Travel tips · San José · Costa Rica
San José travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andres Alvarez, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Costa Ricans, or Ticos, are known for a relaxed, polite manner, summed up in the greeting 'pura vida'. The country abolished its army in 1948 and invested in education, health and conservation, and these choices shape national pride. Coffee wealth built much of San José's 19th-century architecture.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish
- Currency
- CRC
- Plugs
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water in San José is generally safe to drink; bottled water is widely…
- Emergency
- 911
Things to know
- Greet people with 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' and use 'usted' with strangers; Costa Ricans are polite and indirect.
- Expect a relaxed approach to time in social settings, but be punctual for tours and appointments.
- Ask before photographing people, especially in markets.
- Avoid raising your voice or confrontation; calm politeness gets better results.
- Locals dress neatly in the capital; beachwear in the city stands out.
- Eat at sodas for set lunches that cost a fraction of tourist restaurant prices.
Tipping
Restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill by law, so additional tipping is optional. Tip tour guides and drivers a few dollars per person per day.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pura vida | All good / hello / thanks |
| Con mucho gusto | You're welcome (with pleasure) |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
| ¿Me pone la maría? | Could you turn on the taxi meter? |
| Tuanis | Cool / great (slang) |
What to wear
City dress is casual but tidy; bring a light jacket and umbrella, as evenings can be cool and showers are frequent in the rainy season.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water in San José is generally safe to drink; bottled water is widely available.
- Emergency number
- 911
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is good across the metropolitan area; local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy at the airport and in malls.
- Time zone
- America/Costa Rica
Petty theft and bag snatching are the main concerns, especially around bus terminals, the Mercado Central and in crowded downtown streets; the centre is quiet at night, so take a taxi rather than walking long distances. Never leave bags visible in parked cars.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Costa Rica's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in San José?
Restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill by law, so additional tipping is optional. Tip tour guides and drivers a few dollars per person per day.
+Can you drink the tap water in San José?
Tap water in San José is generally safe to drink; bottled water is widely available.
+What plugs are used in San José?
Type A and B sockets, 120 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in San José?
Spanish.