🔌 Plugs & adapters
Yes. You'll need a US-style (type A/B) adapter.
The voltage is 120V, much lower than the UK's 230V. Phone, laptop and camera chargers marked "100–240V" are fine with an adapter. UK hairdryers, straighteners and kettles usually won't work properly unless they're dual-voltage. You'd need a voltage converter, or buy one locally.
- Type A: Two flat parallel pins (no earth)
- Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus a round earth pin
🕒 Time difference
Costa Rica is 6 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 7 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).
💶 Money & tipping
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (US dollars widely accepted) (CRC).
A 10% service charge is included in restaurant bills by law. Extra tips are optional.
🚗 Driving
Traffic drives on the right. Take extra care pulling out and at roundabouts, which go anticlockwise. Speed limits are signed in km/h. Convert km/h to mph →
🗣️ Language & phone
Main language: Spanish. Dialling code: +506.
Quick answers for Costa Rica
Places in Costa Rica
Other countries with the same plugs
Common questions
Do I need a plug adapter for Costa Rica?
Yes. You'll need a US-style (type A/B) adapter. The voltage is 120V, much lower than the UK's 230V. Phone, laptop and camera chargers marked "100–240V" are fine with an adapter. UK hairdryers, straighteners and kettles usually won't work properly unless they're dual-voltage. You'd need a voltage converter, or buy one locally.
What plug type does Costa Rica use?
Costa Rica uses type A, B: type A – Two flat parallel pins (no earth); type B – Two flat parallel pins plus a round earth pin. The voltage is 120V at 60Hz.
What is the time difference between the UK and Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is 6 hours behind the UK in the UK winter and 7 hours behind the UK in the UK summer (the clocks change on different dates).
Which side of the road do they drive on in Costa Rica?
On the right, unlike the UK. Take extra care at junctions and roundabouts, which go anticlockwise.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican colón (US dollars widely accepted) (CRC).
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
A 10% service charge is included in restaurant bills by law. Extra tips are optional.
What is the dialling code for Costa Rica?
+506. From a UK phone, dial +506 and drop the first 0 of the local number.
For passports, visas, entry requirements, health and safety advice, always check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you travel.