Essential Travel Information for Costa Rica | Costa Rica Travel Tips
Language: The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. English is widely spoken in hotels, tourist areas, and popular destinations such as San José, Manuel Antonio, and Guanacaste.
Currency: Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican Colón (CRC) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is recommended for taxis, national park fees, and smaller towns.
Passport Validity: Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Costa Rica and have at least one blank page for entry stamps.
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Proof of onward travel may be requested upon entry.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Costa Rica travel, especially for adventure activities, rainforest excursions, wildlife tours, and beach vacations. Coverage should include medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and trip interruption.
Electrical System: Costa Rica uses Type A and B plugs with a 120V / 60Hz electrical system. Travelers from the U.S. generally do not need a voltage converter but may need a plug adapter for some devices.
