Costa Rica | North America

Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast. The country's economy is defined by its status as a global leader in ecotourism and its significant production of coffee and medical device exports; the capital city is San José.

Visa & Entry Policy

EU, US, and UK passport holders can enter Costa Rica visa-free for tourist stays of up to 180 days. Entry requires a passport valid for the duration of the stay, proof of an onward or return ticket, and evidence of economic means (minimum $100 USD per month of stay). There is no E-Visa or Visa on Arrival system for these nationalities; a standard entry stamp is issued at the border.

Language & Communication

Spanish is the official language. English proficiency is high in San José and major tourist hubs like Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste, but low in rural agricultural areas. In the Limón province, a distinct English-based Limonense Creole (Mekatelyu) is spoken by the Afro-Caribbean population.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are universally accepted in urban areas and tourist businesses. Cash is required for public buses, small roadside sodas (local eateries), and in remote villages. ATMs are widespread in major towns but may have limited evening operating hours (often closing at 10:00 PM).

National Transport Grid

Inter-city travel is primarily served by an extensive network of private and public buses departing from specific terminals in San José. Domestic flights operated by SANSA or Costa Rica Green Airways connect the capital to regional airstrips. There is no national passenger rail system, with rail service limited to commuter lines in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) operated by INCOFER.

Digital Infrastructure

The primary mobile network providers are Liberty, Kölbi (ICE), and Claro. 4G coverage reaches approximately 98% of the population as of 2026, and the first 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks are active in major cities and industrial zones. Signal stability is lower in the high-altitude cloud forests and remote southern Osa Peninsula.

Climate & Seasonality

Costa Rica features diverse microclimates, ranging from tropical dry forests in the northwest to humid rainforests in the south. The dry season (Verano) runs from December to April, while the wet season (Invierno) spans from May to November. The Caribbean coast follows a different pattern, often experiencing a "mini-dry" season in September and October.

Health & Safety

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Health risks include mosquito-borne Dengue, Zika, and localized Malaria in Limón and Alajuela provinces. The national emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 911.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

The Central Valley: Hub: San José.

North Pacific (Guanacaste): Hub: Liberia.

Northern Highlands (Arenal): Hub: La Fortuna.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 1,200 CRC ($2.30 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 1,500 CRC ($2.90 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 12,500 CRC ($24.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Costa Rica is the only country in the world to have constitutionally abolished its military, a decision made in 1948 following a brief civil war. A prominent local legend is the "Río Celeste," which explains the river's vivid turquoise color by claiming that after God finished painting the sky, he washed his brushes in its waters.