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Study in Costa Rica

Your complete student travel guide β€” airports, visas, cities, climate & programs

πŸŽ“ Browse Programs βœ‰οΈ Get Travel Checklist
πŸ›οΈ Capital
San JosΓ©
πŸ’° Currency
β‚‘CRC
πŸ“ž Calling Code
+506
🌐 ISO Code
CR

🌍Quick Facts

πŸ›οΈ Capital

San JosΓ©

πŸ“ Region

Americas Β· Central America

πŸ‘₯ Population

5,309,625

πŸ“ Area

51,100 kmΒ²

πŸ“ž Calling Code

+506

πŸ• Timezone(s)

UTC-06:00

πŸ’¬Languages & Currency

Official Language(s)

Spanish

Currency

β‚‘ Costa Rican colΓ³n (CRC)

🌀️Climate Overview

Tropical climate with two seasons: dry (Dec–Apr) and wet (May–Nov). Pacific and Caribbean coasts differ significantly. Highlands are cooler year-round.

πŸ”ŒElectrical Adapters

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Voltage / Frequency: 120V Β· 60Hz

Plug type(s) used in Costa Rica:

Type A 120V Β· 60Hz
Type A
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Type B 120V Β· 60Hz
Type B
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πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US travelers note: US plugs (Type A/B) are physically compatible. Check your device's power supply label for voltage β€” most modern electronics (laptops, phones) support 100–240V automatically.

πŸ’³Money & Tipping

🀝 Tipping Culture
Expected

Tipping is appreciated and generally expected for good service.

πŸ’³ Cash vs Card
Cash Common

Cash is widely used. Card acceptance is growing but not universal β€” carry both.

πŸ›‘οΈSafety Tips

Costa Rica is generally safe. Exercise normal caution in urban areas at night. Avoid displaying valuables. Be aware of petty theft in tourist zones and on public transport.

πŸŽ“Study Abroad Programs in Costa Rica

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Costa Rica Sustainability Semester
Elite Sustainability Costa Rica Collective
Fall Semester Environmental Studies 15 weeks
πŸ’° $9,500 – $12,100
πŸ“† Deadline: May 18, 2026
View Program
Monteverde Conservation Field Lab
Elite Sustainability Costa Rica Collective
Summer Environmental Studies 5 weeks
πŸ’° $4,800 – $6,300
πŸ“† Deadline: Apr 12, 2026
View Program

🏒Study Abroad Providers in Costa Rica

View All

Elite sustainability programs built around field research and community partners

2 programs View Profile

πŸ“°Articles About Costa Rica

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. For study programs over 90 days, most countries require a student visa. Always check official visa requirements before applying.

Costs include accommodation, food, local transport, and personal expenses. Program fees are separate. Budget varies significantly by city β€” capital cities and major urban centers are typically more expensive. Local currency: Costa Rican colΓ³n (β‚‘).

The official language(s) of Costa Rica are: Spanish. Many study abroad programs are offered in English β€” confirm the language of instruction with your program provider.

Costa Rica uses plug Type A and Type B at 120V . US plug types are compatible, but check your device voltage label.

Costa Rica is generally safe. Exercise normal caution in urban areas at night. Avoid displaying valuables. Be aware of petty theft in tourist zones and on public transport.
View official travel advisory β†’
βœ‰οΈ Get Your Free Travel Checklist

Planning to study in Costa Rica? We'll send you a free preparation checklist.

Costa Rica
At a Glance
🌐 ISO Code CR
πŸ“‹Official Resources

U.S. Department of State

⚠️ Travel Advisory πŸ“„ Visa Information

Opens on travel.state.gov

πŸ›οΈEmbassy & Consular Services

Register your trip and locate emergency contacts before you depart.

πŸ› U.S. Embassy Directory βœ… Register Your Trip (STEP)

STEP alerts you during emergencies and helps the embassy locate you.

🏒

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