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Where would we be without our cell phones these days? They are an indispensable part of our daily lives. So what free apps will be the most useful during your Costa Rica adventure? Here are the 10 best apps for Costa Rica travel, including the ones we found the most useful.
You should download these 10 best apps for Costa Rica before you leave home. With your cell phone in hand, you have a few ways to access apps once you’re in Costa Rica. You can use an international plan from your own phone provider (about $10 per day that you access data). You will only need this if you plan on using apps without data but will otherwise have access to WiFi (using a VPN, see below!). For example, to access Waze and avoid renting a GPS from the car rental company, you’ll probably have to use your data plan.
Your other option is to purchase a SIM card at the airport so that you can access these apps even without WiFi. Ask your cell phone provider to unlock your phone before you travel. Once in Costa Rica, buy a SIM card and install it right then and there to make sure it works. Another alternative is to buy a pre-paid phone for the duration of your trip. You can find the Kolbi SIM card kiosk across from baggage carousel no.2 at the SJO terminal, specifying you need data. You’ll also find Kolbi stores (as well as other providers like Movistar and Claro) in most towns, regardless of size.
10 Best Apps for Costa Rica Travel
1. Waze
No matter where you’re going, Waze is the best way to get from one place to another if you’re planning on driving in Costa Rica.
Unless you’re in San Jose, buildings and addresses do not include a number. Searching for a specific spot is really difficult unless you know exactly where you’re going. Fortunately, Waze has enough information that almost every location can be found. Because everyone else uses Waze, it also has the most updated information regarding blocked roads, etc. Businesses frequently list their Waze location name, making them easier to find.
2. CRMap
CR Map prints friendly maps listing attractions, restaurants, and more within a location. While you can pick up a paper map at the airport or most rental car locations, you can also download their maps ahead of time. Note that you’ll still need Waze for specific directions.
3. Uber
That’s right — Uber works in Costa Rica in some areas! Red taxicabs are the only officially licensed taxis, but several more populated areas, such as San Jose, also have Uber available. Order your transportation right from your phone!
4. Windy and Wunderground
A weather app is super useful in planning your day’s activities. Some areas, such as Arenal and Monteverde, can have a change of weather in a heartbeat. Be prepared!
Used by the Costa Rican news, these two apps are more accurate than others which will simply list the chance of rain at 100% during the rainy season. Another good way to check the weather at a location in real-time is to check Instagram for geotags for the area you’re planning and seeing if anyone has recently posted a photo from that location.
5. Google Translate
While many people speak English, especially at resorts, if you’re planning on going off-the-beaten-path or enjoying a more authentic experience, you’ll need a command of some basic Spanish. For those who don’t, a simple free app (which can be downloaded so you don’t need WiFi) like Google Translate really helps in a pinch!
6. Currency Converter
I use the free XE Currency Converter app. While many places will accept dollars as well as colones, I always ask what conversion rate they’re using and compare it to the rate on the currency converter. I often found that businesses gave us a better exchange rate than I could have obtained through a bank.
7. Whatsapp
The best way to communicate in Costa Rica is by using WhatsApp. Almost every business and person uses WhatsApp in Costa Rica. You can use it to make calls or text between cell phones. Whatsapp does not store your information, making it a secure way to communicate. Download and set up the app before you leave home and use it to start conversations with tour providers, etc.
8. Hotel Reservations
If you have a preferred hotel chain that you use, I’ve mentioned many times that I’m a huge fan of Marriott hotels, make sure you download the app so that your reservations will be at your fingertips.
A good way to compare different hotels and brands is to download an app like Booking.com. Such a general app allows you to compare several hotels in one location and across different price ranges.
8. Airbnb or VRBO
Sometimes, I prefer to stay at a different type of accommodation – such as someone’s house or apartment. These two major apps allow you to book alternatives. When I’m traveling with a group or family, I often prefer to rent a home so that we can all be together. We stayed at a great Airbnb in Monteverde with beautiful views and expansive walking trails in the nearby reserve.
If you’re using Airbnb for the first time, use this code for a discount!
9. OIJCRSAFE
Created with tourists’ safety in mind, this app can be downloaded at any port of entry. We saw signs for it everywhere at the airport in San Jose. Once it’s on your phone, it can even receive some information offline. It links tourists with emergency services and provides tips to keep travelers safe, depending on the area of the country they’re visiting. It is most useful when left running in the background.
10. Itinerary App
Fans of having all of their information in one location may want to download an itinerary app such as TripIt, Tripsy, or Wanderlog. You’ll need to approve access to your emails and these apps collect all of your information such as reservation numbers and travel times in one location. Since I use multiple email addresses, these don’t work as well for me so I create my own using Google Docs or Spreadsheet, which I can use offline.
Of course, if you’re planning on bird watching, you should consider Merlin Bird ID. Powered by contributions from people like you, the app is useful in identifying a bird either by its look or even its call.
Plus a must-have paid app when traveling in Costa Rica:
VPN Express
I’ve long professed my love for VPN Express. Accessing free WiFi at restaurants and hotels exposes the information on your device to others. Protect the information on your phone, tablet, or computer with a masking program. While I received my first year free with VPN Express, there is a reason that I have continued to pay for my service in subsequent years. I use VPN Express whether I’m traveling far away or within the United States and it was a lifesaver when I visited China.
Do you have free apps to recommend to travelers? Have you tried any of these best apps for Costa Rica travel before? Share them with us in the comments below!
Don’t forget to check out our other Costa Rica content:
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.