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Questions tagged [costa-rica]

Questions about travel relating to the Republic of Costa Rica in Central America.

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Can you watch the sunset from Uvita Beach, Costa Rica?

I have read in several travel guides how beautiful the sunsets can be over the sea in Uvita. The beach is within the Marino Ballena National Park, which, according to the official website, closes at ...
ElGringo's user avatar
  • 131
2 votes
0 answers
156 views

Renting a car in Costa Rica with Annual Car Hire Excess Insurance from the UK

I get that in Costa Rica you need to purchase the Liability Protection, but I'm wondering if I can waive/not buy Car Protection (as it's called on the adobe car rental website) by purchasing Annual ...
Jarede's user avatar
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4 votes
1 answer
163 views

Are there lionfish on the caribbean coasts of Costa Rica? Is it safe to snorkel there?

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to snorkel in Cahuita National Park in Costa Rica. The experience was great because of the coral reef there, but at some point of the activity I saw what I think ...
Alfonso_MA's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
1k views

Is a COVID-19 antiviral such as Paxlovid available in Costa Rica?

Is a COVID-19 antiviral such as Paxlovid readily available in Costa Rica? I'm planning a trip there and I want to know if I can access it if I were to contract COVID-19. Is there a website that ...
greenpenguin's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
805 views

Costa Rica: How necessary is a 4x4 car?

We are going to visit Costa Rica in the following months. I have been reading a lot about how necessary is a 4x4 car or a standard car could be enough. Some of the pages I read say one thing, some ...
Alfonso_MA's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
923 views

Costa Rica: how possible is to pay with credit card?

We are going to visit Costa Rica in the next month. I wonder how widespread are credit card payments there. Will I be able to pay with my credit card in a restaurant? In a hotel? In a bus or taxi? In ...
Alfonso_MA's user avatar
21 votes
1 answer
4k views

What does i.i stand for in a menu in Costa Rica

I am looking at some menu photos from Costa Rica and I noted that they list two prices, and the second has i.i. next to it. What does this mean? Here is an example(taken from here): Googling did not ...
Ivaylo Strandjev's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
1k views

What are the "legally permitted reasons" for international travel FROM the UK?

I have a flight ticket from the UK, to Costa Rica, with a connecting flight in Germany (in March). The airline is Lufthansa. Costa Rica is allowing international travellers in, however, the UK is ...
turnip's user avatar
  • 591
1 vote
1 answer
147 views

What's the status of the land border crossing between Panama/Nicaragua and Costa Rica during the COVID-19 pandemic?

I wonder whether it is possible for a French citizen and US legal permanent resident to cross borders via land between Panama/Nicaragua and Costa Rica during the COVID-19 pandemic. The individual ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
345 views

Costa Rican health insurance and tourist visa length

Costa Rica requires all persons entering the country to: have valid health insurance (that covers COVID-19) provide an outbound ticket (either bus or plane) Tourists visas are given to travellers ...
turnip's user avatar
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5 votes
1 answer
2k views

How does one prove one's residency to a given US state when flying to Costa Rica?

I read on : https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php (-> Costa Rica): Costa Rica. > Published 15.10.2020. Passengers are not allowed to enter. This does not apply to: [...] residents of ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
195 views

Traveling from the US to Costa Rica for Thanksgiving

The idea has been pitched for a house swap during the Thanksgiving holiday in Costa Rica for the family. I've looked up the travel restrictions currently in place here, and from what I understand, the ...
Abion47's user avatar
  • 139
2 votes
0 answers
81 views

Quarantine for Foreigners in Costa Rica [closed]

According to https://ticotimes.net/2020/03/16/costa-rica-declares-state-of-emergency-due-to-coronavirus-will-close-borders-to-foreigners-and-non-residents : "The country will shut down its borders to ...
Peter Chikov's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
173 views

Are there sterile transfer areas in Juan Santamaria airport?

I am traveling from Madrid to San Salvador via Costa Rica's Juan Santamaria Airport. The flights with proper transfers are rather expensive so I am booking a self transfer and I am trying to get an ...
Ozzy's user avatar
  • 4,690
2 votes
2 answers
266 views

Insurance for car rental in Costa Rica

I am currently in Costa Rica and the guy at the car rental place required us to buy insurance beyond the CDW. So what is actually required for a foreigner to drive a rental in Costa Rica?
Karlson's user avatar
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1 vote
0 answers
72 views

Panama, Belize, Costa Rica or Honduras Visa from Pakistan [closed]

I'm a Pakistani national and trying to get a visa for Panama, Belize, Costa Rica or Honduras. How do I do this? Most of them don't have Visa services in Pakistan so where do we apply and what are the ...
Imtiaz Khan's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
176 views

In which parts of Costa Rica do I need a 4x4 in during dry season? [closed]

I find a lot of comments on cars in Costa Rica recommending 4x4 cars. However, the reasoning is always the heavy rain (earth might move or rivers flooding etc.). On the other hand I found a few ...
Mene's user avatar
  • 121
0 votes
1 answer
1k views

How to avoid staying in hotels with cockroaches in Costa Rica? [closed]

I lived in various tropical cities. Some in developed countries, some not. In some cities, even some developed cities, it's almost impossible to find a place to stay that is cockroach free. I admit I ...
user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
376 views

Exchanging Costa Rican Colones in Nicaragua

We arrived on the bus to Nicaragua recently and read that the best way to exchange Costa Rican Colones to Nicaraguan Cordobas was at the border. We have about 89,000 Colones (approx. $154) in cash ...
TomSelleck's user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
4k views

Can I enter Panama and Costa Rica on a 5-year, multiple US visa?

I have a 5 year validity US visitor's visa, with three years left, and want to visit Panama and Costa Rica for two weeks as a tourist. My travel agent says I can simply use my USA visa to enter those ...
iqbalzeb's user avatar
  • 103
3 votes
1 answer
347 views

Traveling to Costa Rica

I only have a carry on no checked baggage. I will be landing in San Jose on Spirit Airlines but catching a connecting flight on Sensa over to the East Coast Caribbean side. Do I go through customs in ...
Jpb's user avatar
  • 31
7 votes
1 answer
227 views

Which trekking shoes to get for trekking in Costa Rica

I'm about to travel to Costa Rica, on a trip that will include a serious hike. My travel company recommends hiking shoes in category B/C for this trip. However, when I search for this type of shoes I ...
Cloud's user avatar
  • 181
1 vote
1 answer
426 views

Can I bring a brand new, package iPhone into Costa Rica for another person?

Will I get in trouble with TSA/airport security for bringing a brand new, packaged iphone in my carry-on luggage from the USA to Costa Rica?
Shelly's user avatar
  • 11
3 votes
1 answer
117 views

Foreign motorcycle licence in Costa Rica at 16

I heard that in Costa Rica, if you are 16 and have a foreign licence, that you can legally drive a 100cc motorcycle. Is this true?
Sullivan fachner's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
435 views

Does a Nicaraguan citizen need a transit visa for a 5 hour layover in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)?

She will be traveling to Nicaragua from the US on a US transit visa (coming from the Netherlands).
Alex's user avatar
  • 185
0 votes
2 answers
2k views

Tourist visa to Costa Rica as a Filipino?

I'm a Filipino and presently working here in Qatar. I want to visit Costa Rica - what are the requirements of getting a tourist visa for that country?
E.Saniatan's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
570 views

What transportation is available from Costa Rica to Nicaragua?

We will be flying in to San Jose Costa Rica in January for 3 weeks, and would like to spend part of that time in Nicaragua. What is the easiest, least expensive way to get to Lake Nicaragua area?
user32324's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
591 views

Traveling to Costa Rica with my girlfriend (16&17) without an adult, parental consent forms?

What do we need to make it through the airport (departing from USA) and Customs ... parental consent forms? We are planning to go for a month, to visit friends and family.
Locotaco's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
298 views

Travel between Managua and Monteverde

What's the best way to get between Managua and Monteverde. I am trying to keep it as cheap as possible without having to switch buses 10 times between. Is there a simple way to do it? Am I better ...
Jessica's user avatar
  • 21
0 votes
1 answer
3k views

Visa requirements for Filipino traveling to Costa Rica via South Korea and USA [duplicate]

I'm from Philippines and planning to visit Costa Rica. Do I need a transit visa to go through Dallas Texas. Airlines: Philippines and American. Departing: Manila Philippines. Arriving: San Jose ...
josel's user avatar
  • 9
11 votes
1 answer
823 views

May I wwoof or exchange work for a bed in a hostel in Costa Rica as a tourist?

I am wondering about the rules for WWOOFing (working in an organic farm for a part of the day in exchange for a bed and sometimes a breakfast/multiple meals) or work exchange (same thing but for other ...
Vince's user avatar
  • 21k
7 votes
1 answer
3k views

Bus from Monteverde to Liberia, Costa Rica

Concerning bus travel in Costa Rica, my boyfriend and I are trying to get from Monteverde to Liberia early in the morning on public buses. Our hostel in Monteverde told us that there is a bus from ...
Sophie Bearman's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

Visiting Costa Rica: How to prove sufficient funds?

Upon visa-less immigration to Cost Rica, I would have to prove sufficient funds of $100 per month of residence (Source) Since I don't expect them to have a dollar-giving ATM before immigration ...
arney's user avatar
  • 1,523
7 votes
1 answer
142 views

Do minor children require a visa if their parents enter Costa Rica on student visas?

I am planning a semester stay in Costa Rica with my family for language school and volunteer work. I think I'm fairly informed about the residency statuses and the mechanics of the 90-day tourist ...
Ben Collins's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
1k views

Leaving the States on Visa Waiver and coming back

I'm travelling on the ESTA visa waiver, I'm now in the States but would like to go to Costa Rica for a bit (say three weeks) then come back to the States. All will be within my 90 day limit. Is that ...
Nicky's user avatar
  • 41
5 votes
1 answer
7k views

Entering using one passport and exiting using another

My old roommate has a dual citizenship of Venezuela and Costa Rica. He is an F-1 student in the United States. An year ago he wanted to travel to Europe for 90 Days under the Schengen Visa Exemption ...
Aditya Somani's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
497 views

I have ESTA. Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?

I am Taiwanese with Taiwanese passport. I will be traveling to USA with ESTA (not visa). However, my friends and I are planning to visit Costa Rica during our stay in USA. Would I be able to travel ...
Andrea's user avatar
  • 33
0 votes
1 answer
152 views

Costa Rica 6 hr taxi ride from Playa Carrillo to SJO at 4am

We're traveling to Costa Rica and tour suggested we take taxi to airport for our 12 noon flight. They said to allow 6 hours which means a 4 AM depart from Playa Carrillo. Is it safe to do this? Would ...
user10107's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
1k views

Late night taxis from San Jose Airport, Costa Rica (SJO)?

In a few weeks, I have a flight arriving in to San Jose airport (SJO, Alajuela) very late at night (a little after 1am). Can I expect to still find taxis there at that time of night?
PLL's user avatar
  • 1,405
5 votes
2 answers
136 views

Thai drivers license in Costa Rica

I have a Thai Drivers license and Motorcycle license. Is this valid to rent a car / motorcycle in Costa Rica?
William's user avatar
  • 51
6 votes
2 answers
220 views

Central America, rain season and electronics

I am a traveling developer and I need functional wifi and a laptop for my work. I would love to travel to the central americas (niceragua, costa rica and panama) for about a month during june but this ...
Vincent Warmerdam's user avatar
10 votes
3 answers
2k views

Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua

I want to go to Costa Rica and I am considering going to Panama and Nicaragua as well. I wonder though, what will I be able to find in Panama and Nicaragua that I will not be able to find in Costa ...
Vincent Warmerdam's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
226 views

Need information on traveling to Montezuma, CR and Panama

I am traveling to Montezuma, CR this coming April. I would need to fly out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. What is the best airport to land in CR and what are the ground transportation options to ...
Andrea MacEachern's user avatar
12 votes
2 answers
7k views

Getting to San Andrés

Last year in Valencia, Spain I happened to talk to a Colombian woman who generously praised San Andrés as a destination. San Andrés y Providencia is an archipelago (and a departamento) in the ...
Jonik's user avatar
  • 12.7k
6 votes
2 answers
3k views

Is my US Driver's License valid in Costa Rica for Motorcycles?

I will be in Costa Rica for an extended period — long enough that it would make sense for me to rent a vehicle for the duration rather than rely on taxis. Based on what I've observed of the traffic ...
user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
892 views

Where can we Rent/Ride ATVs and Off-Road Motorcycles near San José?

We're in Costa Rica in the San José area (Santa Ana), and we are looking for a place to rent and ride ATVs and off-road motorcycles, perhaps in the mountains. Are there any businesses in the area ...
user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
897 views

Is it worth bringing a stroller to Panama and Costa Rica?

I am wondering if it is worth bringing a stroller with us to Panama and Costa Rica. We will be with our 5 month old baby and 3 year old toddler. We would use the stroller either for the small one (for ...
Grzenio's user avatar
  • 16.6k
9 votes
2 answers
309 views

Turtle-watching in Costa Rica and Panama in April

Where can I watch the turtles lay their eggs in Costa Rica and Panama in the second half of April? I am mainly interested in places that are accessible by car (4x4 is fine).
Grzenio's user avatar
  • 16.6k
8 votes
2 answers
689 views

Sleeping near San Jose airport (Costa Rica)

I am arriving at the San Jose airport in Costa Rica rather late in the evening (with small children). I would like to stay overnight somewhere close, ideally without going into San Jose itself (which ...
Grzenio's user avatar
  • 16.6k
10 votes
1 answer
537 views

In Costa Rica - Invite Strangers to Dinner?

We are traveling in rural, southwest Costa Rica. We were walking down the road and began talking to two local guys in their 20s. They offered to give us surfing lessons, and eventually said "you can ...
Chris's user avatar
  • 203