The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
Costa RicaA little local knowledge.
Experience breathtaking rainforests, exotic wildlife, and world-class surf in the land of Pura Vida.
Tap water is safe to drink in most urban areas.
Ambulance (Cruz Roja): 128
Costa Rican Colón
Exercise Increased Caution
Essential Etiquette in Costa Rica
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Snakebite awareness
Costa Rica has multiple venomous snake species, with the fer-de-lance (terciopelo) being the most dangerous — the leading cause of snakebite in the country. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants in forest areas. Watch where you put your hands and feet. Never reach under logs or into dense vegetation without looking first.
Never touch wildlife
Costa Rica's biodiversity is extraordinary — monkeys, sloths, toucans, and poison dart frogs are encountered regularly. Never touch or feed wild animals. Feeding wildlife disrupts their natural diet and behavior. Poisonous frogs are brightly colored for a reason.
Rip currents are a serious hazard
Costa Rica's Pacific beaches — particularly those in Guanacaste and the Southern Zone — have powerful surf and dangerous rip currents. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental tourist death in Costa Rica. Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and always check surf conditions. If caught in a rip, swim parallel to shore, not against the current.
Leave no trace in national parks
Costa Rica's national parks cover over 25% of the country and are seriously protected. Never take plants, animals, or rocks. Pack out all trash. Stay on marked trails. Feeding park animals is prohibited and can result in fines.
Essential Spanish Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Sorry / Excuse me"
"Please"
Take all 66 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Tap water is drinkable
Tap water: GENERALLY SAFE in most urban areas (San José, Central Valley, major tourist areas). Costa Rica has among the best water infrastructure in Central America. However, in remote rural areas and some Pacific coastal towns, water quality can be variable. Bottled water is widely available if uncertain. Ice in restaurants is generally made from purified water.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Well-stocked in urban areas. Farmacia chains (Farmacia Santa Lucía, Farmacia San José) widely available. Many prescription medications available over the counter at reputable pharmacies. Work with established pharmacies to ensure quality and authenticity of medications.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Costa Rica
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Costa Rica.
Uber
Uber is the safest and most transparent way to get around San José and Costa Rica's Central Valley. Upfront pricing, GPS tracking, and cashless payment eliminate the risk of taxi overcharging that is common with unlicensed or unofficial taxis in the capital. Note: Uber operates in a regulatory grey area in Costa Rica — official orange taxis are the legal alternative.
WhatsApp is the primary communication platform in Costa Rica — used by virtually everyone including hotels, tour operators, private shuttle drivers, surf instructors, and local guides. In Costa Rica, sharing your WhatsApp is the standard way to arrange any service. Set it up before arriving.
Interbus
Interbus is Costa Rica's premier private tourist shuttle service — comfortable minivans connecting all major tourist destinations including San José, La Fortuna (Arenal), Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, and the Osa Peninsula. Far more comfortable and reliable than public buses, with hotel pick-up and drop-off. The safest way to travel between tourist destinations.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy San José
Calle 98, Vía 104, Pavas, San José, Costa Rica
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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