Plan to dress in layers. Sweaters and jackets are needed for activities in the mountains and cool evenings. Shorts are worn for athletic activities or at the beaches, never in the cities. Bring raingear and boots if you plan to do much hiking. A folding umbrella will often be welcome. Have a comfortable pair of walking shoes that are already broken in. Sidewalks are nonexistent in many areas, and uneven at best. Costa Ricans dress more formally than people in other countries and are always well-groomed. Bring dressy clothes for San Jose restaurants and night life.
Bring what medications and film you might use. Drugstores have a good supply of imported goods, but are expensive. Please bring sun block and use it. Wide brim hats, and sunglasses are highly recommended. It's a good idea to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, tampons, and contraceptives with you. They are often expensive and difficult to find outside of San Jose. Avon's bath oil, Skin So Soft, rubbed on the skin, is reputedly effective at keeping the no-see-'ems at the beach from biting.
If you want to bring your dog or cat, you will need to get in touch with the Consulate of Costa Rica in your country, bring a health certificate from a Veterinarian plus all vaccination given to your pet, or a certified of this by the doctor. Once you have all these papers, the Consulate will seal all your documents; that will allow your pet to come into any country.
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Important to Know 
