accept anything larger than a $20 bill. To get cash in Costa Rica, I recommend the ATM over going to the bank as that can take a long time.
Prices in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a very affordable travel destination. It’s significantly cheaper than traveling in Western Europe or the United States. The biggest part of your vacation budget will be spent on excursions such as zipline tours, kayaking, or surfing lessons. It’s easy to save money in Costa Rica by eating at the mom and pop restaurants rather than the tourist restaurants.
Getting Around Costa Rica
You can rent a car to get around Costa Rica. The roads aren’t awful, although they’re not great, either. The roads are bumpy and very curvy, so make sure you give yourself extra time to get where you are going. Traffic rules are treated as a suggestion, not a rule, so be extra cautious around other drivers. I don’t recommend driving at night in Costa Rica.
If you aren’t comfortable renting a car, there are a few buses to get around the tourist areas. Many hotels will offer transfers to nearby attractions, and it’s also pretty easy to hire a driver to take you around.
Electrical Outlets in Costa Rica
The electrical outlets in Costa Rica are the same as in the United States, so you won’t need any kind of adapters to charge your electronics. It does seem like devices don’t charge as fast, and the internet is a bit slower, but everything works the same as back home. Just slower.
Safety in Costa Rica
Some people wonder if it’s safe to visit Central America. Costa Rica is actually very safe for visitors. Of course, there is the usual petty crime of pickpockets and car looting, but use your common travel sense and you’ll likely be OK. Tourism is a major industry in Costa Rica, so they make sure that tourists feel safe when visiting.
You should also know that it’s safe to drink the water in Costa Rica. When you go to a restaurant, they’ll offer you tap or bottled water. You will be fine if you drink tap water.
Costa Rica Accommodation
When it comes to finding accommodation in Costa Rica, there are lots of options. You can find mom and pop places that are relatively inexpensive. There are also big resorts and bungalows around the beaches where you can relax and enjoy modern amenities. Budget travelers and luxury travelers will each find something to suit their needs.
What to Eat in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has an ocean on both sides of the country, so seafood is fresh and plentiful. Plantains are an important part of Costa Rican cuisine, as are beans and rice. Rice and beans are served with almost every meal in Costa Rica. The fruit in Costa Rica is also really great. You’ll have fresh pineapple, mango, and papaya. For dessert, I recommend having tres leches cake; it’s awesome!
Ticos in Costa Rica
The locals of Costa Rica are known as Ticos, and they are so friendly! They are great with tourists, and many of them speak English, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation. Costa Rica family vacations are made extra special by the Ticos.
The Don’ts of Visiting Costa Rica
Tipping in Costa Rica
When you go out to eat in Costa Rica, you will see a 10% service charge added to your bill. You’re always welcome to leave more for your server, but know that the tip is already included in your check. If you hire tour guides or drivers, then you should tip them at the end of the day. Tipping isn’t really a Costa Rican custom, but it’s become a frequent practice in the tourism industry.
Best Month to Visit Costa Rica
You might hear that Costa Rica has a wet season and a dry season. However, it’s a tropical rainforest, so rain is possible at any time, meaning there really isn’t a best month to visit Costa Rica. September and October tend to be the rainiest months in Costa Rica. The high season is around Christmas and New Year. If you visit over the holidays, be prepared to start making reservations up to six months in advance as it’s a very popular time to visit Costa Rica.
Bug Spray & Sunscreen Are Essential
Even during the rainy season, the sun in Costa Rica is very strong, so make sure you have adequate sun protection, including sunscreen, hats and long-sleeve shirts. Rash guards are great as they usually block UV rays and you can wear them in the water. If you are going into the rainforest at all, you will need bug spray!
We have really enjoyed our Costa Rica family vacations and hope that these travel tips help you enjoy your Costa Rica trip as well. If you’re looking for an affordable and safe family vacation destination in Latin America, Costa Rica is perfect! If you want more tips on traveling in Central America, check out some of our other blog posts: