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Costa Rica

🇨🇷Costa Rica

Central America· Updated 06/03/2026

Information

Capital

San José

Population

5,160,000

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC ₡)

Languages

Spanish, English

Continent

Central America

Calling code

+506

Timezone

America/Costa_Rica

Area

51,100 km²

Government

Presidential Republic

National day

September 15 - Independence Day

Internet domain

.cr

About

Costa Rica is a Central American nation known for its political stability and robust democratic institutions. The country has a diversified economy and is recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Safety

Risk level :Moderate. Costa Rica is generally considered one of the safest countries in Central America, but some areas pose risks related to organized crime and drug trafficking.

Risk areas

Limón - Drug trafficking and organized crimePuntarenas - Drug trafficking and crimeSan José (certain neighborhoods) - Urban crime

Crime(Medium)

  • Avoid gang-controlled areas, especially in coastal provinces
  • Do not display signs of wealth (jewelry, expensive electronics)
  • Use official taxis or trusted transportation services
  • Stay vigilant in tourist areas where pickpockets operate

Terrorism(Low)

  • The terrorist risk is low but authorities remain vigilant against drug trafficking activities.

Transport

  • Avoid driving at night outside main urban areas
  • Use official public transportation or licensed taxi services
  • Keep doors locked and windows closed while in transit

Natural risks(Moderate. Costa Rica is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes, landslides, and seasonal floods.)

  • Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures in case of an earthquake
  • Avoid coastal areas during the rainy season (May to November)
  • Check weather alerts before traveling

Health(Good. Costa Rica has a relatively developed healthcare system with available public and private services.)

  • Yellow fever vaccination recommended for certain regions
  • Prevention against dengue, Zika, and chikungunya (use insect repellents)
  • International health insurance recommended
  • Tap water generally drinkable in urban areas

Practical tips

  • Register your presence with your embassy
  • Keep copies of important documents separately from originals
  • Maintain increased vigilance in public transportation and tourist areas
  • Avoid political protests and mass gatherings

Cost of living

Accommodation

Studio city center$500
1-bedroom apartment in city center$600
1-bedroom apartment in suburb$450
3-bedroom apartment in city center$1,200
3-bedroom apartment in suburb$900

Food

Inexpensive restaurant meal$7
Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$40
McDonald's menu$8
Local beer (0.5L)$2
Cappuccino$3
Water (1.5L)$1.50
Bread (500g)$2
Milk (1L)$1.50
Eggs (12)$3
Chicken (1kg)$6
Apples (1kg)$3
Bananas (1kg)$1

Transport

Public transport ticket$1
Monthly transport subscription$40
Taxi ride (start)$3
Taxi (1km)$1.50
Gasoline (1L)$1.20

Leisure

Fitness membership (monthly)$50
Tennis court (1h weekend)$15
Cinema$8
Theatre$30

Health

General practitioner consultation$60
Dentist consultation$70
Antibiotic medications$15
Cold medications (6 days)$10

Others

High-speed internet (60 Mbps+)$50
Mobile plan (calls + 10GB)$25
Public services for 85m² apartment$80
Jeans (Levis 501 or similar)$70
Nike sports shoes$90
International primary school (monthly)$1,000

Indicative prices in USD · as of 11/06/2025

Practical information

Electricity

Voltage120V
Frequency60Hz
Plug typesType A, Type B

Emergency numbers

Police911
Ambulance911
Fire department911

Practical information

Driving side

Right

Tap water

Safe

Tipping

10% in restaurants, optional but appreciated

Photos

Point de vue panoramique

Point de vue panoramique

Costa Rica

Luis Alberto Arias

Point de vue panoramique

Point de vue panoramique

Costa Rica

Jean Paul Montanaro

Point de vue panoramique

Point de vue panoramique

Costa Rica

Warner Brenes Quesada

Point de vue panoramique

Point de vue panoramique

Costa Rica

Kenny Fotos CR

Point de vue panoramique

Point de vue panoramique

Costa Rica

ismael jim

Monument emblématique

Monument emblématique

Costa Rica

Mario Spencer

Monument emblématique

Monument emblématique

Costa Rica

Veronika Andrews

Monument emblématique

Monument emblématique

Costa Rica

Koen Swiers

Monument emblématique

Monument emblématique

Costa Rica

Veronika Andrews

Monument emblématique

Monument emblématique

Costa Rica

Jake Marsee

Site UNESCO

Site UNESCO

Costa Rica

Koen Swiers

Site UNESCO

Site UNESCO

Costa Rica

Lexo Salazar

Site UNESCO

Site UNESCO

Costa Rica

Mario Spencer

Site UNESCO

Site UNESCO

Costa Rica

Enrique Hidalgo

Site UNESCO

Site UNESCO

Costa Rica

Oleg Kotelskiy

Visas

Plan your trip

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Guides to prepare your trip

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?

It depends on your nationality: some passports enter visa-free, others need an e-visa or a consular visa. Select your nationality in our checker to get the exact rule for your passport, with documents, fees and processing times.

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Is it dangerous to travel to Costa Rica?

The overall risk level is currently rated "Moderate. Costa Rica is generally considered one of the safest countries in Central America, but some areas pose risks related to organized crime and drug trafficking.". See the Safety section on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.

What currency is used in Costa Rica?

The official currency is Costa Rican Colón (CRC ₡). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.

What is the capital of Costa Rica?

The capital of Costa Rica is San José. The main spoken languages are: Spanish, English.