Costa Rica Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Costa Rica trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
Costa Rica is one of Central America's safest countries for tourists. Most visits are trouble-free, though petty theft, pickpocketing, and opportunistic crime require standard urban precautions, especially in San José.
Costa Rica is a Central American paradise known for its incredible biodiversity, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes. This eco-tourism destination offers world-class wildlife viewing, adventure activities, and a laid-back 'pura vida' lifestyle that welcomes travelers from around the globe.
Current Advisory
Exercise normal precautions in most areas. Increased caution in San José city center after dark, Limón city, and beach towns like Jacó at night.
Last updated: 2025-01
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise increased caution due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Violent crime including armed robbery and assault is a concern in San José city center, Limón, and some beach towns.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist scams.
Fake or unlicensed taxis
Unlicensed 'pirate taxis' operate especially around San José airport and tourist zones, often overcharging tourists significantly.
ATM card skimming
Card skimming devices have been found on ATMs in tourist areas, particularly in Jacó and San José. Criminals install devices overnight and collect data.
Distraction theft
Pairs of thieves work together — one distracts (asking directions, pointing at something) while the other snatches bags or pickpockets.
Fake rental car damage claims
Some car rental companies claim pre-existing damage was caused by the renter and demand payment. Insurance disputes are common and difficult to resolve.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics in public
Use hotel safes for passports and valuables
Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs, especially at night
Book accommodations through verified platforms and check reviews
Avoid isolated beaches and trails after dark
Keep car doors locked and windows up in urban areas
Register with your country embassy upon arrival — Costa Rica Ministry of Foreign Affairs website lists all embassies in San Jose.
Use only licensed yellow taxis or Uber and InDriver apps — unlicensed pirate taxis frequently overcharge tourists.
Be cautious on beaches after dark especially in Jaco and Limon where petty theft and assaults are more common.
Carry photocopies of your passport rather than the original when exploring — police accept copies for ID checks.
Costa Rica has strict drug laws despite its relaxed reputation — even small possession amounts can result in arrest.
Rent a 4WD vehicle for remote areas like the Osa Peninsula or Monteverde in rainy season — roads can flood.
Never feed monkeys as they become aggressive, maintain distance from crocodiles, and wear sandals on beaches to avoid stingray stings.
Riptides are common on Pacific beaches — swim only at beaches with lifeguards and heed warning flags.
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
Generally safe for solo travelers. San José has a good hostel scene with social environments. Stick to tourist neighborhoods (Barrio Amón, Escalante, Escazú). Inform accommodation of your plans for remote hikes or beach visits. The main risk is petty theft rather than violent crime.
Female Travelers
Relatively safe with standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in San José city center, Jacó, and Limón. Beach towns are generally comfortable. Verbal harassment (piropos) occurs but rarely escalates. Travel on tourist shuttles rather than public buses in isolated areas late at night.
Families
Excellent family destination with safe beaches, well-maintained national parks, and child-friendly infrastructure. Use reef-safe sunscreen. Children's medications widely available at pharmacies. Most family accommodations have good security. Standard car seat laws apply — request infant seats when renting cars.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex marriage legal since 2020 — Costa Rica was the first Central American country to legalize it. Generally safe and accepting in San José, tourist areas, and beach towns. Rural areas and small towns may be less accepting. Dedicated LGBTQ+ venues in San José's La California district.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations up to date. Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for food and water exposure. Hepatitis B for longer stays. Rabies pre-exposure if working with animals or going to remote areas.
Water Safety
Tap water is generally safe to drink in San José and most tourist destinations. Bottled water recommended in remote rural areas. Most ice at restaurants comes from purified water.
Food Safety
Food safety is generally good at established restaurants. Avoid raw seafood from beach carts. Street food from busy stalls is usually safe — high turnover indicates freshness. Wash hands before eating.
Medical Facilities
San José has excellent private hospitals (CIMA Hospital, Clínica Bíblica, Hospital La Católica) with English-speaking staff. Public CAJA hospitals available everywhere. Well-stocked pharmacies in all towns.
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Costa Rica
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide