Landing in Costa Rica is the start of your pura vida adventure! Whether you’ve arrived at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), here’s what to do in your first few hours to start your trip smoothly.
🛂 1. Go Through Immigration & Customs
- Have your passport ready (must be valid for at least 6 months)
- Be prepared to show your return/onward ticket
- You may be asked where you’re staying—have your hotel name or address handy
💰 2. Get Local Currency or Use USD
- Costa Rican colón (CRC) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted
- Use an ATM at the airport for the best exchange rate
- Avoid exchanging large amounts of money at airport kiosks due to high fees
📶 3. Get a SIM Card or Activate Roaming
- Local SIM cards (Kolbi, Claro, Movistar) are available at kiosks
- WiFi is common in hotels and cafes, but mobile data is useful for navigation
🚐 4. Arrange Your Transport
- Pre-booked shuttle or private transfer: Most comfortable and stress-free
- Taxi or ride-share: Use official taxis (red with yellow triangle); ride-shares like Uber work in San José
- Rental car: Ideal for travelers exploring on their own, but be prepared for mountain roads and tolls
📲 5. Download Useful Apps
- Waze or Google Maps – For navigation
- WhatsApp – Widely used for communication
- Google Translate – Helpful for basic Spanish
🧳 6. Check in & Relax
- Hydrate and adjust to the tropical climate
- Notify your accommodation of your arrival time if it’s late
- Keep valuables in your hotel safe
🍽️ 7. Try a Local Meal
- Visit a nearby “soda” (small local restaurant) for a taste of authentic Costa Rican food
- Try “casado” (a typical dish with rice, beans, meat, and salad) or a fresh fruit smoothie
🌴 Final Tip
Take it slow—you’re on Tico time now! Costa Rica is about nature, simplicity, and enjoying the moment. Your adventure has officially begun.
For more travel tips and local guides, visit cronlinerguide.com