Most Frequently Needed Information
If you arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Meet your personal greeter before Immigration. They'll be holding a sign with your party's name and will escort you to your driver.
If you arrive at Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR): Your greeter will be waiting outside the terminal after Customs, holding a sign with your name and the Costa Rican Vacations logo. Look for a concierge wearing a white Costa Rican Vacations shirt and carrying a green flag.
No need to worry! Once you share your flight details with us, we'll monitor your flight and adjust your airport pickup accordingly.
You only need to contact us if:
- Your flight number changes.
- You switch to a different airline.
If either of these applies, please let our Travel Experience Team know.
Our in-country support team is available 24/7 to help you throughout your trip.
- WhatsApp (chat only): +506 8849-6037
- Phone: +506 4002-3661
- Email: [email protected]
Contact us anytime if you experience travel disruptions or need assistance during your trip.
Before You Travel
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip against unexpected events such as flight disruptions, medical emergencies, or last-minute cancellations.
If you haven't purchased travel insurance yet and would like a quote, we'd be happy to help. Just contact our team for more information.
To enter Costa Rica, you'll need:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of onward travel, such as a return flight or bus ticket.
- Visa and health requirements vary depending on your nationality and travel itinerary. We recommend checking the latest entry requirements with the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your country before traveling.
For the best travel experience, we also recommend that your passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your planned return date.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Costa Rica, especially Visa and Mastercard. American Express is accepted at many hotels and some restaurants, while Discover is generally not accepted.
We recommend bringing about $100 USD in small bills ($1, $5, $10, and $20) for tips and small purchases. If you need local currency (Costa Rican colones), you can easily withdraw it from ATMs found throughout the country.
Before traveling, remember to notify your bank that you'll be using your cards in Costa Rica to help prevent unexpected transaction blocks.
In-Country Questions
Tipping in Costa Rica is always appreciated but entirely at your discretion. As a general guideline:
- Hotel bell staff: $1 USD per bag
- Housekeeping: $2 USD per day
- Tour guides: $5 USD per person
- Drivers: $5 USD per hour of service
- Fishing charters: 15–20% of the charter cost
Good to know: Restaurants in Costa Rica already include a 10% service charge in the bill. Additional tipping is completely optional.
Official taxis in Costa Rica are red with a yellow triangle on the front doors. They are a safe option for short trips, but always ask for the price beforehand to avoid surprises.
For longer distances, we recommend using the private or shared transfers included in your itinerary whenever possible.
Uber is available in many of the country's main cities and tourist areas, although availability may vary by location.
A photo or physical copy of your passport may be required when checking in at some hotels or visiting certain national parks.
For tours that require passport information, such as national parks or fishing licenses, we'll request these details from you before your trip.
Unless your itinerary states otherwise, your driver or tour guide will meet you in your hotel's main lobby.
Occasional delays can happen due to traffic or other unexpected circumstances, so don’t worry if your driver arrives a few minutes late. If they are more than 10 minutes late, please contact our Travel Experience Team.
Costa Rica has an excellent healthcare system, with both public and private medical services available throughout the country. Pharmacies are also widely available, and most over-the-counter medications can be purchased easily.
If you take prescription medication or require a specific brand, we recommend bringing enough for the duration of your trip.
If you have any medical concerns before traveling, please consult your healthcare provider and let us know if there's anything we can do to assist.
For a smooth departure, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight to allow enough time for check-in, security, and immigration.
