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Health and Safety

Costa Rica has received some negative press over the past couple of years regarding crimes against travelers, particularly women traveling alone. While these incidents were serious and beyond tragic, the frequency of such crimes remains significantly lower than in most Latin American or European countries. 

Most tourist related incidents are classified as petty crimes – and usually involve theft. There are several preventative tips you can follow to ensure your belongings and loved ones are as safe and secure as possible.  

Material goods:

  • Carry your cash and important documents on your person if you do not have access to a hotel safe.
  • Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times (personal information page and the page with the Costa Rica entry stamp).
  • Keep a list of important passwords and pin numbers in a safe place that you can access in case your belongings are stolen (this can be with a family member back home or an online safety vault that you know the access code for).
  • Never leave your personal belongings in plain sight in your rental car, on the beach, or on public transportation.
  • Always double check that your rental car is locked and in a secure location.
  • Leave your valuable jewelry, watches, or electronic devices in the hotel safe if you’re going to the beach or other potentially vulnerable location.
  • Never leave your bags unattended at the beach - even if you’re keeping “an eye” on them when you go in for a dip.
  • Manuel Antonio

Personal safety:

  • Do not walk, hike, or jog alone at night or any uninhabited beach, mountain trail (this applies for daytime hours as well)
  • Never assume that strangers are looking out for your best interest..
  • If you are a lone traveler, always tell your hotel concierge or a friend/family member back home where you are going, with whom, and when you anticipate being back.
  • If you’ve rented a car and experience a sudden tire blow-out do not pull over immediately but drive to the nearest gas station or well-lighted and populated area to inspect the damage. Criminals are known for putting sharp objects on the road to rob drivers that pull over for a flat tire. Call the rental car company and/or police to report the incident if you suspect a crime was involved.
  • Avoid pirate taxis whenever possible. Only hire official taxis (red taxi with the yellow triangle symbol) or Ubers, which are traceable.
  • Women - be especially careful with strangers you meet and befriend. Never invite a stranger back to your hotel room alone or accompany them to the beach or any location where your safety may be compromised.
  • Do not accept drinks (or drugs) from strangers.
  • Do not sleep with your windows or doors open if you suspect your room is not secure. This applies even if security guards patrol the premises.
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