Costa Rica
Phone Code
+506
Capital
San Jose
Population
5.2 Million
Native Name
Costa Rica
Region
Americas
Central America
Timezone
Central Standard Time (North America
UTC-06:00
On This Page
Costa Rica is a Central American country renowned for eco-tourism, biodiversity (5% of world's species), pristine beaches on both Pacific and Caribbean coasts, cloud forests, active volcanoes, and 'Pura Vida' lifestyle philosophy. San José is the capital. The country has no standing army since 1949. Visitors are drawn to Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero National Parks, Arenal Volcano and hot springs, Monteverde Cloud Forest, zip-lining and adventure sports, surfing in Tamarindo and Santa Teresa, wildlife watching (sloths, toucans, sea turtles), and sustainable eco-lodges. Costa Rica offers world-class nature experiences and political stability.
Visa Requirements for Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU member states, and many others for tourism or business stays of up to 90 days. Additionally, holders of valid Schengen visas or valid US visas (any type) can enter Costa Rica visa-free even if their nationality normally requires a visa. Visitors must have a passport valid for at least one day beyond entry date (though 6 months recommended), return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds ($100 per month of stay). Extensions are possible through immigration offices. Those requiring visas should apply through Costa Rican consulates, providing application forms, photographs, financial proof, and travel itinerary.
Common Visa Types
Visa-Free Entry
For tourism or business for citizens of US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, and many other eligible nationalities.
Schengen/US Visa Exemption
For nationals who normally require visas but hold valid Schengen visas or US visas (any category, B1/B2, F1, etc.).
Tourist Visa (Consular)
For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry or visa exemptions visiting Costa Rica for tourism purposes.
Extension of Stay
For tourists wishing to extend their visa-free or tourist visa stay beyond the initial 90-day period.
Important Travel Information
Travel Guide
Costa Rica delivers an extraordinary range of biomes and culture in a country roughly the size of West Virginia or Lower Saxony. Within a week's itinerary, travellers can stand at the foot of the near-perfect Arenal volcanic cone watching the rainforest canopy in the morning mist, walk the moss-draped suspension bridges of Monteverde Cloud Forest while resplendent quetzals call from the canopy, watch female green sea turtles haul themselves up the black sand of Tortuguero between July and October to lay eggs at the same beach where they themselves were born, and finish on the white sand of Manuel Antonio with white-faced capuchin monkeys and three-toed sloths visible from the shoreline. The country protects roughly a quarter of its land in national parks and reserves and holds approximately 5% of the world's species in just 0.03% of the planet's surface — a biodiversity density that still surprises serious naturalists. Costa Rica is also the only country in the Americas to have abolished its army (in 1949) and re-allocated those funds to education, universal healthcare, and conservation; that choice shapes the texture of everyday life and the maturity of its environmental policy. The Pacific coast carries a long surf history (Tamarindo and Nosara for intermediates, Santa Teresa and Pavones for advanced surfers); the Caribbean side around Puerto Viejo retains a Jamaican-rooted reggae culture and a serious organic-cocoa scene; and the Osa Peninsula's Corcovado National Park was famously described by National Geographic as the most biologically intense place on Earth. Two international airports — San José (SJO, central valley) and Liberia (LIR, gateway to Guanacaste's Pacific north) — plus a mature eco-tourism infrastructure make this one of the easier multi-region trips in Latin America. Costa Rica also runs the world's most-developed sustainability-certification scheme (CST), so eco-lodges and tour operators booked through reputable channels are usually genuinely low-impact rather than greenwashed.
Ways to Experience This Destination
National parks, cloud forests, and rainforest reserves for travelers prioritizing biodiversity and guided nature experiences.
Zip-lining, rafting, canyoning, hiking, and volcano trails across regions such as Arenal, Monteverde, and Pacuare.
Pacific and Caribbean coasts with routes through Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Puerto Viejo, and other beach hubs.
Arenal, Poas, Irazu, and Rincon de la Vieja for volcanic landscapes, crater viewpoints, and hot spring circuits.
Retreat-based itineraries combining yoga, thermal waters, and nature-focused accommodation with lower travel intensity.
Money & Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC), US Dollar (USD)
Currency code: CRC
Practical Money Tips
Costa Rican Colón (CRC) — But USD Is Widely Accepted
Costa Rica's official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC; symbol ₡). Check the current exchange rate before travel — the colón floats against USD. Uniquely for Central America, US dollars are accepted almost everywhere — hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and taxis all price in USD. Change is often returned in colones. Euros and other currencies should be exchanged to USD or CRC on arrival. Official exchange at Banco Nacional, BCR, and BAC; licensed exchange houses (casas de cambio) are also available at airports.
ATM Network Is Solid — Banco Nacional, BCR, BAC
Costa Rica has a good ATM network in major tourist areas. Banco Nacional (BN) ATMs are the most widely distributed and reliable. BAC Credomatic ATMs often accept foreign cards with the least friction. Avoid third-party ATMs at small shops (high fees). In San José, Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, Tamarindo, and Liberia, finding ATMs is easy. Remote areas like Corcovado, Tortuguero, and small Osa Peninsula villages: bring cash. Daily limit: typically CRC 200,000–500,000 (≈ USD 370–930).
Cards Widely Accepted — SINPE Móvil for Locals
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in tourist areas. Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported at modern contactless terminals in San José, Liberia, and larger tourist towns. SINPE Móvil is an extremely popular local instant bank-transfer system used between Costa Ricans — as a tourist you won't use it directly, but you'll see it mentioned everywhere. Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) if asked to pay in USD via card.
Mid-Range Ecotourism Destination — Budget Tips for CRC Savings
Costa Rica is among the more expensive countries in Central America, driven by its ecotourism reputation. Budget accommodation: USD 20–60/night. Mid-range hotel: USD 80–200/night. Budget meal (soda restaurant): USD 4–8 (try a casado — rice, beans, salad, protein for under USD 7). Tours: zip-line USD 60–90; white-water rafting USD 60–90; Arenal hot springs USD 20–80. Pay in colones where possible — prices in CRC often represent the true local rate, while USD prices may include an implicit exchange mark-up.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Cities with missions
Where this country maintains embassies or consulates
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Costa Rica Embassies Worldwide
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Embassies in Costa Rica
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