Travel to Costa Rica

Before You Go 

• Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. State Department. This will inform the U.S. Embassy of your whereabouts so they are able to contact you in case of emergency, civil unrest, etc. 
• Read the U.S. State Department’s Country Information page for Costa Rica. 

Security Concerns 

In our experience, Costa Rica feels like a safe country, and neither we nor our teams have felt at risk while traveling there. That said, crime can happen anywhere. The most common safety concern for U.S. citizens traveling in Costa Rica is petty crime and theft. Please take the following precautions to ensure your safety while traveling: 

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. 
• Avoid walking on the streets by yourself at night. 
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. 
• Avoid obvious displays of wealth (ex. wearing fancy watches, jewelry) and drawing attention to yourself. 
• Do not withdraw cash from at ATM at night.  
• Do not leave belongings unattended. 

Costa Rica lies in an active earthquake and volcano zone. Eruptions and ashfall, which can disrupt flights and other outdoor activities, are possible but uncommon. 

ThriveWorx works closely with a wide range of contacts – from local community networks to the U.S. Embassy – to evaluate and act in response to larger-scale safety issues. We closely monitor the security of areas teams are traveling to, and will take action should the need arise. 

Transportation 

ThriveWorx will organize private transportation for visiting teams with a dedicated chauffer. You will be met at the airport, and the driver will accompany the group to the hotel and throughout the duration of the program. 

Your ground transportation will take you on windy, rural roads, so if you suffer from motion sickness, we advise you bring motion sickness medication to mitigate this. 

Lodging 

Your lodging will either be booked by ThriveWorx or the organization you are traveling with. Safety, cleanliness, and basic comfort are criteria we commit to in booking accommodations; however, keep in mind that your group’s accommodations may be different from what you are used to, depending on your personal travel style. We try select accommodations that are comfortable but also local. We always try to book in places that are clean and have wifi, air conditioning, and good reviews.

More specific details on your accommodations will be sent closer to the start of your trip. 

Electricity 

Outlets are in the same shape as those in the U.S. (flat two-pronged), so you do not need any sort of plug adapter. We discourage bringing hair dryers or other high-intensity appliances, as electricity can be unstable and can fry such appliances.  

DO 

• Practice your Spanish, which is Costa Rica’s official language. Ticos tend to use the formal “usted” for “you.” 
• Stand up when you are meeting someone new, and say mucho gusto (pleased to meet you). 
• Greet people when you enter a room or public space. Buenos días (good morning) and buenas tardes (good afternoon) are typical. 
• Ask permission before taking someone’s photograph. 

• Embrace the local culture, and try to immerse yourself as much as possible. 
• Say provecho before you begin to eat a meal. Provecho is the equivalent of saying “enjoy your food.” 
• Be prepared for warm greetings from Ticos. These can range from hugs to kisses on the cheek. 

DON’T 

• Put your feet on or sit on tables. 
• Have your phone out and be on your device while around people. Be present and intentional with the communities you interact with 
• Flush your toilet paper. Plumbing is not able to handle it. Trash bins are provided in restrooms for you to discard your toilet paper in. 
• Openly point at people. This can be perceived as rude. 
• Talk loudly in public and draw attention to yourself. Loud behavior is frowned upon. 

International Cell Phone Usage 

WiFi will be available for your communication needs at your accommodations. There are many apps you can use to call and message over wifi – see the Useful Apps section below. As a short-term traveler, if you do feel the need for cell service coverage throughout the day (i.e. while you are away from your accommodations), it will be best for you to talk to your U.S. phone carrier in advance of arrival about their international plan options. 

That said, your time in-country is fleeting! As such, we encourage you to be as present as possible. Talk with your team members. Observe, question, listen, and interact with the places and people you encounter. Reflect on what you see, hear, and learn. You’ll be back behind a screen in the U.S. before you know it, so take this time to disconnect. 

Making Calls to and from Costa Rica 

How to call to Costa Rica from the U.S. Dial: 011 + 506 (country code for Costa Rica) + 8-digit number 

How to call to the U.S. from Costa Rica Dial: 001 + area code + 7-digit phone number 

Internet 

As mentioned previously, wifi will be available at your accommodations. Expect wifi to be slower and less stable than the wifi you are used to in the United States. 

Useful Apps 

For easy communication while traveling, check out the following apps: 

• WhatsApp – Easy-to-use app with messaging, voice call, and video call functionalities. 
• iMessage/FaceTime – An alternative to WhatsApp, for iPhone users 
• Skype – An alternative to WhatsApp, also with messaging, voice call, and video call options.
• Google Maps – Download city maps for use offline (instructions here). 
• Language apps – There are a host of dictionary and language-learning apps that you may find useful both before and during your trip to help you communicate. 

Costa Rica has two seasons: dry and rainy. Dry season typically runs November through April, while rainy season typically runs May through October.  

When packing, keep in mind that even during dry season, it will rain – so be prepared. Though temperatures are hot and humid during the day, they drop somewhat at night. Highland areas will be chillier than lowland areas. You can find a sample packing list below.