Costa Rica Packing List

Check in online and save your boarding passes offline

Buy travel insurance and save the policy offline

Keep a backup card and emergency cash apart from your wallet

Get CRC cash / a no-forex-fee card

Check visa requirements for Costa Rica

See a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before for vaccines

Before you go: lock up, unplug appliances, arrange pet and plant care, hold the mail, leave a spare key with someone

Copies of passport and bookings (paper + phone)

Tell your bank your travel dates and check foreign transaction fees

Leave your itinerary, emergency contacts and a passport copy with someone at home

Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for US citizens)

Passport (valid 6+ months past your return)

Wallet with ID, driver's licence, health insurance card and payment cards

House and car keys, in your carry-on

Pen for arrival forms

Money belt or hidden pouch for passport and spare cash

Underwear ×8

Per person

Socks ×8

Per person

Everyday outfits (tops and bottoms) ×5

Per person

Comfortable walking shoes

Hiking boots

Sleepwear

Light layer (sweater or hoodie)

One smart outfit and shoes for a dinner out

Change of clothes in your carry-on

Flip-flops or shower sandals

Swimsuit

Compression socks

Wool hiking socks

Quick-dry hiking trousers

Belt

Workout clothes and shoes (if you exercise on the road)

Light scarf, shawl or travel blanket for cold planes and buses

Set up an eSIM or roaming plan for data

Install local apps: Uber, Waze

Save your two-factor backup codes in case you lose your phone

Download an offline map & language pack for Costa Rica

Phone charger, with USB-C and USB-A cables

Power bank, in your carry-on (never in a checked bag)

Headphones or earbuds (noise-canceling for flights)

Laptop or tablet and charger (if you bring one)

Travel adapter

Costa Rica uses Type A/B sockets.

Spanish phrasebook

Wired earbuds or a Bluetooth transmitter for the seatback screen

Multi-port USB charger or short extension cord

Camera with a spare battery and memory card

Luggage tracker (AirTag or similar) in checked bags

Ask a travel clinic whether you need malaria pills

CDC lists malaria in Costa Rica: Present in the provinces of Alajuela and Limón Rare to no transmission in other parts of the country

List your medications by generic name, with a doctor's note

Drink bottled or filtered water

Tap water isn't safe to drink in Costa Rica; skip ice and brush with bottled.

Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss

Toiletry bag: deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, razor

Clear quart bag for carry-on liquids (100 ml / 3.4 oz each)

Prescription medication and daily vitamins (with a copy of the prescription)

Glasses or contacts, solution, eye drops and a spare pair (if you wear them)

Hairbrush or comb, and hair products

Face wash and moisturizer

Makeup and makeup remover (if you wear it)

Basic meds: pain relief, antidiarrheal, antacid, antihistamine, cold medicine

Small first-aid kit

Hand sanitizer

Travel wet wipes

Earplugs

Sleep eye mask

Lip balm with SPF

Nail clippers, nail file and tweezers

Period products (if you need them)

Blister plasters and anti-chafe balm

Pocket tissues or a small roll of toilet paper

Electrolyte powder packets

Perfume or cologne (if you wear it)

Motion-sickness tablets or bands

Face mask for the plane

Reusable water bottle

Daypack

Zip bags in a few sizes

Packable tote or shopping bag

Laundry bag for dirty clothes

Luggage tags with your phone and email

Luggage lock

Anti-theft crossbody bag

Waterproof phone pouch

Dry bag

Water filter bottle or purification tablets

Mini sewing kit and safety pins

Small flashlight or headlamp

Trekking poles

Binoculars

Travel neck pillow

Snacks and gum for the journey

Book or e-reader

Notebook or travel journal