Plugs and voltage
Costa Rica dey use the same plugs like the United States: Type A and Type B (flat blades, sometimes with round grounding pin). The voltage na 120V at 60Hz, so US devices go work without converter.
- Travelers from Europe, UK or Australia go need simple plug adapter
- Most phone and laptop chargers go handle 120V automatically, but check the label
- Carry power strip so one adapter go charge several devices
Language basics
Spanish na the official language. English common for tourist hubs like La Fortuna, Monteverde and the beach towns, but small words go carry you far.
- Hola (hello), gracias (thank you), por favor (please)
- Pura vida dey mean everything from hello to thank you to "e dey okay" - locals go like am well well if you use am
- Cuanto cuesta? (how much?) handy for markets and sodas
Packing
Costa Rica get two seasons: dry (December to April) and green/rainy (May to November). Both dey warm and humid.
- Lightweight, quick-dry cloth and packable rain jacket
- Reef-safe sunscreen and strong insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
- Sturdy sandals plus closed shoes for jungle hikes like Corcovado or Arenal
- Reusable water bottle - tap water safe to drink for most of the country
Connectivity
Mobile coverage good along the Central Valley and main tourist routes but patchy for remote areas like the Osa Peninsula. The main carriers na Kolbi, Claro and Movistar.
- Wifi dey widely available for hotels and cafes but often slow
- eSIM na the easiest way to get data the moment you land for SJO or Liberia airport
- Download offline Google Maps for areas wey no get signal
Quick tips
- Pay small vendors for colones; cards and US dollars dey widely accept elsewhere
- Tipping no dey expect - 10% service charge dem usually don include for restaurants
- Use official red taxis or apps; agree on the meter (la maria)
- Roads fit rough - rent 4x4 if you dey go off the beaten path
- Watch for strong rip currents; swim only for patrolled beaches
- Sunrise dey early (around 5:30am) - start hikes and wildlife tours early
- Carry copy of your passport, no be the original
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