What is electric current in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica operates on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz.

What adapter do I need for Costa Rica?

​Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type, so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.

Do Us appliances work in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica the standard voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Costa Rica, because the standard voltage (120 V) is the same as in the United States of America. So you don't need a voltage converter in Costa Rica, when living in the United States of America.

Can you drink the water in Costa Rica?

The short answer is yes. You can drink the tap water in Costa Rica safely in most every part of the country. In some rural areas, including the Caribbean and in non-touristy places, you may want to stick with bottled water.

Will my cell phone work in Costa Rica?

The type of phone doesn't matter. It can be an iPhone or Android, Samsung, HTC, Blackberry, whichever, as long as it fits those three requirements. Make sure you call your home provider to see if your phone it unlocked and can accept international SIM cards before you leave.

How Costa Rica runs on 100% renewable electricity

Can I use my hairdryer in Costa Rica?

Your hair dryer is now ready to be used in Costa Rica. It's normal for dual voltage hair dryers that originated from a country that operates with 220-240 volts to work slower when in a country which uses 100-127V electricity.

Do I need cash in Costa Rica?

Using US Cash

US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica. Bring smaller bills like $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills. The bills will need to be in good condition as they will not be accepted if they are ripped or torn. The larger the bill, the more perfect it needs to be.

Do you need a surge protector in Costa Rica?

You need a step up power converter if you are visiting Costa Rica from a country that uses 220-240 volts and your appliance or device doesn't support 120 volts.

Does Costa Rica have power outages?

Another problem is power outages. If you live in Costa Rica for a while, you'll get used to them. Most of the time they are short, an hour or less, but sometimes they can be longer, sometimes days. On a recent trip to the grocery store, the power went out.

Can I plug a power strip into a voltage converter?

No, simple wall adapters are for plug configurations, not voltage conversion. Although your devices can handle the higher voltage, the standard North American power strip isn't rated for higher voltage. To use such a power strip, you should also use a voltage converter in addition to a plug adapter.

Do you tip in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rican eateries, tipping is optional, though it's polite to offer an additional sum if you feel your server exceeded your expectations or went the extra mile to ensure you were happy with your meal.

Can you use the US dollar in Costa Rica?

U.S. Dollars are Accepted in Costa Rica

For visitors from the U.S. there's no reason to change money in advance because dollars are commonly used in Costa Rica. The taxis out in front of the airport, the restaurants and hotels all accept dollars.

What side of the road do they drive on in Costa Rica?

Costa Ricans drive on the right side of the road with traffic rules and signs approximating those of the United States and Canada. However, the country's challenging terrain and sometimes subpar road infrastructure means drivers should expect to maintain a high level of concentration behind the wheel.

Why you shouldn't go to Costa Rica?

In Central America and The Caribbean overall, Costa Rica is ranked the number one most peaceful country in the region out of 12. However, the homicide rate increased from 11.9 homicides per 100,000 people to 12.3 in the last year, and crime is still a significant threat to travelers in Costa Rica.

How much is a Big Mac in Costa Rica?

According to the index, a big mac in Costa Rica costs 2,250 colones, which is $4.06 at the current exchange rate of 554.33 colones to the U.S. dollar. This makes Costa Rica the 4th most expensive place in Latin America to indulge in the golden arches' double decker burger.

What is the minimum wage in Costa Rica?

Because Costa Rica does not have a minimum wage, there is no mandatory minimum rate of pay for workers in Costa Rica.

How much is a gallon of gas in Costa Rica?

Gas Prices in Costa Rica

The current cost of gas in Costa Rica is around 1020 colones per liter which is about ~$5.65 USD per gallon for regular. Diesel is actually cheaper than gas in Costa Rica.

What happens if I plug 110V to 220V?

It is current that is your enemy, a piece wire that is warm at 110V (120v) will turn into a fuse at 220V (230v, 240v), all other things being equal. Determining the wattage/load is usually performed by the design engineer to meet the performance specs set by the electrical engineer.

What happens if you plug a 240V appliance into a 120V outlet?

With heat doubled than that the 240 v appliance can carry, the appliance will overheat, melt, or explode, or burn.