Is San Jose, Costa Rica Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know

San José is the bustling capital city of Costa Rica and is often the starting point for many people exploring the country. While it may not be as famous for its beaches or rainforests, San José has plenty to offer with its rich history, vibrant markets, and delicious food scene. However, like any large city, it’s important to be mindful of potential safety concerns.

We have lived in San Jose since 2016, so we are well aware of the safety concerns you need to know about, how to protect yourself, and what to do when something bad happens.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about staying safe in San José, from navigating the airport and choosing safe neighborhoods to healthcare options and what to do in an emergency.

Let’s dive in and help you feel prepared to explore this vibrant city!

Safety at the Juan Santamaria International Airport

If you are departing or landing at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) there is one main thing you need to watch out for.

When you exit the airport after going through border control and picking up your luggage you will be bombarded with people asking if you need a taxi.

If you need a taxi make sure that you opt to take an official registered taxi. At the airport, the official taxis are orange with a green license plate and a triangle on both the passenger and driver’s side doors. From the city, taxis are red with yellow triangles on the passenger and driver’s side doors.

This is really important because unofficial taxi drivers are known to drastically overcharge people and even hold their luggage hostage until they pay. This would be a horrible way to start your vacation and we really don’t want that to happen to you.

Other than that, you should feel pretty safe at the airport. Just keep an eye on your belongings.

You might also want to read:

• Complete Guide to the San Jose International Airport
• Entry Requirements for Costa Rica
• Renting a Car from the San Jose International Airport
• The Best Hotels Near the San Jose Airport

Safety from Crime in San Jose

In general, San Jose (and Costa Rica) is a safe place to visit without worrying about violent crime.

However, petty theft occasionally happens. This can occur anywhere in the country, but San Jose is sometimes a prime target.

Here are some ways you can protect yourself.

• Never leave anything of value in your car with the vehicle unattended. Theft from cars is a common issue in San José. Even if you’re parked in what seems like a safe area, always take your valuables with you. If possible, park in secured lots or garages with an attendant rather than on the street.
• Don’t walk around alone at night. San José has some areas that are safer than others, but walking alone at night is generally not a good idea, especially in less populated areas.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables. Bring what you need for the day and store the rest in a secure location, such as a hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to spread out your cash and cards in different places, such as a money belt or different pockets, in case of theft.
• Dress the part. Avoid wearing flashy clothing, expensive jewelry, or designer bags that may attract unwanted attention. Most people in the city wear jeans and t-shirts with sneakers or sandals.
• Pay attention in restaurants. Most restaurants in Costa Rica are somewhat open-air so it is easy for anyone to walk in off the street. If you have a purse or backpack, don’t put it on the back of your chair. Instead, I put it on the floor between my legs with one strap through my leg. Also, don’t leave your cell phone just sitting on the table where someone can easily grab it.
• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings. Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like bus terminals and markets. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave the area.
• Be Cautious with ATMs. Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, populated areas rather than standalone ATMs on the street. These machines are more secure, and it’s less likely that you’ll be targeted for theft while withdrawing cash.
• Don’t Get Distracted. Scammers often try to distract travelers by asking for directions, offering help, or creating a diversion. Keep your focus and guard up, especially in busy areas. If someone approaches you asking for assistance, be polite but maintain distance.

Areas to Visit and Avoid

Most of the city is fine to explore during the day, but you need to use more caution at night.

You should feel safe in:

• Escazú: Known as one of the wealthier suburbs of San José, Escazú is a popular area for expats and tourists. It’s home to many upscale hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants.
• Santa Ana: Like Escazú, Santa Ana is an affluent suburb with a relaxed, suburban feel. It’s less crowded than the city center and is known for its restaurants, cafes, and shopping areas.
• Rohrmoser: Rohrmoser is a middle to upper-class residential area with parks, embassies, and diplomatic residences. The neighborhood is quiet and well-maintained.
• Barrio Amón (during the day) You should be cautious in Barrio Amón at night but it is a great place to explore during the day. It is known for its colonial architecture, art galleries, and boutique hotels.
• San Pedro: Located just east of downtown San José, San Pedro is home to the University of Costa Rica. The area is lively, with students, cafes, and restaurants. At night it has a good nightlife scene.
• Sabana Norte and Sabana Sur: These are the two residential areas that surround La Sabana Park. They are quieter, family-oriented neighborhoods.
• Los Yoses: Los Yoses is a small, trendy neighborhood near San Pedro that is home to cafes, restaurants, and small shops. It’s a popular spot for young professionals and is generally considered safe for tourists. It offers easy access to both the city center and San Pedro.
• Escalante: Barrio Escalante is known as the “foodie district” of San José. There are plenty of trendy restaurants and bars. It’s a safe and hip neighborhood with a lot of young professionals and a vibrant nightlife.
• Curridabat: Curridabat is a residential area just outside San José. It’s not a major tourist hub, but it’s a good option if you’re looking for a quieter place to stay.

Some neighborhoods you might want to avoid are:

• Coca-Cola Bus Terminal Area (La Coca-Cola): This area is a major transportation hub and can be chaotic and crowded during the day. However, it is known for high rates of pickpocketing and petty crime. At night, it becomes much less safe due to low police presence.
• Barrio Cuba: Barrio Cuba is a lower-income neighborhood that is generally considered dangerous for tourists due to the prevalence of theft, muggings, and gang activity. It’s not a tourist-friendly area, and it’s best to avoid this neighborhood, especially after dark.
• El Carmen / Los Hatillos: This area, located near the southern part of the city, is known for being one of the more dangerous sections of San José. It has a high rate of violent crime, and tourists are advised not to visit this area.
• Desamparados: Desamparados is a suburb of San José that has struggled with crime and gang activity. It’s a densely populated area with higher levels of violent crime, and not recommended for tourists.
• Pavas: Pavas is a residential area outside the city center, but it’s known for higher crime rates, especially violent crime linked to gang activity. This area is not frequently visited by tourists and should be avoided.
• Hospital Area (Avenida 2 and surrounding streets at night) While the area around the hospital is busy during the day, it becomes less safe at night. There have been reports of muggings and street crime in the nearby streets.

Weather and Climate Safety

Typically the weather in San Jose is pretty great. You can expect daytime temperatures of about 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. At night it typically dips to the mid-60s.

During the rainy season, you need to be a bit more concerned about the weather. Sometimes there are heavy rainstorms with thunder and lightning. These can bring about a bunch of issues including…

• After heavy rain, the streets are often flooded and can take a few hours to be drivable again. This is very normal and nothing to be overly concerned about. It is more of an inconvenience.
• Sometimes the power goes out if there is a heavy storm. You can prepare for this by packing a flashlight or headlamp and making sure your devices are charged. I like to always have a portable charger when I travel.

Volcanoes

San Jose is a valley surrounded by a few different volcanoes that are known to erupt. The most active volcanoes are Poas and Turrialba.

If Turrialba is erupting you might experience increased ash in the air. If this is happening it is not a bad idea to wear a face mask like you probably wore during COVID. We haven’t had issues with this is in a long time though, so hopefully it is fine during your trip.

Also, it is good to know that certain places may ask you to back into parking spaces when driving. This is a precaution so that cars can easily leave if there is a volcanic eruption.

Earthquakes

There are earthquakes in Costa Rica. And, I will admit, that they freak me out so much! Luckily, they are usually pretty mild and nothing to be concerned about. In our several years of living here, we have never experienced an earthquake that caused any destruction.

If a major earthquake occurs it is best to drop down and take cover under a sturdy table or desk until the shaking stops.

If you are outside it is best to get away from anything that might fall on you such as buildings or power lines.

Mosquitos

The mosquitos aren’t typically as bad in San Jose as they are in the coastal towns, but they can still be a problem. Typically, you won’t get bit during the day, but once the sun goes down they can be a lot worse.

Definitely make sure you wear plenty of insect repellent because some mosquitos in Costa Rica can carry illnesses such as Zika and Dengue.

Find out more in our guide to mosquitos in Costa Rica.

Sun Protection

Keep in mind that Costa Rica is not that far from the equator. The UV index tends to be very high here, even on days when it doesn’t feel that hot.

Always wear strong SPF sunblock and cover your skin when possible.

It is no fun to have your vacation ruined by a bad sunburn!

Staying Safe While Driving

San Jose is the craziest place to drive in the country (in our opinion). The roads can be confusing and traffic is often heavy (especially during rush hour). People also drive very aggressively.

If possible, we suggest that you avoid driving in the downtown area and instead depend on taxis to get around.

You just need to make sure that you take an officially registered taxi so as not to be scammed or overcharged. You can recognize an official taxi because it will be red with yellow triangles on both the passenger and driver side doors.

If you really need to drive there are a few things to keep in mind.

• There are a ton of motorcycles on the roads here. They act like the rules of the road don’t apply to them. So, use caution. It is normal for them to zip by on either side of your car while stuck in traffic or driving.
• There are tolls on the highways outside of San Jose. They accept US dollars, colones, and now some are starting to accept credit cards as well.
• If possible, avoid driving at rush hour in the morning and the afternoon. The traffic congestion can be insane. For example, from our house, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the airport without traffic. During rush hour we have experienced it taking 2 hours to get to the airport.
• A lot of parking spaces in San Jose are guarded by locals. This is typically not an official thing. For example, maybe you will park in the parking lot for the bank and a person will be standing guard watching the cars. When you leave it is polite to give them a dollar or two (like 500 or 1,000 colones) as a thank you for watching your vehicle.

Healthcare and Emergency Services in San Jose

Because San Jose is the capital city you can expect some of the best medical facilities and treatment in the country.

If you need to go to the hospital you should go to:

• Hospital CIMA San José: One of the top private hospitals in Costa Rica, CIMA offers a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgery, diagnostics, and specialist consultations. This hospital is located in the Escazu neighborhood.
• Hospital Clínica Bíblica: Located in the downtown area, this private hospital is known for its nice facilities and high-quality care. The hospital offers everything from emergency services to specialized care.

If I had a choice, I would go to CIMA. It is more modern and you will have a higher chance of finding bilingual staff that speaks English.

If you are sick and just need medicine, head to a pharmacy. A lot of medicines that often require a prescription in North America or Europe can be bought over the counter here. You will need to speak to an employee, who will advise you and get you the medicine you need.

Travel Tip: You might not find a pharmacist who speaks English, but Google Translate is very helpful. There is a talk feature in which you can speak in English and it will translate it to Spanish and vice-versa.

If you need to see a doctor, I suggest asking your hotel for help. They can advise you and possibly even contact a local doctor for you.

If you need an ambulance, 9-1-1 is the universal emergency number for all types of emergencies (medical, police, and fire). You can call this number from any phone, and operators can provide assistance in both Spanish and English.

Once in the ambulance, you can request that they take you to a private hospital such as CIMA or Clínica Bíblica. If it is a severe problem and you can not communicate they will usually take you to whatever public hospital is closest.

Travel Tip: If your injury is the result of a traffic accident, assault, or another crime, it’s important to file a police report (denuncia) with the OIJ. This is especially necessary if you intend to file an insurance claim or take legal action. This can be done at any police station.

Don’t forget travel insurance! When visiting Costa Rica, it’s important to have travel health insurance that covers medical expenses.

Most private hospitals and clinics require payment upfront or proof of valid insurance.

It’s common for hospitals to provide detailed receipts, which you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement if payment is required at the time of service.

Having insurance ensures that you can focus on getting the care you need without financial stress.

Purchase Your Travel Insurance Here

What to Do if Robbed

1. Stay Calm and Comply with the Robber: In most cases, robbers are looking for cash, phones, or valuables and are not interested in harming you.
2. Get to a Safe Location: This could be a well-populated area, a café, or your hotel. The sooner you get to a place where you feel secure, the better.
3. Report the Robbery to the Police
   • Dial 911: In case of an emergency, you can call 911, which will connect you to emergency services, including the police. The operators speak both Spanish and English. If you purchase an E-SIM to stay connected it is a data plan and does not include calls. However, you will always be able to call 9-1-1.
   • File a Police Report (Denuncia): You must file a report with the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), which handles robberies and crimes. There are police stations in San José where you can report the crime. Be prepared to provide details such as what was stolen, where the robbery occurred, and a description of the assailant.
4. Cancel Stolen Cards and Replace Lost Documents
   • If your credit or debit cards were stolen, contact your bank immediately to cancel the cards and prevent unauthorized transactions. Many banks have international toll-free numbers for emergencies.
   • If your passport was stolen, you will need to contact your country’s embassy or consulate in Costa Rica to report the theft and begin the process of replacing it. The U.S. Embassy, for example, is located in Pavas, San José.
5. Seek Help from Your Embassy or Consulate
   • In addition to replacing a passport, embassies can help you navigate local laws, provide a list of lawyers if needed, and offer other assistance. Make sure you know the contact information of your country’s consulate before traveling.
6. After reporting the robbery to the police and canceling any stolen cards, your travel insurance can help reimburse you for the loss. If you don’t have travel insurance yet, make sure to get it before your trip. Check out our recommended insurance provider.

Travel Tip: Keep a backup copy of important documents like your passport and travel insurance policy, either digitally or in a separate location, in case your primary copy is stolen.

Emergency Contacts

• 911: The main emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services in Costa Rica.
• Hospital CIMA San José: (+506) 2208-1000 (Private hospital, highly recommended for travelers)
• Hospital Clínica Bíblica: (+506) 2522-1000 (Private hospital in central San José)
• U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica: (+506) 2519-2000 (If you are a U.S. citizen, the embassy can assist in case of emergencies)
• Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica: (+506) 2242-4400
• British Embassy in Costa Rica: (+506) 2258-2025

Things to Pack to Stay Safe

• SPF 50 Sunblock: Even though this is a cooler destination than some spots in Costa Rica, the UV index is often very high. I have definitely gotten a sunburn here in the past because I didn’t realize how much sun exposure I was getting even under trees.
• A Sun Hat: We love this one from Columbia. It is slightly nerdy, but lightweight and can easily fold up for your luggage.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes in Costa Rica are known to carry illnesses such as Dengue and Zika, so it’s good to be prepared.
• A First Aid Kit: We have this travel first aid kit and it has been great to have for minor injuries.
• Blister Bandaids: If you plan on wearing new shoes while in San Jose, definitely get a pack of these blister bandaids. They have saved us on many occasions. Plus, I find the humidity here can make my shoes rub more than normal.
• A Head Lamp: This is great if the power goes out, but also helpful to see when walking around after dark.
• Money Belt: We don’t actually typically use one of these, but it can be helpful when walking around in the downtown area.
• Portable Charger: It is a good idea to always have your phone charged for directions, calling the police in case of emergency, etc. I love the Anker portable charger for that.
• LifeStraw Waterbottle: You can drink the tap water here, but we suggest buying bottled water just to be safe. If you opt to drink tap water Lifestraw filters out most bacteria for an added layer of protection.
• Waterproof Backpack: We have this waterproof daypack and we love it for all Costa Rican adventures. It will keep you protected from the rain during hikes or from the water during boat trips.
• Travel Insurance: We highly suggest purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Costa Rica. This adds a layer of protection for travel days, canceled trips, medical treatments, and more. We like HeyMondo for Costa Rica travel insurance.
• E-Sim Card: It is so important to be able to stay connected while in Costa Rica. In the past year, we’ve started using e-sims from Airalo and they are awesome! Keep in mind that this is just data so you won’t be able to make calls. However, even without the ability to make regular calls you can still call emergency numbers such as 9-1-1.

Travel Tip: If you are a US citizen it is a good idea to register with STEP. This is a program put on by the US government so that they know where you are in the world. This way they can notify you and get in contact with you in case of things like terrorist attacks (which is probably not something you need to worry about in Costa Rica), major storms, etc.

Our Opinion on the Safety of San Jose

As a couple who lives in San Jose, we have gotten used to living with the mindset that we need to use caution and protect ourselves from crime.

We have never been robbed or had any other crimes committed against us here, but that doesn’t mean that we feel completely safe either. We just live in a very cautious bubble.

Although we have remained safe, we have friends who have had their houses broken into and friends who have been robbed while walking at night.

I think the best thing to do here is to try and avoid making yourself a target by blending in as much as possible.

Granted, I realize this is sometimes easier said than done.

I (Sarah) can always blend in a lot easier than Thomas can. I have dark hair, I’m short, and very tan. People often don’t give me a second glance because they think I’m Costa Rican. Thomas, on the other hand, is tall, has light-colored hair, and is never as tan as I am. He will always look like a tourist instead of a local.

Although you need to be cautious in San Jose, I don’t think it should completely deter you from visiting the city. I know this post might make the city seem a bit scary, but I’m airing on the side of caution by telling you all the things you need to be aware of. Really, you will probably have a great time without any safety issues.

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan your trip and stay safe.

Also, don’t forget these travel essentials!

• Stay protected: Get travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
• Stay connected: Purchase an eSIM for reliable data coverage while traveling in Costa Rica.

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