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Today
10:02 pm
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Weather in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
29°
Overcast
Wed
20
29
Thu
19
31
Fri
18
29
Sat
19
30
Sun
21
29
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.
Getting around Costa Rica
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.
Safety in Costa Rica
Tips for British travellers
Costa Rica is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Muggings and theft are common, especially on the Atlantic coast, so be vigilant in crowded areas and when using ATMs.
When on the beach, watch your wallet and valuables closely to prevent theft.
Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars as there have been reports of spiked drinks leading to assault and theft.
As a foreigner, you must carry identification such as a passport, with a printed copy usually accepted by police.
Rip currents are very common on beaches, there are often no lifeguards, and drownings are a leading cause of accidental death.
Bonus tips:
Take care when buying spirit-based drinks as there have been deaths and serious illnesses caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol.
Use only official red (or orange at the airport) taxis with a visible company ID and meter, and avoid unofficial 'taxi piratas'.
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.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Costa Rica
Voltage
120V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Costa Rica uses 120V electricity. Plugs are Type A and Type B. UK travelers will need an adapter.
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
ATMs in Costa Rica
ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural areas. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially when traveling outside major towns.
Local name
Cajero automático
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most ATMs accept international cards, but it's always a good idea to check with your bank beforehand. Be aware of potential transaction fees.
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 data package
5 GB for 8000 CRC (~£10)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, LTE
Local carriers
Kolbi, Claro, Movistar
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.
Health & vaccinations 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.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
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.
Calling Costa Rica
Country code
+506
To call Costa Rica from the UK, dial 00 506 followed by the local number.
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.
UK Embassy in Costa Rica
British Embassy San José
Edificio Centro Colón, Piso 11, Paseo Colón, San José, Costa Rica
Airports in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions
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.