Costa Rica safety guide
Is Costa Rica safe? 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.
Safety here isn’t just about crime. It’s also driving, wildlife, the ocean, the sun, and natural hazards like earthquakes. We cover all of it, plus the emergency resources to save.
Overall
Generally safe
Biggest risk
Petty theft
Emergencies
Dial 911
Save this: emergency numbers
Police, ambulance, and fire. English-speaking operators available.
US Embassy
Canadian Embassy
UK Embassy
Travel a little safer
What we use and recommend
Travel insurance
Heymondo
We always recommend it. Get 5% off through our link (not available for U.S. travelers).
Stay connected
Airalo eSIM
Maps, WhatsApp, and emergency calls from the moment you land. Code NEWTOAIRALO15.
Rental car
Adobe Rent a Car
Transparent pricing, reliable SUVs, and 10% off through us.
Not driving?
Shuttles
Shared and private shuttles between towns. Code SARAHMC5 at checkout.
Quick answers
Costa Rica safety at a glance
Overall safety
Generally safe for travelers. Most issues involve petty theft, not violent crime.
Drinking water
Yes, in most of the country. Some rural beach towns use well water or private systems.
Road conditions
Good on major highways. Expect steep hills, gravel, potholes, and narrow bridges in rural areas. A 4×4 is recommended outside main towns.
Entry requirements
Passport valid 1 day beyond your stay (6 months is ideal), an onward ticket, and proof of funds.
Natural hazards
Strong Pacific riptides (swim on guarded beaches when possible), occasional strong earthquakes, and flooding in green season.
Health and medical
Modern hospitals and private clinics. Pharmacies help with most minor issues. Use repellent, especially on the coasts.
Common scams
Taxi overcharging, “helpful” strangers at ATMs, and beach parking scams.
Staying connected
Use an Airalo eSIM or local SIM for maps, WhatsApp, and emergencies.
Crime and theft
Petty theft is the main thing to watch
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.
💬 Sarah & Thomas tip
We’ve never had anything happen to us, but we’re also very cautious. Violent crime against tourists is super rare. Petty theft is what you really have to watch for. Number one: don’t leave anything in your car, especially in an unsecured area.
💬 Our take
A lot of restaurants here are open-air, so don’t leave your phone sitting on the table or your bag hanging on a chair. And skip the fancy outfits and flashy stuff. Costa Rica is pretty laid-back, and it’s better to blend in.
💬 What about Uber?
We do use Uber sometimes. It’s easy to order on your phone and usually cheaper. But it still operates in a legal gray zone here: a law to regulate it is being debated but hasn’t passed yet. If something goes wrong, you’d have to take it up with Uber directly, while red taxis are officially registered. Uber drivers also usually can’t pick you up right at the airport terminal, so you may have to walk to a pickup spot nearby. Use your judgment.
📖 Read more: Safety from Crime in Costa Rica →
Most common issues
Simple ways to stay safe
Travel tip
Want the deeper version, from money tips to packing to local etiquette? We put everything in one big guide.
Free planning checklist
Feeling overwhelmed? We’ll break it down
Sign up for free, step-by-step planning emails and get our printable Costa Rica checklist right away.
Health and medical
Getting care if you need it
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.
Hospitals
Medical care
There are excellent private hospitals, especially near San José. For anything serious, head to Hospital CIMA in Escazú, a modern, English-speaking facility travelers rely on. Beach and mountain towns have clinics and small private doctor offices for minor issues, and care is generally affordable.
Farmacias
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are everywhere and used to helping travelers. Pharmacists can advise and provide many medications over the counter:
Emergencies
Call 911
For urgent emergencies, call 911 for police, ambulance, or fire. English-speaking operators are available.
Insurance
Travel insurance
We highly recommend it, and Heymondo gives you 5% off through our link (not available for U.S. travelers). It covers:
Scams
Scams in Costa Rica and how to avoid them
Scams aren’t widespread, but they do happen, especially in tourist hotspots. Most are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.
Most common scams
How to avoid them
Safety by town
Town-by-town safety guides
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.
Getting around
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.
Road quality
Highways are smooth. Rural roads can be steep, narrow, or unpaved.
Weather
Afternoon rain can bring fog, slick roads, and low visibility.
Night driving
Not ideal. Many roads lack streetlights and reflective lines.
Navigation
Waze works best and is updated constantly. See our 17 must-have apps.
Parking
Only park in secure, well-lit areas, and never leave belongings in the car.
Use official taxis
Official taxis here are red with a yellow triangle on both sides. Unregistered drivers will majorly overcharge you.
Watch the insurance
Costa Rica’s biggest rental “scam” issues usually come from unclear or misleading insurance policies. That’s why we only recommend a trusted local company.
Our recommendation
Adobe Rent a Car
We always use Adobe. Transparent pricing, great service, and reliable SUVs. Plus, you get a 10% discount through us.
Weather and road closures
When the rain changes plans
Road conditions can change quickly in Costa Rica, especially during rainy season. National roads are generally well maintained and cleared quickly.
📖 Read more: Natural Disasters in Costa Rica: How to Be Prepared →
Important to know
Nature and environment
Wildlife, bugs, sun and quakes
Costa Rica is incredibly wild and biodiverse (which is part of the magic), but it also means you’ll want to be aware of your surroundings.
Wildlife
Give animals space
Most issues happen when travelers get too close.
Insects
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be around year-round, especially in coastal and jungle areas.
Natural disasters
Earthquakes and rain
Costa Rica is very geologically active. Earthquakes, heavy rains, and occasional landslides do happen.
Sun and heat
The sun is strong
The sun here is stronger than most visitors expect. Travelers can burn within 15 to 20 minutes without protection.
From us
Our wildlife (and earthquake) stories
We love the wildlife here, but honestly, you never fully get used to it.
Creepy crawlies
It keeps you on your toes
Snakes freak Sarah out. For Thomas, it’s the scorpions (they freak Sarah out too).
We’ve definitely had a few incidents: Sarah once found a tarantula in our washing machine (no idea how it got there), and a scorpion in her backpack after a weekend away.
Our tip: shake out your shoes, bags, and towels before using them, especially in the jungle.
Earthquakes
They still freak us out
If you’ve never experienced an earthquake before, it can be unsettling. Most are mild enough that you won’t even feel them, but they still freak Sarah out when they happen.
Costa Rica is very geologically active, so it helps to know what to do before you arrive.
🛡️ Don’t skip this
Get travel insurance before you go
Safety here is about more than crime: a twisted ankle on a hike, a stolen phone, a canceled flight, or a surprise trip to the clinic. We always recommend Heymondo for medical care, adventure activities, theft, and delays.
Get 5% off through our link. Unfortunately, the discount isn’t available for U.S. travelers.
FAQ
Costa Rica safety FAQ: your questions
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Yes. We’ve lived here since 2016 and never had anything happen to us, but we’re also very cautious. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Petty theft, like bag theft at beaches or break-ins at rental cars, is the main thing to watch for.
What is the emergency number in Costa Rica?
Dial 911 for police, ambulance, and fire. English-speaking operators are available.
Do I need travel insurance for Costa Rica?
We always recommend it. It covers medical care, adventure activities, theft, lost bags, and delays. We use and recommend Heymondo, and you get 5% off through our link (not available for U.S. travelers).
Can you drink the tap water in Costa Rica?
Yes, in most of the country. Some rural beach towns use well water or private systems, so ask your hotel if you’re unsure.
Is it safe to drive in Costa Rica?
Yes, as long as you know what to expect. Highways are good, but rural roads can be steep, narrow, or unpaved. Avoid driving at night, use Waze, and never leave belongings in the car.
What are the most common scams in Costa Rica?
Taxi overcharging, fake parking attendants, card skimming at small shops or gas stations, and ATM skimmers. Use official red taxis, park in secure lots, and use ATMs attached to banks.
Every guide
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.