A First-Timer's Guide to Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go

A First-Timer's Guide to Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go

Costa Rica is one of those countries that's easy to visit but even easier to enjoy if you know a few things beforehand. After welcoming guests from dozens of countries at KC Hotel, we've heard every first-timer question there is — and we love them all. Here's everything we wish we could tell every guest before they land.

Money: Colones, Dollars, and the Art of Dual Pricing

Costa Rica's official currency is the colón (plural: colones), and the exchange rate hovers around 510–530 colones per US dollar. But here's the thing: US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

The catch is that if you pay in dollars, you'll often get change back in colones, and the exchange rate vendors use may not be in your favor. Our advice:

• •Withdraw colones from ATMs when you arrive. The airport has ATMs right outside customs. Use a debit card with no foreign transaction fees if you have one.
• •Keep some US dollars in small bills ($1s, $5s, $10s, $20s) for tips and emergencies.
• •Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and larger shops. Visa and Mastercard are universal; Amex is less common.
• •Don't exchange money at the airport currency desks — the rates are terrible. ATMs give you the bank rate, which is always better.
• •Prices are sometimes listed in dollars (especially hotels and tours) and sometimes in colones (local restaurants, taxis, supermarkets). If a menu says "4,500" — that's colones, about $8.50 USD.

Tipping: The Costa Rican Way

Tipping culture in Costa Rica is more relaxed than in the US but more structured than in Europe:

• •Restaurants add a mandatory 10% service charge (servicio) to every bill. You'll see it as a line item. Beyond that, an extra 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.
• •Hotel staff: 500–1,000 colones ($1–$2) per day for housekeeping, left on the pillow or nightstand.
• •Tour guides: $5–$10 USD per person per day is standard for day trips. For exceptional guides, tip more.
• •Taxi drivers: Tipping isn't expected for taxis. Round up if you like.
• •Uber drivers: Same as anywhere — a tip through the app is nice but not mandatory.
• •Porters/bellhops: 500–1,000 colones per bag.

Weather in the Central Valley (San Jose)

Forget everything you think you know about tropical weather. San Jose sits at 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) elevation, and the climate is more "eternal spring" than "tropical heat." Here's what to actually expect:

• •Dry season (December–April): Sunny mornings, clear skies, temperatures 24–30°C (75–86°F) during the day, 17–20°C (63–68°F) at night. This is peak tourist season.
• •Green season (May–November): Mornings are usually sunny and clear. Rain typically arrives in the afternoon, sometimes heavy but rarely all-day. Temperatures are similar, maybe a degree or two cooler. Everything is lush and green, there are fewer tourists, and prices are lower.
• •What surprises people: How cool the evenings are. You will want a light jacket or sweater for dinner, especially from November through February. The beaches are hot; San Jose is not.
• •Best months to visit: December through April for guaranteed sun. September and October for the best value (green season deals, fewer crowds, mornings are still gorgeous).

Getting from SJO Airport to KC Hotel

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is located in Alajuela, about 20 minutes west of San Jose. Getting to KC Hotel is straightforward:

Option 1: Hotel transfer (recommended for first-timers)

We can arrange a private airport transfer for you. A driver with a sign bearing your name will meet you outside the arrivals hall. Cost is approximately $30–$35 USD. Book through the hotel when you make your reservation.

Option 2: Uber

Uber works at SJO and is the most popular option for travelers who've been to Costa Rica before. Walk out of the terminal, request an Uber, and the driver will pick you up at the designated rideshare area. Expect to pay $15–$22 USD depending on traffic and time of day. The app handles payment, so no cash needed.

Option 3: Official airport taxi

Orange airport taxis (operated by TAXIS UNIDOS) line up outside arrivals. They use meters. The fare to Sabana Sur should be around 8,000–12,000 colones ($15–$23 USD). Make sure the driver turns on the "maria" (meter).

Option 4: Rental car

If you're planning day trips and want independence, rent a car at the airport. Major companies (Adobe, National, Budget, Alamo) have desks in the terminal. Costa Rican driving is... an adventure. Roads are generally fine, but drivers are aggressive, signage is inconsistent, and GPS is essential. If you're only staying in San Jose, Uber is easier. If you're exploring the country, a car gives you freedom.

Avoid: Unofficial taxis (pirate taxis) that approach you inside the terminal. Always use the orange airport taxis, Uber, or a pre-arranged transfer.

Safety: Practical, Not Paranoid

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America, but it's not without petty crime, especially in urban areas. Here's the realistic picture:

• •Sabana Sur (around KC Hotel) is a safe, residential neighborhood. Walking during the day is completely fine. At night, stick to lit streets and use Uber for longer distances.
• •Downtown San Jose requires more awareness. Don't wear flashy jewelry or carry expensive electronics visibly. Keep your phone in your front pocket. Avoid empty streets after dark.
• •Tourist areas (beaches, national parks, popular towns) are generally very safe.
• •Uber is your friend. It's cheap, reliable, and eliminates the risk of unlicensed taxis.
• •Don't leave valuables in rental cars — break-ins happen at trailheads and beach parking lots. Use the hotel safe.
• •Emergency number: 911 (works for police, fire, and ambulance).

Honestly, if you use the same common sense you'd use in any city — don't flash cash, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid sketchy situations late at night — you'll be fine. Costa Rica is a friendly, welcoming country, and the vast majority of your interactions will be warm.

What to Pack

Packing for Costa Rica depends entirely on where you're going, but for San Jose and the Central Valley:

Essentials:

• •Light layers (t-shirts, a light sweater or hoodie for evenings)
• •Rain jacket or compact umbrella (essential May–November, useful year-round)
• •Comfortable walking shoes (San Jose sidewalks are uneven)
• •Sunscreen SPF 30+ (the UV at this elevation is stronger than it feels)
• •Insect repellent (more for day trips than the city)
• •Swimsuit (for KC Hotel's pool and hot springs)
• •Sunglasses and a hat

Nice to have:

• •A reusable water bottle (tap water is safe to drink in San Jose and most of Costa Rica)
• •Binoculars (if you like birds — and you will, once you see what's here)
• •A dry bag or waterproof phone case (for rafting, waterfalls, beach days)
• •Flip-flops/sandals for pool and casual walking
• •One slightly nicer outfit for a dinner at Park Café or the National Theater

Don't bother bringing:

• •Heavy winter clothing (even on volcanoes, a good fleece is enough)
• •Formal attire (Costa Rica is casual everywhere)
• •Hair dryer (KC Hotel provides them, and humidity will win regardless)

Plug Types and Electricity

Costa Rica uses the same electrical outlets as the United States and Canada: Type A and Type B plugs, 120V. If you're coming from North America, you don't need any adapter. If you're coming from Europe, the UK, Australia, or Asia, bring a universal adapter.

Wi-Fi is reliable at KC Hotel and most restaurants and cafés in San Jose. If you want mobile data, you can buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport (Kolbi or Liberty are the main carriers, about $10–$15 for a week of data) or use an eSIM if your phone supports it.

Basic Spanish Phrases That Go a Long Way

Costa Ricans (Ticos) are incredibly warm and patient with non-Spanish speakers. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and among younger people. But making an effort in Spanish is appreciated and opens doors:

• •Pura vida — literally "pure life," but used as hello, goodbye, thank you, you're welcome, "everything's great," and general vibes. It's the national expression.
• •Buenos días — Good morning
• •Buenas tardes — Good afternoon
• •Buenas noches — Good evening
• •Por favor — Please
• •Gracias — Thank you
• •La cuenta, por favor — The check, please
• •¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost?
• •¿Dónde está...? — Where is...?
• •Con mucho gusto — You're welcome (literally "with much pleasure" — Costa Ricans say this instead of "de nada")
• •Mae — Dude/bro (informal, you'll hear Ticos say it constantly)
• •Tuanis — Cool/awesome (Costa Rican slang)
• •Soda — Not the drink. A soda is a small, local restaurant serving home-style food. Some of the best meals you'll eat.

Health and Practical Details

• •Tap water is safe to drink in San Jose and most of the Central Valley. In rural or beach areas, ask locally.
• •No vaccinations are required for Costa Rica, though some travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid boosters. Consult your doctor.
• •Pharmacies (farmacias) are everywhere and well-stocked. Many medications that require prescriptions in other countries are available over the counter.
• •Medical care in San Jose is excellent. Hospital CIMA and Clínica Bíblica are the two private hospitals most used by foreigners. Both have English-speaking staff.
• •Travel insurance is always a good idea, especially if you're planning adventure activities like rafting, zip-lining, or hiking.

The One Thing Nobody Tells You

Here's what catches first-timers off guard, and it's not a bad thing: Costa Rica moves at its own pace. Buses might be late. Your restaurant order might take longer than you're used to. That tour that was supposed to leave at 8 AM might leave at 8:20.

This isn't disorganization — it's a cultural relationship with time that's fundamentally different from what many visitors are used to. Resist the urge to get frustrated. Order another coffee. Watch the hummingbirds. Talk to the person next to you. You're in a country where the national motto is literally "pura vida" — pure life. The best travelers here are the ones who let that sink in.

And when you get back to KC Hotel after a day of exploring and sink into a poolside chair with the evening breeze coming through the garden, you'll get it. Pura vida isn't just a phrase. It's a pace, a feeling, and once you find it, you won't want to leave.

Need Help Planning?

Our front desk team has lived in Costa Rica for years and genuinely loves helping guests get the most out of their trip. Whether you need restaurant reservations, day trip recommendations, airport transfers, or just someone to tell you where to find the best empanadas within walking distance — ask us. That's what we're here for.