Packing list for Costa Rica, travel insurance for Costa Rica, and taking your belongings

To take or not to take to Costa Rica, leave at home or arrange locally?

Sufficiently insured or not for your activities in Costa Rica?

Sufficiently insured or not for your trip to Costa Rica?

What to bring to Costa Rica: highlighted

Highlighted items:

• Documents: passport that is valid for at least 6 months and copies. Return flight or onward ticket. Online and offline copies.
• Money: both Costa Rican colon (CRC) and US dollars will get you a long way, especially in remote places.
• Care: coral-friendly sunscreen with a high factor, which is a lot more expensive there.
• Outdoor and conveniences: cap or hat and sunglasses. You will definitely need them.
• Clothing: comfortable and casual and suitable for hot and humid (tropical clothing, cotton or linen clothing) and cold in the mountains (so layers and warmth!). Quick-drying clothing is most useful because of the humidity. A raincoat if you are going into the rainforest or visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season.
• Shoes: hiking/trail shoes and slippers.
• Medicines and travel pharmacy: mosquito protection! A small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers and ORS. Technique and equipment: World plug type A/B like in the US. Power bank for jungle trips.
• Woman: tampons can be handy to bring if you use them.

What else can you bring:

• Reusable water bottle with filter, because tap water is technically drinkable, but often tastes strange.
• Swim shirt with SPF.
• Quick-drying towel for all those drops of sweat.
• A small flashlight/headlamp for the dark streets at night.
• Dryer sheets, because your clothes get very damp in your backpack.

What knowledge is useful when you go to Costa Rica?

• To live “Pura vida”. It is not just a slogan – it is an attitude to life. Relax, slow down, be friendly.
• Spanish to make some friends.
• Knowledge of local rules.

Are there mosquitoes in Costa Rica?

• Yes, there are a lot of mosquitoes. In the jungle, at lakes, on the coast...
• Mosquitoes can transmit various diseases. So protecting yourself is wise.

Are there sand flies in Costa Rica?

• Sand flies are also present in Costa Rica. They are annoying and can transmit leishmaniasis.
• They are particularly active during sunrise and sunset.
• Make sure your ankles are well covered and that you use mosquito repellent, otherwise your holiday rest will be over in no time!

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Costa Rica?

• You can, but you can't find all types that easily.
• It also costs a lot more than at home.
• So it is best to bring your own favorite picaridin or DEET.

Where can you get your food and drinks in Costa Rica?

• Supermarkets such as AutoMercado (expensive and expat-friendly), MaxiPali, MasxMenos, and local pulperías (small neighborhood shops).
• Farmers' markets are great for fresh produce.
• Shopping malls often have food courts too.
• Restaurants range from fancy to home-cooked.
• Street food is delicious and handy for a quick snack.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Costa Rica, or take it with you to Costa Rica?

• It is widely used, but cannabis use for fun is definitely not allowed. 
• Leave that supply at home, because you're also not allowed to bring it into the country!
• Medical marijuana is allowed.