Costa Rica | A Backpacker's Guide
📍Destinations
🚌Getting Around
Public Transport
Uber
I did take a few Ubers while in Costa Rica. However, having said this one of my drivers did inform me Uber is illegal in Costa Rica but it does still work. Don’t be surprised if you’re driver asks you to sit in the front seat, they ask this so that it looks less obvious to any police.
💰Money
Costa Rica accepts both their own currency colones and USD. You can on card at many grocery stores, shops, and restaurants. However, when it comes to paying for you accommodation or tours this is best done in cash as they will add a surcharge otherwise. Colones or USD I’d find for either of these.
You will need cash for public transport and while they accept USD this is best done in colones as that is the change that they have.
ATM’s
There are to main ATM’s in Costa Rica BAC and Banco Nacional. Major cities may also have more options.
BAC - these ATM’s will allow you to withdraw either colones or USD so is very handy for when you need dollars.
Banco Nacional - these ATM’s will only allow you withdraw colones. However, there are no fees from this ATM only your card issuer fees which is great but be sure of your card fees before using them.
☀️Weather
💧Water
Unlike many Central American countries tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink so you won’t see water refill statins at many of your hostels. Many of the national parks or tourists attraction will have refilling taps making it easy to refill your bottle while you’re out.
Of course buying bottled water is still an option if you would prefer but it is expensive and adds up quickly so it is much more budget friendly to bring a refillable water bottle with you.
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