Traveling to Costa Rica is exciting – you’re in for volcano vistas, rainforests teeming with life, and lazy beach days. To ensure your trip goes without a hitch, it’s wise to learn a few practical tips about safety, local etiquette, and general travel hacks specific to “the Rich Coast.” This article compiles insider advice to help you navigate Costa Rica like a pro. We’ll cover personal safety (so you only have good surprises), cultural do’s and don’ts, and smart moves like using the local currency or catching the right bus. Let’s dive in!

Stay Safe and Sound: Common-Sense Precautions

Costa Rica is one of the safest destinations in Latin America and is known for its peaceful vibe. However, it’s not utopia – petty crime exists, and nature can pose challenges too. Here are key safety tips:

  • Guard against petty theft: The majority of incidents involve opportunistic theft. Don’t leave your phone or camera unattended on a table or beach towel. In crowded markets or bus stations, keep backpacks zipped and in front of you. Use the hotel safe for passports, excess cash, and jewelry. If you rent a car, never leave bags in plain sight; if you must leave luggage, lock it in the trunk before you park at a stop (so no one sees you stashing it). A little awareness goes a long way – for example, our friends who hung a purse on a restaurant chair had it snatched during a distraction, so keep bags on your lap or between your feet.

  • Prepare for the outdoors: Costa Rica’s wilderness is beautiful but requires respect. When hiking, inform someone of your plans or go with a guide in unfamiliar areas. Carry sufficient water, and a basic first aid kit for scrapes or insect bites. In rainy season, trails can get muddy – wear sturdy footwear to avoid slips. If venturing near rivers or waterfalls, be cautious of flash floods (especially in narrow canyons during heavy rain). At beaches, heed any warning signs about riptides – if locals avoid swimming in a certain spot, take note.

  • Wildlife wisdom: You’re likely to encounter animals – most are harmless if unprovoked. Do not feed or approach monkeys; they can bite if they feel threatened (and feeding them human food is bad for their health). When hiking, do not put your hands in holes or under rocks – snakes or spiders might be hiding. Snake bites are exceedingly rare, but as a precaution wear closed shoes in dense forest and use a flashlight at night. If you’re camping or staying in rustic areas, shake out your shoes in the morning (scorpions occasionally hide – their stings hurt but are usually not dangerous, akin to a wasp sting). Always apply insect repellent in mosquito-prone areas to prevent itchy bites or potential mosquito-borne illnesses (dengue exists, though serious cases are uncommon in tourist areas).

  • Road safety: If you’re driving, note that locals can be impatient on narrow roads – let faster cars pass when you can do so safely. Watch out for cyclists and pedestrians on roadsides, especially at night, as there’s not always a shoulder. Riding a public bus? Keep your daypack on your lap, not overhead (where someone could grab it at a stop). In cities, use registered taxis (red ones) or ride-sharing apps for safer transportation at night. Avoid walking alone in San José’s downtown very late; instead, call a cab or Uber.

Remember, these tips aren’t to scare you, but to empower you. Millions travel here safely every year. As one travel blogger put it, “Costa Rica is generally very safe – as long as you exercise some precautions, you shouldn’t have any problems on your trip”.

Cultural Etiquette: Doing it Tico-Style

Embracing local customs will enrich your experience and earn you friendly smiles:

  • Use greetings and polite words: Ticos are polite and greetings matter. Say “Buenos días” (good morning), “Buenas tardes” (good afternoon) when you meet someone or enter a shop. A simple “Por favor” (please) and “Gracias” (thank you) in Spanish are always appreciated. Even if your Spanish is minimal, trying these words shows respect. You’ll often hear people address others as “usted” (the formal ‘you’), but as a foreigner, you can get by with the informal tú or just using verbs without pronouns.

  • Pura vida – the magic phrase: Don’t be shy to use “pura vida.” It means more than one thing: it can be a greeting, a response, or an expression akin to “cool” or “life is good.” If someone asks “How are you?” (“¿Cómo estás?”), you can reply “¡Pura vida!” with a smile. Locals will love it. It encapsulates the country’s laid-back, optimistic outlook.

  • Tico time: Life moves a bit slower and schedules are flexible. A tour might start a few minutes late, or a bus might not arrive exactly on time (though intercity buses are usually reasonably punctual, don’t expect Swiss precision). Try to go with the flow – getting impatient won’t help. If something takes a little longer, well, relax – you’re on vacation after all!

  • Dress code: Costa Rica is casual. Shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops are normal in beach towns. In San José or at nicer restaurants/clubs, locals tend to dress a bit more smartly (jeans or slacks, a nice top). If you plan a night out in a city, having one decent outfit is a good idea. At religious sites (like a church in Cartago), dress modestly (no bare midriffs or short shorts) out of respect. Topless sunbathing is not common or officially allowed – people are a bit conservative about that, even though beachwear is fine otherwise.

  • No worries attitude: One thing foreigners often note is that Ticos are reluctant to say “no” directly or deliver bad news. For instance, if you ask for directions, they might give you some directions even if they’re not sure, rather than say they don’t know. It’s born from a culture of wanting to be helpful and polite. Keep this in mind – double-check critical info from more than one source if needed. If you invite a local to something and they say “maybe” or “we’ll see,” it could be a polite decline. Similarly, confrontation or loud criticism is frowned upon. It’s best to remain calm and patient if something goes wrong; you’re more likely to get help by being understanding.

Money and Practical Hacks

  • Cash vs Card: Carry some cash in colones for small purchases, local eateries, or bus fares. But also know that US dollars are widely accepted in touristy areas (you’ll often get change in colones though). Try to have low denomination dollars ($20 or below) if paying in USD. Avoid bringing bills that are torn or very worn – banks or businesses might not accept them. When paying in colones, a quick rule of thumb for conversion: 1,000 colones is roughly $1.75 (as of 2025). So, 10,000 colones is about $17-18. This helps to get a mental idea of prices.

  • Bargaining: Unlike some countries, bargaining isn’t a big part of Costa Rican culture except maybe at souvenir stalls or with independent tour guides. In shops, prices are fixed. At markets or with beach vendors, you might gently haggle, but do so with a friendly tone. If something is priced in dollars (like a tour or shuttle), you can sometimes ask “¿Y en efectivo hay descuento?” (“If paying cash is there a discount?”) – occasionally they knock off a bit since they avoid credit card fees.

  • Bathrooms: Public restrooms can sometimes lack toilet paper or charge a small fee. It’s wise to carry a little pack of tissues and some coins. Also note, in many restrooms, you’ll see a bin for disposing used toilet paper rather than flushing it (the plumbing systems are sensitive to blockage).

  • Electricity and charging: As mentioned, the voltage is 110-120V like the US, and outlets are the same type. If you’re from Europe, UK, or elsewhere, bring an adapter. Power outages occasionally happen in heavy storms, but generally electric supply is stable. Consider bringing a portable USB battery pack if you’ll be out in nature for long days (to keep phone/camera charged for all those photos!).

  • Driving quirks: If you rent a car, aside from road tips above, know that gas stations (bombas) are full-service – an attendant will fill your tank. Tipping them a small amount (like ₡500 – ₡1000, or $1-2) is a nice gesture if they clean your windshield or provide good service. Also, when you park in cities or beach towns, you might find an unofficial “watchman” offering to look after your car (they’ll often be wearing a reflective vest). It’s customary to give them a bit when you leave (500-1000 colones) – it’s kind of a paid parking unofficially, and it does reduce break-in risk. In San José, better park in official lots for security.

Environmental Responsibility

  • Protect the wildlife: One of the biggest draws in CR is its amazing animals – please help keep them safe. Never feed wild animals (this can’t be stressed enough). Driving at night in wildlife areas, go slow to avoid accidental collisions. Dispose of trash properly – plastics that end up in rivers can harm turtles and fish downstream. If you’re lucky to do a turtle nesting tour, follow the guide’s instructions strictly (no flash photography, stay behind the turtle, etc.).

  • National park etiquette: Stay on trails, both for your safety and to protect sensitive habitat. Often you’ll have a guide – they might carry a spotting scope; feel free to take photos through it by placing your phone camera to the lens (it works!). In parks like Manuel Antonio, don’t bring snacks in crinkly bags – monkeys have learned to identify these and may try to grab them. Keep the beaches in parks free of food so wildlife doesn’t develop bad habits.

Bonus Tips – Little Things that Help

  • Learn a few fauna names: Locals love when you show interest in their nature. Ask a guide about the difference between a howler (mono congo) and a capuchin (mono cara blanca). Learn that a sloth is oso perezoso (literally “lazy bear”) or that the red-eyed tree frog is rana calzonuda (funny name meaning “underpants frog” due to its thigh coloring). It can be a fun conversation starter and enhances your own experience.

  • Getting laundry done: If you’re on a long trip and need laundry, many hotels can send it out for a fee (charged per kilo). In tourist towns, there are laundromats (lavanderías) with drop-off service fairly affordable (like $10 for a big load washed and folded). Pack a plastic bag for separating wet or dirty clothes in your luggage.

  • Spanish phrases for emergencies: Hopefully you won’t need them, but it’s good to know: “Llame una ambulancia, por favor” (Call an ambulance please), “Necesito un médico” (I need a doctor), “Ayuda” (Help). The general emergency number is 911, same as the U.S. For less urgent issues, your hotel can assist or direct you to a clinic (clínica or hospital). Pharmacies (farmacia) can also provide advice for minor ailments; pharmacists in CR can prescribe certain medications.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll likely feel more at ease and prepared as you journey through Costa Rica. It’s all about balancing adventure with awareness: enjoy that jungle hike but do it smartly, relish the nightlife but know how to get home safe, engage with locals respectfully and they’ll warmly welcome you. In essence, soak up the pura vida, but keep your wits about you. With that, you’re set for a fantastic trip. ¡Pura vida y feliz viaje! (Pure life and happy travels!)