Clothing
You will want to pack clothing that is both seasonally and culturally appropriate for Costa Rica. Bring clothes that can be mixed, matched and layered, and it’s best to avoid clothing that is delicate or requires ironing. A good pair of walking shoes is a must. Try to avoid wearing clothing with university or Greek life logos that will make you stand out as an American. Athletic attire is generally worn for exercise purposes only and not as street attire. You may need nicer clothes for a special occasion, so consider packing one dressier outfit. There may also be events or site visits that require more conservative dress, so you should also be prepared for times when you may need to cover your shoulders or wear long pants or skirts.
The weather in San Jose will likely be in the mid-70s and low-80s during the day and fall into the 50s at night. You will not see a lot of Costa Ricans wearing shorts, so to avoid standing out as a tourist, take note of how the locals dress and avoid shorts (except at the beach). Jeans are perfectly acceptable, but you may want to bring some light-weight pants for lighter luggage and quicker drying when it rains.
Most Costa Rican families do not own dryers and will hang your clothes out to dry when they have been washed — this can take days if there is rain, so light-weight, quick-drying fabrics are good. You will also need to pack your own towel(s), as it won’t be provided by your host family, but they will wash your dirty laundry.
Electrical appliances
Your electrical items typically will not need to be adapted for Costa Rican current and outlets. However, you may need an adapter in certain places. For example, some locations have only two-pronged sockets, and three-pronged plugs will require an adapter. You should also be mindful that electricity is often more expensive abroad than it is in the United States.
Suggested packing list
Please check TSA and your airlines’ guidelines for packing restrictions, luggage size requirements and fees. Note: Luggage storage is available at CRLA should you need it.
Carry-on luggage
- Passport and state driver’s license or ID
- Airline ticket(s) and itinerary
- U.S. and foreign currency (preferably in a money pouch or belt)
- Credit and debit/ATM cards
- Copies of important travel documents and emergency contact information (always carry an emergency card containing important emergency phone numbers, including the number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and your insurance cards)
- Prescription medications in their original containers
- Camera, memory cards/film
- Laptop and any small electronic devices
- Chargers or extra batteries
- Extra change of clothes and undergarments
- Wash cloth and soap in a travel case or disposable wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Contact lenses and solution, glasses
- Earplugs
- Books/magazines
- Snacks, gum or mints
- Watch
Checked luggage
- Extra copies of important travel documents and emergency contact information
- Seasonally and culturally appropriate clothes that can be mixed and matched and layered
- Undergarments, shoes and accessories
- Jacket or coat appropriate for host country climate
- Flip flops for the shower
- Bath towel
- Swimsuit, beach towel and sunscreen
- Toiletries
- Feminine hygiene products (if applicable, certain types may not be available in your host country)
- First-aid kit
- Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses
- Small umbrella, poncho or rain jacket
- Insect repellent
- Battery operated alarm clock
- Contraceptives (if applicable)
- Music/photographs
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Small bag for weekend travel
- Plug adapter
- Sunglasses
- Combination or key locks (to secure luggage in accommodations, if necessary)
- Travel guides and language phrase book
- Diary or journal
- Small flashlight