Passport and Visa
In order to travel to travel to Costa Rica, it is generally mandatory that a person hold the following; a passport valid for at least 6 months and a pre-paid airline ticket to exit Costa Rica or proof of financial resources (at least $400.00US in cash, traveler checks, and/or credit cards) to pay for the market value of a one-way airline ticket out of the country.

Money
The national currency of Costa Rica is the colon. The current exchange rate is roughly 425 colones to the U.S. dollar. Exchange rates at the airport are the worst, and you can change your dollars in many stores and even with taxi drivers. The banks give the best rates but are generally crowded and slow. Many of the Automatic Teller Machines accept foreign cards. Western Union and MoneyGram services are available in San Jose and other locations.