Costa Rica

Getting around Costa Rica is an adventure in itself, whether you are weaving through the cloud forests of Monteverde or cruising the coastline of Guanacaste. For maximum flexibility, renting a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, as secondary roads can be rugged and unpaved. Expect to pay around ₡25,000 to ₡40,000 ($50–$80 USD) per day for a mid-sized SUV with insurance.

Navigation is key here, as street names are rarely used; locals often give directions based on landmarks. To stay on track, Waze is the gold-standard navigation tool in Costa Rica. You can avoid hefty roaming charges by activating a Hello eSIM before you touch down at Juan Santamaría (SJO) or Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR) airports. This ensures you have immediate access to maps and local data the moment you clear customs. If you prefer not to drive, the 'Interbus' or 'Gray Line' shuttle services offer reliable, air-conditioned transfers between major tourist hubs for approximately ₡30,000 ($60 USD) per person. For a more local experience, the public bus system is incredibly affordable, with most long-distance fares costing under ₡5,000 ($10 USD), though they require a bit more patience and planning.

To experience the true heart of Costa Rican cuisine, look for a 'Soda'—small, family-run restaurants serving traditional, wholesome meals. The staple dish you must try is the Casado, a generous platter typically consisting of rice, beans, salad, fried plantains, a protein (like fish, chicken, or beef), and often a side of white cheese. A filling Casado at a local Soda usually costs between ₡3,500 and ₡5,500 ($7–$11 USD).

Breakfast is dominated by Gallo Pinto, a flavorful mix of rice and beans seasoned with the ubiquitous Salsa Lizano. When you are traveling with a group and sampling different bocas (appetizers) like Chifrijo or Patacones at a lively spot in San José or Puerto Viejo, use the Hello app’s expense splitting feature to keep things simple. It allows you to quickly divide the bill and ensure everyone pays their fair share without the awkwardness of manual math at the table. Don't forget to try a batido (fruit smoothie) made with fresh tropical fruits like guanábana or maracuyá; they are usually around ₡1,500 ($3 USD) and are the perfect way to cool down after a day of hiking.

Costa Rica is a world leader in conservation, and its National Parks are the crown jewels of the country. Entry fees for popular parks like Manuel Antonio or Tortuguero typically range from ₡8,000 to ₡10,000 ($16–$20 USD) for international visitors. Many parks now require advanced reservations through the SINAC official website, as daily capacities are strictly limited. Use the Hello trip planning tool to store your digital tickets and entry time slots so you aren't fumbling for PDFs at the park gate.

While US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, you will often get a better deal paying in the local currency, the Colón (₡). Small vendors, rural pulperías, and public buses almost exclusively prefer Colones. To keep your finances in check, use the Hello budget tracker to log your daily spending in the local currency. This helps you monitor your 'Pura Vida' fund in real-time and avoid the confusion of constant mental currency conversions. Note that a 10% service charge and a 13% sales tax are often included in restaurant menus, but it is customary to leave a small additional tip for exceptional service in more formal settings.