Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, it’s normal to have questions before you arrive. From transportation and currency to weather and wildlife, we’ve answered some of the most common questions travelers ask to help you prepare for an unforgettable vacation. Check out these need-to-know Costa Rica Travel FAQs.
Do I Need a Passport to Visit Costa Rica?
Yes. Visitors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many other countries need a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Your passport should generally be valid for the duration of your stay, though it’s always a good idea to check your country’s latest travel requirements before departure.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a year-round destination.
- Dry Season (December–April): Sunny days, ideal for beaches and outdoor adventures.
- Green Season (May–November): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and often lower prices. Rain usually falls in the afternoon or evening, leaving plenty of time to explore during the day.
Many travelers actually prefer the Green Season because everything is vibrant, waterfalls are at their fullest, and popular attractions are less crowded.
Is Costa Rica Safe?
Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America and welcomes millions of visitors every year.
As with any destination:
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Don’t leave belongings unattended.
- Use reputable transportation providers.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
Most visitors enjoy a safe, relaxing vacation without any issues.
If you’re planning your itinerary, these Costa Rica Travel FAQs can help you avoid common travel mistakes and make your vacation smoother.
Can I Drink the Water?
In many popular tourist destinations, tap water is safe to drink. However, if you’re traveling to more remote areas or have a sensitive stomach, bottled or filtered water is always a safe option.
What Currency Is Used?
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout much of the country.
Many restaurants, hotels, tour operators, and shops accept major credit cards as well.
Should I Exchange Money?
Not necessarily.
Many travelers simply use their credit card for larger purchases and keep a small amount of cash for local vendors, tips, or small businesses.
ATMs are easy to find in most towns if you need additional local currency.
Do I Need to Speak Spanish?
No.
While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and on many tours.
Learning a few simple Spanish phrases is always appreciated by locals, but it’s certainly not required.
Should I Rent a Car?
That depends on your vacation style.
If you plan to stay in one area and take guided tours, many travelers find that private transportation is far less stressful than driving unfamiliar roads.
Professional drivers know the local routes, parking, and traffic patterns, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery instead of navigating.
One of the most common Costa Rica Travel FAQs involves getting around the country and whether renting a car is necessary.
What’s the Best Way to Get Around?
Many visitors choose a combination of:
- Private airport transfers
- Guided excursions
- Shuttle services
- Walking within beach towns
This often eliminates the need for a rental car while making travel between destinations simple and comfortable.
What Should I Pack?
Don’t forget:
- Lightweight clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals
- Swimsuit
- Rain jacket
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Waterproof phone case (optional but helpful)
If you’re visiting the mountains or cloud forests, pack a light sweatshirt or jacket for cooler evenings.
Another topic frequently covered in Costa Rica Travel FAQs is whether Costa Rica is a good destination for families.
Is Costa Rica Good for Families?
Absolutely.
Costa Rica offers something for every age:
- Wildlife encounters
- Beaches
- Ziplining
- Hanging bridges
- Hot springs
- Chocolate tours
- Boat tours
- Waterfalls
- National parks
It’s an excellent destination for families looking to combine adventure with relaxation.
Wildlife is one of the biggest reasons people visit, so it’s no surprise that many Costa Rica Travel FAQs focus on the animals you may encounter.
What Animals Might I See?
Costa Rica is famous for its incredible biodiversity.
Depending on where you visit, you may see:
- Sloths
- Monkeys
- Toucans
- Macaws
- Iguanas
- Sea turtles
- Frogs
- Butterflies
- Coatis
Always admire wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid feeding wild animals.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
While it’s not required for most visitors, travel insurance is highly recommended. It can provide peace of mind in case of trip delays, cancellations, lost luggage, or unexpected medical expenses.
Can I Use My Cell Phone?
Most major U.S. and Canadian carriers offer international roaming plans, but charges can add up quickly.
Many travelers choose to:
- Purchase an international plan before traveling
- Use an eSIM
- Connect to hotel and restaurant Wi-Fi whenever available
How Far in Advance Should I Book Tours?
Popular activities—especially during the busy season—can sell out weeks in advance.
Booking early gives you the best selection of dates, times, and experiences while making your vacation planning much less stressful.
Make Your Costa Rica Vacation Easy
Planning transportation, tours, and excursions ahead of time can help you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying your vacation.
Whether you’re arriving at the airport, heading to your resort, or exploring Costa Rica’s incredible beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and waterfalls, having knowledgeable local support can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to start planning, Orly Tours offers reliable airport transfers, private transportation, and unforgettable tours designed to help you experience the very best of Costa Rica. Contact us today to begin building your perfect itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide airport transfers from Liberia International Airport?
Yes. We offer private airport transportation from Liberia International Airport (LIR) to hotels, resorts, villas, Airbnbs, and vacation rentals throughout the region.
Can I book transportation and excursions together?
Absolutely. Many of our guests reserve both airport transfers and excursions before arriving so everything is planned in advance.
Is the 15% discount available on all bookings?
The discount applies when you book two or more transfers and/or excursions with Orly Tours. Contact us for complete details and eligible services.
Are your tours suitable for children?
Many of our excursions are family-friendly. We can recommend activities based on your children’s ages and your family’s interests.
Can we customize our itinerary?
Yes. We’ll gladly help you build a personalized itinerary that fits your vacation schedule, travel style, and budget.
Do you offer private transportation?
Yes. All of our transportation services are private, allowing your family to travel comfortably without sharing your ride with other groups.
Start Planning Your Costa Rica Vacation Today
Whether you’re visiting Costa Rica for your first trip or returning to explore even more of this beautiful country, Orly Tours is here to help you create an unforgettable experience.
From private Liberia airport transfers to exciting family excursions, we’ll help simplify your vacation from start to finish.
Don’t forget: Book two or more transfers and/or excursions and enjoy 15% OFF your reservation.
Contact Orly Tours today and let us help you plan the perfect Costa Rica family vacation.