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A valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica. All visitors need a passport and there must be at least six months remaining before the passport expires.
– you really can be denied entry……..no, REALLY
Depending on your home country, you may enter Costa Rica without a visa. This applies to the USA, Canada and most European countries. The stamp you receive in your passport as you pass through immigration IS your visa, and expires based on what country you are from. For most of you reading this- it’s 90 days.
In general, the answer is no. Before boarding the plane the airlines and customs agents will question your one-way ticket upon check in, and will DEMAND the purchase of a ticket out of Costa Rica within the 90 days (this can be VERY costly when at such a short notice and unexpected so, have a credit card handy). You didn’t hear from me but… Contact a bus company in Costa Rica over the internet, purchase a bus ticket to Nicaragua or Panama, (much cheaper) and copy the ticket showing you are indeed leaving the country (whether you do or not), this is adequate proof for the airlines and customs agents. Also be aware that there are penalties for staying over your 90 day visa.
No. An International license is not required. You are allowed to drive with your normal drivers license for whatever is the term of your visa. Granted that it is valid and not expired.
I love this question. Every web site pertaining to Costa Rica will tell you the water is safe to drink “in most parts of the country.” I do live here, and I do drink the water with no problems. But the fact is, why guess where it’s safe and where it’s not. Buy bottled water; it’s not worth your vacation. Move here, that’s a different story. Here’s the answer in VIDEO- But Can I Drink the water?
Costa Rica uses the colon. Where most tourist visit, US dollars are widely accepted, as are major credit cards (American Express not so much). I hate Travelers Checks, and I don’t recommend them on any level, at least here. Outside the major tourist destinations, it’s a good idea to have colones available, where few small hotels, sodas, or art galleries are even equipped to accept credit cards, and they may feel intimidated accepting American dollars- unsure of the conversion. Don’t even think about $50 or $100 bills, here, those are considered forgeries. Check out this video for more info.
Where you want to go- YES, don’t worry about it. Rural Costa Rica, maybe not so much, but rural is where you find the TRUE art, so bring some colones. Don’t forget- if everything is priced in dollars, you’re probably over paying anyways- this is known here as Gringo Pricing. Other money options
Dogs and cats entering Costa Rica must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, endorsed by a veterinarian service (VS) veterinarian. The examination for the certificate must be conducted within the two weeks prior to traveling to Costa Rica. The required vaccinations are: hepatitis, distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, and rabies (for animals 4 months or older).
Yup, departure tax is somewhere around $29, but to save time and long lines the tax is now included in your airline ticket, so you do not have to pay again when you are leaving the country.
Costa Rica is a “Don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t act,” country. Around San Jose and Manuel Antonio, gay is not a problem, and you may even get away with public displays of affection. Any other place, I’d say keep a low profile. Costa Ricans are catholic and steeped in tradition, as far as their attitudes towards gays- it’s like the States back in the ‘60’s.
Really you cannot. But as with most rules, there are exceptions. Much more info on Working in Costa Rica