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Costa Rica

The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.

Emergency911All emergencies

Plug typesA · B120 V · 60 Hz CurrencyCRCCosta Rican Colón

Drives on theright

TippingA service charge is often included

Local time–+506 · Calling code

The country in brief

About 5.15 million people live in Costa Rica, on 51,180 km². The capital is San José.

Capital: San José
Population: 5,152,950
Area: 51,180 km²
Official language: Spanish

Land borders

Nicaragua Panama

Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.

Before you go

Which plugs are used in Costa Rica?
Sockets take plug type A/B, at 120 V and 60 Hz.
That is lower than Europe's 230 V: phone and laptop chargers handle it, but check hair dryers and the like.
What is the emergency number in Costa Rica?
Call 911 for police, ambulance and fire.
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
A service charge is often included.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Costa Rica?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
Prices are in Costa Rican Colón (CRC).
What language do they speak in Costa Rica?
Official language: Spanish.
How do I call a number in Costa Rica from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +506.