Costa Rica uses the colón, CRC. U.S. dollars are accepted in many tourist places, but paying in colones is usually a better deal. Cards work well in cities, supermarkets, hostels, and many restaurants, but you still need cash for buses, sodas, and rural stops. For ATMs, Banco de Costa Rica and Banco Nacional are usually better choices. Take out larger amounts less often, and always decline dynamic currency conversion. Airport exchange counters are usually not worth it. Backpacker costs are high for the region, so plan a tighter budget than for Nicaragua or Guatemala.

Costa Rica changes quickly by region. The Pacific coast has a clear dry season from December to April, then a greener and wetter period from May to November, with September and October usually the wettest. The Caribbean side follows different weather patterns and is often relatively drier in February to March and September to October. The Central Valley is milder, while high places like Monteverde can feel cool or cold, especially at night, around 15°C in higher elevations. The lowland coasts stay hot and humid all year.

For most backpackers, the biggest real risk is theft, along with the occasional violent robbery in the wrong place at the wrong time. Problems often start on quiet streets, beaches, and dark roads at night, so avoid walking alone late and try to keep travel days in daylight. Small scams happen around borders, ATMs, and transport hubs, and unofficial helpers usually are not helping. On buses, keep your bags close. On beaches, rip currents are a bigger danger than many people think, and they kill people every year.

Public buses are the cheap main system, usually around ₡150 to ₡500 for local trips and roughly ₡2,500 to ₡9,000 for longer routes. Useful operators and route tools include Tracopa, MEPE, Yo Viajo, and Costa Rica Guide’s bus database. San José is frustrating because buses leave from different terminals, not one main station. Shared shuttles are easier but expensive, with Interbus the best-known company on tourist routes. They are usually fairly reliable, but book shuttles early in high season and leave extra time for mountain weather and slow roads.

Tap water is usually safe in most of the country, but use care in remote areas. The main health problem is mosquito-borne illness, especially the risk of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, so repellent and long sleeves at dusk are a good idea. Clean and cover cuts carefully, especially after rain, mud, or freshwater swims. Beach safety is also serious because rip currents are a real killer. Medical care is good in cities and weaker in remote areas, so travel insurance with evacuation cover is a smart cost, not a luxury.

For a local SIM, the main carriers are Claro, kölbi, and Liberty. Official prepaid data starts cheap. Liberty packs start from ₡600. Claro costs ₡1,000 for 300 MB over 3 days, ₡2,000 for 1 GB over 7 days, and ₡3,000 for 2 GB over 10 days. Buy one with an unlocked phone and passport at carrier shops, phone stores, or at SJO, where Claro has an airport stand. Coverage is best in the Central Valley and tourist towns. Beach towns and remote nature spots can have weak service, especially in rainy weather.

Spanish is the main language, and Costa Rican Spanish is quite clear for learners. English is common in hostels, tours, shuttles, and more touristy areas, so getting around is usually easy. In local markets, small sodas, bus terminals, and rural towns, Spanish is much more useful. On the Caribbean side, some people also speak Limonese Creole. A little Spanish can save money and avoid confusion, especially outside the main backpacker route.

Daily life follows a relaxed and friendly pace, and this affects travel more than any museum. Plans can be flexible, greetings matter, and pushing people to hurry usually does not help. Tipping is lighter than in the U.S. because restaurant bills usually already include a 10% service charge, though a little extra cash for very good service is appreciated. Haggling is not common in daily life, so keep it limited and polite. Clothes are casual, but beachwear in town makes you stand out as a tourist from far away.

Food is based on simple local meals with rice, beans, plantains, meat, salad, and eggs. Casados are the usual budget choice, and meals in local sodas often cost around ₡4,000 to ₡8,000, while tourist-focused mains rise quickly in price. A basic breakfast can cost around ₡3,000, local beer about ₡1,200, and bottled water about ₡1,500. Some travellers think local food is a bit plain, which is fair, but sodas are still better than overpriced tourist menus. In bigger towns and beach hubs, international food is everywhere, which helps with variety but hurts your budget.