🇨🇷vs🇺🇸
Costa Rica vs United States
Compare travel essentials, budgets, and connectivity between Costa Rica and United States.
| Category | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇺🇸 United States |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Budget (Budget) | CRC 42,000 | $125 |
| Daily Budget (Mid-Range) | CRC 95,000 | $285 |
| Daily Budget (Luxury) | CRC 270,000 | $700 |
| Visa | Visa requirements depend on nationality. Nationals of many countries, including those in the first visa group, may enter visa-free for up to 180 days, while other nationalities may receive shorter stays or need a consular visa. Costa Rica generally does not offer a universal visa-on-arrival or e-visa system; travelers should check the official immigration rules for their nationality and carry a valid passport, onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds. | Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may visit for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, but must obtain ESTA approval before travel. Other visitors generally need a B-2 or B1/B2 visitor visa; visa on arrival is generally unavailable, and eligibility depends on nationality and circumstances. |
| Language | Spanish is the official language. English is widely used in tourism areas. | English is the most commonly spoken language; Spanish is also widely used. The United States has no federally designated official language. |
| Best Months | December to April for the dry season; May to July and November can offer fewer crowds and lower prices. | April to May, September to October |
| Timezone | CST (UTC-6) | Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, Alaska, and Hawaii-Aleutian time zones; UTC−10 to UTC−5, with daylight saving time in most areas |
| Connectivity Rating | 4/5 (5G) | 5/5 (5G) |
| eSIM Starting Price | $26.50 | $11.50 |
| Power Plug | Type A/B, 120V, 60Hz | Type A/B, 120V, 60Hz |
| Emergency Number | 9-1-1 (Police, ambulance and fire) | 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |