Costa Rica
essentials.
The stuff you need in the first hour off the plane in Costa Rica — plugs, emergency numbers, tipping, tap water and more, on one page.
Power plugType A, B120V/60Hz
Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 911 (Cruz Roja 128)
Tap watersafestraight from the tap
Drivingright-handside of the road
TimezoneUTC-6 (CST)Spanish
TippingA 10% service charge is legally included in restaurant bills, so additional tipping is optional.
Say it in Spanish
HelloHola
Thank youGracias
How much?¿Cuánto cuesta?
Costa Rica — FAQ
What power plug and voltage does Costa Rica use?
Costa Rica uses Type A, B plugs at 120V/60Hz. Bring a universal adapter, and check your devices support the voltage.
Is tap water safe to drink in Costa Rica?
Tap water in Costa Rica is generally safe to drink.
What is the emergency number in Costa Rica?
Dial 911 for general emergencies in Costa Rica. Police is 911 and ambulance is 911 (Cruz Roja 128).
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
A 10% service charge is legally included in restaurant bills, so additional tipping is optional.