Country dialing code

+506

Capital city

San Jose

Official language

Spanish

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)


Costa Rica has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season is characterised by warm temperatures and low rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. The wet season, also known as the green season, brings regular rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. July to August is the most popular time to travel to Costa Rica for the good weather and moderate crowds. If you’re aiming to spend time on the beach or in the outdoors, consider the peak season from December to April for the sunny weather.


Highlights

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Immerse yourself in one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience by boat across Arenal Lake, to the charming town of Rio Chiquito.

Tortuguero

This remote paradise on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast is home to nesting sea turtles, lush canals and diverse wildlife. Explore the canals and jungle during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. 

Arenal Volcano

The iconic Arenal Volcano offers diverse experiences including hiking around the active volcano, relaxing in the natural hot springs and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a self-sustained organic farm. 

Useful information

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Communications

Country Code for Costa Rica: +506 

 

Official Travel advice visit: 

Costa Rica Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | Costa Rica (New Zealand) 

Emergency Services: 911  

 

Australia has a consulate in San José, headed by an Honorary Consul. The consulate provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Costa Rica. The Consulate can conduct passport interviews and provide provisional travel documents for emergency travel to the nearest Australian embassy.  The Consulate cannnot issue Australian passports. You can get full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City. 

 

Australian Consulate, San José 

Grupo Nueva, 1st floor Avenida 5, General Cañas, 
San José, Costa Rica 

Phone: (+506) 40818008 
Email: aushonconsul.costarica@gmail.com  

 

Australian Embassy, Mexico City 

Ruben Dario No 55 (Polanco) Col Bosque de Chapultepec., C.P.  
11580 Mexico D.F. Mexico 
Phone: +52 55 1101 2200 
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au  

 

New Zealand Embassy Mexico City, Mexico 

Jaime Balmes No 8, 4th Floor, Los Morales, Polanco, Mexico D.F. 11510 
Telephone: +52 55 5283 9460 
Email: nzmexico@mfat.govt.nz  

Customs

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can go a long way when interacting with locals. Be patient and embrace the relaxed pace of life known as Tico Time 

Costa Rica is generally conservative, especially in rural areas and at religious sites. Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting these places. Swimwear is acceptable on beaches and at resorts only. While Costa Ricans (Ticos) are affectionate, they prefer subtlety in public displays of affection.  

It’s customary to say "gracias" after sipping a drink to acknowledge your host’s hospitality. Leaving food on your plate is considered rude as it implies you didn’t enjoy your meal.  

Costa Rica places a high value on its natural environment. Respect wildlife by keeping your distance, not feeding animals, and following park rules. Embrace sustainable practices such as using trails, not leaving rubbish behind and conserving water and electricity.

Electricity

Electrical Socket types: A and B

Voltage: 120V, 60Hz 

Health

Malaria is a serious risk in Limon, Punta Arenas and near the border with Panama. Speak to your doctor about anti-malaria medication if travelling to this area.  

Zika virus is widespread in Costa Rica. The risk of contracting other insect-borne illnesses increases in the wet season from April to November. To protect yourself from insect-borne disease: 

  • make sure your accommodation is insect-proof 
  • use insect repellent 
  • wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing 
  • consider taking medicine to prevent malaria. 

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Many illnesses can be caused by eating contaminated food or drinks. To protect yourself from illness: 

  • boil drinking water or drink water from a sealed bottle 
  • avoid ice cubes 
  • avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads 
  • avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming, bathing, showering, etc 

For further information, visit: 

Costa Rica Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | Costa Rica (New Zealand)

How to Get There & Getting Around

The main international airports in Costa Rica are Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Domestic airlines like Sansa and Nature Air fly between major cities and tourist destinations, saving time on long journeys. 

 

Buses are the most economical way to travel around Costa Rica. They connect most towns and cities, though they can be slow. Directo buses offer faster travel compared to collectivo buses, which stop frequently. Taxis are available in cities and towns. Ensure the taxi has a meter or agree on your fare before setting off. Uber is available in San José. 

Holidays & Festivals

  • Semana Santa (Holy Week): Occurs the week before Easter. It is one of the most important religious celebrations, with processions, reenactments of the Passion of Christ, with most businesses closing. 
  • Juan Santamaría Day (April 11): Honours the national hero Juan Santamaría, who played a key role in the Battle of Rivas in 1856. 
  • Labor Day (May 1): Known as Día de los Trabajadores, it celebrates workers with parades and public events. 
  • Virgen de Los Angeles Day (August 2): A religious holiday honouring Costa Rica's patron saint, La Negrita. Thousands of pilgrims walk to the Basilica in Cartago to pay their respects. 
  • Independence Day (September 15): Marks Costa Rica's independence from Spain in 1821. 

Language

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. 

Money, Tipping & Shopping

The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. However, it's advisable to carry some colones for smaller purchases and when travelling in rural areas. 

Tipping is appreciated in Costa Rica, especially when you’ve received good service. Tips can be given in either colones or US Dollars. A 10% service charge is usually included on restaurant bills by law, but an additional tip for excellent service is welcomed. Tip hotel porters the equivalent of US$1-2 per bag and tip your tour guide US$10-20 per day and drivers US$5-10 per day, depending on the service and length of the tour. 

Popular markets for souvenir shopping include the Mercado Central in San José and the Mercado de Artesanias. Popular items include: 

  • Costa Rican coffee, renowned for its high quality because of the country's volcanic soil. Popular brands include Tarrazú and Tres Ríos. 
  • A traditional Costa Rican coffee maker made from a wooden stand and a cloth filter (bolsita). 
  • Colourful, hand-carved masks made by the indigenous Boruca people used during traditional festivals. 
  • Costa Rican chocolate is made from locally grown cacao and is known for its rich flavour.  
  • Simple, colourful bracelets that embody the "Pura Vida" lifestyle, which means "pure life" reflecting the Costa Rican way of living.

Visas

The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

 

Australians and New Zealanders can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourist purposes for stays of up to 180 days.  

 

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact the Embassy of Costa Rica for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules. 

 
For further information, visit: 

Costa Rica Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

Safe Travel NZ | Costa Rica (New Zealand)

 

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