Costa Rica

• Rental car break-ins at popular beach destinations and national park parking areas are extremely common, with thieves targeting vehicles with tourist rental plates. Never leave anything visible in your car, including bags, electronics, or even seemingly worthless items. Use hotel safes for valuables and pack only what you need for day trips. Consider staying at accommodations with secure parking and always lock your vehicle.
• Airport taxi overcharging is prevalent, with unofficial drivers approaching tourists with inflated fixed rates. Use only official orange taxis with working meters (maria), pre-arranged hotel transportation, or ride-sharing apps like Uber where available. Official taxis should use meters for trips within San José, though longer distances may have negotiated rates. Agree on the fare before departing if the meter isn't used.
• Timeshare and vacation club presentations are aggressively marketed at tourist hotspots, offering free tours, meals, or gifts in exchange for attending high-pressure sales presentations that can last hours. These are legal but time-consuming and designed to pressure you into expensive commitments. Politely decline unless you're genuinely interested in purchasing property or vacation packages.

• Costa Rica boasts excellent healthcare with universal coverage for residents and high-quality private hospitals serving international patients. Major hospitals in San José like Hospital Clínica Bíblica and Hospital CIMA are internationally accredited. Medical tourism is common, with procedures costing significantly less than in North America. Travel insurance is still recommended for emergency evacuation coverage and to avoid upfront payments at private facilities.
• Mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus are present, particularly in coastal and lowland areas. Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Consider permethrin-treated clothing for extended outdoor activities.
• Tap water is safe to drink in most of Costa Rica, making it one of the few Central American countries where this is true. Water treatment standards are high in urban areas and most tourist destinations. However, in very remote areas or during heavy rains that might affect water systems, bottled water is advisable. Ice in restaurants and hotels is typically safe as it's made from treated water.

• Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Costa Rica, as the disease can be contracted through contaminated food or water, even in upscale accommodations. The vaccine provides long-term protection and is especially important if you plan to eat street food or visit rural areas where sanitation standards may vary.
• Ensure all routine vaccinations are current, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and annual influenza vaccine. These are important because travel can expose you to different strains of common diseases, and healthcare access may be limited in remote areas you might visit for eco-tourism activities.

• Embrace the 'Pura Vida' philosophy and greeting — this iconic phrase literally means 'pure life' but serves as hello, goodbye, 'you're welcome,' 'no problem,' and an expression of life satisfaction. Ticos use it constantly, and visitors who adopt it will find warmer interactions. It reflects the Costa Rican approach to life: relaxed, optimistic, and focused on simple pleasures rather than material stress. Use it when greeting locals, thanking service providers, or expressing agreement.
• Prioritize visiting both Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Arenal Volcano National Park, as they showcase Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity and geological activity. Monteverde offers a mystical experience walking through perpetually mist-shrouded forests home to over 400 bird species, including the resplendent quetzal. Arenal provides opportunities to see active volcanism, wildlife, and adventure activities like zip-lining and hot springs. Book accommodations well in advance, especially during dry season.
• Explore Costa Rican cuisine beyond typical tourist fare by trying casado (a traditional set meal with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and choice of protein), gallo pinto (the national dish of rice and beans typically eaten at breakfast), and abundant fresh tropical fruits like rambutan, cas, and maracuyá. Visit local sodas (family-run restaurants) for authentic, inexpensive meals that offer insight into daily Tico life and genuine hospitality.

• Don't flush toilet paper in many areas of Costa Rica, particularly in older buildings, eco-lodges, and rural locations where septic systems and plumbing can't handle paper waste. Instead, dispose of used paper in the waste basket provided next to every toilet. This practice prevents expensive plumbing repairs and environmental damage. Higher-end hotels and newer buildings may allow flushing, but when in doubt, use the bin. Signs are usually posted indicating the local practice.
• Don't attempt to touch, feed, or closely approach wildlife, even seemingly docile animals like sloths or colorful birds. Monkeys, particularly white-faced capuchins, can be aggressive and carry diseases transmissible to humans. Maintain at least 10 feet distance from all wildlife, never feed animals (it disrupts natural behaviors and can make them aggressive), and use telephoto camera lenses for close-up shots. Follow your naturalist guide's instructions explicitly during wildlife viewing tours.
• Don't limit yourself to just one coast — Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean shores offer completely different experiences, ecosystems, and cultures. The Pacific coast features drier climates, better surfing, more developed tourist infrastructure, and distinct dry and wet seasons. The Caribbean coast offers Afro-Caribbean culture, year-round humidity, unique wildlife like caimans and manatees, and a more laid-back, reggae-influenced atmosphere. Plan time for both if possible, or at least research which suits your interests better.

Costa Rican restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge (servicio) on bills, which goes to the establishment rather than directly to servers, so additional tipping of 5-10% is appreciated for good service and goes directly to your server. This practice differs from countries where tips replace wages — Costa Rican servers earn regular salaries. For tour guides, tip $5-10 per person per day for group tours, or $20-30 per day for private guides, depending on service quality and tour length. Taxi drivers don't expect tips unless they help with luggage or provide exceptional service. Hotel housekeeping appreciates $2-3 per day left in the room. Spa services typically warrant 15-20% tips. At all-inclusive resorts, check if gratuities are included. Small bills in colones or dollars work equally well for tipping, and tips are always appreciated but never demanded.

Costa Rica's dress code is generally casual and practical, prioritizing comfort and functionality over fashion due to the tropical climate and outdoor activities. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and moisture-wicking synthetics work best in the heat and humidity. Pack quick-dry clothing that can handle sudden rain showers and frequent washing. For rainforest hikes and adventure activities, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for protection against insects, thorns, and uneven terrain. Beach attire is appropriate at coastal areas, but cover up when traveling through conservative rural communities. Upscale restaurants in San José may require collared shirts and long pants for men. A lightweight rain jacket is essential year-round, as afternoon showers can occur even during dry season. Bright colors are fine and can actually help with wildlife photography visibility and safety.

Costa Rica is predominantly Roman Catholic (approximately 70% of the population), with Protestant Christianity and other faiths making up smaller percentages. The Catholic Church has historically played an important role in Costa Rican culture and politics, though the country maintains religious freedom and tolerance. Major religious holidays like Holy Week (Semana Santa) in March/April significantly impact business hours, transportation, and accommodation availability — many businesses close entirely during this period. Churches welcome respectful visitors; dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites. Sunday mass is well-attended, and many communities celebrate patron saint festivals throughout the year with parades, music, and traditional foods. Costa Rica is notably progressive for the region on social issues, having legalized same-sex marriage in 2020. The majority of Costa Ricans are accepting of different beliefs and lifestyles, making it comfortable for travelers of all backgrounds.