FAQs About Costa Rica

If you use currency other than the USD in your home country, we highly suggest exchanging before arrival for USD and/or CRC.

Your bank may need extra time to provide CRC since it is not as common as some other currencies, please plan ahead and give your bank sufficient time to exchange.

Acceptance of currencies other than the local CRC or USD is not common outside of banks in Costa Rica.

Exchanging in advance of your trip at your local bank is a good idea, especially if you don't speak Spanish and/or don't want to use ATMs.

Once in Costa Rica, the best exchange rates are:

• Inside local banks (Spanish is helpful, passport is required, limits vary, they may not accept all currencies).  
• You can also pay with USD and receive CRC as change with decent rates from most private businesses including supermarkets, restaurants, and stores (be advised, there is no federally mandated exchange rate since USD is NOT an official currency and therefore companies are allowed to exchange at any rate they choose).

The worst place to exchange money in Costa Rica:

• At the airport;  They offer rates far below market rates (which is how they offer "better" rates for exchanging higher quantities of cash).

It's always good to check the market rate (Google it) and ask the exchange rate being provided before exchanging money, but remember, you can avoid this dilemma altogether by arriving with CRC OR using an ATM in Costa Rica to take out money in the local currency!

The correct answer is: it depends!  The following  factors may impact the correct answer:

• how long you're staying, 
• what vacation budget level you're planning for, and
• what is included already in your pre-paid expenses, as well as
• if you have access to credit cards/ATM cards so you don't have to carry cash.  

The following are some generic prices, but keep in mind that most of these are covered in any of our Costa Rica Vacation Packages and when you Build Your Own Trip to Costa Rica with a team of local experts!  The biggest outside factor from those tends to be souvenirs, tip money & meals (again, package-dependent).

• $15-60 per person/night for lodging (can be higher based on your requirements, location, time of year, and amenities)
• at least $20 for any transport via public bus (and a LOT of time) *price may be lower, but we overestimate to avoid falling short
• at least $10-20 for each meal that isn't already included in your stay/activities (and make sure you're near a town where there are options because budget options are not readily available everywhere so you may have to search) or Build Your Own Trip option to get our expert assistance to stay on budget with ease.

• $50-$200 per person/night (this varies greatly based on the number of travelers, type of accommodation, location, time of year you're traveling AND how far in advance you book) We suggest contacting us as soon as you're ready to start planning to get the best prices and availability!
• at least $50-150 per person for long range travel (it can be higher if you are solo-traveling and choose private transfers)
• $50-100/day per person (for 2-3 meals per day with drinks and souvenirs).  Where you visit & stay affect pricing.  Contacting us early in the planning process and making budget issues clear from the first call will help keep you on target!

• Anyone can find 5 Star Options, but we offer you 5 star planning and service to go along with it!  Many of our guests looking for luxury have found it far from where their friends had suggested, because their adventurous appetite and surf-savvy required more than what the status quo offers.  Let us guide you to the true luxury option that fits your specific needs. 
• We offer private transport by private car/van/bus, boat, plane, and helicopter and the price varies depending on the option(s) you choose for each transfer.
• While not all of the best things in life will cost your most prized possessions - some of our favorites are the local spots that will fill your belly and leave you wanting more - we, of course offer the full spectrum including excellent and professional in-home chef services, top tier restaurants, food delivery, private dinners, and more!  Your wish is our command and price varies based on your taste.  

The easy answer is: Yes, but the truth is that cards are not universally accepted everywhere so it's also a good idea to have some cash on hand and also to ask before you order (at restaurants or stores, for example).

For either option,

• Don't forget to notify your bank that you are traveling before you leave your home country so you don't have any issues.
• Always review your statements to be sure they are all authorized payments.  If you notice anything you don't recognize, contact your bank immediately.
• Some establishments in Costa Rica charge extra to receive payments by card.
• Some banks charge fees for international use

Notes on using a Credit Card in Costa Rica:

• Most places that accept cards take Visa and Mastercard.  Discover and American Express are hit or miss. 

Notes on using a Debit Card in Costa Rica:

• Historically, debit cards are less secure than credit cards because they are directly linked to your bank account so once money is removed illegally many bank policies will not replace that lost money.  We advise limiting or avoiding debit card use to avoid hacks and illegal use of your cards.

Yes, there are ATMs in Costa Rica!  Access to them will depend on which area(s) you are visiting.  Some towns have multiple full service banks and ATMs, while others have neither banks NOR ATMs.  Our local experts can help you out with these details when you plan a trip to Costa Rica with us to make sure you're covered financially no matter where you want to visit!  

Safety with ATMs is questionable around the world, so we suggest using caution when using ATMs no matter where you use them.

Here are some safety suggestions for using ATMs in Costa Rica (whenever possible):

• Visit ATMs during daytime hours
• Always put your money away before leaving the machine
• Put your money/cards in separate places on your person and/or in your bag or purse
• Visit the ATMs with a "lookout" who can watch your back/the door/help shield your passcode
• Always shield your passcode when using ATMs
• Always review your statements for charges and usage that you don't recognize (we say ALWAYS because we have seen cases where information was stolen and used later when someone had been back in their home country already for months, so this is a practice we recommend no matter where you visit if you use credit or debit cards).
• Do not flash money around (even when not at ATMs) as this can draw attention to you and create unwanted interest

Contrary to what some bloggers and tourism publications say, TIPPING IS NORMAL, ENCOURAGED AND EXPECTED in Costa Rica.

Before we continue, let us start by saying GRACIAS for caring enough to find out and take care of your service providers!  

Tipping in Costa Rica is common practice for most services including, but not limited to the following:

• activity guides
• activity instructors
• maid/cleaning service
• restaurant / bar service
• long distance transport service
• photography/videography service
• and more, including ANYONE who gives you great service!

• in the range of $10-100 per person per activity is an appropriate amount.  The range varies based on the level of service and time involved:  for a brief activity with little interaction, or a big group, for example, you may tip $10-20 per person.  Whereas for a full day tour with lots of interaction and information from your guide or boat captain/crew - anywhere from $50-100 per person is a reasonable range.

• As per usual, there is a range and it depends on the size of the space being cleaned.  Keep in mind cleaning service pays very low wages in general, so $5-10/day for a standard hotel room or $25-50/day for a full house/apartment or $50-100+/day tip for a larger complex or luxury villa is a major help to your provider for their hard work to keep your place neat, tidy, and clean.
• Cleaning staff are usually very hard-working, honest, and friendly but they are used to being ignored by guests.  Say "hola" when you see them around - it makes them feel seen and appreciated.

Tips at restaurants / bars in Costa Rica

• 15-20% ON TOP OF THE FINAL BILL (see our blog post "understanding the restaurant bill in Costa Rica" for a detailed explanation of some hang-ups and misconceptions about restaurant bills and "service fees")

Tips for long distance travel in Costa Rica

• Short rides (less than 10-15 minutes) traditionally do not get tips - but, again, no one in Costa Rica is going to refuse a tip if you feel so inclined for great service!
• Mid-length rides (1-2 hours) like airport service transfers it is appropriate to tip $10-20 per person or around $50 total, depending on how many people are being transported.
• Long distance rides (2+ hours) you should definitely consider that these drivers almost always have to return where they came from; if a driver takes you 6 hours one direction, it's actually a 12 hour trip for them.  When you recognize the reality of it, you're likely to recognize a bigger tip really is well-deserved.  $20-$50 per person is totally reasonable and will be well-received!

Tips for photography / videography in Costa Rica

• for a traditional photo package, $20-50 tip
• photography/videography combo or special service (drone/in-water), $50-100 tip
• for photo package or edited videos for personal or commercial use, tipping $100-500 (depending on the quantity and quality of deliverables) is justified

Most pricing in Costa Rica is not negotiable.

Bargaining is not a common practice at stores and restaurants (you will notice that most things have pricing labels).

Some street vendors (specifically roaming vendors selling knick-knacks on the beach, for example) may give you a deal if you purchase a larger quantity than the standard sale, like multiple bracelets instead of just one.

Costa Ricans are generally very friendly and passive people.  Many of us depend on tourism for a living, so we are looking out for you during your travels.  There are a few things that do upset Costa Ricans that can easily be avoided if you know what they are:

• Please don't complain about "how expensive things are" - the cost of living for locals has skyrocketed due to gentrification by foreign people who come to stay long term or even move to Costa Rica.  The locals KNOW it is expensive, and we make a LOT less money than most visitors but have to pay the same prices to exist.  We are systematically being priced out of our own communities so comments like this are very offensive.
• Please don't talk about foreigners being "locals."  Locals, to us, are the native Costa Ricans whose ancestors have been living on the land for decades if not centuries (or longer).  Locals are the stewards of the communities and nature that people come from around the world to see firsthand.  Many of us are descendants of the various indigenous tribes in the region.  It is offensive when people move here and call themselves or sell their services as "local."  We lack a word other than "native" which is a term we most often use to refer to our indigenous people but now also occasionally use it to distinguish ourselves from those mis-appropriating the term "local."
• Please don't tell everyone you talk to that you want to move here on your very first visit - we are struggling with gentrification and we love to host visitors and share our culture and natural wonders but the financial and cultural impacts of "expats" are very stressful and this may even make Costa Ricans uncomfortable or upset.  We are not against immigration, we know you mean to say that you really love what you are experiencing in comparison to your daily life back home and you mean well!  Most of our guests are respectful and genuinely interested in blending with and supporting local communities - which is how they find us in the first place - but we ask that you take the time to get to know our country and communities first to avoid becoming part of the massive problem we face with people who do not notice, care about or acknowledge their negative impacts.  We have enough of those people already.
• Please refer to "expats" with the accurate term which is "immigrants" - "expat" is an English language term that started being used by people who consider themselves to be from more developed nations (which, inherently, suggests we are a less developed nation).  The term usage aims to distinguish immigrants as privileged - and stands in stark contrast with those often demonized in the countries they are originally from.  Those demonized elsewhere include Costa Rican immigrants.  For this reason, we prefer to use the same term for ALL immigrants; it is both educational and politically correct.
• Please don't be disrespectful.  "Respect the locals" is rule #1 of surfing throughout the world and we believe it applies both in and out of the water: respect local people - you are a guest and we are opening our home to you.
• Please don't get mad if we don't speak or understand your language (or if we don't speak perfect English).  Our native language is Spanish (or a tribal language).  In some areas we may also speak English and/or patois while growing up. and we do our best to be accommodating but please remember you are in our home and we come in contact with a lot of different language speakers and accents and it can be confusing and difficult sometimes.  Remember, instead of getting frustrated with us, you can also make an effort to communicate with us in a way that is easier for us - the way you probably expect others to do in your home country - or use technology or apps that can assist us all to communicate better!  A smile, patience, and understanding go a LONG way in helping you get what you need!
• Please don't refer to Costa Rica as "third world" - or ANY world for that matter.  "First, second, and third world" are  terms that refer to allyship during the Cold War.  They have since been skewed to align with "development" or lack thereof but are arbitrary/lack any critical markers and are therefore generally considered offensive.  Plus, we don't have a military, and name-calling entire nations infrastructure based on outdated/mutated war terms is weird, don't you agree?

When entering someone else's home, kitchen, office, or private area from a public area, it is traditional to say "con permiso" (KOHN per-MEE-so) which means "with permission."  It is a small, but meaningful phrase and gesture that let's people know you are asking for permission and recognizing the space as special and acknowledging your presence as a guest.  While no one will expect you to use it, it is a great thing to know if you want to show off your knowledge and respect when you visit! 

A typical response you may hear is "pase" (PAH-say) meaning "pass" or "come in."  You may also hear "adelante" (ah-day-LAHN-tay) meaning "(come) forward" or "propio" (PRO-pee-oh) meaning "yours/your own" and signifying you are welcome into the space as if it were "your own."

Costa Rica is one of few countries in Latin America where it is considered safe to drink the tap water.

• As of 2007, over 80% of the population in Costa Rica was supplied with potable drinking water
• Since not ALL locations have potable water, it is never a bad idea to ask at check-in if the local water or faucet water is safe to drink in the area where you are staying in Costa Rica
• If you notice more frequent bowel movements, before you blame the water, consider that Costa Rican food is also much cleaner (less hormones, less preservatives, fresher ingredients) than in many places where people visit us from.  So many people notice their stomach actually regulates better in Costa Rica - and most attribute the difference to the food, not the water.
• If you get sick in Costa Rica, revert to bottled water and seek medical attention to determine the root cause.

Costa Rica uses Type A and Type B outlets and typically with 110–120 volt, 60 cycle electricity

Type A is 2 flat prongs and is not grounded.

Other countries that use Type A (alphabetical):

• American Samoa
• Anguilla
• Antigua
• Aruba
• Bahamas
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Cambodia
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• China (without holes in blades and slightly shorter blades)
• Colombia
• Costa Rica (that's us!)
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Guam
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Liberia
• Maldives
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Montserrat
• Netherlands Antilles
• Nicaragua
• Niger
• Okinawa
• Panama
• Peru
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• St. Vincent
• Saudi Arabia
• Tahiti
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• United States
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Virgin Islands (U.S.& British)
• Yemen

Type B is 2 flat prongs PLUS a ground/Earth prong

Other countries that use Type B (alphabetical):

• American Samoa
• Anguilla
• Antigua
• Aruba
• Bahamas
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Brazil
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• Colombia
• Costa Rica (that's us!)
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Guam
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Jamaica
• Japan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Liberia
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Montserrat
• Netherlands Antilles
• Niger
• Okinawa
• Palmyra Atoll
• Panama
• Peru
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Saudi Arabia
• Tahiti
• Taiwan
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• United States of America
• Venezuela
• Virgin Islands

Costa Rica is one of the safest and most tourist-friendly nations in Latin America.  HOWEVER, like anywhere, there are good and bad areas, good and bad people, and situations to avoid that can maximize the chances of avoiding any uncomfortable or unsafe situations.  Not only do we make sure to provide properties considered safe to our guests, but we also provide a safety information list of recommendations for all confirmed guests of our Costa Rica surf camps, Costa Rica Vacation Packages, and Custom Costa Rica Vacations  to make sure you are prepared and aware of how to stay safe throughout your journey and offer 24/7 in-country support to our guests.

You do not have to speak Spanish in order to travel with us!

Our native language is Spanish but some areas of the country are also raised bilingual with an indigenous language, patois, English, or a combination.  The inclusion of English in schools as well as interactions over the past few decades have also led to many bilingual Costa Ricans in the younger to middle-aged crowd, although you may still find it difficult to communicate in languages, other than the native Spanish, with members of an older generation.  Our providers are all Costa Rican and therefore everyone will speak Spanish in case you want to practice your skills, and most of them also speak English (including all surf instructors and most of our transport team, as well as most staff at lodging) so you do not have to speak Spanish in order to travel with us!

If you are feeling self-conscious about it - we highly recommend using any of the basics like:

• hola (OH-lah) - Hello
• buenos dias (BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs) - good morning
• buenas noches (BWEH-nahs NO-chays) - good night
• por favor (pohr fah-VOR) - please
• gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - thank you

This can also show people that you are recognizing them as best as you can (without setting you up for an entire conversation and leaving you in an awkward position)!  While people won't be mad if you say these in English, speaking our language for these basic and major respectful words and phrases, show reverence for the local people doing our best to serve you by showing you are making an effort!  There are not many on this list, so we recommend getting comfortable with them and using them!  The more you use them, the more comfortable you will be!

We also offer 24/7, bilingual, in country emergency support in the case that you run into any major issues in need of immediate assistance.  We are here to help make sure our guests have an epic time, but also ensure that it is a safe, fun, and stress-free time!

Costa Rica has many micro-climates and seasons so you may need some different clothing or gear depending  on where you plan to visit and when.  There are also plenty of stores in most places where you can get basic vacation-centric items like bug spray and sunscreen that you may not want to carry and/or that can't go in carry-on luggage if you are traveling light.

We provide a Costa Rica Packing List with all of the general recommendations to help you get organized.  This is sent out to all confirmed guests of our Costa Rica surf camps, Costa Rica Vacation Packages, and Custom Costa Rica Vacations  to make sure you are prepared and that you don't forget anything important when packing for your trip!  We also provide a detailed itinerary for guests which includes a note on "what to wear, bring, and expect" for each activity on your itinerary!

All equipment necessary for surf lessons and activities are included, though some guests may prefer to bring/wear specific clothing or footwear for specific activities o locations on their trip and should refer to the itinerary to make sure they have what they need!