Visitors' Tips

The official currency in Costa Rica is the Colon. the exchange rate varies from day to day. 

The sales tax rate is 13%. Always find out if the sales tax is included in the price of the goods you are purchasing. In restaurants and bars an additional 10% service tax is charged. Due to this additional 10% service charge, tipping is optional there.

Do not leave jewelry, cameras, or other electronics unattended in a car. Carry your wallet in an inconspicuous place.

Renting a car

A current driver's license is necessary, along with a credit card. The driver must be over 18 years of age, and a deposit will most likely be required. Driving is American style - on the right side of the road. International traffic signs are used on all streets and roads.

Every year, thousands of foreign passports are stolen by pickpockets, or from locked cars or backpacks. This causes travelers a great deal of inconvenience as considerable time can be required to replace the passport.
The Director General of Costa Rican Immigration allows tourists to travel within the country with a photocopy of the passport. Take advantage of this by carrying a copy of your passport and leaving the original in your vacation rental home.
Click here to visit the US State Department's information page on travel to Costa Rica.