Last reviewed: July 2026
Packing for a long-term stay or a permanent move to Costa Rica is very different from packing for a two-week vacation. While you can buy almost anything you need in the Central Valley, imported goods, electronics, and specific brands are heavily taxed and can be prohibitively expensive.
Whether you are renting for the winter or moving into your new home, here is the ultimate packing list to ensure you have what you need without overpacking.
1. Clothing: Function Over Fashion
Costa Rica’s climate varies drastically by elevation. Guanacaste is hot and dry, the Southern Zone is hot and humid, and the Central Valley is temperate. Pack primarily for the region where you will spend the most time, but include layers for travel.
- Everyday Wear: Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, moisture-wicking synthetics) are essential. Bring plenty of shorts, t-shirts, and comfortable sundresses.
- Rain Gear: A high-quality, lightweight rain jacket is strongly recommended, especially if you are staying during the green season (May to November). An umbrella is useful in the city but less practical in windy coastal areas.
- Footwear: Leave the high heels at home. You will need sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, comfortable sandals (like Tevas or Chacos), and water shoes if you plan to visit rocky beaches or waterfalls.
- Warm Layers: If you are living in or visiting the Central Valley, Monteverde, or Arenal, you will need a fleece jacket, long pants, and warm socks for the chilly evenings.
2. Electronics and Tech
Electronics are subject to high import duties in Costa Rica, making them much more expensive than in North America or Europe. Bring what you need with you.
- Laptops and Tablets: Bring your primary devices. If you work remotely, consider bringing a backup laptop, as repairs can be slow and expensive.
- Unlocked Smartphone: Bring an unlocked phone so you can easily purchase a local prepaid SIM card (from Kolbi, Claro, or Liberty) upon arrival.
- Surge Protectors: Power surges and outages are common, especially during the rainy season. Bring high-quality surge protectors to safeguard your expensive electronics.
- E-Readers: Physical books in English are heavy to pack and hard to find locally. An e-reader loaded with books is the best solution.
3. Toiletries and Personal Care
Most basic toiletries are readily available in Costa Rican supermarkets and pharmacies, but specific brands or specialty items can be hard to find.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray: These are available locally but are often much more expensive than in North America. Bring a good supply of reef-safe sunscreen and DEET-based or natural insect repellent.
- Prescription Medications: Bring a sufficient supply of any daily prescription medications. While many drugs are available over-the-counter in Costa Rica, exact brands or specific formulations may not be. Always carry your prescriptions in their original, labeled bottles. Check current Costa Rican import rules for controlled medications and consider carrying a doctor’s note or prescription copy.
- Specialty Skincare: If you have sensitive skin or rely on specific dermatological brands, bring them with you.
- First Aid Kit: Pack a basic kit with band-aids, antiseptic cream, hydrocortisone, and your preferred pain relievers.
4. Kitchen and Household Items
If you are moving into an unfurnished or partially furnished home, certain household items are worth bringing in your luggage.
- High-Quality Kitchen Knives: Good knives are expensive and hard to find. Wrap them securely in your checked luggage.
- Specialty Gadgets: Items like a specific coffee grinder, a favorite immersion blender, or a high-end thermometer are worth packing if you use them daily.
- High-Thread-Count Sheets: Quality bed linens are surprisingly expensive in Costa Rica. Bring a set or two of high-quality, breathable cotton sheets.
- Favorite Spices: While fresh local produce is amazing, specific international spices or spice blends can be difficult to source.
5. Important Documents
Never pack these in your checked luggage; always carry them in your personal item.
- Passports: Make sure your passport is valid for your trip and check current airline and Costa Rican entry requirements before travel.
- Driver’s License: Your home country driver’s license is valid in Costa Rica for the duration of your tourist visa (up to 180 days).
- Copies of Documents: Bring physical copies of your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and any documents required for your residency application. (Note: Documents for residency must usually be apostilled or authenticated in your home country before you arrive).
- Credit/Debit Cards: Bring cards with no foreign transaction fees. Inform your bank that you will be traveling to avoid having your cards frozen.
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