Packing Checklist
When
planning and packing, consider all of the regions and climates that you will
be experiencing during your visit. San José and the Central Valley
has a climate that is fairly temperate, and resembles springtime in North
America. Therefore, lightweight slacks, shorts and short-sleeve shirts are
in order during the day, and a light jacket or sweater is needed for the mornings
and evenings. Layering your clothing is a good strategy, as top layers can
be shed or applied with the changing temperature. When visiting either coast,
lightweight clothing of cotton or cotton-blends is preferable.
For rainforest romping, many tourists prefer high-cut rubber boots, which provide plenty of protection from the potentially hazardous physical and natural elements. These boots can be purchased in San José and other large towns or rented for about a dollar. Wear high thick socks to avoid chaffing from the boots. Because of common downpours, especially during the green season, hikers should pack clothing and other dry goods in plastic bags.
While packing for every possible situation is ideal, over-packing is probably the most common and frustrating problem experienced by tourists to Costa Rica. As a general rule: if you are struggling to find a reason to bring something - don't bring it!
Start with the essentials:
- Passport or Birth Certificate and valid picture identification
- Travelers checks
- Airline tickets
- U.S. dollars in small denominations
- Money belt or other inconspicuous document carrier
- Also see our section on Entry Requirements
Basic Necessities:
- Hat with brim
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Lightweight raincoat or umbrella
- Lightweight windbreaker
- Aspirin or other pain-reliever
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 and up)
- Sunburn lotion
- Spare prescription glasses
- Sunglasses
- Malaria pills
- Toilet paper
- Flashlight
Items that are not made in Costa Rica are often expensive, and may be difficult to find. Below is a list of such items:
- Film and camera equipment
- Binoculars
- Pocket knife
- Water purifying device
- First-aid kit
- Universal plug for bathroom sinks and tubs
- Good walking shoes
- Alarm clock or watch
- Calculator
- Insect repellent
- Anti-itch ointment
- Vitamins
- Tampons
- Birth control items
- Contact lens solution
- Towels and washcloths
- Earplugs
- Cassette tapes
Be sure to put tags on the inside and outside of your bags. Their are limits on what visitors can bring inside the country. Electrical items must not be in their original packaging, and should not appear brand new. The government is watchful of people importing electronics for resale.
