Our Master List Of Costa Rica Do’s And Don’ts

Hi! Love your blog! These do’s and don’ts are really nice tips! We just moved to Costa Rica last August and have been experiencing a lot to say we now understand a lot of these do’s and don’ts. Always good reminders!

Most of these tips are spot on! However we had no problem with the taxis, at least in Tamarindo. We stayed outside of town and a few times it was so hot we didn’t feel like walking into town, and we didn’t want to leave our rental car with all our souvenirs sitting on the street so we caught a $2 taxi ride. All the different drivers were friendly and fast. Also everywhere we drove people were zipping around us and we were going at least 100kph. We were getting passed by mo-peds! Do get a rental car so you can stop whenever you want and find hidden gems like the waterfalls along the treacherous road to Monteverde or any of the amazing local restaurants, or to get a fresh Pipa hacked open with a machete! And do stay in different climates, go stay in the Rainforest and spend some time soaking up some time on the beach!

DO bring sunscreen if you’re from the Northern parts of the world. It is available in CR but for about $20 USD a bottle.
DO pre book shuttles if you aren’t renting a car. They’re pricey but the public buses eat up a lot of your vacation time.
DO spend New Years Eve in Tamarindo. It is quite a ‘touristy’ town, but I can’t think of anywhere in Canada where you can bring fireworks and a six pack to the beach and celebrate with 10,000 other beach goers! DO watch a sunset in Santa Teresa… it’s the most incredible place I’ve been in CR.
DON’T miss inland Costa Rica. Yes, the beaches are nice, but the ziplining, volcanoes, coffee farm tours, and blue rivers of Monteverde/Rio Celeste are fun too.
DON’T expect really good coffee if you’re used to specialty/third wave coffee like in Canada/USA/Australia. Most of the best Costa Rican coffee is exported to those countries and they’re left with average coffee for themselves.
DON’T expect the same type of quick customer service as in North America. The people in Costa Rica are nice, but Tico time is a real thing. If you’re dying for water, just buy a bottle because you might have to wait a while once you get to a restaurant.
One more DO: DO have fun!!! Costa Rica is one of the most fun, relaxing, beautiful places I’ve ever been… so enjoy it!

This is a great guide for dos and don’t’s about Costa Rica. I have been living here in Jaco for almost 2 years now. I think the most important thing is to do learn Spanish. Do eat lots of fresh fruits, they are amazing. Do check out my new business in Jaco. http://www.jacoropes.com

What do you think of Uber? Our Airbnb host recommended Uber instead of the taxi since some drivers try to rip you off.

They were referring to that same kind of scam… and then some pretending to be lost and not know the way so even if the “maria” is turned on, you would end up paying more because they are going around in circles so to speak. As for Uber drivers not doing the same kind of thing, I wouldn’t really know how “honest” and reliable the service is. Thank you for your reply!

We have been in Costa Rica for almost a week and have used Uber every day. It is wonderful.. Rides are 1000 to 3000 colones ($2 – $6) depending on where you need to go. If you are alone, buses are cheaper but take more time. But if you are 3 or more, Uber is definitely the way to go. Everything is handled through the app on the phone, so no need to carry any cash, except for tip if you wish. Cars usually come to your location in 5 mins or less.

Thanks for all of the info! Keep bringing it, we are heading that way in December 2021 and I get excited hearing people talk about it with such a positive attitude. I am getting pumped about the trip! Thanks!