Make the best of your vacation with this Costa Rica Safe Travel Tips blog. From travel, to health, to driving, we got you covered with the need-to-know knowledge. Knowing what to expect and taking precautions will give you a better chance to enjoy your holiday and go home with a very positive experience. It will also reduce the amount of stress when planning for the little details. So here you go:
Travel
The two main international airports are Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) located in San Jose and Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR) located in Liberia. If you are planning your vacation in the Guanacaste area then look for tickets for LIR.
Migration security will ask for proof of round trip ticket or land/water exit. Also remember the country you come from will determine the amount of days you can stay in Costa Rica.
Make that your passport is valid for at least 90 days from the date of entry.
Make sure to check your visa requirements as some countries require an entry visa.
Check your airline policies for luggage restriction! Some might have an extra charge for a check baggage.
Health
Double check if your country has been recently added to the list of yellow fever
There are no pandemic or epidemic diseases reported in Costa Rica.
Small outbreaks of Zika, dengue and chikungunya may occur in the rainy season but are highly control by the government.
Remember to bring or buy a mosquito repellant as a precaution method.
Tap water is potable across the country, so remember to bring a reusable water bottle.
Remember to use sunblock to prevent sunburns and sunstrokes.
If you are traveling from Africa, and certain countries from South America make sure to bring proof of having the yellow fever vaccine. It must have been administered at least 10 days before the date of arrival.
Money
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere with exceptions being very small and rural establishments.
Dollars are accepted everywhere but keep in mind that the exchange rate managed by the local might be higher than the central bank.
If you are looking to carry Costa Rican Colones, our recommendation is exchanging money in a bank OUTSIDE the airport. This is because airports tend to carry a higher exchange rate.
Most national banks ATMS and private institutions banks ATM’s tend to dispense dollars. But keep in mind that it will charge you a fee for it.
Take your passport with you to the bank because they will not accept a copy of it.
Taxes account for 13% and are included in all services.
If the taxes are not included, it should be specified.
Personal Belongings
Keep your Passport in a safe place and carry a copy of your ID page.
If you are staying in a hotel, make sure to leave any valuables locked in the in-safe in the room
Be aware of your personal belongings at all times. Major crimes are not usual in Costa Rica but pick pockets are.
Close your purse or backpack to avoid pick pockets.
Do not leave personal belonging unattended when in a public space (lobby of a hotel, beach, restaurant, park, etc)
Laws
Legal age is 18 years old
Act 7899 – Law against Sexual Exploitation of Under Age Person. Under no circumstances will sex tourism be promoted, sexual trafficking or abuse be tolerated for national or foreign children. So Costa Rican authorities will prosecute and condemn with the full weight of the law to any person who commits any of these acts.
Archeological sites are part of the state therefore objects that are discovere within must be passing into the hands of the state and kept at the National Museum.
Extraction of archeological objects, wildlife or native flora is illegal.
Do not attempt to engage or remove any animal from their habitat.
Do not feed the animals. This changes their eating habits and creates unhealthy dependence on humans.
Make the best of your vacation with this Costa Rica Safe Travel Tips blog. From travel, to health, to driving, we got you covered with the need-to-know knowledge. Knowing what to expect and taking precautions will give you a better chance to enjoy your holiday and go home with a very positive experience. It will also reduce the amount of stress when planning for the little details. So here you go: