Choosing Colognes For Costa Rica: Packing Tips For Travelers

Costa Rica is a tropical country with a hot and humid climate, so it is best to wear lightweight, breathable clothing. It is also recommended to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as the country experiences frequent rainfall, especially during the rainy season from May to November. It is also important to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects, so insect repellent and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing are recommended.

When packing for Costa Rica, it is essential to consider the activities you plan to do and the regions you will be visiting. For example, if you plan to hike or spend time in the cloud forests of Monteverde or San Gerardo de Dota, bring layers such as long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and lightweight rain jackets. If you are visiting the beach, pack swimwear, sun protection like hats and sunglasses, and water shoes or sandals.

In terms of footwear, closed-toe shoes or sandals are recommended to protect your feet from biting insects. Hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are ideal for hiking, while water shoes or sandals can be useful for visiting waterfalls or engaging in water activities.

Additionally, it is important to bring essential items such as a valid passport, driver's license (if renting a car), a credit card without foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and any necessary reservations or tickets.

Finally, it is worth noting that US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, so you may not need to exchange a large amount of currency. However, it is recommended to have some local colones for smaller purchases or places that may not accept US dollars.

How much cash to bring to Costa Rica?

The amount of cash to bring to Costa Rica depends on how long you plan to stay, what you plan to do, and where you are going. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Costa Rica, so you don't need to bring a ton of cash. However, it is good to have some cash on hand, as there are many businesses that don't accept credit cards.

For a one-week trip to Costa Rica, it is recommended to bring around $300 per person in US dollars cash. You can then exchange about $100 USD to Costa Rican colones when you arrive at a bank or supermarket. If you need more cash, you can withdraw from any ATM. It is recommended to bring small bills, such as $5, $10, and $20 bills, as it can be hard to break $50 and $100 bills in Costa Rica.

It is also important to note that US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, but other foreign currencies, such as Canadian dollars, Euros, or pounds, are not accepted by most companies. Therefore, if you are carrying any currency other than USD, it is recommended to exchange it for USD before your trip or at the airport in Costa Rica.

Additionally, when paying in cash, it is better to use Costa Rican colones for smaller-priced items and services, such as souvenirs, street vendors, taxis, and toll booths. For more expensive items and tours, it is usually quoted in USD, so it is better to pay in USD.

In terms of safety, it is recommended to keep your cash and credit cards secure, just as you would in the United States or any other country. If you are bringing a large amount of cash, consider getting travel insurance that covers theft and be cautious about where you keep your money.

How to exchange money in Costa Rica?

How to Exchange Money in Costa Rica

Currency

Costa Rica's currency is the colon, or colone (CRC), named after Christopher Columbus. The plural is colones, and the symbol is ¢, so you'll see price tags like ¢15 instead of $15. The exchange rate hovers between 500 and 600 colones to $1 USD.

Where to Exchange Money

Banks

Exchanging money at a local bank will get you the most favourable rate. The most widely available banks are Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica. Banks are only open Monday to Friday, so this may not always align with your travel schedule. You will need your passport to exchange money.

ATMs

ATMs are a convenient way to get cash, and can be found throughout Costa Rica and in most tourist destinations. They are compatible with international cards, and you can usually withdraw both US dollars and colones. However, be aware of fees and withdrawal limits, which vary depending on your bank and the ATM provider.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially in tourist areas and cities. It is a good idea to inform your bank that you are travelling to Costa Rica to avoid any card usage issues.

Local Exchange Bureaus

These can be found in cities and tourist areas, and offer extended opening hours. However, it is crucial to ensure they are reputable.

Airports

Airports are convenient places to exchange money, but they often offer poor exchange rates and higher fees.

Tips for Getting the Best Rates

• Compare rates using currency rate comparison tools.
• Stay informed with rate alerts.
• Avoid hidden charges and inquire about the complete cost of the exchange transaction, including service fees.
• Understand the mid-market rate (the real rate at which banks trade currency) to assess whether you're getting a good deal.
• Use apps and websites that offer daily summaries of exchange rates for real-time comparisons.
• Choose to be charged in the local currency, CRC, to save on conversion fees.

What to wear in Costa Rica?

When it comes to what to wear in Costa Rica, it's all about casual comfort. The climate is tropical, so opt for breathable, light fabrics such as thin cotton, linen, or airy athletic wear. Quick-dry clothing is also a good idea, especially if you plan on engaging in water activities or expect to sweat a lot.

As Costa Rica has diverse microclimates, it's a good idea to pack layers that can be added or removed as needed. A rain jacket and good-quality, broken-in hiking shoes or boots are essential, especially if you plan on exploring the rainforests or hiking trails. If you're visiting higher elevations, such as Monteverde or Arenal, pack a light jacket and long pants.

For the beach, a swimsuit and cover-up are must-haves. Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are also recommended to protect against the strong sun.

When packing, remember that Costa Rica is a casual destination with no strict dress code. Shorts, t-shirts or tank tops, and sandals are perfect for the coast, while closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a light jacket are more suitable for the cooler and wetter regions towards the country's centre.

If you plan on doing any trekking or hiking, consider packing long-sleeved technical shirts to protect against insect bites and sun exposure.

What to pack for Costa Rica?

Packing for Costa Rica can be a challenge, especially if you are visiting multiple destinations with different climates. Here is a detailed packing list to help you prepare for your trip.

Essential Items:

• Original passport
• Original valid driver's license
• No foreign transaction fee credit card ( Visa is recommended)
• Travel insurance
• Return flight ticket
• Hotels, tours, car rentals and flight reservations

Clothing:

• Lightweight, dry-fast, and comfortable clothing
• Closed-toed shoes/sandals for activities such as hiking, ziplining, and horseback riding
• Swimwear
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Long pants and long-sleeve shirts for cooler areas and evenings
• Sweater/jacket for higher elevation areas
• Hat
• Sarong/beach cover-up

Toiletries and Medications:

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
• Medications and a list of active ingredients

Technology and Accessories:

• Phone and charger
• Camera and accessories
• Battery pack
• Waterproof phone case/pouch
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Map of Costa Rica
• Binoculars/monocular
• Insulated water bottle
• Collapsible cooler

Other Items:

• Day backpack
• Spanish dictionary/phrasebook
• Master lock for surfing
• Dry bags/plastic bags
• Travel hair dryer
• Car cell phone holder

How to handle mosquitoes in Costa Rica?

Mosquitoes are present in Costa Rica year-round, especially in lowland tropical areas around the coast, including the Caribbean region. However, mosquitoes are rare in other parts of the country due to low temperatures at night. You will probably not encounter many mosquitoes in the Central Valley, Monteverde, or other places in the Highlands of Costa Rica.

Mosquitoes in Costa Rica are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can bite at any time of day. To avoid being bitten, wear long sleeves and pants, and use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin. DEET is the most effective ingredient against mosquitoes, but it can cause skin irritation and neurological effects with frequent use. Picaridin is a synthetic compound recommended by the World Health Organization and is safer to use, especially for pregnant women.

Other effective mosquito repellents include mosquito coils, essential oils such as citronella or lemon eucalyptus, and large powerful fans directed towards the user. Avoid wearing perfumes and cover up with long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk.

To protect against mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Malaria, take the following precautions:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially during dawn and dusk.
• Avoid areas with standing water, especially during the rainy season (May to November).
• Use mosquito nets if you are staying in areas without screens.
• Consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as fever, headache, joint pain, or vomiting.

Frequently asked questions