Costa Rica Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime. Petty crime is common throughout Costa Rica. Violent crime also affects tourists. This includes armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault.

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: easy Hours: Most pharmacies open 8am-10pm; some 24-hour pharmacies in San José; chains include Fischel, Babel, and CVS pharmacies; many pharmacies have a 'pharmacy on call' system for after-hours Prescription rules: A Costa Rican prescription is technically required for prescription medications. Foreign prescriptions are not accepted. Some antibiotics and common drugs available OTC. Carry all medications in original packaging with a doctor's note. 💡 Tips Many medications available OTC. Pharmacists are helpful and often speak English. Bring a list with generic names. Some US brand names may not be available — bring alternatives. In rural areas, pharmacy selection is more limited.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $25-50/week 💡 Tip Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Private healthcare is affordable ($50-200/doctor visit, $500-2,000/day hospital stay) but costs add up without insurance. Medical evacuation coverage is important for remote areas (Osa Peninsula, Monteverde, Caribbean coast). Ensure coverage includes adventure activities (zip-lining, surfing, etc.). 💡 Tip Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Private healthcare is affordable ($50-200/doctor visit, $500-2,000/day hospital stay) but costs add up without insurance. Medical evacuation coverage is important for remote areas (Osa Peninsula, Monteverde, Caribbean coast). Ensure coverage includes adventure activities (zip-lining, surfing, etc.).

💊 Medication Restrictions

Costa Rica allows travelers to bring personal-use quantities of prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter. Spanish translation of prescriptions is helpful. Controlled substances should be accompanied by a valid prescription and a doctor's note explaining medical necessity. Many common medications are available OTC at Costa Rican pharmacies without prescription.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Controlled psychotropic substances under Costa Rican law. Available by prescription at pharmacies. Travelers should carry a doctor's letter and prescription.
• Adderall / amphetamines — BANNED: Amphetamines are prohibited substances. Adderall is not approved in Costa Rica. Importing may lead to legal complications. Carry extensive medical documentation if traveling with any stimulant medication.
• Cannabis / CBD — CAUTION: Cannabis remains illegal for recreational use, but enforcement is relatively relaxed for small personal amounts. CBD derived from hemp is available in some shops. A 2022 bill legalized medical cannabis and hemp cultivation. Do not import cannabis products.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Available by prescription. Carry valid prescription and original packaging. Costa Rica's pharmaceutical regulation is moderate.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine combinations available by prescription. Stronger opioids require special controlled-substance prescriptions. Carry documentation.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: 10% is standard at restaurants and typically added to the bill as 'servicio incluido' — check if already included. Tip tour guides $5-10/day per person. Round up taxi fares.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Littering — Costa Ricans are very environmentally proud
• Wasting food
• Being overly rushed — 'Tico time' is real; things move slowly
• Disrespecting nature reserves or wildlife
• Leaving tips on the table uncollected (hand it directly)