Also in This Section

Helpful Hints to Stay HealthyVisas to Costa Rica

Email This!Favorite This!

What to Bring with you to Costa Rica

Here is a list of suggested items to bring with you for your trip to Costa Rica. If you forget anything, don't worry, you can buy it here, but sometimes finding a store that carries exactly what you are looking for can lead to an adventure in itself.

Also remember that if you will be taking a domestic flight while in Costa Rica on Sansa or Nature Air, they have a 25 lb weight limit for luggage. You will have to pay extra per pound if you exceed the limit, and sometimes, your luggage will get sent on a separate flight-- depending on the weight balance of the plane.

Packing List for Costa Rica

• Camera with extra or rechargeable batteries (please take all expired batteries back home with you, Costa Rica does not recycle batteries)
• Three-prong to a two-prong electrical adapter (electricity is 110v)
• Binoculars
• Comfortable walking shoes, flip flops and/or water sandals, hiking shoes if you will be visiting Monteverde, Corcovado or other mountainous forests
• A sweater or light jacket (for the plane ride and YES, it does get chilly at night here, especially in the mountains)
• Long pants and long sleeved shirts
• Plenty of clothing - it's hot here during the day and you might want to change clothes in the evening. Don't forget your bathing suit!
• Umbrella and/or rain gear
• Insect repellent
• Sunblock, sunglasses and a hat
• Sweat rag (bandana or little wash cloth)
  
• Prescription medicines you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage.
• Money -5$, 10$ and $20 dollar bills are widely accepted as are all credit cards. You can exchange money once you are here. Do not exchange large sums at the airport-- they usually have a very poor rate of exchange. ATMs are also common in most cities and towns.
  

What Not to Bring to Costa Rica

• Valuables like jewelry, fancy cell phones (you won't be using them anyway), or any other unnecessary expensive electronics