Costa Rica Packing

Pack lightly: lay out only what you absolutely need, then take half the clothes and twice the money. The Travelite FAQ (www.travelite.org) is a good resource for tips on traveling light. The online Universal Packing List (http://upl.codeq.info) will generate a customized list of suggested items based on your trip length, the expected climate, your planned activities, and other factors. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, also consult The Great Outdoors. Some frequent travelers keep a bag packed with all the essentials: passport, money belt, hat, socks, etc. Then, when they decide to leave, they know they haven’t forgotten anything.

Luggage: If you plan to cover most of your trip on foot, a sturdy internal-frame backpack is unbeatable. (For the basics on buying a pack,) Unless you are staying in 1 place for a large chunk of time, a suitcase or trunk will be unwieldy. In addition to your main piece of luggage, a daypack (a small backpack or courier bag) is useful.
Clothing: No matter when you go, it’s good to bring a warm jacket or sweater, a rain jacket (Gore-Tex® is waterproof and breathable), sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and thick socks. Flip-flops or waterproof sandals are must-haves for hostel showers. You may also want 1 outfit for going out. If you plan to visit religious or cultural sites, remember that you will need respectful dress. Costa Rica highlands get cold at night—be sure to take a sweater or fleece. For information on local dress, see Customs and Etiquette.
Sleepsack: Some hostels require that you either provide your own linen or rent sheets from them. Save cash by making your own sleepsack: fold a full-size sheet in half the long way, then sew it closed along the long side and one of the short sides.
Converters and Adapters: The standard current in Costa Rica is 110V AC—the same as Canada, Mexico, and the US. The outlets take 2-pronged US plugs, so you will need to purchase an adaptor to change the shape of the plug if you are using something that requires a 3-pronged socket. If you are using equipment built for a different current, you must also purchase a converter, which can be purchased at hardware stores. For more on all things adaptable, check out http://kropla.com/electric.htm.
Toiletries: Condoms, deodorant, razors, tampons, and toothbrushes are often available, but it may be difficult to find your brand. Contact lenses are likely to be expensive and difficult to find, so bring extra pairs and solution for your entire trip. Also bring your glasses and a copy of your prescription in case you need emergency replacements.
First-Aid Kit: For a basic first-aid kit, pack bandages, a pain reliever, antibiotic cream, a thermometer, a multifunction pocketknife, tweezers, moleskin, decongestant, motion-sickness remedy, diarrhea or upset-stomach medication (Pepto Bismol® or Imodium®), an antihistamine, sunscreen, insect repellent, and burn ointment.
Other Useful Items: You should bring a money belt and a small padlock. Basic outdoors equipment (plastic water bottle, compass, matches, pocketknife, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat) may also be handy. Quick repairs of torn garments can be done with a needle and thread; consider bringing electrical tape for patching tears. Other things you’re liable to forget include: an umbrella, plastic bags (for damp clothes, soap, food, shampoo, and other spillables), an alarm clock, safety pins, rubber bands, a flashlight, earplugs, garbage bags, and a small calculator. A cell phone can be a lifesaver (literally) on the road; see for information on acquiring one that will work in Costa Rica.
Important Documents: Don’t forget your passport, traveler’s checks, ATM and/or credit cards, adequate ID, and photocopies of all of the aforementioned in case these documents are lost or stolen . Also check that you have any of the following that might apply to you: a hosteling membership card ; driver’s license ; travel insurance forms , ISIC , and/or rail and bus passes .