3:38 pm
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Weather in Costa Rica
Costa Rica
29°
Fog
Sun
13
29
Mon
14
29
Tue
15
28
Wed
15
28
Thu
15
27
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.
Transportation in Costa Rica
Tipping in Costa Rica
Tipping is appreciated in Costa Rica for good service, but it's not always expected. Many establishments already include a service charge. Check your bill before adding a tip.
Restaurant
10% if a service charge (usually 10%) is not already included. Check the bill.
Bar/Café
A few coins for good service, especially if there's no service charge.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, but not required.
Hotel Porter
500-1000 CRC per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
1000-2000 CRC per night
Tour Guide
10% of the tour price for a good tour.
Safety & security in Costa Rica
Tips for British travellers
Costa Rica is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be vigilant of pickpockets and watch your wallets and valuables when on the beach.
Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or remote areas at night due to muggings and armed robberies.
Do not stop your hire car for strangers signalling for help as they could be carjackers.
Avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars as there have been reports of spiked drinks leading to assault and theft.
Take care when buying cheap local spirits like vodka or guaro due to risks of methanol poisoning.
Bonus tips:
Avoid leaving luggage in a parked car, even in the boot, to prevent theft.
Do not get involved with drugs as possession carries a minimum 8-year prison sentence.
Driving in Costa Rica
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
40 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
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major establishments, hotels, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Smaller businesses may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
ATMs in Costa Rica
ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist areas, but less common in rural locations. Always have some cash on hand.
Local name
Cajero automático
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Most ATMs accept international cards. Be aware of potential transaction fees from both your bank and the local ATM.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU roaming regulations no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Costa Rica, as they can be significant. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 6000 CRC (~£9)
Network coverage
4G, LTE, 5G (limited availability)
Local carriers
Kolbi, Claro, Liberty
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes, especially in tourist areas. Quality can vary.
Average speed
25 Mbps
While WiFi is generally available, speeds can be slower than you might be used to in the UK. Consider a local SIM for more reliable connectivity.
Health & vaccinations
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as healthcare in Costa Rica can be expensive. Check your policy details carefully and carry a copy with you.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Hepatitis A
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria precautions. Dengue fever and Zika virus are present, so take measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and staying in accommodations with mosquito screens or air conditioning. Drink bottled water to avoid 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, dial 00 506 2258 2025.
The country code for Costa Rica is 506. When calling from abroad, use your country's exit code followed by 506 and the local number. No area codes are needed within Costa Rica.
UK Embassy in Costa Rica
British Embassy San José
Edificio Centro Colon, Piso 11, San José, Costa Rica
Airports in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions about Costa Rica
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.