COSTA RICA – PRACTICAL INFORMATION
📍 Situation & general information
Capital: San José
Official language: Spanish
Nickname: The Switzerland of Central America
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Payment: Credit cards accepted, USD accepted
Time zone: GMT -6
No time change
-7 hours in winter / -8 hours in summer compared to France
🛂 Entry formalities
Passport: valid at least 1 day after the departure date (6 months recommended)
Visa:
Tourist stays of up to 180 days → no visa required for French citizens
Return or exit ticket required
No vaccinations are mandatory (except for yellow fever if the origin is at risk).
💉 Health & Safety
Drinking water in most of the country
Numerous and well-equipped pharmacies
Mosquito protection is essential (dengue, zika)
The safest country in Central America
🌦️ Climate & best times
Tropical climate
Dry season: December to April ☀️ (ideal)
Green season: May to November 🌧️
Rain, especially in the late afternoon
Lush nature, fewer tourists
Temperatures:
Coast & jungle: 25–32°C
Central Valley: 20–26°C
Water: 26–29°C
🚗 Transportation
Car rental
4x4 recommended off main roads
Roads sometimes in poor condition
French driver's license accepted
Bus
Very extensive and economical network
Punctual but sometimes slow
Domestic flights
Small planes for remote areas (Sansa, Green Airways)
🍽️ Local cuisine
Typical dish: Casado (rice, beans, meat/fish, vegetables)
Excellent fish and seafood
Tropical fruits are everywhere.
Not very spicy (contrary to popular belief)
🐒 Wildlife & Nature
25% of the territory is protected 🌱
Monkeys, sloths, toucans, jaguars, crocodiles
Whales (July–October & December–March depending on area)
Sea turtles (depending on beaches and seasons)
🤿 Must-do activities
Diving & snorkeling (Isla del Caño, Pacific)
Surfing (Pacific & Caribbean)
Hiking & volcanoes (Arenal, Poás)
Primary forests & suspension bridges
Wildlife observation
Rafting, canyoning, zip lines
📶 Telecommunications
Very good mobile coverage
Easy-to-buy local SIM card (Kolbi, Claro, Movistar)
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations.
🔌 Electricity
Type A/B sockets (as in the USA)
Voltage: 120V
Adapter needed
🧭 Practical tips
Always bring a raincoat
Useful water shoes (beaches, rivers)
Strict respect for nature (high fines)
Safe driving at night
Local mentality: “Pura Vida” → calm, respect, smile 😊
Useful expressions:
Hola: Hello
Gracias: Thank you
Pura Vida: Everything is fine / welcome / thank you / see you soon, a very common expression
COSTA RICA – PRACTICAL INFORMATION
📍 Situation & general information
Capital: San José
Official language: Spanish
Nickname: The Switzerland of Central America
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Payment: Credit cards accepted, USD accepted
Time zone: GMT -6
No time change
-7 hours in winter / -8 hours in summer compared to France
🛂 Entry formalities
Passport: valid at least 1 day after the departure date (6 months recommended)
Visa:
Tourist stays of up to 180 days → no visa required for French citizens
Return or exit ticket required
No vaccinations are mandatory (except for yellow fever if the origin is at risk).
💉 Health & Safety
Drinking water in most of the country
Numerous and well-equipped pharmacies
Mosquito protection is essential (dengue, zika)
The safest country in Central America
🌦️ Climate & best times
Tropical climate
Dry season: December to April ☀️ (ideal)
Green season: May to November 🌧️
Rain, especially in the late afternoon
Lush nature, fewer tourists
Temperatures:
Coast & jungle: 25–32°C
Central Valley: 20–26°C
Water: 26–29°C
🚗 Transportation
Car rental
4x4 recommended off main roads
Roads sometimes in poor condition
French driver's license accepted
Bus
Very extensive and economical network
Punctual but sometimes slow
Domestic flights
Small planes for remote areas (Sansa, Green Airways)
🍽️ Local cuisine
Typical dish: Casado (rice, beans, meat/fish, vegetables)
Excellent fish and seafood
Tropical fruits are everywhere.
Not very spicy (contrary to popular belief)
🐒 Wildlife & Nature
25% of the territory is protected 🌱
Monkeys, sloths, toucans, jaguars, crocodiles
Whales (July–October & December–March depending on area)
Sea turtles (depending on beaches and seasons)
🤿 Must-do activities
Diving & snorkeling (Isla del Caño, Pacific)
Surfing (Pacific & Caribbean)
Hiking & volcanoes (Arenal, Poás)
Primary forests & suspension bridges
Wildlife observation
Rafting, canyoning, zip lines
📶 Telecommunications
Very good mobile coverage
Easy-to-buy local SIM card (Kolbi, Claro, Movistar)
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations.
🔌 Electricity
Type A/B sockets (as in the USA)
Voltage: 120V
Adapter needed
🧭 Practical tips
Always bring a raincoat
Useful water shoes (beaches, rivers)
Strict respect for nature (high fines)
Safe driving at night
Local mentality: “Pura Vida” → calm, respect, smile 😊
Useful expressions:
Hola: Hello
Gracias: Thank you
Pura Vida: Everything is fine / welcome / thank you / see you soon, a very common expression
