Saily eSIM for Costa Rica
Skip roaming fees with Saily, our partner eSIM provider. Use code ATOBEACH for 10% off.
Plans start at $7.19 for 1GB, valid for 7 days.
Activates when you land 200+ destinations Code ATOBEACH at checkout
5,424 mi away
£1 CRC 599.96
Today
9:03 pm
-6h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
27°
Light drizzle
Wed
18°
27°
Thu
17°
27°
Fri
19°
28°
Sat
20°
27°
Sun
18°
27°
Mon
17°
29°
Tue
20°
28°
SPF level in Costa Rica
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Costa Rica
What British travellers need to know
You can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver, though the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 1 day after the day you plan to leave Costa Rica.
If you overstay, the immigration authorities can fine you 100 US dollars for each month and refuse future applications to enter Costa Rica.
When leaving the country by air, you may need to pay a departure tax of 29 US dollars, though most airlines include this in ticket prices.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Costa Rica, and you must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Good to know:
If you are carrying cash, travellers cheques, or goods with a total value of 10,000 US dollars or more, you must declare it on arrival to get a certified declaration to avoid seizure when leaving.
You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Safety in Costa Rica
Tips when travelling
Costa Rica is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep a close eye on your wallet and valuables while on the beach.
Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars due to risks of spiked drinks.
Always carry a form of ID, such as a passport copy.
Be extremely cautious when buying local spirits like vodka or 'guaro' due to methanol poisoning risks.
Be aware of strong rip currents when swimming, as many beaches lack lifeguards.
Bonus tips:
Use only official red or orange taxis with clear company identification and a meter.
Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or remote areas at night.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Costa Rica
A UK driving license is valid for tourists. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Costa Rica drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Costa Rica
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation. Check that your policy covers adventure activities if you plan to participate in them, such as zip-lining or white-water rafting. You will need to prove you have sufficient insurance to cover your stay if requested by immigration. The GHIC/EHIC card is not valid in Costa Rica.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria are present in Costa Rica. Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers, and sleep under a mosquito net if possible, especially during dawn and dusk. Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks to prevent stomach upsets.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants. However, smaller establishments may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +14105819994
Tipping in Costa Rica
Tipping is customary in Costa Rica for good service. While not mandatory, it's a common way to show appreciation in the service industry.
Restaurant
10% is typically added to the bill automatically. Check your bill; if it's not added, you can tip 10-15% for good service.
Bar/Café
Small change or up to 10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
Taxi
Tipping taxi drivers is not customary, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
1000-2000 CRC per bag is customary.
Hotel Housekeeper
1000-2000 CRC per night is a kind gesture, especially for longer stays or exceptional service.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price is a reasonable tip, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Costa Rica, as they can be significant. It's often cheaper to purchase a local SIM card if you plan to use your phone extensively.
Local SIM
5 GB for 8000 CRC (~£10)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, LTE
Electrical in Costa Rica
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in tourist areas. However, the quality and speed can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
While WiFi is accessible, relying solely on it may be limiting in more remote regions. Consider a local SIM card or portable WiFi device for more reliable connectivity, particularly if you need consistent access to internet services.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Costa Rica
Country code
+506
To call the British Embassy in San José from the UK, you would dial 00 506 2258 2025.
The country code for Costa Rica is 506. When calling Costa Rican numbers from abroad, remember to include the country code. Local numbers are typically eight digits long.
Languages in Costa Rica
UK Embassy
British Embassy San José
Edificio Centro Colón, Piso 11, Paseo Colón, San José, Costa Rica
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Costa Rica
Beaches in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions
British citizens do not usually require a visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. It's always best to check the most up-to-date requirements with the Costa Rican embassy before you travel.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to April. During this time, you can expect sunny skies and lower rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the beaches and rainforests. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
In general, tap water is considered safe to drink in most urban areas of Costa Rica. However, it's recommended to drink bottled or boiled water, especially in rural areas, to avoid potential stomach upsets. Many hotels and restaurants provide purified water for their guests.
The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). US dollars are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. It's a good idea to carry a mix of both currencies. Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments, but it is useful to have cash for smaller purchases and in more rural areas.
Like any tourist destination, Costa Rica has its share of scams. Be wary of unofficial taxi drivers, and always agree on a fare beforehand. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering assistance, as they may be trying to distract you. If renting a car, thoroughly inspect it for pre-existing damage and take photos as evidence.
Costa Rican cuisine is generally mild and relies heavily on fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, and beans. A typical dish is 'gallo pinto' (rice and beans), often eaten for breakfast. 'Casado' is a common lunch option consisting of rice, beans, meat, salad, and plantains. Fresh seafood is also abundant, particularly along the coasts.
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season (mid-December to April) is characterized by sunshine and little rain, mainly in the Pacific coast, whilst the wet season (May to November) brings increased rainfall, especially in the afternoons. Temperatures are generally warm and humid year-round.
Costa Rica is known for its incredible biodiversity, and you can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife. Common sightings include monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, and a myriad of colourful birds. In certain areas, you may also spot crocodiles, sea turtles, and various species of frogs. National parks and reserves are excellent places for wildlife viewing.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.