Costa Rica Travel Planning & Travel Tips

Americans living in or visiting Costa Rica are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy obtain updated information on travel and security within Costa Rica.

U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica 
Calle 98 Vía 104, Pavas,
San José, Costa Rica
Phone: (506) 2519-2000
Fax: (506) 2519-2305
Outside of Costa Rica: 011-506-2519-2000

Climate:

Costa Rica has a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May through November with over 100 inches of rain fall annually. The country is comprised of three different climatic zones: the cold zone, the temperate zone, and the torrid zone. The northern and coastal plains are in the torrid zone, which has temperatures ranging from 84-90° F and large amounts of rainfall. In the temperate zone, from 1,500 to 5,000 ft, temperatures range from 75-80° F, with steady rains between April and November. In the higher elevations, above 5,000 ft, temperatures generally fall between 50 and 81° F. It tends to be windier in this region, but there is less rain than in the torrid and temperate zones.

Calling Internationally:

To call Costa Rica from the United States, dial the international prefix, 011; then Honduras’ country code, 506; and then the city code, then dial the actual phone number.

Electricity:

Electricity in Costa Rica is 120 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. If you travel to Costa Rica with a device that does not accept 120 Volts at 60 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Outlets in Costa Rica generally accept a flat blade plug or two parallel flat pins with ground pin. If your plug has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter.

Travel Insurance for Costa Rica Trips:

You should consider the benefits of travel insurance as part of your Costa Rica travel planning. Most travelers look for travel tips that discuss the importance of travel insurance and travel insurance through Travel Guard can provide important coverage for your trip.

Whether you’re taking a family vacation or business trip, Travel Guard has a plan for your Costa Rica trip. These plans may include valuable medical expense coverage, trip interruption, medical emergency assistance and treatment services and more. And with Travel Guard’s 24-hour assistance line, your coverage can act as a travel guide should your plans change.*

For more than 20 years, Travel Guard’s plans have covered millions of travelers throughout the world. We're America's leading provider of travel insurance plans and assistance programs and we're here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Coverage provided through Travel Guard is easy to buy and with our 24-hour emergency travel services it's even easier to use.

*Non-insurance services provided by Travel Guard.