Should I bring alcohol to Costa Rica?

The following goods may be imported into Costa Rica without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500g tobacco. 5L of alcoholic beverages (travellers aged over 18 only). Goods to the value of up to US$500.



While you are legally allowed to bring up to 5 liters of alcohol duty-free into Costa Rica in 2026, it is often not worth the weight and hassle of packing it in your checked luggage. Costa Rica has a vibrant local beer culture (think Imperial or Pilsen) and a decent selection of imported wines and spirits available at local "supermercados" and specialized liquor stores at competitive prices. However, if you have a very specific, high-end "single malt" or a particular vintage of wine that you know will be hard to find in a tropical country, bringing it along can be a good idea for a special occasion. For those looking to save money, the "Duty Free" shop at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San Jose is located after you clear immigration but before you exit the airport, allowing you to buy premium spirits at tax-free prices without having to haul them from home. If you do bring your own, ensure it is packed securely in leak-proof bags, as the pressure changes in the cargo hold can cause bottles to leak, and a "wine-soaked" suitcase is a rough way to start a vacation in paradise.

People Also Ask

Your luggage will be scanned and in some cases hand searched. Please be aware you may not bring plants, seeds, vegetables, or fruits into Costa Rica. 4. Exit the building and you will see your driver with a sign with your name and our Logo.

MORE DETAILS

Alcohol in Costa Rica People can drink in Costa Rica as long as they are 18 years old. You are not permitted to drink in any public space nor exceed a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.05% mg while driving. Depending on the case, this can result in a $410 fine or at least 3 years in jail.

MORE DETAILS

Costa Rica has an open container law designed to keep public spaces clean and safe for everyone. In Jaco Beach, it is technically prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages on public roads or beaches. If you're caught violating these laws, you could face hefty fines or even arrest by local authorities.

MORE DETAILS

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Costa Rica take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip.

MORE DETAILS

Yes. It's completely safe to drink the tap water over the majority of the country. That includes your luxury vacation rentals in Guanacaste! Costa Rica is quite notable in Latin America as 92.5% of the population has access to drinking water.

MORE DETAILS

Clothes. Costa Rica doesn't have a strict dress code so comfortable and casual is best for pretty much the entire country. At the beach where daytime temperatures reach up to 95 F (35 C) with high humidity, your wardrobe will consist of shorts, tank tops, tshirts and flip flops.

MORE DETAILS

CDC recommends travelers to any area of Costa Rica use mosquito avoidance measures to protect from malaria and other diseases spread by mosquito bites.

MORE DETAILS

We recommend that you bring around $50 to $100 US dollars in cash and a VISA or Master Card. There are other credit cards that are accepted, but VISA and Master Card are the most commonly accepted throughout Costa Rica. If needed, you can get a cash advance on a VISA card if you go to a large bank.

MORE DETAILS

Be very cautious when you go into any body of water in the country as tides and rip currents can be strong. Also, as much of the country is considered the rainforest, the weather can change dramatically on very short notice.

MORE DETAILS

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. Recommended for travelers to most regions.

MORE DETAILS