For this entry I would like to provide some pointers for packing for study abroad in Costa Rica:
Do not forget:
- Your passport
- Your airline confirmation
- A copy of your flight itinerary
- A copy of your study abroad paperwork
- Emergency Contact Numbers
- Credit Card
When packing, keep the season in mind. There are two seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season goes from December to March and the rainy season is from April to November
Depending on the duration of your stay and your access to laundry facilities, make sure to pack:
- T-Shirts or Blouses (non-revealing blouses are best (enough for 1-2 weeks)
- Several Pairs of Capri pants (Shorts are not as common in Costa Rica. People tend to be a bit more formal in dress)
- 2 or 3 pairs of khaki/black pants/jeans (although jeans are also less common
- 2 sweaters or sweatshirts
- For women: a few lightweight dresses or skirts
- For men: Business casual type shirts and pants
- Bathing suit
- Dress shoes/sandals
- Umbrella/rain jacket (for rainy season)
- 1 to 2 weeks worth of underwear
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Hairbrush/clips, bobby pins, etc.
- Deodorant
- Female products (Your preferred brand may not be available)
- Tylenol/Band-Aids
- Q-tips
- Anti-diarrhea tablets/stool softener
- hair-dryer
- towels
- Other products that you would normally use (shampoo and soap can be purchased there)
* Keep in mind the airline guidelines for carrying liquids. Carry the above items in your checked baggage
Important items to remember:
- Alarm clock
- Sunscreen at least 30-50 SPF
- Bug spray
- Camera
- Batteries
- Memory card
- Hand wipes
Note for students coming from the U.S. (You don’t need a convertor. The voltage is the same as in the U.S.
This list is not exhaustive. Please refer to your study abroad manual and policies for further details.
Meagan Muladore
San José, Costa Rica