Safety in Costa Rica

General Personal Safety & Crime Prevention

While Costa Rica is a peaceful and welcoming country, it is wise to practice the same common-sense safety precautions you would in any new destination. Awareness is your most valuable tool.

Protecting Your Valuables

• Utilize the safe provided in your hotel room to store your passport, spare credit cards, excess cash, and valuable electronics.
• Carry a photocopy or a clear digital image of your passport for identification purposes, leaving the original document securely locked away.
• Maintain a low profile by avoiding the display of expensive jewelry, high-end camera equipment, or large wads of cash in public.
• Exercise heightened awareness in bustling environments such as bus terminals, local markets, and popular tourist attractions, as these are prime locations for pickpockets.
• Never leave your belongings unattended, especially on the beach or inside a vehicle. Even a few moments away can be an opportunity for theft.

In Your Accommodation

• Always lock the door to your hotel room, villa, or rental home, both when you leave and when you are inside.
• Check that all windows and sliding doors are properly secured, particularly if your room is on the ground floor.
• Do not open your door for unsolicited or unexpected visitors. If you have any doubts about a staff member, please call the front desk to verify their identity before allowing entry.

Nighttime Safety

• After sunset, confine your walks to well-illuminated and frequented streets. Avoid dark alleys or deserted areas.
• Whenever feasible, travel with companions or as part of a group rather than walking alone at night.
• For longer distances after dark, opt for official, registered taxis or a pre-arranged transport service from your hotel or restaurant instead of walking.

Common Scams to Be Aware Of

• Flat Tire Scam: If another driver signals that you have a flat tire, be cautious. Instead of stopping immediately, drive to a well-lit, public location like a service station before inspecting your vehicle. The scam involves one person distracting you while an accomplice steals items from your car.
• Distraction Thefts: Be wary of sudden commotions or if someone “accidentally” spills a drink or substance on you. This is a classic tactic designed to divert your attention while a partner relieves you of your wallet, phone, or bag. Politely but firmly move away from the situation.

Health & Wellness on the Road

Food & Water Safety

• In most urban centers and established tourist destinations, tap water is potable and safe to drink. However, if you have a sensitive digestive system or are traveling to remote rural locations, choosing bottled water is a prudent measure.
• Dine at established restaurants and local eateries (sodas) that are busy and where you can observe the food being prepared fresh.
• The country’s tropical fruits are a delight. Be sure to wash them thoroughly with purified or bottled water before consumption.

Sun, Heat & Dehydration

• The equatorial sun in Costa Rica is deceptively powerful, even on overcast days. Apply a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen liberally and reapply it every few hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Protect yourself further by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay properly hydrated by drinking water consistently throughout the day. Thirst is a late indicator of dehydration, so it is best to sip water regularly.

Insect Bites & Prevention

Mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue are present in Costa Rica. While this requires awareness, it is a manageable risk and simple preventative measures are highly effective.

• Apply an insect repellent containing an effective ingredient like DEET or Picaridin. Pay special attention during the peak mosquito activity hours of dawn and dusk.
• When hiking in forested areas or during the evening hours, consider wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize exposed skin.

Medical Care & Pharmacies

• Costa Rica is known for its high standard of healthcare, with modern hospitals and private clinics available in San José and other major towns.
• Local pharmacies, or `farmacias`, are widely available. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can offer advice and over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.
• CRITICAL: Before you depart, confirm that your travel insurance is active and covers medical emergencies. Keep a digital and physical copy of your policy number and the insurer’s 24-hour contact information readily accessible.

Navigating Nature & Wildlife Safely

Wildlife Encounters

• It is imperative that you never feed wild animals. Feeding wildlife, including monkeys, coatis, and raccoons, disrupts their natural diet, can make them ill, and leads to aggressive behavior towards humans.
• Always maintain a respectful and safe distance from any animal you encounter. Use the zoom function on your camera for close-up shots. This ensures the animal is not stressed and that you remain safe.
• Stay observant while on trails. Watch where you step to avoid snakes. In rustic or jungle accommodations, it is a good habit to check your shoes and bags before using them.
• Heed all posted warning signs, particularly those regarding crocodiles in rivers, estuaries, and mangrove areas. Do not swim in any body of water where their presence is indicated.

Hiking & Trail Safety

• Always remain on designated and marked trails. Venturing off-path can cause ecological damage, significantly increases your risk of getting lost, and exposes you to potential hazards like snakes or unstable ground.
• For excursions into national parks or unfamiliar terrain, we strongly recommend hiring a certified local guide. Their expertise in navigation, safety, and spotting elusive wildlife is invaluable.
• Wear appropriate footwear. Sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes with good traction are essential for navigating uneven and sometimes slippery jungle trails.
• Before setting out, inform your hotel concierge or a contact at home about your hiking itinerary and your estimated time of return.

Ocean & River Safety

• Rip Currents: These powerful currents are a significant danger on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. A rip current can be identified as a channel of churning, darker water, a line of foam or debris moving steadily away from the shore, or a noticeable break in the pattern of incoming waves. If caught in one, stay calm. Do not fight the current. Swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the pull, and then swim diagonally back to land.
• Observe and obey the colored warning flags posted on beaches. If in doubt, ask a local lifeguard or your hotel staff about the current conditions before entering the water.
• During the rainy season (May to November), rivers can rise suddenly. Be extremely cautious of flash floods and never attempt to cross a fast-flowing or swollen river.
• Engage in adventure sports like white-water rafting, kayaking, or canyoning only with reputable, licensed operators who provide certified guides, proper safety equipment, and comprehensive safety briefings.

Transportation & Driving Safety

Renting & Driving a Car

• Be prepared for diverse road conditions. While major highways are generally well-maintained, secondary and rural roads can be unpaved, narrow, and challenging. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended for exploring more remote regions.
• Waze is the navigation application of choice in Costa Rica. It provides more accurate, real-time updates on traffic, road closures, and police presence than other platforms.
• We advise against driving at night. Many roads are poorly lit, signage can be inconsistent, and hazards such as potholes, pedestrians, cyclists, and animals are much harder to see.
• Whenever you park, lock your vehicle and ensure no valuables—including luggage, bags, or electronics—are left visible inside. Store them in the trunk before you arrive at your destination.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

• Always use the official, licensed taxis. In most of the country, they are red with a yellow triangle emblem on the side. At the airport, they are orange.
• Before your journey begins, insist that the driver activates the meter, known locally as `la maría`. If the driver indicates the trip is a flat rate (common for longer distances), agree on the total fare before getting into the vehicle.
• Ride-sharing applications like Uber operate in a legally ambiguous zone in Costa Rica. While available in some areas, we recommend you ask your hotel concierge for the most current advice on their use and reliability upon your arrival.

Emergency Contacts & Procedures

Key Emergency Numbers

• 9-1-1: This is the single, centralized number for all types of emergencies, including police, ambulance, and fire services. Many operators speak English.
• Tourist Police: While they have regional offices, the most efficient way to contact the Tourist Police in an emergency is by dialing 9-1-1 and specifically requesting them.

In Case of Theft or Loss

• Credit Cards: If your cards are lost or stolen, immediately contact your bank using their international, 24-hour toll-free number to report the loss and cancel the cards.
• Passport: First, report the loss to the local OIJ (see below) to obtain a police report. Then, contact your country’s embassy or consulate without delay to begin the process of obtaining an emergency travel document. You can find contact information here: Directory of Embassies in Costa Rica.
• Police Report: For any significant theft, you will need to file an official report (`denuncia`) with the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ). This report is essential for any travel insurance claim. Your hotel staff or tour guide can provide assistance with locating the nearest office and navigating the process.