Travel Reminders

Do I need a passport and/or visa to enter Costa Rica?
Yes, a valid passport is needed for entry to Costa Rica. Visas are not required for United States citizens staying for less than 90 days. However, a $26, cash only, airport departure tax is collected before leaving Costa Rica—colones or US dollars. It is a good idea to bring a copy of the first page in your passport. This ensures that your passport can be locked away and the copy will suffice for identification.

What type of money is used in Costa Rica?
The colon is the official currency of Costa Rica. The colon fluctuates compared to the US dollar and is at about 440 colones to one dollar in mid-2004. For a current exchange rate, go to www.xe.net/ucc/full.shtml, next, click on exchange rates between US dollars and Costa Rica colones.

Should I bring cash or traveler’s checks?
The US dollar is extremely easy to exchange in Costa Rica, however some precautions should be taken. Bring newer, crisp bills to exchange and avoid bringing $100 bills. Recently, a local Costa Rican counterfeit scam on $100 bills has made many banks, hotels, and stores reluctant to accept the bills. Also, traveling with cash is more of risk than traveler’s checks. Most hotels have safety deposit boxes for cash. Traveler’s checks (in small denominations) are relatively easy to exchange in and around San Jose and in the hotels you will be staying in. Sol Encounter, S.A. will assist in the money exchange process. A mix of around 50/50 of American money and traveler’s checks offers the best combination of security and ease of exchange.

Can I use my ATM card in Costa Rica?
The answer is usually yes, but depending on your bank at home and the ATM machine you are using, sometimes the cards and machines are not compatible—it’s just a matter of luck at times. If you bank with a large bank at home, you shouldn’t have a problem getting cash at local ATMs in Costa Rica. Be sure to check with your bank before you leave home if you need an international authorization to use it outside the US or if you need an international PIN.

Are credit cards accepted in Costa Rica?
Yes, credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and larger stores in and around San Jose, but often not accepted outside of urban areas.

Safety Concerns
Medical Concerns
Travel Reminders
Recommended Packing
Miscellaneous




	Travel Reminders Do I need a passport and/or visa to enter Costa Rica? Yes, a valid passport is needed for entry to Costa Rica. Visas are not required for United States citizens staying for less than 90 days. However, a $26, cash only, airport departure tax is collected before leaving Costa Rica—colones or US dollars. It is a good idea to bring a copy of the first page in your passport. This ensures that your passport can be locked away and the copy will suffice for identification. What type of money is used in Costa Rica? The colon is the official currency of Costa Rica. The colon fluctuates compared to the US dollar and is at about 440 colones to one dollar in mid-2004. For a current exchange rate, go to www.xe.net/ucc/full.shtml, next, click on exchange rates between US dollars and Costa Rica colones. Should I bring cash or traveler’s checks? The US dollar is extremely easy to exchange in Costa Rica, however some precautions should be taken. Bring newer, crisp bills to exchange and avoid bringing $100 bills. Recently, a local Costa Rican counterfeit scam on $100 bills has made many banks, hotels, and stores reluctant to accept the bills. Also, traveling with cash is more of risk than traveler’s checks. Most hotels have safety deposit boxes for cash. Traveler’s checks (in small denominations) are relatively easy to exchange in and around San Jose and in the hotels you will be staying in. Sol Encounter, S.A. will assist in the money exchange process. A mix of around 50/50 of American money and traveler’s checks offers the best combination of security and ease of exchange. Can I use my ATM card in Costa Rica? The answer is usually yes, but depending on your bank at home and the ATM machine you are using, sometimes the cards and machines are not compatible—it’s just a matter of luck at times. If you bank with a large bank at home, you shouldn’t have a problem getting cash at local ATMs in Costa Rica. Be sure to check with your bank before you leave home if you need an international authorization to use it outside the US or if you need an international PIN. Are credit cards accepted in Costa Rica? Yes, credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and larger stores in and around San Jose, but often not accepted outside of urban areas.		Safety Concerns Medical Concerns Travel Reminders Recommended Packing Miscellaneous