Ever since moving to Costa Rica in 2012, I’ve heard my fair share of wrong facts, impressions and ideas of Costa Rica. As an advocate for responsible travel, I always recommend researching at least the basics about the country you’re going to visit.
So before you come, make sure you read up on these common misconceptions about Costa Rica!
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Common Misconceptions about Costa Rica
These are a collection of misunderstood thoughts about Costa Rica we have heard.
Related: Learn some facts about Costa Rica (history, culture, etc.)
Costa Rica is an island
This is the biggest common misconception about Costa Rica. So many people confuse Costa Rica for Puerto Rico and think it’s an island!
I’ve even had many people ask me “How is Costo Rico” or “how island life is.”
So just to make it clear, Costa Rica is not an island, it’s a small country in Central America. Nicaragua neighbors the country to the north, Panama neighbors the country to the South.
Costa Rica is part of the USA
Nope to this one too.
Since many people mix up Costa Rica with Puerto Rico, they think Costa Rica is a US territory or owned by the US. Costa Rica is not owned by the US, they are their own independent country.
They were under Spain’s rule many years ago but gained their independence on September 15, 1821. Costa Rica is a free, democratic independent republic.
Costa Rica is cheap
This is one of the most common misconceptions about Costa Rica. People think that since Costa Rica is in Central America or think that Costa Rica is a third world country, that it is cheap. Unfortunately it is not so.
Taxes, insurance, gas and other things are expensive in Costa Rica which drives up the cost of food, hotels, transportation and tours.
You can still travel on a budget in Costa Rica but be conscious of where you go, where you eat and what you do. Read how much it costs to travel in Costa Rica in this article.
You will get malaria in Costa Rica
Actually, the worst disease from mosquitoes you can get in Costa Rica is dengue. Costa Rica has done a great job with malaria as there were only 67 cases in 2019. There were 8179 cases of dengue in 2019.
Make sure to bring plenty of mosquito repellent and after bite care.
Do not forget your sunscreen either as Costa Rica is just 8-12 degrees from the equator!
Costa Rica has a lot of shark attacks
Shark attacks are not common in Costa Rica like they are in Hawaii or Florida. It is extremely rare to hear of a shark attack here. In fact, it’s actually more normal for us to hear about crocodile attacks (not that common but happens more than sharks).
You can’t eat the raw vegetables or fruit in Costa Rica
I was told to not eat any raw veggies or fruit the first time I came to Costa Rica because it all has E.Coli. But you can in fact, eat the fresh produce. Restaurants and supermarkets have fairly high standards and if you buy your own food, always make sure to wash them.
You can also drink the orange juice at restaurants here. Most of it comes from the supermarket anyways!
Do be careful if you have food allergies though. It is best to either write down how to stay what you’re allergic to in Spanish and choose restaurants in more touristic areas with staff that speak English if you have severe food allergies.
You can’t drink the water in Costa Rica
Actually, Costa Rica has fairly high standards for water and most places have drinkable tap water. The cities like San Jose, particularly has good tap water.
However, there are some places in Costa Rica where you shouldn’t drink the tap water and that’s in more the more remote areas like Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero, Golfito and Nicoya Peninsula. You can read more about drinking tap water in Costa Rica in this article.
Costa Rica doesn’t have paved roads
Costa Rica does have paved roads including highways. In fact, the InterAmericana highway by Liberia is very nice (it even has 3 lanes!)
Some smaller roads through local towns or undeveloped areas may have some unpaved roads (or roads in bad condition) as they are more rural and remote.
Make sure to check your destinations because you may need a high clearance car or a 4wd. Some places are Monteverde, Osa Peninsula and the Nicoya Peninsula.
It’s never cold in Costa Rica
There are actually 26 micro-climates in Costa Rica and it is a very mountainous country. Due to all the valleys, some places can be more than 1500 meters (5000 feet) in elevation and though it doesn’t get cold, it can get chilly.
Monteverde, Poas, San Isidro de Perez Zeledon, San Gerardo de Dota, Vara Blanca and San Vito are some places that are high in elevation.
The average temperature is around high 70°s F (25° C) and goes down to mid 50°s F – low 60°s F (12°-15° C) during dry season.
In rainy season, it can get even colder if its windy so make sure to bring a jacket since it’s also usually very windy.
You can read more about Costa Rica weather in this post. Also read our Costa Rica packing list so you come prepared!
Mexican and Costa Rican culture are the same
A lot of visitors think Mexican and Costa Rican cultures are the same which is absolutely not true. The two countries actually don’t have that many similarities.
Mexican Spanish and Costa Rican Spanish are completely different (they don’t say “andale” in Costa Rica) and the food is different. Let me tell you that Mexican tacos are nothing like Costa Rican tacos!
All Costa Ricans are farmers
Although 10% of the country’s land is devoted to agriculture and farming, not all Costa Ricans are farmers. In fact, the biggest GDP factor of the country is technology services (around 75%). Agriculture is only 5.5% now. Tourism is also a big part of their economy, representing about 8%.
Many Costa Ricans in San Jose work in services because many big companies like Amazon, Dell and HP have customer service headquarters there.
City Costa Ricans generally speak a high degree of English (the literary rate is nearly 98%). Furthermore, gambling is legal in Costa Rica so there are a lot of sportsbooks here.
All Costa Ricans speak English
On the other hand, many people assume all Costa Ricans speak English. If you go to touristic places, many Costa Ricans do speak good English because they work in tourism and customer service. But not all of them do!
Remember, Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. (Learn basic Spanish in our guide here).
Costa Rica is a dangerous country
Although crime does happen here, Costa Rica is a relatively safe country. The biggest crime is petty theft and it is difficult to legally get a gun in Costa Rica. Their government is stable and they haven’t had an army since 1954.
In fact, it is one of 23 countries in the world that do not have an active army. Instead, they spend their money on healthcare and education.
Costa Rica is a popular family and solo traveler destination due to its reputation as one of the safest countries in Latin America.
Costa Rica doesn’t have “first world amenities”
Actually, Costa Rica does. Costa Rica does indeed have malls, electricity, Wi-Fi, highways, movie theaters, cars, iPhones and all the like. They have Uber and Uber Eats in San Jose.
You can have a little bit of everything in Costa Rica. In San Jose, you have all the city amenities and services and once you get out of the city, you can find completely undeveloped and rural places like Osa Peninsula or Tortuguero.
Most Information about Costa Rica
It’s important to be at least a bit educated on the countries we visit so we don’t go there with only the stereotype in our head. And that’s one of the best things about travel – you learn so much about other cultures and the world!
Learn some facts about Costa Rica or read our Costa Rica survival guide for more tips.
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
- Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
- Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
- Check our Costa Rica destinations map and Costa Rica restaurant map
- Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
- Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
- Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels and our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.
Julie Day says
Hello. This is all good information to know. I am moving from very rural PA, US in 2024, I cannot wait
Esteban Cervantes Jiménez says
Great webpage. As a Costa Rican I can see that you really did your job to find out good sources. When I travel abroad, it is really baffling to get the “Do you have Mc Donald’s in Costa Rica?” “Do you have brownies in Costa Rica?” or the assumption that one leaves home and enters a jungle. Our country even produces software, high-tech technical equipment and even Intel will start again producing microchips at their plant!
Another typical misconception that I’ve seen (and the worst of them all to me, shared even by many Costa Ricans whose only cultural experience is at shopping malls at bars) is that Costa Rica has no culture or heritage of note. It indeed has many different local cultures. I strongly try through my networks to show otherwise, sometimes areas like Zona de los Santos, Turrialba, Mora, Puriscal or others can be tremendously rewarding as a cultural experience. While in the cities the loss of heritage since the 1950s has been tremendous, there are still nice things to see.
Lastly, I saw somewhere in the blog the comment about LGBTI rights. Well, after decades of struggle, people like me can marry since May 26th, 2020.
All the best regards!
Patrick says
Apologies if I come across as rude, but I think when you say ‘So many people think Costa Rica is…” I think what you mean is “So many Americans think…”
Sammi says
Oops! No worries you’re fine 🙂 I tried to combine two sentences in one so definitely need to fix that. Thanks!
Joan Levinsohn says
I am staying a week as you know at Drakes Bay. I have been told:
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Costa Rica: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Do you think i need the Typhoid shot? It is the only one I am considering?
Do you have any suggestions for vegetarian restaurants in Drakes Bay and Arenal Volcano area?
Thanks so much
Sammi says
Hi Joan, pretty much all of those are vaccinations that people should normally get (tdap, MMR, hepatitis). I am not sure about typhoid, I am pretty sure I do not have my typhoid or shingles shot but Costa Rica isn’t a zone for either of them. You also don’t need yellow fever for Costa Rica (only if you will be traveling from South America).
It’s pretty easy to eat vegetarian in Costa Rica, since local food has a lot of veg options and there aren’t really any veg specific restaurants but a lot of restaurants will have a couple of veg options on their menu. In la Fortuna, La Fortuna pub has a great veg sandwich and Cafe Orchid and Organico in La FOrtuna are good too. There aren’t too many restaurants in Drake Bay and most of the ones I know are seafood, but if you go to any local restaurant (called soda), you can ask for a vegetarian casado (traditional lunch/dinner with rice, beans and salad).
You can read more about eating veg here: Tips for eating vegetarian/vegan in Costa Rica
Carol says
I’m staying near playa Hermosa and only have 3 full days. What is a must do for us close by for rainforest and waterfalls and beaches? Should we rent a car and if so where that’s nearby ?
Sammi says
Hi Carol, which Playa Hermosa are you staying at?
Sammi says
Hi Julie, I just wrote a post on things to do in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Julie says
My boyfriend and I will be visiting in February 2018, the Caribbean side….suggestions are appreciated on what NOT to miss and where to stay. No concrete plans other than the dates. Thanks Everyone!!!!
Rodney says
I will be visiting Jaco 12-2-2016 for 9 days . Do not speak any Spanish. by myself male 66 yrs old. Hopefully everthing will go as planned. Staying at the Buddah Hostel for the first few days and the Croc for the rest. Didn’t make any adventure plans,but would like to try some deep sea fishing. Thank You
Sammi says
Hi Rodney, that area has great fishing, there is a marina called Los Suenos where you can go deep sea fishing. Have fun in Jaco!
Gin says
Stayed in Los suenos . Awesome fishing.
Kavin says
Good post!
I actually here now! I’m visiting arenal (no sun!) And next limon. Do you have any suggestions on where to go to get some good costa rica food that’s not costly.
Sammi says
Hi Kavin, for traditional food look for a “soda” which is Costa Rica restaurant. The name is always something like “soda tico” or something like that. Soda casa de Las hormigas in La fortuna is pretty good and cheap
Betsie Rosa says
thanks a lot for all the insight and advise! We are planning to go to Costa Rica this August, so in my search for more information about the country I came across with you, lucky me, lol!
Sammi says
Hi Betsia, glad we could help! Have a great time here!
Terrablee says
Great article! I was surprised that for the most part it’s OK to drink the tap water. I know one of the houses we’re going to rent had stated that their tap water is safe to drink.
And thank you guys for helping me to learn about Costa Rica! My sisters and I are coming for our first visit in August and we’re sure it will be the first of many!
We will spend a day in San Jose, then head over to Paos, then spend a night at the Toucan Rescue Ranch. Then heading up to Monteverde for 4 days in a rented house on a coffee plantation. Then will move down to Quepos for another 4 days in a rental. In addition to all the wildlife in Manuel Antonio, we hope to see some whales , and if we’re really lucky an arribada. No matter what it will be a fun adventure we’re certain!
Again, your information and advise on your website was immensely helpful planning this trip of a lifetime. Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Terrablee! Yes the tap water in most places is safe to drink and hotels will tell you if it is OK or not. Usually cities and touristic areas have safe tap water. Your itinerary sounds really fun! Those are all great places and I’m sure you and your sisters will have an amazing time. Thanks for reading 🙂
Sammi says
Hi Kai, every Central American country is very different from the accent, Spanish slang, food and customs. They are all separate countries after all and then within the country, you have differences between the provinces and areas.
If you plan to rent a car, then definitely read our tips for renting a car post, we put valuable information in there: Costa Rica car rental tips
and of course, don’t forget to take advantage of our discount 🙂 Costa Rica car rental discount
As for PV – definitely visit Cahuita National Park and bring a rain jacket. The Caribbean side rains more than the rest of the country throughout the year, they don’t have a straight dry-rainy season schedule.
Kai says
This was a very interesting post! Thank you so much! We’ve been to Mexico and El Salvador and I was honestly wondering what the differences and similarities would be. I guess it also depends on which area is visited, as with any country. We are planning our first trip to CR for July. I have read many of your posts and they’re all very fun and informative. My husband wants to rent a car for our week there, so I’m hoping he will agree to read your post on car rentals. 😉
We’ll be staying at Hotel Banana Azul in Puerta Viejo – any suggestions for that area?
YOUNG NGUYEN says
I also have some of this idea about Costa Rica. Thanks for sharing this post. What is their funeral system. I also heard that they even don’t know how to take bath and cook the food. They just burn the vegetables and then eat it. Now I guess from your writing that it is also wrong. Isn’t it??
Sammi says
They use graveyards but mostly bury their dead above ground, not below. I don’t know who told you they don’t know how to bathe or cook food… even countries less developed know how to bathe and cook food. They must be joking because that’s one of the most absurd things I’ve ever heard!
Glenn robinson says
Re: Puerto Rico – I am embarrassed to say that on one of our trips here I had mistakenly reserved a car at SJU, not SJO. We had to make do with a rent-a-dent (which worked out fine). I am continually amazed at how genuinely helpful people in Costa Rica have been to us. Thanks for a neat blog!
yeison says
Hi Glenn, SJU to SJO is very close and I bet anyone can make that mistake, airport codes can get confuse. I am glad to heard that ticos have been nice with you 🙂
Edith Rodriguez says
I thought these were funny! Glad to read and know you have toilet paper 🙂 Hope to visit Costa Rica someday, thanks for the useful information.
James says
Hi,
Thanks for the useful info. We’re travelling out from England end of March – excited and nervous in equal measures. Sammi, I don’t know about Malaria pills but we’ve been advised to have typhoid vaccinations (along with tetanus booster and Hep A). Would you file that one under “misconceptions”?
Sammi says
Hi James! Yes I would get those vaccinations anyways since they are ones you should get regardless of traveling to Costa Rica or not. Even the locals get those vaccinations in CR.
Gemma says
Loved this article! Do people really think there is no wifi? To be fair I asked if a town in The Highlands had an ATM machine to my friend’s annoyance! Maybe should write one about Scotland…
Sammi says
Haha yeah one of my ex-co workers asked me that. Well I asked if El Nido in the Philippines had an ATM since I read online they didn’t soo I feel like that’s fair haha. You should write one for Scotland! It’d be really interesting to read it since I feel like many people get mixed Scotland, UK and Great Britain mixed up
Gemma says
I will fill that niche in the near future! Thanks for the tip.
Sammi says
Hi Tammy,
How exciting! Arenal is a lovely area and is a great place for you to start your Costa Rica trip. We have been to Arenal a couple times and the ziplining there is quite good. There are several different companies, we haven’t personally done the ziplining at Arenal but I know the Sky Trek is good. To explore the rainforest head to Arenal Volcano National Park or the hanging bridges. You can go on your own or go with a tour.
This is the tour we did that took us all over Arenal. It’s a great option to see the best of that area
Arenal Volcano Tours
As for Jaco, it is the beach. The rainforest is nearby and you can read more about Jaco here: Playa Jaco I highly recommend all the activities on there but especially the waterfall tour since you want to explore the rainforest.
Hope this helps and have a wonderful trip!!
Tammy says
Hello there,
I am loving all the neat tid-bits that you are sending to me through my email about Costa Rica. It is making me even more excited for my trip this March (March 14th-23rd)
We are staying at the Tabacon Grand Spa for the first couple of days, then we are off to Jaco for the rest of our vacation.
It is myself, my boyfriend and another couple going. This is my very first vacation….EVER!!!! and my first plane ride, so as you can imagine, I am one big ball of nerves and excitement.
Is there any advise you could possibly pass along for when we stay in the places i’ve mentioned above? I really want to go ziplining, and explore the rainforest. Ive done some research on the areas that offer these adventures, but it would be great to hear from someone that lives there.
Thank you so much for all the great information!! Keep it up!
Tammy
Marissa says
I love this post! It’s always interesting to hear what people think about a place they really know little to none about. I’m trying to convince my boyfriend we should do a Costa Rica trip next year, so hopefully I will be able to put these to good use! 🙂
Sammi says
Haha yeah it’s funny to hear some stereotypes, but I understand where they come from. You should show your boyfriend this list to convince him 😉
SJ @ Chasing the Donkey says
Ohhh I have to say I thought it was 3rd world, I never knew how developed it was. *face palm*
Yavette says
Good post!
I actually here now! I’m visiting arenal (no sun!) And next limon. Do you have any suggestions on where to go to get some good costa rica food that’s not costly.
Sammi says
Hi Yavette! There are a couple of sodas in La Fortuna that we love, there is the one across from the Super Cristiano #3 or #4 (the supermarket) and there is another soda right around the corner. Then La Parada de Bus is pretty good (the bus stop) and they’re all pretty good prices! ~$5 – $6 a plate
Sammi says
Also I do have to mention that for cheaper local food, always go to sodas. You can try to follow some of the locals and see where they go 🙂
Sumit Surai says
Most of the countries have these lists of misconceptions. Loved the post!
Sammi says
True, thanks Sumit!
Sarah Ebner says
Really like this post – it’s genuinely interested and written with such a lovely light touch. I’ve learnt a lot too!
Brianna says
One thing that surprised me in COsta Rica was the drinks sold in the plastic bags. No different than the Capri Suns we grew up with, and much tastier!
Hannah says
haha great post!Got to love stereotypes and what some people think of ‘different’ places. I was interested in the Malaria fact though, I guess doctors in North America just try to get you for everything. Definitely something to keep in mind when I get there!
Martha says
It is important to know that you cannot work in Costa Rica unless you have your residency. It is considered criminal to take work away from the Ticos!
Sammi says
Yes of course, every country has legal employment laws.
Steve Enna says
I lived in Costa Rica for 3 years. I am a retired Civil Engineer and yes, it is a Great place with great people but I take exception to one comment. Costa Rica does not have Highways. You may call them lowways if you want to.
Nowhere in Central America will you find such narrow, terrible roads as in Costa Rica. One additional thing. Bring a nav because there are very few road signs in Costa Rica and hardly any street signs at all.
Sammi says
It is a bit tough to navigate through here, I do wish they’d start putting in street signs at least. Though I have to say some of the roads in the city are so well done compared to other places. I was astonished at how well paved Jaco was compared to Coco.
Stacey says
Most of these made me roll my eyes. Because I hear similar things about a lot of countries that are said to scare you by people who’ve never left their home town.
This one did annoy me though:
“18. Costa Rica is not a “third world country” There are actually a lot of big companies here, such as Amazon, Paypal, and Bank of America. Costa Rica is quite developed”
I think the term “third world” is really quite offencive when people apply it to different countries. Because it’s got the attachment to it that the country is unsafe, unclean, etc. The attachments that all the scardy cat’s who won’t leave home beleive are true. Sure some contries are developing, I’m not denying that but people need to gain education about what that means. Third word (as well as first word, second world) are also more to do with politics than they are with development anyway.
Cristina says
These are dead on! I found Ticos to be some of the friendliest people. The food is soo deeelicious!!! Costa Rica also makes Rawlings MLB gear so yes…lots of big companies
Sammi says
Ooh I had no idea they made the MLB gear! Interesting!
Mariana @TravelThirst says
Good, funny and true facts about my home country! Well said guys, thanks on sharing your knowledge and experience 🙂 I don’t live there currently for 4 years now but it is all definitely true. Also true about being a lot of misconceptions about CR. 🙂 Cheers!
Sammi says
Thanks Mariana! It’s funny what people’s idea of Costa Rica is sometimes 😀 Pura vida!
Jackie Laulainen says
Love this post. Is it still a monopoly of ICE for phones or have they introduced SIM cards yet? I think the Puerto Rico one was the best, it’s so true people can’t keep them straight. Thanks for sharing this! I’m happily going to share it out or you. Part of my heart will always be in CR 🙂 I’ll be back next November!
Sammi says
They have SIM cards and several more phone companies, not just ICE anymore thankgoodness!
Sammi says
Sadly it doesn’t, but at least they learn when they get here and very quickly. Yes thank goodness indeed lol!
Michelle at Triposs says
Love this post! We are thinking about traveling to Costa Rica. We have heard many awesome things about it 🙂
Sammi says
You should definitely come! Let us know if you need any advice of have questions for your trip 🙂