Costa Rica
Is Costa Rica safe to visit? Advice, scams and health
Yes, Costa Rica is safe for most tourists who take normal precautions. Violent crime is low but rising, and most incidents target locals. Use common sense: avoid walking alone at night, secure your rental car, and don't leave valuables on the beach. Petty theft and some scams are the main risks.
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GuideCosta Rica
Key facts
- Safety level
- Level 2 – exercise increased caution (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, Ireland)
- Top risk
- Petty theft, car break-ins, beach theft
- Scams
- Tour overcharging, fake police, rental‑car damage claims
- Health
- No malaria in most areas; dengue and Zika present
- Emergency number
- 911
Quick safety answer
Most tourists find Costa Rica safe if they follow basic precautions: avoid walking alone after dark in city centres, lock rental cars, and keep beach items supervised.
Safety by destination
San José and the Central Valley are generally safe by day, but exercise caution in the city centre after dark. The Caribbean coast, especially Limón and Puerto Viejo, has higher reports of petty theft and drug‑related incidents. Beach towns like Jacó and Manuel Antonio are safe, but don't leave belongings unattended on the sand.
Rural areas and national parks are very safe for visitors, but follow trail rules and hire certified guides for activities like volcano hikes or white‑water rafting.
| Destination | Day | Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José | Safe | Caution | Avoid city centre after dark |
| La Fortuna | Safe | Safe | Tourist‑oriented, low risk |
| Manuel Antonio | Safe | Safe | Beach theft possible |
| Puerto Viejo | Caution | Caution | Petty theft reports |
| Jacó | Safe | Caution | Nightlife, stay in groups |
Based on government advisories and local reports.
Health risks and common scams
Health: No malaria in most regions, but dengue and Zika are present, especially on the Caribbean coast. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves in the evening.
Scams: Tour operators may overcharge; always agree on prices in writing. Fake police officers sometimes demand fines – ask to see identification and call your embassy if unsure. Rental‑car damage claims are common; photograph the car before and after use.
- Agree on tour prices up front and get receipts.
- Never hand cash to someone claiming to be police without a badge and official ID.
- Take photos of rental cars and note any existing dents.
Questions people ask
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Yes, for most tourists. Violent crime is low but rising, and most incidents target locals. Take normal precautions: avoid walking alone at night, secure your rental car, and don't leave valuables on the beach. Petty theft and some scams are the main risks.
What are the most common scams in Costa Rica?
Tour overcharging, fake police officers, and rental-car damage claims. Always agree on prices in advance, ask for uniformed officers, and photograph your rental car before driving. Beach theft is also common — never leave belongings unattended.
What do government travel advisories say about Costa Rica?
The US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ and Ireland all advise 'exercise increased caution' (Level 2). They highlight petty crime, car break-ins and natural risks like rip currents. No region is off-limits, but the Caribbean coast and parts of San José have higher crime rates.
Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica?
Driving is possible but challenging: potholes, mountain roads, and occasional landslides. Night driving is not recommended outside cities. Use a 4x4 for rural areas and always lock your car. Rental-car break-ins are reported at beach parking lots.
Do I need to worry about earthquakes or volcanoes?
Costa Rica is seismically active. Earthquakes are common but usually minor. Volcanoes like Arenal are monitored; check local alerts before hiking. Follow ranger instructions and stay on marked trails.
What should I do in an emergency?
Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance. English-speaking operators are usually available. For medical issues, private hospitals in San José (e.g., CIMA, Clínica Bíblica) are reliable. Keep your embassy's number handy.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialUS State Department – Costa Rica
- officialUK FCDO – Costa Rica
- officialGovernment of Canada – Costa Rica
- officialAustralian DFAT – Costa Rica
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – Costa Rica
- officialIreland DFA – Costa Rica
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialUS State Department – Costa Rica
- officialUK FCDO – Costa Rica
- officialGovernment of Canada – Costa Rica
- officialAustralian DFAT – Costa Rica
- officialNew Zealand SafeTravel – Costa Rica
- officialIreland DFA – Costa Rica
Ask about Costa Rica
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