Costa Rica Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Costa Rica.
Healthcare System
Costa Rica has a two-tier healthcare system consisting of the public Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) and private facilities. The country is known for having one of the best healthcare systems in Latin America, with well-trained doctors, many of whom speak English.
Hospitals
Major private hospitals serving tourists include Hospital CIMA in San José and Escazú, Hospital Clínica Bíblica, and Hospital La Católica. Beach towns like Tamarindo, Jacó, and Puerto Viejo have smaller clinics. Most private facilities accept international insurance and offer services comparable to developed countries.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available and well-stocked. Many medications available by prescription-only in North America can be purchased over the counter in Costa Rica. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and can often recommend treatments for minor ailments. Major chains include Fischel and Farmacia Sucre.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. As of recent years, COVID-19 insurance covering medical expenses and quarantine costs has been required for entry, though requirements may change. Private healthcare can be expensive without insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring copies of prescriptions with generic drug names, as brand names may differ in Costa Rica
- Private clinics and hospitals typically require payment upfront or credit card guarantee before treatment
- Keep all receipts and medical documentation for insurance reimbursement
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in most of Costa Rica, but stick to bottled water in remote areas
- Pack a basic first-aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, and any prescription medications you need
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of unattended belongings are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in pairs or groups, with one creating a distraction while another takes valuables.
Theft from parked rental cars is very common, particularly at beaches, trailheads, and national park parking areas. Thieves target vehicles with tourist rental plates and visible belongings inside.
Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coasts have strong riptides and currents that claim lives each year. Many beaches lack lifeguards, and conditions can change rapidly.
Road conditions vary widely from excellent highways to poorly maintained rural roads with potholes, unmarked hazards, and lack of shoulders. Driving styles can be aggressive, and many roads lack lighting. GPS directions may lead to impassable routes.
While most wildlife is harmless, Costa Rica has venomous snakes (fer-de-lance, coral snakes), crocodiles in rivers and estuaries, aggressive wasps, and other potentially dangerous animals. Monkeys may snatch food or belongings.
Rare but occasionally reported incidents where victims are forced to withdraw money from ATMs. This is much less common than in some other Central American countries but has occurred.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Scammers puncture your tire or create another minor problem with your rental car, then offer to help fix it while an accomplice steals belongings from your vehicle. Alternatively, they may pose as helpful locals pointing out a problem with your car.
Individuals posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists, claim to be investigating counterfeit money or drug trafficking, and ask to inspect wallets or bags, then steal cash or valuables.
Taxi drivers may claim the meter is broken and quote inflated prices, run the meter on a higher rate, or take unnecessarily long routes to increase the fare.
Car rental companies aggressively push expensive additional insurance, sometimes claiming your credit card or travel insurance won't be accepted, or they may find minor pre-existing damage and charge your card for repairs.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, dropping items) while an accomplice steals your bag, phone, or wallet.
Unlicensed individuals offer tours at beaches or tourist areas at inflated prices or take payment and never provide the service. Some may provide substandard or unsafe experiences.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables you don't need daily
- Carry only the cash and cards you need for the day in a secure location
- Make copies of important documents and store them separately from originals
- Divide money between different locations on your person and in your luggage
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than standalone machines at night
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
- Carry small denominations as many businesses struggle to make change for large bills
Transportation
- Use official red taxis or Uber rather than unmarked vehicles
- If renting a car, choose a reputable company and purchase the mandatory insurance
- Never leave valuables visible in your rental car, even in the trunk at your destination
- Avoid driving at night on rural roads due to poor lighting and road conditions
- Fill up gas before driving to remote areas as stations may be scarce
- Download offline maps as cell service can be unreliable in rural areas
- Be extremely cautious crossing streets as drivers don't always yield to pedestrians
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good security features and recent positive reviews
- Keep doors and windows locked, even when you're inside
- Don't leave valuables visible in your room
- Know the location of emergency exits
- Store the hotel/hostel contact information in your phone
- Be cautious about sharing your room number or accommodation details with strangers
Beach and Water Safety
- Never swim alone or at unguarded beaches
- Ask locals about current conditions before entering the water
- Don't leave belongings unattended on the beach; use a waterproof bag or have someone watch your items
- Avoid swimming near river mouths due to crocodile risk
- Be cautious of strong currents and riptides on both coasts
- Don't swim under the influence of alcohol
- Wear water shoes to protect against sea urchins, sharp rocks, and coral
Health Precautions
- Stay hydrated in the tropical climate and carry water with you
- Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Be cautious with street food; choose vendors with good hygiene practices
- Bring any prescription medications you need as specific brands may not be available
- Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid if traveling to rural areas
- Seek medical attention promptly if you develop a fever during or after your trip
General Awareness
- Learn basic Spanish phrases; many locals outside tourist areas don't speak English
- Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics
- Don't accept drinks from strangers and keep your drink in sight
- Be cautious when using smartphones in public; thieves on motorcycles may snatch them
- Keep emergency contacts and your embassy information saved in your phone
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting small towns or religious sites
- Register with your embassy's travel program for safety updates
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Costa Rica is generally considered safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers, and many women visit without incident. However, women should be prepared for catcalling (piropos) and unwanted attention, particularly in urban areas and beach towns. While this is usually verbal and not physically threatening, it can be uncomfortable. Costa Rican culture is generally respectful, but machismo attitudes exist. Trust your instincts and take standard precautions.
- Dress modestly in non-beach areas; while beachwear is fine at the coast, conservative dress is appreciated in towns and cities
- Ignore catcalls and unwanted comments; responding often encourages more attention
- Be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers and keep your drink in sight
- Use registered taxis or Uber rather than accepting rides from strangers
- Consider joining group tours for activities in remote areas rather than going alone
- Book accommodations with good reviews from other solo female travelers
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially on beaches or poorly lit streets
- Be aware that some men may be overly friendly or persistent; firm but polite refusal is usually effective
- Keep your phone charged and share your itinerary with someone back home
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deter unwanted attention
- Connect with other travelers at hostels or through online travel communities for companionship on excursions
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Costa Rica is the most progressive Central American country regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since May 2020, making Costa Rica the first Central American country to legalize it. Anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals in employment and other areas. San José has an active LGBTQ+ community and several gay-friendly establishments.
- San José, Manuel Antonio, and Tamarindo have established LGBTQ+-friendly scenes with bars, hotels, and tour operators
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations, which are increasingly common and advertised
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection in rural or conservative areas
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations or online communities for current information and recommendations
- Most Costa Ricans, especially in tourist areas, are welcoming regardless of sexual orientation
- The annual Pride parade (Marcha de la Diversidad) in San José typically occurs in June or July
- While legal protections exist, social attitudes can still be conservative in some areas
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Costa Rica and has been mandatory for entry since the COVID-19 pandemic (requirements may change, so verify current rules). Costa Rica's adventure activities, varying road conditions, and the cost of private healthcare make comprehensive insurance essential. Medical evacuation from remote areas can be extremely expensive without coverage.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries