What is the climate like in Costa Rica?

In the Central Valley the average temperature is 22°C (72°F) year-round. Coastal areas are hotter and more humid. The rainy season runs May to November, the dry season December to April. July and August bring a mid-season dry spell called the Veranillo.

What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The official currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. ATMs are available in cities and most tourist towns.

What are the entry requirements for Costa Rica?

Most nationalities including US, UK, Canada, and EU citizens can enter Costa Rica visa-free for up to 180 days. A valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds are required. Entry requirements can change — check with your embassy before travel.

How much should I tip in Costa Rica?

Restaurant bills include a 10% service charge. For guides, $2–$10 per person per day is standard depending on the service. Airport transfer guides: $2 per person. Full-time drivers: $1–$5 per person per day. Tipping is discretionary.

What payment methods are accepted in Costa Rica?

Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. Cash in Costa Rican colones or US dollars works in most tourist areas. Contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Wallet are widely accepted. AmEx is accepted at fewer locations.

FAQ

Costa Rica Travel Questions, Answered

Whether you’re ready to start planning or still have a few questions, we’re here to help. Explore our FAQs or reach out directly to get the support you need.

Ask a Question Plan Your Experience

In the Central Valley, where the main centers of population are located, the average temperature is 22°C (72°F) and the region enjoys a spring-like climate year-round.

In the coastal areas, the temperature is much hotter and humid, while the Pacific Northwest can be extremely hot and dry.
The rainy season starts in May and finishes in November, although there are distinct regional variations. June and July are the raniest months, particularly on the Caribbean side, but the season can run from May until December.
The ‘warm’ dry season is December to May, though temperature differences between summer and winter are slight.
March is the height of the dry season, and the humidity is lower at this time, making this a popular time to come visit.

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC, symbol ₡). In tourist areas, U.S. dollars (USD) are also widely accepted, but you’ll usually receive change in colones and local prices are often better when you pay in CRC.

Practical tips (money & payments)

ATMs: Available in cities and most tourist towns; withdraw in colones for the best rate. Some bank ATMs also dispense USD.

Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; AmEx is accepted at fewer places. Keep small cash (₡1,000–₡5,000 notes) for markets, tolls, parking, tips, and rural shops.

Exchange rate: The colón is on a floating rate—check the Banco Central de Costa Rica or your bank app for the current rate before you pay or withdraw.

Where to exchange: ATMs or banks typically beat hotel desks and airport kiosks. Avoid street exchanges.

Tipping is your decision and how much you tip is completely up to you, although, we have put together some recommendations we know travelers appreciate.

WHEN AND HOW MUCH TO TIP?

This is the big question and a difficult one. However, as travelers ourselves, we are faced with the same tipping questions you are. Here is what we use as our own guideline, giving lesser or greater amounts – or no tip at all – based on the added value in service, we feel we have received.

• Airport transfer guide: $2.00 per person.

• Local day tour guides: $2.00 – $5.00 per person, per day.

• Full-time driver throughout your itinerary: $1.00 – $5.00 person per day.

• Full-time guide accompanying the tour: $2.00 – $10.00 per person, per day.

RESTAURANTS & LODGES

All restaurant bills in Costa Rica add a 10% gratuity service charge. So, your restaurant tip is covered.

TOUR LEADER, GUIDE AND DRIVER

When you reserve the services of tour guides and drivers, you know how important they are for having a better journey. So it is up to you to decide how much to tip.

Costa Rica accepts credit/debit cards (Visa & Mastercard widely, AmEx improving), cash in Costa Rican colones (CRC), and U.S. dollars (USD) in most tourist areas. Contactless (“tap to pay”), Apple Pay, and Google Wallet are accepted everywhere. SINPE Móvil (local bank-to-bank transfers) is for residents with local bank accounts.

Cards: Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere; American Express acceptance is growing as Costa Rica’s Central Bank expanded terminal interoperability for AmEx, Mastercard, and Visa (July 2025). Smaller shops may still be card-limited.

ATMs: Widely available; withdraw in colones (best rate). Some ATMs also dispense USD—look for the on-screen currency option.

When you’ll want cash: Rural sodas (diners), roadside stands, parking/tips, some small tours, and certain toll booths. On Route 27 many booths accept cards, but carrying small CRC bills is still smart.

Costa Rica uses Type A and Type B sockets (the same flat-blade plugs used in the USA/Canada), with 120 V and 60 Hz power. Travelers from the U.S. and Canada usually don’t need an adapter; visitors from the UK/EU/most of the world will need a Type A/B adapter.

Voltage & frequency: 120 V, 60 Hz. If your device is dual-voltage (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) you only need a plug adapter; single-voltage 220–240 V devices may require a voltage converter/transformer.

Pack light, breathable layers, a rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, strong sun protection (hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen), closed-toe walking/hiking shoes, water shoes or sandals, and a swimsuit. Add a light sweater/fleece for cool highlands and long sleeves/pants for bugs at dawn/dusk.

Most travelers can enter visa-free and stay up to 180 days (final length is set by the immigration officer). You need a valid passport (for your stay), proof of onward/return travel, and may be asked to show financial means (about US$100 per month of stay). A yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required only if arriving from risk-countries in South America or Africa. A US$29 exit tax is charged when departing (usually included in your airfare).

Tourists bringing non-Costa Rican minors generally need only standard travel documents.

If carrying US$10,000 or more (or equivalent) in cash/monetary instruments, you must declare it on arrival/departure (Law 8204).

To enter Costa Rica, there are no mandatory vaccinations except the International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever if you are arriving from (or have recently been in) countries or areas with risk of transmission. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before entry, and the certificate is valid for life.