Costa Rica

• Rental car break-ins at beach parking lots — never leave valuables in car.
• Taxi overcharging from airport — use official orange taxis or Uber.
• Timeshare presentations at tourist areas.

• Good healthcare — Costa Rica has universal healthcare and excellent private hospitals.
• Dengue and Zika present — use mosquito repellent.
• Tap water is safe in most areas.

• Hepatitis A recommended.
• Routine vaccines up to date.

• Say 'Pura Vida' — it means everything from hello to goodbye to 'life is good.'
• Visit Monteverde cloud forest and Arenal volcano.
• Try casado (set meal), gallo pinto (rice and beans), and fresh fruit.

• Don't flush toilet paper — put it in the bin (plumbing can't handle it in many places).
• Don't touch wildlife — even friendly-looking monkeys can bite.
• Don't skip the Pacific AND Caribbean coasts — they're very different.

10% service charge usually included on restaurant bills. Additional 5-10% for good service appreciated. Tip tour guides $5-10 per person.

Casual and practical. Lightweight, quick-dry clothing. Rain jacket essential year-round. Hiking boots for trails.

Catholic majority. Churches welcome visitors. Costa Rica is tolerant and progressive for Central America.