Medical Tourism in Costa Rica

Tap water in Costa Rica's Central Valley, including San Jose and surrounding areas where most medical tourism hospitals are located, is generally safe to drink. Costa Rica has some of the highest water quality standards in Central America. However, in remote coastal or rural areas, water quality can be less reliable, so stick to bottled water if you are outside the main urban centers.

Uber operates in San Jose and the surrounding Central Valley (Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago) and is typically 40-50% cheaper than official orange taxis. A ride from the airport to central San Jose costs roughly $10-18 USD via Uber versus $25-35 by taxi. Many medical tourism packages include airport transfers and transport to appointments, so confirm this with your hospital coordinator before arranging your own rides.

The local currency is the Costa Rican colon (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted at restaurants, hotels, and in tourist areas. Credit and debit cards work at most hospitals and established businesses. Restaurants typically add a 10% service charge to the bill, so additional tipping is optional but appreciated. Carry small bills in colones (500-1,000 CRC) for parking attendants and small local eateries.

Costa Rica has a well-developed pharmacy network, and many medications that require a prescription in the US or Canada are available over the counter, with the main exceptions being antibiotics and strong narcotics. Common pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and gastrointestinal medications are readily available at affordable prices. Pharmacies are found throughout San Jose, and some hospital-area pharmacies have staff who speak English.

Costa Rica has three mobile carriers: Kolbi (state-run, widest rural coverage), Claro, and Liberty. Prepaid SIM cards cost $4-6 USD at airport kiosks or convenience stores, with starter data plans around $5 for one week. If your phone supports eSIM, you can activate one before departure for the easiest setup. Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, hospitals, and cafes in the San Jose metro area, and 4G coverage is reliable in urban zones.