Costa Rica Safety: What You Need to Know
Costa Rica is a safe and easy country to visit (and we say that after living here since 2016).
But like anywhere in the world, bad things can happen and traveling smart makes a big difference.
We created this guide to cover everything from petty theft and driving conditions to wildlife, beach safety, scams, natural hazards, and emergency resources.
Costa Rica Safety at a Glance
Overall Safety Level: Costa Rica is generally safe for travelers. Most issues involve petty theft, not violent crime.
Emergency Numbers:
- 911 – Police, ambulance, fire (English-speaking operators available)
- US Embassy Emergency Number: (506) 2519-2000
- Canadian Embassy: (506) 2242-4400
- UK Embassy: +506 2258-2025
Drinking Water: Yes, in most of the country. Some rural beach towns use well water or private systems.
→ Can You Drink the Water in Costa Rica?
Road Conditions:
- Good on major highways.
- Expect steep hills, gravel roads, potholes, and narrow bridges in rural areas.
- A 4×4 is recommended outside main towns.
Entry Requirements
Passport valid 1 day beyond your stay (but ensure 6 months is ideal), onward ticket, proof of funds.
→ Costa Rica Entry Requirements
Natural Hazards:
- Strong Pacific riptides (look for signs and swim on guarded beaches when possible)
- Occasional strong earthquakes
- Heavy rain & flooding during green season
Health & Medical:
- Hospitals are modern and there are private clinics
- Pharmacies (“farmacias”) can help with most minor issues
- Mosquito-borne illnesses exist. Use repellent, especially on coasts
Should You Get Travel Insurance?
We always recommend it for medical coverage, adventure sports, lost baggage, and delays.
→ Get a Price Quote
Common Scams: Taxi overcharging, “helpful” strangers at ATMs, and beach parking scams.
Staying Connected: Use Airalo eSIM or local SIM for maps, WhatsApp, and emergencies.
Crime & Theft in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is generally safe, and most travelers visit without issues. The main thing to watch out for is petty theft, especially in tourist areas. Violent crime against visitors is rare.
Most Common Issues:
- Theft from rental cars: Never leave anything inside.
- Bag theft at beaches: Don’t leave belongings unattended.
- Pickpocketing in busy towns, bus stations, and markets.
- Nighttime theft: Use taxis after dark.
Simple Ways to Stay Safe:
- Keep valuables out of sight and secured.
- Don’t leave anything in a parked rental car (even in the trunk).
- Stay aware in crowded areas.
- Use official red taxis or Uber.
- Walk in well-lit areas at night.
Travel Tip
If you want an even deeper look at what to expect, from money tips to packing to local etiquette, we put everything in one massive guide.
→ 90 Costa Rica Travel Tips: Things You Need to Know
Health & Medical Safety in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has one of the strongest healthcare systems in Latin America, and most travelers feel very safe here from a medical standpoint. Still, it helps to know how things work in case you need care while traveling.
Medical Care & Hospitals
Costa Rica has excellent private hospitals, especially near San José.
For anything serious, head straight to Hospital CIMA (Escazú). They have are modern, English-speaking facilities that travelers rely on.
In beach and mountain towns, you’ll find clinics and small private doctor offices for minor issues. Care is generally affordable.
Pharmacies (Farmacias)
Pharmacies are everywhere. They are very helpful and used to assisting travelers. Pharmacists can give advice and provide many medications over the counter, including:
- allergy meds
- stomach/food poisoning aids
- basic antibiotics (with pharmacist approval)
- creams for bites or rashes
Emergency Services
For urgent emergencies, call 911.
Health Regulations & COVID-19 Updates: There are currently no pandemic-related entry requirements, but if anything changes, we keep this page updated:
→ Coronavirus in Costa Rica – Restrictions and Regulations
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend travel insurance for:
- medical care
- trip delays or cancellations
- lost or delayed baggage
- rental car incidents
→ Costa Rica Travel Insurance: Everything to Know Before Purchasing
Scams in Costa Rica
Scams in Costa Rica aren’t widespread, but they do happen, especially in tourist hotspots. Luckily, most are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.
Most Common Scams
- Overcharging tourists (taxis, tour vendors, beach parking “guards”)
- Fake parking attendants asking for money
- Credit card skimming at small shops or gas stations
- ATM scams (skimmers at poorly lit machines)
How to Avoid Them
- Use only official red taxis.
- Park only in secure lots or places with official signage.
- Use ATMs attached to banks.
Check out our full guide:
👉 16 Common Scams in Costa Rica & How to Avoid Them
Safety by Town
Every region has its own vibe and its own set of things to look out for. These guides break down what to expect in each town.
Costa Rica Transportation Safety
Getting around Costa Rica is safe and straightforward as long as you know what to expect.
We think driving gives you the most freedom, but the conditions can be very different from home.
What to expect:
- Road quality varies: Highways are smooth; rural roads can be steep, narrow, or unpaved.
- Weather changes fast: Afternoon rain can bring fog, slick roads, and low visibility.
- Night driving isn’t ideal: Many roads lack streetlights and reflective lines.
- Navigation: Waze works best and is updated constantly by locals. Check out 17 Must-Have Apps for Costa Rica Travel (That We Actually Use) for more info
- Parking: Only park in secure, well-lit areas, and never leave belongings in the car.
If you plan to drive, this guide walks you through everything:
→ Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before
Travel Tip: Be aware that official taxis here are red with a yellow triangle on both sides. Unregistered taxi drivers will majorly overcharge you. → Taxis in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Guide
Car Rental Tip:
Costa Rica’s biggest “scam” issues usually come from unclear or misleading insurance policies. That’s why we only recommend renting from a trusted local company.
→ Car Rental Scam: What to Watch Out For
Our Recommendation
We always use Adobe Rental Car. They have transparent pricing, great service, and reliable SUVs. Plus, you get a 10% discount through us!
→ Book Your Discounted Adobe Rental Car
Weather & Road Closures
Road conditions can change quickly in Costa Rica, especially during rainy season.
Important to know:
- Landslides can occur on mountain routes
- Flooding can close low-lying roads
- River crossings are never safe in a rental car
- Waze alerts you about closures, police stops, and accidents
- National roads are generally well-maintained and cleared quickly
More on disaster awareness here:
→ Natural Disasters in Costa Rica: How to Be Prepared
Nature, Wildlife & Environmental Safety
Costa Rica is incredibly wild and biodiverse (which is definitely part of the magic) but it also means you’ll want to be aware of your surroundings. Here are the things travelers should know to stay safe and comfortable in nature
For more info check out Costa Rica Safety from Wildlife & Environment
Wildlife Safety
Costa Rica’s animals are fascinating, but give them plenty of space. Most issues happen when travelers get too close.
What to keep in mind:
- Never feed wildlife (it makes animals sick and aggressive).
- Keep your distance
- Don’t put hands or feet into places you can’t see (logs, brush, under rocks).
- Snakes exist, but encounters are rare if you stay on marked trails.
Insects & Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
Mosquitoes can be present year-round, especially in coastal and jungle areas.
Simple ways to protect yourself:
- Use strong insect reppelent.
- Wear long, loose clothing at dusk.
- Keep balcony doors closed at night.
- Choose hotels with screens or AC if bugs bother you.
Natural Disasters & Weather
Costa Rica is safe to visit, but it’s a very geologically active place. Earthquakes, heavy rains, and occasional landslides do happen.
What to know:
- Earthquakes are common but usually small.
- Roads can close temporarily after heavy rain.
- In remote areas, keep an eye on river levels, they can rise suddenly.
Full guides:
→ Earthquakes in Costa Rica: Is It Safe to Visit?
→ Natural Disasters in Costa Rica
Sun Exposure & Heat
Costa Rica’s sun is stronger than most visitors expect, especially near the equator. Travelers get burned within 15–20 minutes without protection.
Stay safe by:
- Wearing SPF 50+ and reapplying often.
- Choosing shade, always.
- Drinking lots of water, dehydration happens fast here.
Hello! I love your website! I have been reading and reading. It’s been the best tool for me. I found it on Pinterest. I visiting CR for the first time at the end of November. I haven’t come across anything on your site about drinking water? Any tips, should I get a water bottle with a filter? I’m not staying in a fancy hotel just hostels.
Thanks?
Hi Kimberly! In most places you can drink the water, but it is always better to be on the safe side. We just buy huge jugs of water at the grocery store for about $2 and refill our bottles as we go. 🙂 Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.