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Packing

What to Pack for Moving
to Puerto Viejo Costa Rica

By Puerto Viejo Rentals Updated April 2026 ⏱ 5 min read

What to pack for moving to Puerto Viejo Costa Rica long-term is one of those topics where the advice you need is the opposite of what instinct suggests. The instinct is to pack as much as possible to cover every possibility. The reality is that Puerto Viejo's furnished rental market, the Saturday market, and the 45-minute bus ride to Limón's larger stores cover most contingencies — and overpacking creates shipping costs, customs complications, and the physical burden of moving more than you need. This is the list that long-term residents wish they had before their first move. 🧳

The Essentials — The Non-Negotiable List

Passport and copies. Travel and health insurance documentation. Digital Nomad Visa application documents or proof of onward travel for tourist entry. Copies of all important documents stored separately from the originals. A small amount of local cash (colones) for the first few days — though USD is widely accepted in Puerto Viejo's expat economy. Your rental confirmation and landlord contact information. Kolbi SIM card (or buy on arrival at the airport or any pharmacy). 📋

Technology and Work — Bring It All

Every electronic device you depend on for work. Laptop and charger (bring the charger — Costa Rica uses US-standard plugs, no adapter needed). External hard drives and backup devices. Phone and charger. Headphones (noise-cancelling for calls, earbuds for daily use). Portable battery pack — genuinely useful during power outages. A second laptop charger is worth having as a backup. A portable monitor if your productivity depends on screen real estate. Any specialised work equipment. 💻

What not to bring: desktop computers (impractical, high shipping cost). Printers (available for occasional use at print shops in town). Multiple screens (too large for luggage, available at lower cost in Costa Rica than most people expect).

Clothing — Tropical and Practical

Enough for 10–14 days of daily rotation — laundry is easy to arrange in Puerto Viejo, either through your rental's washing machine or a local laundry service. Light fabrics are essential: linen, cotton, lightweight synthetic moisture-wicking. The Caribbean coast runs 24–30°C year-round with high humidity. 🌡️

Specifically bring: several pairs of quality waterproof sandals (worn every day), one good pair of closed-toe shoes or hiking sandals for jungle and outdoor activities, lightweight rain jacket (used frequently), 3–4 swimwear pieces (daily use), light cardigan or fleece for air-conditioned spaces. Leave behind: anything you would only wear in cold weather, formal business attire (no use case), multiple pairs of heavy footwear.

Health and Medications

A 3–6 month supply of any prescription medications you depend on. Over-the-counter medications that you use regularly — they are available in Costa Rica but not always in the same formulations. A basic first aid kit with antiseptic, bandages, and your preferred pain medication. Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen kills coral — important for someone who will be snorkelling regularly). DEET-based insect repellent or your preferred alternative — the Caribbean coast has mosquitoes and sandflies that are more persistent than what most people are used to. 💊

What to Leave Behind

Furniture and large household items (furnished rental covers this). Books in quantity (heavy, available digitally, available in local used bookstores). Kitchen appliances beyond a quality knife set (furnished rental covers this). Winter clothing. Formal business attire. Desktop computer. Multiple screens. Exercise equipment beyond portable items (gyms available, outdoor exercise is the norm). 🚫

What to Buy on Arrival

Bicycle (essential for Cocles and Punta Uva daily life — buy within the first week). Local SIM card with data plan (buy at airport or any pharmacy). Basic groceries from the Saturday market or BM Supermarket. Any items you discover your rental is missing. Beach towels if your rental does not include them. Hammock for the garden or balcony (available locally, used daily). 🛒

The full relocation logistics guide is at 📦 moving to Puerto Viejo. For shipping larger items, see shipping belongings to Costa Rica.

In This Article
Frequently Asked Questions
How much luggage should I bring when moving to Puerto Viejo?
Less than you think. Most people who have successfully relocated to Puerto Viejo bring 1–2 checked bags plus a carry-on. Furnished rentals cover the basics. Limón and San José have shopping for anything you discover you need. The items that are hardest to find or expensive in Costa Rica are the ones worth packing carefully.
What clothing do you need in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica?
Light tropical clothing — linen, cotton, moisture-wicking fabrics. The Caribbean coast is warm and humid year-round with temperatures of 24–30°C (75–86°F). You will almost never need anything warmer than a light cardigan or fleece for air-conditioned spaces. Swimwear for daily use. Lightweight rain jacket. Good walking sandals and one pair of closed-toe shoes for jungle activities.
Do I need to bring prescription medications?
Yes — bring a supply of any prescription medications you depend on, ideally 3–6 months. While Costa Rican pharmacies stock many common medications, the specific brand or formulation you use may not be available, and navigating the local healthcare system for new prescriptions takes time. See the healthcare costs guide for the full picture.
Is there a voltage difference in Costa Rica?
No — Costa Rica uses 110V, 60Hz, the same as the US and Canada. Your US/Canadian appliances and electronics work without adapters. European devices (220V) need voltage converters. The plug type is the same two-flat-prong US standard.
What can I easily buy in Puerto Viejo after arriving?
Groceries and fresh produce (Saturday market is excellent). Basic household items. Clothing and footwear. Bicycle and cycling accessories. Beach gear. Local SIM card. Most common medications. Furniture (if not furnished rental). What you cannot easily find or that costs significantly more: specialty medications, specific electronics, specialty food imports, quality outdoor gear.
🔗 Explore More About Puerto Viejo

If you're imagining yourself here already, you're not alone. Dive into our Ultimate Guide to Puerto Viejo Costa Rica to see what it's really like to spend more time on the Caribbean coast.