Costa Rica : Safety by City
Costa Rica, or officially – the Republic of Costa Rica, is located in Central America.
It is known for its beautiful landscapes and great coffee.
Every year more than 2 million tourists come to see the amazing beaches, to dive, surf, swim and enjoy the warm weather.
Adventurous tourists may find canyoning very appealing.
Explore the island and try local specialties.
Don’t miss cruising down to Tortuga Island that last hour and a half and then spend some time admiring the beauty before you head back.
Cool off at Catarata Llanos de Cortes, since it is very close to the city and it’s stunning.
Warnings & Dangers in Costa Rica
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Generally, Costa Rica is safe, but some caution is advised. There is a risk of riptides, so if you are not a good swimmer, make sure you are extra careful when you go alone. Also, make reasonable hiking plans and carry water with you.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
The public system is pretty much safe, but probably not what you are used to. The roads are not in great condition and the buses tend to be crowded with no airconditioning. The buses with larger seats and airconditioning cost more.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Petty crime exists in Costa Rica, so tourists must be cautious while on vacation. Make sure you don't carry too much money with you. When sightseeing, take only a copy of the passport with you.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Costa Rica is susceptible to various natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides and rarely tsunami. The last earthquake that occurred 2 years ago didn't cause major damage which is truly fortunate. While on the vacation, make sure you stay informed about the possible dangers.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Mugging and violent crimes are rare, but you must be aware of the theft that occurs every time an opportunity comes up. Everything seems peaceful in Costa Rica that tourists sometimes let their guard down and leave things unattended. This is usually the time when they get robbed.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
There were two incidents that involved explosive devices in Costa Rica this year. However, there is no real threat of terrorist attacks even though being careful is still necessary. Follow the security protocol in case there is some dangerous situation.
SCAMS RISK : LOW
A common scam is that the taxi meter is not working, so the driver can overcharge you. When exchanging money, make sure you get the right amount, since the locals may sometimes try to scam you this way. Stay alert.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
There were cases of solo female tourists being attacked, so the advice is not to go alone unless you have to. If you do go, make sure you don't wander alone at night and don't display expensive items and money.
How Safe Is Costa Rica for Tourists?
Costa Rica is known as heaven on Earth because of its beautiful beaches and all the things that tourists can do when they visit it.
Even though the crime rate is low, there are still some things that you must pay attention to such as the place where you park the car if you rent it.
It is truly important to park it on the good parking lot where your car will be safe.
If you forget to lock the car, you can be sure that all the valuables that you left in there will be missing when you come back.
There are even cases when thieves slash the tires, so the tourist becomes an easier target.
Leaving your camera, phone or money on the beach creates the opportunity for thieves, so it is really important to be alert and careful so you avoid these kinds of issues on your vacation.
Violent crimes rarely occur.
Taxi drivers will try to overcharge you, so you must be careful about the taxis you choose.
If the driver tells you that the meter is not working, then you must agree on a price before the ride starts, otherwise, there is a great chance that you will be paying too much.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Costa Rica?
Not all citizens require a tourist visa for Costa Rica, so make sure you check your visa status before making vacation arrangements.
The passport must be valid throughout the entire stay.
Which Currency Is Used in Costa Rica?
The official currency of Costa Rica is Costa Rican colón.
The symbol is ₡.
One U.S. dollar equals 571,32 Costa Rican Colón.
U.S. dollars are accepted throughout the island, so you can use both currencies.
How's the Weather like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has hot weather all year round with occasional rainy periods.
On the eastern coast, Costa Rica has an equatorial climate with rainy days during the entire year.
The temperature varies depending on the region.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has 2 international airports.
The main one is Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO).
It is located in Alajuela, 20km away from San José.
It serves nearly 5 million passengers a year.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all the tourists since unpredicted things can occur.
Make sure you have coverage for theft, medical expenses, cancelation of the journey as well as a loss of luggage.
What Are Some Things to Do in Costa Rica?
When you go to Costa Rica, there are so many things to do that you may not know what to do first.
We suggest starting with ziplining since it’s a great way to see everything from above.
Is the Water in Costa Rica Safe to Drink?
Tap water in Costa Rica is safe for drinking, but if you have a sensitive stomach it is better to turn to bottled water.
Check with locals about the water quality when in doubt.
Is Uber Safe in Costa Rica?
Uber service is available in Costa Rica.
There are some protests from the local taxi drivers, but the tourists mainly choose Uber for transportation since it is more affordable and comfortable.
