17 Must-Have Apps for Costa Rica Travel (That We Actually Use)

1. Google Translate

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English but, it’s still super helpful (and polite) to know a few Spanish phrases.

Google Translate is our go-to for quick translations on the road. You can:

• Type words or sentences and get instant translations
• Use the camera to scan and translate text (menus, signs, product labels)
• Speak into the mic and use the “Conversation” feature to talk back and forth with someone in real time
• Listen to the correct pronunciation of words so you don’t butcher them (we’ve all been there 😅)

How we use it: My Spanish is decent, but Thomas usually beats me to the punch when we’re trying to translate something. We use Google Translate to double-check menus, read signs, or even have full conversations when needed.

Travel Tip: Download Spanish offline before your trip in the app settings. That way, you can still use the core features even without cell service or Wi-Fi. It’s super useful when you’re in remote areas or on a jungle hike with no signal.

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS

2. WhatsApp (Free international messaging & calling app)

WhatsApp is a free app that lets you send texts, make calls, send voice memos, and share photos or locations using Wi-Fi or data. It is great because you don’t need to rely on traditional SMS or international calling rates.

In Costa Rica, this app is the #1 way to communicate. You’ll often see WhatsApp numbers listed for:

• Restaurant reservations
• Tour bookings
• Hotel check-ins or questions
• Coordinating transportation

Pro Tip: Set it up before your trip. You’ll need to verify it using your phone number via text or call. After that, WhatsApp works entirely over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so you don’t need an active cell plan while traveling.

How we use it: We use WhatsApp for everything in Costa Rica—from messaging our Airbnb host to making dinner reservations or confirming tour details. It’s honestly more common than regular texting or calling here.

Also, I love the live location feature. It’s helpful because there are no addresses in Costa Rica. So, sometimes it’s great to share your live location to direct a taxi or tour driver to where you are.

Note: WhatsApp is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), so if you’re mindful of data privacy or trying to avoid Meta products, just keep that in mind.

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS

3. Waze (Real-time GPS navigation)

Waze is a navigation app that gives you turn-by-turn driving directions. It also provides real-time updates about traffic, road closures, accidents, and police stops, thanks to input from other drivers.

In our opinion, Waze is hands-down the best app for driving in Costa Rica.

Here’s why:

• Locals actively use Waze while driving and are amazing about updating it in real time.
• You’ll get live alerts about accidents, road closures, construction, fallen trees, flooding, police checkpoints, and even major potholes.
• It automatically reroutes you based on traffic conditions, which is super useful because traffic can get intense.

Want to rent a car in Costa Rica? Get a 10% discount plus other perks here!

Offline Use:
Waze can work offline to a degree. If you load your route while you’re connected to WIFI, it will usually continue to navigate even without a signal. But for the best experience (and live updates), it’s best to use it with a data connection.

Travel Tip: Bring a charged-up portable charger and phone mount. Waze can drain your battery quickly, especially on longer drives.

How we use it: Whenever we drive long distances in Costa Rica, Waze is the first app we open. Even though we know our way around most of the country, the real-time road info has saved us so much time and stress.

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS

4. XE Currency (Live currency converter & exchange rate tracker)

In Costa Rica, you can often pay in either U.S. dollars or Costa Rican colones. But here’s the catch:
You’ll usually get a better value when paying in colones.

That’s where XE Currency comes in handy!

This app lets you:

• Instantly convert prices between a wide range of currencies
• View real-time exchange rates
• See USD vs. CRC or your home currency vs. CRC at a glance
• Track fluctuations if you’re planning to exchange larger amounts

Travel Tip:

• XE Currency can work offline once your currencies are added. So, be sure to open the app and add Costa Rican colones (CRC), U.S. dollars (USD), and your home currency while you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
• Avoid currency exchange booths at airports or hotels. They usually offer really poor rates.
  You’ll get a much better exchange rate by:
  • Withdrawing colones from an ATM in Costa Rica
  • Getting some colones from your home bank before you travel
• Check out our guide to paying in Costa Rica for more info.

How we use it: We use this app constantly to double-check prices in colones versus dollars. This especially applies in small shops, local restaurants, and markets. It helps us make smarter choices and avoid overpaying.

We’ve even used XE Currency at the Nicaragua border to avoid being ripped off by aggressive money changers.

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS

5. Airalo (eSIM for Instant Data)

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that lets you access a local data plan without having to physically insert a SIM into your phone. It’s honestly life-changing.

This is all handled through the Airalo app, and it activates instantly once you land in Costa Rica.

This Means:

• No hunting down a SIM card shop after your flight
• No dealing with setup in Spanish or hoping someone speaks English
• You can have data right when you land. It is super helpful if you need to check hotel info, or message your Airbnb host

A Few Things to Know:

• Not all phones support eSIMs. Most newer iPhones and many recent Android models do, but it’s best to check your phone’s compatibility first.
• Your phone also needs to be unlocked for international usage. If you’re unsure, check with your cell provider before your trip.
• You can also check on your own by going to your phone’s settings. On iPhone, go to:
  • Settings → General → About → Scroll to “Carrier Lock” – if it says “No SIM restrictions,” your phone is unlocked!
• The biggest downside to an eSIM is that it is a data plan, not a calling plan. In other words, you will not be able to use your cell phone number or make calls. However, in Costa Rica, since most people use WhatsApp to communicate it really is not an issue.

Why Airalo Is Better Than Using Your U.S. Cell Plan:

Many U.S. carriers (like Verizon) offer international roaming, but at a cost. With Verizon, for example, I believe this is about $10 per day. Which definitely adds up fast.

With Airalo, you can get a data plan for a fraction of the price.

If you want even more tips on staying connected while traveling, I have a full guide on how to stay connected in Costa Rica here

How we use it: I became a total eSIM convert this year. I’ve used Airalo in the U.S. and Europe with zero issues, and now it’s the first thing I set up before traveling anywhere. It’s affordable, easy to use, and stress-free.

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS
• 💸 Use code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off your first purchase!

6. Your Banking & Credit Card Apps

These apps let you:

• Check transactions instantly to make sure you’re not being overcharged
• Lock/unlock your card in case something seems suspicious
• Avoid fraud or foreign transaction issues
• See how much you’ve spent. This is especially helpful if you’re tracking your travel budget.

Travel Tips:

• Notify your bank and credit card companies ahead of time that you’ll be traveling to Costa Rica. Many apps allow you to do this directly in the settings now, but it’s also a good idea to call or double-check.
• Set up SMS or app alerts for charges, if available.

There are no specific download links for this one, but you should definitely install the official app for:

• Your main bank account (for example: Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, BAC, etc.)
• Any credit cards you plan to use while traveling (like Capital One, AMEX, etc.)

8. Windy.app (Detailed weather and ocean conditions)

Windy.app is our go-to for checking detailed weather conditions across Costa Rica. It is great for not just the weather but also for surfing conditions, fishing conditions, hiking, and even diving.

The app offers ultra-detailed hour-by-hour data that helps you plan your activities around the weather.

The App Features:

• For Surfers: Wave height & swell size, swell direction (great for finding the best beaches depending on swell exposure), wave period, wind direction & speed, and tide times.
• For Fishing: Solunar forecast (shows peak feeding times based on moon phase and sunrise/sunset), water temperature, and barometric pressure (some fish bite more with certain pressure changes).
• For Divers / Ocean Lovers: Visibility conditions (affected by swell & wind), tide charts, water temp, and wind speed/direction.
• For Hikers & Outdoor Plans: Hourly precipitation forecast, wind gusts at different elevations (great for mountain hikes), UV Index and cloud cover, and realistic storm tracking.

Why We Love it:

I find that regular weather forecasts can not be trusted here (especially in the rainy season when they just default to “rain all day” even when it’s totally dry for most of the day). I swear the meteorologists just stop working during the rainy season.

Windy.app gives you a much clearer and more realistic breakdown.

Thomas checks it daily for shore fishing, we both use it to plan beach walks around tides and wind, and it’s great for figuring out if it’s a good time for a hike, or if we’ll be soaked in the first 10 minutes.

Travel Tip: You can save your favorite spots and check conditions ahead of time to help plan your days better. There is also a pro version with even more features.

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS

10. Spotify (Music streaming & playlist app)

Spotify lets you stream music, podcasts, and playlists from anywhere. It is possible to use the app for free, but a premium account definitely offers a lot of great features.

Free vs. Premium:

• Spotify Free gives you access to music, but:
  • You’ll hear ads between songs
  • You can’t always skip songs or pick specific tracks
  • You’ll need Wi-Fi or data to stream
• Spotify Premium (paid version) gives you:
  • Offline listening (no data needed)
  • Unlimited skips
  • No ads
  • Full control over what you play, and when

Travel Tip:

• Download your favorite playlists before your trip while connected to Wi-Fi. Streaming on the road can use a lot of data, and the service can be patchy in rural areas.
• Most rental cars have Bluetooth, but we always bring an aux cord just in case. Plus a car charger or portable charger is great to keep your phone powered when running both music and navigation apps.

How we use it: Thomas and I are all about a good driving playlist, especially when cruising through Costa Rica’s winding mountain roads or along the coast. It sets the mood for the trip and makes the long drives so much more fun. Want a vibe-ready soundtrack for your trip? Check out our Costa Rica Driving Playlist

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS

11. Merlin Bird ID (Identify birds by sound or sight)

Merlin helps you identify birds by their calls, songs, or appearance. Just record what you’re hearing or upload a photo, and the app tells you exactly what bird it is.

Why it’s amazing:

• Use “Sound ID” to record bird calls or songs—Merlin will instantly match the sounds to a bird species
• Or use “Photo ID” to identify birds from a picture
• Search birds by region (there’s a specific pack for Costa Rica)
• See photos, range maps, and fun facts about hundreds of birds
• Keep a list of birds you’ve identified

How we use it: Thomas has become a somewhat enthusiastic birdwatcher in recent years, and Costa Rica has only intensified that hobby. It’s one of his favorite things to do here, and Merlin Bird ID makes it so much easier (and honestly more fun) to figure out what we’re seeing, or hearing.

Travel Tip: Before your trip, download the Costa Rica bird pack in the app so it works offline. This is especially helpful in national parks and remote areas where there’s no signal but birds are everywhere.

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS

12. AllTrails (find hiking trails)

AllTrails is a free app that shows hiking trails around the world, and it works great in Costa Rica.

You’ll find:

• Major trails in national parks
• Off-the-beaten-path trails you’d likely miss without local insight
• Reviews and photos from other hikers
• Trail details like distance, elevation, difficulty, and estimated time

We’ve used it to explore waterfalls, jungle trails, and even short nature loops we didn’t know existed near our rental.

Just a heads up: While AllTrails is amazing for finding hidden gems, use caution on remote trails (especially those outside of protected parks). Wildlife encounters (snakes, wild cats, etc.) and terrain challenges are real risks. Always:

• Stick to well-reviewed trails
• Hike during daylight
• Bring water, sun protection, and snacks. Also, tell someone where you’re going

Free vs. Pro

The free version of AllTrails is more than enough for casual hiking (it lets you browse trails, read reviews, and track your location while you have service).

If you upgrade to AllTrails+, you’ll get:

• Offline trail maps (great for Costa Rica, where service is often spotty in remote areas)
• Wrong turn alerts if you stray off the trail
• 3D maps and extra planning tools

The Pro version costs around $35.99/year and works worldwide, so it’s a solid investment if you hike regularly or plan to visit multiple destinations.

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS

15. Mobile Passport Control (U.S. Travelers Entry App)

This is a free official app from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that lets you:

• Fill out your customs form digitally
• Get a QR code to scan at immigration
• Use dedicated express lanes at many U.S. airports

This app makes re-entering the U.S. way faster, and we use it every time we fly back from Costa Rica. It’s especially great if you don’t have Global Entry.

Travel Tip: Fill out the info while waiting to deplane so you can head straight to the fast lane when you land.

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS

16. Airline App (Any Airline You’re Flying)

There’s no universal link here, but be sure to download the official app for whichever airline you’re flying.

Why it’s useful:

• Check in online and skip the airport line
• Get digital boarding passes
• Receive instant alerts for delays, gate changes, or cancellations
• Track checked baggage and seat changes

Travel Tip: Turn on push notifications so you don’t miss any important flight changes. Some apps also let you pre-load entertainment or snacks (worth checking if you have a long flight ahead).

17. MyPostcard (Send postcards with your photos)

MyPostcard lets you create and send real postcards with your own travel photos, directly from your phone. You upload a photo, type a short message, add the mailing address, and they print + ship it for you from the U.S. or Europe.

• No need to find a post office or stamps in Costa Rica
• It’s super easy to use
• It’s a great way to share your travels with family or friends who aren’t on social media or messaging apps

Cost: Most postcards cost around $2.99 to $3.99 USD, including printing and international shipping. You can buy credits in bulk to save a bit, and they often have discount codes available in the app too.

Travel Tip: Mailing a postcard from a Costa Rican post office can be a bit of a process. You’ll need to find a location, wait in line, and hope that the postcard actually ships. I would definitely avoid that!

How we use it: I use MyPostcard to send a photo and quick update to my grandmother about once a month. She doesn’t use WhatsApp or email, so this is such an easy way for her to stay up to date with what we’re doing, and she loves it! She puts each one on her fridge and saves them all.

• 👉 Download for Android
• 👉 Download for iOS