Post booking travel FAQs for Costa Rica

4 weeks before departure, you will receive an email to notify you that your pre-departure letter has been uploaded which will include important information such as emergency contact information. At this point you will also be able to see your airline reference which will be added to your itinerary. 

You will receive all your pick-up times for tours and transfers locally when you arrive in-country, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date information

No, we do not provide paper tickets. The only thing you need to check-in and fly is the airline reference which is on your itinerary (look for reference made up of 6 letters and numbers). This reference can be used to check in online or at the airport along with your passport. You may have multiple airline references if you have several flights.  

No, you do not need any vouchers for tours or hotels. Just give your names and passports on check-in and to the guides.  

The My Routes App stores your itinerary, travel documents, flight updates, recommendations, and local weather. Once downloaded, most features work offline. You can also message your Travel Specialist directly through the app.  

If you are in Costa Rica and need assistance, please contact our local office in Costa Rica on +506 2523-9100 during office hours 8am-6.30pm local time.  

In an emergency outside of these hours you can call +506 8359-9292

No. UK citizens can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days under the tourist visa waiver, although the exact length of stay is decided by the immigration officer on arrival

For your international flight we advise you to check-in online. Airlines open check-in between 24-48 hours before departure. For domestic flights, you can also check-in online or at the airport. To check-in to any flight, you need the airline reference which is added to your itinerary 4 weeks before departure.  

Seat selection policies vary depending on the airline and fare type. In most cases, you can pre-book your seats for a fee via the airline’s website once you have made the booking. Please contact your Travel Specialist for your airline reference if you wish to do this more than 4 weeks prior to departure. You can normally select seats for free at the point of check-in, usually 24-48 hours before departure.  

For international flights, clients travelling in Economy are allowed 1 checked bag up to 23kgs which is included in the cost of your holiday, unless otherwise stated. For Premium and Business class clients, 2 pieces of checked luggage up to 32kgs are included unless otherwise stated. 

For domestic flights, 1 checked bag up to is usually included. Sansa Airlines allow 18kg luggage.

If you luggage exceeds 18kg SANSA may allow you to pay a fee locally to take this additional amount, however due to the size of the aircraft operated this cannot be guaranteed as the load for each flight is assessed along with the number of passengers travelling and their weight. SANSA do not allow us to increase the luggage allowance prior to departure, it can only be done at the airport subject to overall aircraft load.

For Costa Rica, make sure you are up to date with routine UK vaccinations, and take mosquito bite precautions as dengue and other insect borne illnesses can occur. It is also worth discussing hepatitis A and typhoid with a travel health professional, depending on your itinerary and activities. A yellow fever certificate is only required if you are arriving from certain countries with yellow fever risk.

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

Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops, especially in popular areas. Carry some cash for smaller purchases and rural areas. US dollars are also commonly accepted in tourist centres, but you may receive change in colones.

In Costa Rica, tipping is appreciated but not usually expected.

• Restaurants: A 10% service charge is often included. If you want to leave extra for great service, add a small amount or round up.
• Bars and cafés: Round up or leave small change.
• Taxis: No tip expected, but rounding up is common.
• Hotel staff: Small tips are appreciated for porters and housekeeping.
• Guides and drivers: Tips are welcomed at the end of a tour, especially for private services.

Costa Rica is 6 hours behind the UK when the UK is on GMT, and 7 hours behind during British Summer Time. Costa Rica does not observe daylight saving time, so the difference is consistent throughout the year.

For Costa Rica, pack light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a light rain jacket for tropical showers. Bring swimwear, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen), and strong insect repellent. A dry bag is useful for boat trips and rainforest walks, along with any personal medication and a small day bag for excursions.

For Costa Rica, you will need a UK (type G) to type A/B travel adaptor.

Most hotels, cafés and restaurants offer good WIFI. Coverage can be limited in remote areas. Check roaming costs with your mobile provider before travel.  

Costa Rica is relaxed and friendly, and a few small customs go a long way. People often greet with “buenos días” or “buenas tardes”, and you will hear “pura vida” used as a warm all purpose phrase for hello, thanks or “all good”. Dress is casual, but it is polite to cover up away from the beach, and it is always best to ask before taking photos of people.

In Costa Rica, you will not usually pay any separate local taxes as a traveller because tax is generally included in prices (you may see 13% VAT itemised on receipts).

When flying home, there is a departure (exit) tax that is usually included in your airline ticket, but it is worth checking your ticket or with your airline in case it needs paying at the airport

All transfers listed on your itinerary are included in the cost of the holiday. If you wish to take a taxi, we recommend taking official taxis booked by your hotel.  

Changes may be possible, but fees or fare differences could apply. Contact your travel specialist as soon as possible to discuss your options.  

If you are arriving at the airport, please proceed to the arrivals hall where your driver will be waiting with a Latin Routes sign displaying your name. If you cannot locate your driver, remain in the arrivals hall and call the emergency contact number provided in your final travel itinerary.  

Drink only bottled or purified water. A reusable bottle is useful for refill stations available in many hotels and restaurants. Be cautious with uncooked foods in more rural areas.  

In Costa Rica, high altitude is not usually a concern. The main hotspots are at low to moderate elevation, and even areas such as the Central Valley and Monteverde are generally comfortable for travellers. If you visit higher points, such as around Irazú Volcano, it may feel cooler rather than cause altitude issues.

Costa Rica is generally an easy, relaxed country to travel around, and most visitors have a smooth trip. The main thing to be aware of is opportunistic petty theft in busy areas, so keep valuables discreet and use hotel safes where available. Using reputable guides and pre arranged transfers also helps everything feel straightforward and comfortable.

No  International Driving Permit is required.
Minimum rental age of 23 years. 
A valid driving licence and passport 

https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit  advises that a 1968 IDP is required however not considered mandatory

A credit card is also required as a guarantee, the credit card holder must be present to sign documentation.