Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica is located roughly 10 degrees north of the equator in Central America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. The Caribbean Sea is to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Costa Rica is -6 hours Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The country does not change for Daylight Savings Time, so from mid-March to October, the time is the same as Mountain Standard Time (MST) in the United States. From November to mid-March, the time is the equivalent of Central Standard Time (CST) in the United States.
The main staples of Costa Rican food are rice, beans, vegetables, fruits and meats. The food is generally tasty and comes in several popular variants. You can also usually find traditional American or European style plates on most menus.
Spanish! Since English is taught in schools, many locals, especially those who work in the tourism industry speak a high level of English as well!
Yes, a passport is mandatory and you must have a plane ticket showing you are leaving CR within 90 days.
Costa Rica Embassy
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Costa Rica. A much smaller percentage of businesses accept American Express or Discover. You should contact your credit card company or bank prior to visiting Costa Rica as they may place a security block for unusual foreign transaction if not. Some credit card companies will charge a 1 – 2% international transaction fee. You can often avoid this by changing your plan in advance or using a different credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees instead. ATM machines are available in most towns. You will have to contact your bank in advance as not all ATM cards are set up for foreign transactions. Similar to credit cards, there is a chance you could be charged a foreign transaction fee.
Nearly everybody accepts the U.S. dollar, so if you have dollars, you do not need to convert it. You will usually receive change in local Costa Rica colones. The exchange rate goes between 500 and 585 colones to $1 USD. You can exchange money at banks or at the airport.
Check with your phone carrier but most phone providers offer a daily rate to use your phone while traveling internationally.
Another option is you can turn off roaming and only use the phone when connected to a local wifi like at your hotel or an area restaurant. iphones for example you can use Facetime and text without fees while connected to a wifi.
Temperature: Average highs in the 80's °f and average low of 70-80 °f .
It will be hot and we’ll be on the coast so be casual and comfortable! Beachwear, sundresses, sandals, shorts, tank tops every day. It's too hot for jeans.
Cafe Tico - simple, outside seating, next to the bookshop
Nordico Coffee Shop - great coffee, delicious chia seed pudding, nice a/c and great wifi
La Bodega - great quality, wonderful owners
Pico Bistro - beachfront, including on the sand seating.
Mercadito - Open-air food court style dining with a variety of dining options and a central bar. There is frequently live music, such as an acoustic guitarist or deejay.
Pangas Beach Club - Yum! Excellent service and food. Try the Guanacaste sampler to share as a group and the Lava Rock beef is an experience!
Langosta beach club - Also wonderful, their Gorgopepper Tenderloin is amazing, a bit more upscale setting feel (relative to Tamarindo's other restaurant spots) because of the patio setting but still relaxed style for attire.
Dragonfly - great vegetarian options, also excellent beef. Excellent variety to the menu without being too many options. Relaxed restaurant
Las Baulas - casual pizza spot, playground for kids
Pure Vegan - excellent vegan and gluten free (lentil tacos yummm)
Green Papaya - great tacos!
Shrimp Shack - casual shrimp Thai style place only three tables but delicious food
Sprout - healthy food that's delicious
Pachangas - good service, nice spot for Italian
Enea's - Italian, great caprese and also gluten free pasta options and great to-go option
Bamboo sushi club - Great sushi option
All the beachfront bars offer a different vibe and happy hour drinks so wandering the beach you'll end up at the right spot!