We’ve developed a quick checklist to help you get prepared for a successful dental experience in Costa Rica. If you need more information, please feel free to give us a call.
Valid Passport
- Your passport should be valid for at least another 6 months from your date of travel. If it is about to expire…get it renewed before you travel. If you are coming from the US or Canada, there is no need for a visa to visit Costa Rica.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance protects you against unseen events, like hurricanes, cancelled flights, delayed flights, lost baggage, theft, etc. The cost for good travel insurance is generally worth the sense of security it provides.
Pack for Weather
- Costa Rica is a warm weather destination – with some surprises. We suggest packing shorts, a sweater or sweatshirt, comfortable clothes, sandals, tennis shoes, swimming suits and plenty of sunscreen. Layers are key for getting along here. If you forget anything…don’t worry. Shopping in Costa Rica is like shopping in the US or Canada. We have it all.
Bring a Sweater
- The dental clinic can become quite chilly. We do have blankets, but it's nice to have a comfortable sweater or sweatshirt from home.
Money
- US Dollars are accepted everywhere in Costa Rica – but Colones are the national currency. ATMs are plentiful throughout the tourist areas. It’s very easy to withdraw cash at these locations or to pay with your credit card.
Important Documents
- Bring important dental documents with you, such as x-rays, dental reports, and any important information that your doctors and dental team should know. A medical summary is very helpful to pack in case of any emergency during your travels. (A medical summary is actually a good thing to carry with you whenever you travel…not just on dental vacations!)
Extra Glasses
- Bring an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses …just in case. It doesn’t happen often, but luggage gets lost, glasses break…so it’s good to have a back-up!
Copies
- Make photocopies of your passport and immunization records, and keep them in a separate location. It’s a lot easier to get a replacement of your passport if you’ve got a copy.
Medication
- Carry enough medication to last through your trip. If you are coming to Costa Rica for one week, bring enough medication to last two weeks in case of any problems. You also need to protect your medication(s) from things like humidity and heat.
Health Notice
- Costa Rica is very safe and has minimal health risks. But it makes good sense to make sure your vaccinations are up to date. For more information about these vaccinations, please visit the CDC website.