25 Jan The Best Apps & Websites for Traveling in Costa Rica
Before you head to the lush country of Costa Rica, make sure to download or bookmark the following apps and websites. These are perfect for planning, finding destinations, communication, and on the go needs.
*This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using my links you’re merely supporting what I love to do: write this blog! I only recommend products/companies that I use myself.
Additionally, World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. I do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Google Translate
While in Costa Rica, practice your Spanish! Many locals in touristic areas will know English, however that won’t always be the case and it’s best not to assume. Plus, attempting to speak the country’s language is always the respectful thing to do while traveling and locals appreciate the effort.
Assuming you’re not fluent, Google Translate can help you! My favorite features of this app are the ability to speak into the microphone to translate, the camera scan option (useful for documents, signs, etc.) and the ability to download a chosen language so you can translate offline even when you don’t have WiFi or data.
Download Google Translate here
Airalo
Airalo is an app where you can purchase phone data using eSim technology. It’s a bit pricier than purchasing a local sim but super convenient and an alternative to international roaming with your home phone service.
Dowload the app here
Currency
The Currency app is an easy way to check prices in your home currency and works offline. XE Currency is also a great option.
Download the Currency App here
Travelspend
Keep track of your spending and stay on your backpacking budget by inputting all your expenses into TravelSpend. Not only will the app automatically convert currencies and keep record of spending, it will also tell you how much is available to spend per day in order to stay on your goal budget. This is super, super helpful for those long trips.
Download TravelSpend here
Alamo
For those doing a road trip around Costa Rica, I suggest booking with Alamo. They have great customer service and gave me a free upgrade when I rented.
You can also book through RentalCars.com if you find it easier or find a better deal, I only recommend you don’t book insurance through them because you’ll also need to pay that directly with the company.
Search for cars with Alamo here | Search on rentalcars.com
→ Also Read: What To Know Before Renting a Car in Costa Rica
Waze
When renting a car, every local will tell you to download and use Waze. It’s known to have the best directions for the area, unlike its competition Google Maps which is known to lead people astray on Costa Rica.
Download Waze here
Rome2Rio
If you decided not to rent a car in Costa Rica but still plan to explore multiple parts of the country, Rome2Rio can help you coordinate transportation. This app and website tells you all the modes available to get to your destination.
Disclaimer though, in many countries I use Rome2Rio to find available buses and book via their website. However in Costa Rica I would not book online (probably not even available). Instead use Rome2Rio to check your transportation options (most likely just bus) and schedules from the given website. I would then wait to purchase tickets at the designated bus terminal. For locations with less buses running, I suggest purchasing your ticket the day before (i.e. in Puerto Viejo).
Search Rome2Rio here | Download the app here
Hostelworld
If you’re not already hip, Hostelworld is a great app and website to find cheaper accommodation and dorm style hostels for backpackers, solo, and/or budget travelers. In Costa Rica I stayed at a lot of Selina’s (a hostel chain) because they’re perfect for digital nomads and especially really nice here. They can be more expensive though. To avoid overpriced reservations you’ll need to book ahead of time.
Search Hostelworld here | Download Hostelworld here
Booking.com
I love Booking.com because to me it’s the all-rounder accommodation search website. You’ll find hostels, hotels, and sometimes even Airbnb-type listings. Unlike Hostelworld and Airbnb though, Booking.com usually offers free cancellations which means you don’t have to swallow money when plans change (double check everytime though).
Search on Booking.com here | Download the app here
Airbnb
If you’re looking for your own place especially for a long-term stay, then Airbnb is the perfect website to search accommodation.
Search Airbnb here | Download the app here
GetYourGuide
In tourist destinations you’ll find many local vendors offering various tours on the street. However if you’d like to book online or want to combine tours, GetYourGuide is a great place to search.
Search on GetYourGuide here | Download the app here
Call and text family and friends back at home for free using WhatsApp. It’s also great to keep in contact with friends you meet from around the world. As a long term traveler, WhatsApp is my permanent and main source of communication!
Download WhatsApp here
Another way to keep in contact with those you meet while traveling is through Instagram. In fact almost every time you meet someone in passing while at a hostel, I guarantee they’ll ask for you IG! Instagram is also a great resource to find destinations in Costa Rica.
Download Instagram here
And make sure to follow me @carolinerosetravel
Tik Tok & Pinterest
Tik Tok & Pinterest are also great ways to find cool places in Costa Rica utilizing their search bar. I also love using Tik Tok in other countries because you’ll see a shift in your FYP and may get to enjoy some local humor.
Download Tik Tok here
and follow me@carolinerosetravel
Download Pinterest here
and follow me@carolinerosetravel
Facebook Groups
FB Groups are amazing for asking questions, networking, and for staying up to date with what’s going on in Costa Rica.
You can always search on your own the name of a country or city followed by keywords like ‘travel’ or ‘digital nomad’ then Facebook will produce a list of groups. In Costa Rica, some popular ones are Costa Rica Rica Resources for Expats & Tourists, Costa Rica Travel, and Costa Rica Travelling Tips.
My Blog!
Check out my blog posts for Costa Rica. Especially in my destination guides, I really go in depth for everything you need to visit including how to get there, things to do, where to stay, transportation available and all the links you need.
Did I miss something? If you have a favorite app or website you’ve used to while traveling in Costa Rica, let me know in the comments!
More Resources for Your Trip to Costa Rica
Planning your own trip? Here’s some resources I used to book and coordinate my itinerary through Costa Rica along with some recommendations:
Hostels
If you’re a budget traveler or looking for an easy way to meet others, Hostelworld is the best place to search. Below are some of my recommendations, click to search for availability!
- La Fortuna: Selina
- Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Selina
- Manuel Antonio: Hostel Plinio OR Selina
- Monteverde: Outbox Inn OR Camino Verde
- Tamarindo: La Botella de Leche
- Santa Teresa: Zeneidas Surf Garden
- San Jose: Selina
Hotels
Booking.com is the way to go when searching for hotels in Costa Rica because they typically offer free cancellation with plenty of affordable to more luxurious stays.
Flights
It’s possible to fly to Costa Rica into either San Jose or Liberia. To find the best deal & prices I recommend using Skyscanner.
Getting Around Costa Rica
Domestic flights aren’t really a thing in Costa Rica, so that leaves two ways to get around: bus and renting a car. Renting a car is extremely popular in Costa Rica, but I recommend reading this blog post first before doing so. Buses are the most affordable option (esp. as a solo traveler) to getting around Costa Rica. My favorite way to navigate buses in Costa Rica is using Rome2Rio.
Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for every trip to ensure you’re covered in unexpected situations. My go to travel insurance is always WorldNomads which is made for backpackers. You can search for coverage here.
If you’re a digital nomad looking for travel medical emergency insurance, I also suggest Safety Wing.
Tours & Experiences
A lot of experiences in Costa Rica you can do on your own like hiking, sunbathing and surfing at the beach. I always recommend checking blog posts for inspiration. If you’re interested in tours though for difficult experiences to do on your own then I suggest using GetYourGuide & Viator.
Know Before You Go
Check out my Costa Rica Destination Page here for information on visas, health requirements, currency, outlets, and more.
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