🌎 North America 3 regions 1 city guide

The Complete Costa Rica Packing List

Two oceans, cloud forests, volcanoes, and a pura vida attitude. Pack for humidity, rain, and mud, not for perfection.

Updated April 13, 2026

Quick answer

For Costa Rica, pack quick-dry everything, a real waterproof rain jacket, hiking shoes with tread, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent with picaridin or 20 to 30 percent DEET, a small dry bag for electronics, and at least two swimsuits. No plug adapter needed from the US. Bring proof of onward travel and a passport valid for 6 months beyond entry. Dry season runs December to April; green season May to November.

Costa Rica packs unusual biological and climatic diversity into the size of West Virginia. You can surf the Pacific at breakfast, hike a cloud forest at lunch, and soak in a volcanic hot spring at dinner. The trade-off is that your packing list needs to cover tropical beaches, wet rainforest trails, and high-elevation cloud forest all in one bag.

Everything is going to get wet. Even in the 'dry season' (December to April) the Caribbean side and cloud forests like Monteverde stay misty. In the 'green season' (May to November) afternoon downpours are nearly daily and a trail can turn to calf-deep mud in minutes. Quick-dry fabrics, a legit rain jacket, and closed-toe hiking shoes with grip are worth more than any single fancy outfit.

Entry is simple for most Western passports. US, Canadian, UK, EU, and Australian citizens get a 90-day visa-free stamp on arrival (often stretched to 180 days at the officer's discretion). You need a passport with at least 6 months validity and proof of onward travel (airlines enforce this even when immigration does not). Outlets are US-compatible Type A and B at 120V, 60Hz. Pura vida is not just a slogan; it is a pace. Expect buses to run late, restaurants to take their time, and nobody to be in a rush. Pack accordingly.

Country essentials

Plug type

A, B · 120V, 60Hz

Currency

Costa Rican Colon (CRC)

Language

Spanish, English (widely understood in tourist zones)

Visa

Visa-free for US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, and many other nationalities for up to 90 days (can be stamped for up to 180 at officer discretion). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Proof of onward travel is required and enforced by airlines at check-in.

SIM / data

Kolbi (ICE) has the widest coverage including remote Osa Peninsula. Prepaid SIMs cheap at the airport or supermarkets with passport. eSIMs (Airalo, Holafly) work on arrival. Expect dead zones in national parks.

Tipping

Most restaurants include a 10 percent service charge plus 13 percent tax on the bill; no additional tip required but 5 to 10 percent extra for great service is appreciated. Tour guides $5 to $20 per day, drivers $5 to $10 per day. Hotel staff 500 to 1,000 colones per day.

Driving side

right

Tap water

Safe to drink

Emergency #

911

Cultural notes and dress codes

  • Pura vida is a greeting, a goodbye, a thank you, and a worldview. It translates loosely as 'pure life' and signals a laid-back, take-it-easy mentality.
  • Ticos (Costa Ricans) are warm, polite, and rarely direct. Expect 'gracias, muy amable' instead of blunt answers.
  • The country abolished its army in 1948 and invests heavily in education and conservation. Over 25 percent of land is protected.
  • Shoes off inside homes and some rural lodges. A small pair of flip flops doubles as house shoes.
  • Waste separation matters. Recycling is common and many lodges ask you to sort. Pack reusable bags and a water bottle.
  • Costa Rica is among the safest countries in Central America, but petty theft (beach bag grabs, rental car break-ins) is common. Do not leave anything visible in a parked car, ever.
  • Tipping is less aggressive than the US. The 10 percent service charge is usually automatic at restaurants; tour guides and drivers do rely on tips though.
  • Wildlife is the main attraction. Keep distance from monkeys, sloths, and coatis, never feed them, and do not touch poison dart frogs (the brightly colored ones are why).
  • Spanish matters outside tourist centers. Even basic phrases (buenos dias, por favor, mucho gusto) open doors.
  • Sundays are family days. Many restaurants close or shorten hours; grocery stores are limited. Plan around it.

Build Your Custom Packing List

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Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Playa Grande, Samara, and the Guanacaste beaches. The driest part of Costa Rica with reliable sun December to April and surf year-round. Dirt roads to beach towns mean 4x4 rentals and quick-dry everything.

Climate: Tropical dry forest in Guanacaste. Dec to Apr nearly zero rain with 85 to 92 F days. May to Nov green season with short heavy afternoon rains; still plenty of sun in the mornings. Water 80+ F year-round.

  • Surf-friendly kit (two swimsuits, rash guard, reef booties)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen; Pacific UV is intense
  • Breathable, quick-dry everything
  • Sturdy sport sandals for dirt roads and boat dinghies
  • Light layer for ocean breezes after sunset

WBeach and Surf

Essentials

  • Two swimsuits x2
  • Reef-safe mineral sunscreen SPF 50
  • Sport sandals (Teva, Chaco)

Nice to Have

  • Rash guard or UPF shirt (You will spend more time in the water than out)
  • Flip flops
  • Quick-dry travel towel (Hotel towels rarely allowed on the beach)
  • Dry bag 10L

STropical Clothing

Essentials

  • Breathable shorts x3
  • Wide-brim sun hat
  • Polarized sunglasses

Nice to Have

  • Quick-dry t-shirts x4
  • One light long-sleeve (Sun protection and bugs at dusk)
  • Light sundress or breathable button-up

UBug and Sun Support

Essentials

  • Insect repellent (picaridin 20 percent)
  • Lip balm with SPF

Nice to Have

  • After-sun aloe
  • Oral rehydration salts

MAdventure Kit

Essentials

  • Daypack (15 to 20L)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Cash in colones and small USD

Nice to Have

  • Headlamp (Surf towns get dark early and streetlights are rare)
  • Waterproof phone case

When to visit and what changes by season

Dry Season (Dec to Apr)

DecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchApril · 70 to 92 (regional range)°F

Peak tourist season. Pacific coast nearly rain-free, clear skies, low humidity. Caribbean side still sees rain. Book accommodations 3+ months ahead for Dec 20 to Jan 5 and Semana Santa (Easter week). Best diving and surf visibility on the Pacific.

  • Full beach kit with sun protection
  • Light layers for cloud forest (still misty)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Two swimsuits
  • One warm piece for Monteverde nights

Green Season Start (May to Jul)

MayJuneJuly · 68 to 88°F

Rains return but mornings are often sunny. Lower prices, fewer crowds, lush scenery. Surf season peaks on the Pacific. June to Jul brief 'veranillo' (little summer) can bring a week of drier weather. Turtle nesting starts in Tortuguero.

  • Real waterproof rain jacket
  • Quick-dry clothing only
  • Dry bag for electronics
  • Heavy insect repellent
  • Closed-toe hiking shoes with grip

Green Season Peak (Aug to Oct)

AugustSeptemberOctober · 68 to 88°F

Rainiest months on the Pacific; some dirt roads impassable. Caribbean coast paradoxically has its best weather (Sep and Oct are dry). Sea turtle nesting peaks. Lowest prices of the year; many smaller lodges close in Sep.

  • Waterproof everything
  • Extra dry bags and ziplocks
  • Permethrin-treated clothes or bug spray
  • Backup footwear
  • Flexible itinerary for road closures

Transition (Nov)

November · 68 to 90°F

Shoulder month. Pacific rains taper and dry season starts mid to late November. Cloud forests remain misty. Lower prices, empty beaches, and green landscape before peak-season crowds arrive Dec 15.

  • Rain jacket still essential
  • Mix of beach and hiking kit
  • Quick-dry everything
  • Layering pieces for highlands
  • Sun protection for newly dry Pacific coast

Packing tips for Costa Rica

  1. 1 Pack everything that matters in a dry bag. Rain comes fast and hard, and boat transfers to places like Tortuguero, Corcovado, and Drake Bay will soak anything not sealed.
  2. 2 Rent a 4x4 if exploring beyond main routes. Dirt roads with river crossings are normal on the Nicoya Peninsula and Osa.
  3. 3 Buy local SIM or eSIM. Coverage is good on highways; patchy in the jungle but strong enough for maps and messaging.
  4. 4 Use ATMs at banks (BAC, Banco Nacional, BCR) for better rates. USD is accepted widely but change usually comes back in colones at an unfavorable rate.
  5. 5 Reserve Manuel Antonio and Corcovado permits well in advance. Day caps are enforced.
  6. 6 Bring cash in small USD or colones bills for small towns, tips, and park fees.
  7. 7 Insect repellent with picaridin is gentler than DEET and does not damage synthetic fabrics. Best option for sensitive skin in the rainforest.
  8. 8 Always have a headlamp. Rural lodges lose power, early wildlife hikes start before sunrise, and sunset hits at 6pm year-round.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
No, if you hold a US, Canadian, UK, EU, Australian, or most other Western passports. You receive a tourist stamp on arrival for up to 90 days (sometimes stretched to 180 at the officer's discretion). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry, and airlines will ask for proof of onward travel at check-in. Some travelers work around this with a refundable bus ticket to Panama or Nicaragua.
What plug adapter do I need for Costa Rica?
None if you are coming from the US or Canada. Costa Rica uses Type A (two flat pins) and Type B (two flat pins plus grounding) at 120V, 60Hz, identical to US power. Travelers from Europe, the UK, or Australia need a plug adapter; dual-voltage electronics (most chargers, laptops) work fine, but single-voltage hair dryers need a converter.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Costa Rica?
Yes in most of the country, including San Jose, Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Rural and coastal areas (parts of the Caribbean, remote Osa Peninsula) are better served by bottled or filtered water. The water is high in minerals and chlorine in some areas and can upset sensitive stomachs. A filter bottle (Grayl, LifeStraw) is a safe middle ground.
Do I need insect repellent for Costa Rica?
Yes, especially in the rainforest and Caribbean side. Dengue is present year-round and peaks in rainy season. Use repellent with 20 to 30 percent DEET or 20 percent picaridin. Picaridin is gentler on skin and safe on synthetic fabrics. For jungle hikes, permethrin-treated clothing adds a second barrier. Mosquito pressure is lowest in Guanacaste dry season and highest in Tortuguero.
What is the difference between dry season and green season?
Dry season (Dec to Apr) means almost no rain on the Pacific coast, clear skies, and peak tourist prices. Green season (May to Nov) brings daily afternoon downpours, lush landscapes, smaller crowds, and 30 to 50 percent lower prices. Mornings in green season are often sunny. The Caribbean side does not follow this pattern; it can rain any day but September and October are its driest months.
How much cash should I carry in Costa Rica?
Carry $100 to $200 USD equivalent in mixed colones and small USD bills. Cash is needed for small taxis, beach vendors, national park entry fees, tips, and many small sodas (local diners). USD is accepted widely but change comes back in colones at a rate that usually favors the restaurant. Use bank ATMs (BAC, BCR, Banco Nacional) for the best rates.
What should I tip in Costa Rica?
Most restaurants automatically include a 10 percent service charge and 13 percent tax, so no additional tip is required (a small extra 5 to 10 percent for great service is appreciated). For tour guides, $10 to $20 per person per day is standard. Drivers get $5 to $10 per day. Hotel housekeeping 500 to 1,000 colones per day (about $1 to $2). Do not overtip; it distorts the local economy.
Do I need a 4x4 in Costa Rica?
For main highways and large beach towns, no. For the Nicoya Peninsula (Santa Teresa, Nosara), Osa Peninsula (Drake Bay, Corcovado), and many eco-lodges, yes. Dirt roads with river crossings are standard outside the paved network. Always buy the full Costa Rican mandatory insurance plus collision waiver; rental damage claims are aggressive here.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
For the Pacific coast and guaranteed sun: December through April. For fewer crowds and lower prices with good weather: late April, May, and late November. For the Caribbean coast: September and October (its driest months). Skip mid-September to mid-October for the Pacific because roads can flood. Wildlife viewing peaks in rainy months when frogs, snakes, and insects are most active.
Is Costa Rica safe for travelers?
Yes, one of the safest countries in Central America. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft (rental car break-ins, beach bag grabs, hotel room theft) is the main issue. Never leave anything visible in a parked car, even for a minute. Use hotel safes and take registered taxis or ride-share apps (Uber works in San Jose and major cities) at night.

City packing lists in Costa Rica

Related countries

Build Your Custom Packing List

Use PackSmart to create a personalized packing list for Costa Rica based on your trip dates, activities, and style.

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