FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Costa Rica FAQs

Costa Rica FAQs

We’ll give you all the information you need, including : date and place of arrival, so that you can book the flight that’s right for you.

For all nationals of France, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg and the European Union, a visa is not required for any tourist stay of less than 90 days subject to the following conditions:

  • Be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry,
  • Have sufficient financial resources
  • Have a return flight

 

For stays of more than 90 days, please consult the website of the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in your country.

The Costa Rican government currently requires travellers to be vaccinated against yellow fever if they have stayed in or transited through a country where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission. However, vaccination against yellow fever is generally not compulsory for travellers from most European countries, including France.

It is important to note that vaccination requirements may vary and are subject to change.

We therefore recommend that you consult the Pasteur Institute

We also advise you to consult your doctor before you leave to make sure you have been vaccinated.

It is recommended to bring any medication you may need for the duration of your stay.

It is also advisable to consult your doctor before you travel for advice on what medicines you should take with you, particularly if you have any special health conditions or are taking prescription medicine.

It is also advisable to keep your medicines in their original packaging, with the label bearing your name and dosage instructions, to avoid any problems during airport or border security checks.

We recommend that you bring a small basic first aid kit with commonly used medicines, such as painkillers, antipyretics (fever reducers), stomach remedies, antihistamines, plasters, disinfectants and mosquito repellents.

It’s still important to check requirements for specific medications before your trip, particularly if there are any restrictions or regulations on certain medicines you may be taking.

Yes, Costa Rica is a country with a certain number of mosquitos! We recommend that you take mosquito repellent and after-bite cream with you.

Malaria is present in certain regions of Costa Rica, but the risk of transmission is considered low.

However, we recommend that you consult your doctor for personalised advice based on your situation and the length and precise destination of your stay.

For more information, please visit the Pasteur Institute or the France Diplomatie.

For any international project, Real-step requires the purchase of travel insurance including coverage in case of accident, illness, repatriation and civil liability.

Note that liability insurance is included in the insurance policies of our partner Chapka Cap Student, and Cap Working Holiday because it is mandatory for internships and studies abroad. If you buy your Cap Student or Cap Working Holiday insurance online with our partner Chapka, you get 5% immediate discount by clicking on one of the 2 links above!

If you subscribe to another travel insurance, we will ask you to send us a certificate in English.

 

We require a school level of Spanish for assignments, internships and training courses.

Your level of involvement on the project will depend on your level of Spanish and your ability to understand instructions and communicate.

We also offer Spanish courses on certain projects to help you improve your Spanish.

You will also be in contact with people of other English-speaking nationalities.

The local currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC).

It is best to have the local currency when you are in Costa Rica to facilitate day-to-day transactions.

1 euro is equivalent to approximately 579.45 CRC.

International bank cards such as Visa or Mastercard are generally accepted in many places.

However, it is always advisable to also have a little cash for small shops, local markets and smaller establishments that may not accept credit cards.

It is advisable to avoid carrying large sums of cash. ATMs are easily accessible, allowing you to withdraw cash in Costa Rican colóns according to your needs.

Be sure to check the charges for withdrawing money and making payments abroad with your bank before you travel.

 

The cost of living in Costa Rica can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the region you visit, your lifestyle, etc.

Here are some examples of indicative prices in Costa Rica (amounts are approximate and may vary):

  • Meal in a cheap restaurant: 5 to 10 euros
  • Local beer in a bar or restaurant: 2 to 4 euros
  • Local bus ticket: €0.50 to €2
  • Night in a youth hostel or budget accommodation: €10 to €25
  • Night in a mid-range hotel: €40 to €80

 

Costa Rica is an inexpensive country from a European perspective, not least because of its much lower currency. However, it is one of the most expensive countries in Central America!

Wifi is generally available on our projects in Costa Rica, please refer to the brochure according to your programme.

We advise you to buy a local SIM card with internet when you arrive at the airport.

There is also a 7-8 hour time difference with France, depending on whether you choose summer or winter time!

It is generallynot advisable to drink tap water in Costa Rica. The quality of tap water can vary from region to region, but it is best to take precautions to avoid health problems associated with undrinkable water.

To avoid water-related health problems, we recommend drinking sealed bottled water, filtered water, or using the filtered water fountains available on certain projects.

Yes, you have to buy an adapter to be able to charge your devices.

The country uses type A and B sockets, which are different from the sockets used in France.

Laundry options vary from one project to another and are generally indicated in the guide provided by each project.

Some projects offer an included laundry service, while others use an external service for a small fee.

In any case, there are ways to wash your clothes during your stay.

Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so don’t forget to take the weather conditions into account and dress accordingly.

In coastal areas, light, breathable clothing is recommended because of the heat and humidity.

It is also advisable to bring light waterproof clothing or a light jacket in case of rain or temperature variations.

If you’re visiting religious sites, it’s best to dress more conservatively, with clothes that cover the knees and shoulders.