These smart phone and smart device apps are the best way to complement your journeys through Costa Rica with a little help regarding restaurants, maps, the lingo and so on.

1. SpanishDict is good for any Spanish speaking country you visit including Costa Rica

This free app is available across the board (Apple iTunes, Android, Windows etc.) and is a must for anyone traveling to a Spanish speaking country. However, SpanishDict won’t grant you access to the special slang of Costa Rica, and for that you should look to the next couple of apps…

2. Costarriqueñismos & Costa Rica Idioms

Costa Rica Idioms is a free app available through Apple’s App Store, but it isn’t available on Android. Android does have Costarriqueñismos, but it is a $2 download. These idioms and turns of phrase are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture as you travel through the land of Pura Vida.

3. WhatsApp is the preferred texting application in Costa Rica

You will probably make friends while in Costa Rica, and a good way to stay in touch with them locally or from abroad is through WhatsApp. People in Costa Rica really like to take advantage of the short audio messages that can be sent through WhatsApp, so this can be another way to help you improve your language skills.

4. Restaurants, clubs & bars

Restaurantes is a free app available on iOS and Android. This app is a great way to look up restaurants, and often includes the menu (or at least what type of food is served) and its location on a map. What’s even better is that it doesn’t just stop at restaurants, but also includes bars, cocktail lounges clubs and more. You can install the Android version or the Apple version according to the type of device you own.

5. GPS without purchasing an extra device through the rental car companies

Navigar Costa Rica is available through Apple’s App Store and Android’s Play Store. The ratings for this app are through the roof for a good reason, and that is because it simply works. You will need an internet connection in order to be able to use it, so keep that in mind. The app is also free.

6. Taking a taxi will never be the same

Taxiando is the best way to make sure that you are getting the right fare for your destination. The taxis in San Jose generally run on a meter, but that isn’t always the standard outside of the city. This free app available through the Apple App Store and Play Store has great ratings, and is completely user friendly.

7. Transport Schedules

Yo Viajo Schedules Costa Rica shows bus schedules all throughout Costa Rica, their price, their stops and the frequency of their stops. Some Spanish is necessary to make full use of the application, but it is still useful for English speakers, as well. Along with bus schedules, Yo Viajo also gives daily information on domestic and international flights. This free app is only available on Android through the Play Store right now, but that might change in time.

8. Radio & News Costa Rica

If you want to bring the sounds of Costa Rica with you after you leave, Radio Costa Rica is the app for you. Radio Costa Rica is available via iTunes and Play Store. There are also apps such as Costa Rica News Today for national newspapers. This app is only for Android, but the Apple version is called Periódicos CR. Other than taking a little of Costa Rica with you when you go home; these apps can be useful in the country to help you learn about what current events and festivals are taking place.

Many of the apps that you cannot find in one operating system have similar applications under different names in another OS. Be sure to continue to check here at Costa Rica Monkey Tours for continued update on new useful apps.