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Safety Tips for Traveling in Costa Rica

April 7, 2020 By yeison 30 Comments

If you are traveling to Costa Rica, you might hear people telling you things like:

Are you sure you want to go? Is Costa Rica safe? I heard Costa Rica is a dangerous country!

Well, the truth is that Costa Rica is just like any other country in the world but when it comes down it, Costa Rica is actually quite safe. Since tourism is very important here and represents a good portion of their economy, the country works hard to keep a safe and comfortable environment for their visitors.

However, there are some things we can do as a traveler to stay safe and prevent anything bad from happening. Unfortunately theft is the main crime against tourist here so you will need to use a lot of common sense and be cautious to keep your belongings safe. Below you will find our Costa Rica safety tips to have a fun and stress free trip!

Please read our visiting Costa Rica during the pandemic post if you plan to visit during the coronavirus pandemic. You can read our Costa Rica coronavirus post for the latest statistics.

Safety tips for Traveling in Costa Rica

Costa Rican Police

Police in Spanish is policia and you will see their cars, motorcycles and police stations in every town in Costa Rica.

Pro tip: 911 works in Costa Rica and they have an English speaking line.

safety tips for costa rica - safety passport

Costa Rica has a standard police force and a sector of the police specifically for tourists, called the tourist police. They speak English and are there to help you. You will see them handing out these safety tip pamphlets during the high season in the tourist destinations.

OIJ

The OIJ, or Judicial Investigation Police is the main police force tasked with crimes in public action. If you have to report a crime, you will file it with them.

Police Interaction with Foreigners

The Costa Rican police force is generally very nice to foreigners. You don’t have to be worried about them shooting you for no reason or immediately suspecting you for doing something illegal if they come up to you.

Don’t be nervous to talk to them since it is their job to help. They do a great job upholding the positive reputation of Costa Ricans being friendly people. Most of the time they will come up to you to see if everything is OK, see if you have any questions, etc. unless they are specifically looking for something.

If they are the tourist police, they are most likely coming to hand out safety pamphlets and check if everything is OK. This is particularly common during busy times such as Christmas, New Years and Easter.

When we were watching the sunset up in the hill of Tamarindo, the police came to give us the safety pamphlets which was nice. It had some tips for keeping your belongings safe, driving, going out at night, etc.

safety tips for costa rica - tourist police
Costa Rican Tourist police handing out pamphlets to tourists

They also took a picture of the sunset, asked us how we were doing and then left.

Here are more Costa Rica safety tips.

Before Leaving Home

  • Leave contact information and travel plans to a family member or close friends.
  • Bring color copies of your passport (in addition to your original passport).
  • Leave expensive jewelry at home.
  • Leave unnecessary credit cards at home.
  • Research and take note of your embassy information.
  • Inform your credit card company you will be traveling abroad so they don’t block your card.
  • Download some useful Costa Rica apps.
  • Get travel insurance. You can read more about getting Costa Rica travel insurance in this post.

In the City (mostly San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago)

  • Keep your camera in your backpack when sightseeing, only take it out when using it.
  • Don’t wear flashy jewelry or clothes that can draw attention.
  • If using a backpack, it is better to wear it in front of you than behind you.
  • Check yourself if someone pushes you or bumps into you on accident to make sure all your belongings are there.
  • If you feel like you’re being followed, go to a public establishment immediately or find the nearest police officer.
  • Don’t wander around San Jose after dark. Always take a taxi or Uber to get around if you go out. Remember, it gets dark by 6 PM in Costa Rica every day.
  • Ask your hotel what the safest route is and which areas to avoid.

If You’re Renting a Car and Driving

You must have your original passport and original driver’s license with you when you’re driving – this is by law. You can only drive for as long as your tourist visa is valid.

  • Make sure the person picking you up at the airport is the representative of the car rental agency you booked with. If you can’t find them, find an airport officer. Read more Costa Rica car rental tips here.
  • When doing the check of the car at the car rental office, make sure to note every scratch or mark.
  • Never leave valuables visible in the car. Never leave your car full of belongings unattended wherever you go unless you know it is a secured parking lot (with guard and camera).
  • Always roll up windows and lock the doors.
  • Use public parking areas. Never park your car in an obscure or dark street.
  • The “parking guards” are not responsible for car thefts or break ins, even if they say they will watch your car for you. Don’t trust them to prevent any break ins.
  • Always wear your seat belt.
  • Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
  • If someone motions you to pull over, don’t. Drive to the nearest gas station or commercial center first, then check. If something is wrong, call your car rental agency.
  • If you are stopped by a police officer who is trying to bribe you, you can report them to the car rental company or 911. This is illegal.
  • If you get a flat tire, pull over to a safe place, change the tire and then drive to the nearest office of your rental agency to get a replacement. You can also go to a gas station or mechanic to ask someone to help you change it. Flat tires are not covered by insurance.

Police Road Stops

Something important to know is that it is legal in Costa Rica for the police to stop anyone on the street and ask for their ID and papers. You may see police road stops and if you get signaled to pull over, roll down your window, give your original driver’s license and your original passport to the officer. They will check your identification and make sure you are OK to drive (valid tourist visa and valid driver’s license).

If you haven’t been drinking or doing anything wrong, they may ask you where you’re going or just let you on your way. Some officers may speak just some basic English.

If You’re Taking the Bus

  • When waiting for the bus, never ask someone to watch your belongings and leave. Always have your belongings with you at all times. Never accept anyone’s offer to watch your luggage either.
  • When getting off the bus, make sure all your belongings are with you and hold onto them tight. Bags have been snatched from tired passengers.
  • Keep the luggage ticket the bus driver gives you. Don’t lose it.
  • If your luggage does get stolen, write down the license plate of the bus and name of the company (and driver if you can get it). Call 911.
  • Be wary if someone is too nice or chatty. It may be a way to distract you to steal your stuff and many thieves work in pairs. One to distract you, one to snatch your stuff.
  • We personally don’t recommend putting any belongings in the overhead bin but if you have to, check on it every so often and don’t leave valuable items in there. Keep the valuables with you.
  • When on the bus, don’t put your purse underneath your sit. Keep it in your lap with you unless it doesn’t fit. If it’s bigger like a backpack, make sure to face the zippers towards you and always have your feet on your backpack.

Booking Tours

  • Book with certified tour operators
  • Ask for the cancellation policy and written confirmation when booking tours.
  • Be wary of people selling tours on the street or beach, even if it’s cheaper. They may not be certified, therefore they won’t have insurance. You won’t be covered in case of an accident.
  • If you feel the tour company you booked with were irresponsible or unsafe, you can report them to 50622995811 or report to the Visit Costa Rica tourism board website.

When Staying at a Hotel

  • If you are a victim of a crime at your hotel, report it to 911 and file a report to the OIJ ASAP.
  • Ask for a confirmation and receipt from your hotel.
  • Always lock your hotel doors and windows.
  • Don’t give hotel information to strangers.
  • If you see other guests bringing outsiders in, consult the front desk as many hotels do not permit non hotel guests.

When Staying at a Vacation Rental

  • If using a service like VRBO or Airbnb, make sure you note the cancellation policies.
  • Communicate with your host to set up the check in and check out times and procedure.
  • Also make sure you are absolutely certain of the directions. It is best if the vacation rental is entered on Waze or Google Maps or if you can get the GPS coordinations so you can use a GPS. Otherwise you will have to be following some very confusing directions since there aren’t really addresses in Costa Rica.
  • Before I book any Airbnb, I always message the host a couple times to see how communicative and quick to reply they are. This is one of my biggest deciding factors in choosing an Airbnb.
  • ALWAYS read reviews and book Airbnbs with previous reviews. Look for things like communication, directions, willingness to help, security, etc. in the reviews.
  • Get a local phone so you can call and contact your host without worrying about getting Wi-Fi.

When At a Restaurant

  • Note if the prices on the menu include tax and service fee (they are supposed to but sometimes they add it later).
  • Check your receipt and make sure the charges were correct.
  • Never sling or hang your bag on the back of your chair or put it underneath. Always have it somewhere where you can see it.

When Getting Gas

  • All gas stations in Costa Rica are auto service. If paying by credit of debit card, get out to keep an eye on your credit card.
  • Verify the amount they charged is the amount on the meter.
  • If using USD, make sure they give you the correct exchange rate as they will give you your change back in Costa Rican colones. They should have a sign posted as to what rate they are using so calculate how much the correct amount is. If they use 500 to 1, you will lose out! It should be around 570 to 1.

Costa Rica Safety Tips for Activities

Surfing

  • Check with locals what the conditions are like before going out to keep updated with current conditions.
  • Never surf by yourself or surf places that are beyond your skill level.
  • Always use a leash.
  • If you are a beginner or first timer, take a lesson. Accidents easily happen when people rent a board and go surfing themselves, thinking it will be easy.
  • At some beaches, there may be crocodiles. Ask the locals and stay close to where other people are surfing.

Horseback riding

  • Wear long pants.
  • Book with certified companies. Although there are a lot of locals who rent out their horses on the beach but most of them do not have insurance, safety measures or the right certification and you don’t know how they take care of the horse.
  • Always wear a helmet.
  • The operator must supply an experienced guide.
  • If it’s your first time riding a horse, go with a certified company who gives helmets and guides. They will make sure everything is correct in a safe environment.
  • Don’t freak out – this will only freak out the horse too!

Swimming

  • Before you go in the ocean, ask about the current wave condition and see if there is a warning for rip tide. Tourists have drowned from rip tides in the Central and South Pacific.
  • Don’t bring any valuables to the beach or leave them unattended. It is common for thieves to steal items that are left unattended and will watch tourists to see who does.
  • If you can’t swim, don’t.
  • Never swim alone.
  • Look out for flags warning for rip tides or crocodiles.
  • In case of riptides, follow these instructions: Stay calm, swim perpendicular to the current or parallel to the beach, float and wait for the current to subside if you cannot. If you can’t get to the beach, wave your arms and shout to get attention.

Ziplining

  • Never loosen, play with or touch your gear. If you loosen any belts or harness, that could be very very bad!
  • Make sure your helmet is on tight.
  • Check the ziplining requirements for children. They all have height and weight requirements, do not try to argue against it as it is there for safety reasons.
  • Make sure you understand all the instructions and safety procedures the guides give you. Ask questions if you’re not sure.

Diving

  • Go with a recognized diving center organization like PADI.
  • Check to make sure the air in the compressor is clean.
  • Boats should have the following equipment: oxygen equipment with sufficient oxygen in good condition, first aid kit, employee trained in first aid, potable water, tools, communication equipment, diving flags, life vests and sufficient staff.
  • Check the date of the latest hydrostatic test.
  • Do not dive if you don’t have experience.

ATV

  • Always wear a helmet, eye protections and appropriate clothing.
  • Book ATV tours with reputable companies and make sure they have insurance.
  • ATVs cannot be ridden by minors under 16 year old. If a provider allows them to ride, then they are not a reputable certified company.

Hiking

  • Bring a day backpack with water, snacks, mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • If hiking alone, leave your plans with someone.
  • Never walk off the path or take shortcuts. This is damaging to the environment and you can easily get lost.
  • Avoid touching trees, plants, leaves or grass. There could be snakes, spiders or other critters hiding under there.
  • Do not eat any plants or fruit that you’re unfamiliar with. There are poisonous ones.
  • Never remove plants, touch animals or feed animals.
  • Don’t leave your garbage.

General Costa Rica Safety Tips

  1. Make ATM withdrawals during the day.
  2. Take a photo of your immigration stamp in your passport on your cell phone.
  3. Use only banks or authorized exchange windows to exchange money.
  4. Don’t carry a lot of cash with you and don’t take it all out when paying for things.
  5. Never wander alone at night to unfamiliar places or streets. If you feel uncomfortable, find a public place.
  6. We recommend getting a pre-paid Costa Rica sim card or renting a local cell phone. You can get Internet and international plans from your provider, but the advantage of having a local phone number is that you can call businesses or in case of emergency.
  7. Always have a little bit of cash with you, preferably Costa Rican colones.

What to Do in Case of Emergency

Lost/stolen passport

You must immediately report your lost/stolen passport to your country’s embassy or consulate. Then you have to report it to the OIJ and file a report. Your embassy will give you a temporary replacement passport. You do need to travel to your embassy or consulate which are all located in San Jose.

Car accident/break down

If you get into a car accident, the law has changed if you can move your car. You can move your vehicle if there is an agreement between both parties (or vehicle and object) and if no person was injured, one of the drivers accept responsibility or it is necessary to move for traffic.

You must also immediately report the incident or accident to your car rental agency as soon as it happens. If you don’t, you can be subject to additional fines or not be covered by insurance. In case of injuries, call 911.

Theft

Report it to the OIJ/Costa Rican police. Keep track of all your paperwork so you can get reimbursed from your travel insurance (a great reason to purchase travel insurance!).

Health Emergency

Call 911 and wait for the ambulance if needed.

If you are taking any medications, bring a list of the active ingredients. Also bring a copy of your prescription if you are taking opioids. Write down if you have any medicine allergies.

If you have a condition where you may need urgent care, take note of the closest hospitals and clinics to your locations. Always have a a paper with the conditions you have listed on there as well as medications and allergies.

Costa Rica has universal healthcare so public hospitals have to by law treat anyone. Additionally, the services and medications are not terribly expensive. If you go to a private clinic, keep the paperwork so you know how much everything cost for your insurance.

Avoiding Scams

Unfortunately there are also scams in Costa Rica. You can read about the common tourist scams in Costa Rica and how you can avoid them with our tips from a local.

Costa Rica is a peaceful country but we recommend you to follow all safety tips in order to have a great time here!

More Costa Rica travel tips here!

Renting a car in Costa Rica

Guide to finding accommodation in Costa Rica

How to get around Costa Rica

How to get a pre paid sim card

Filed Under: Travel Tips

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alicia says

    February 10, 2021

    I’m traveling solo to CR soon and plan to rent a car and spend time at several beaches in Guanacaste. Since I’m required to bring my passport while driving, and i won’t be driving without my phone GPS, I’m concerned i won’t be able to swim at all on the beaches without losing my valuables. I’ve read several of your posts (thank you) but I’m still not confident on what to do in my situation. I don’t feel comfortable taking my phone into the water in any type of pouch…but, I guess I will have to do whatever you suggest is best. What do you suggest?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      February 11, 2021

      I don’t highly recommend this still but if you are going to a popular beach like Coco Beach, Samara, Tamarindo, etc. and you leave your things near a lot of people, we have done that before in the past and we always cover up our stuff with our clothes and towels, etc. and then always keep an eye on it as you swim. But that’s still at your own risk. Then if you want to go to a more empty beach I don’t recommend leaving your stuff alone on the beach or in your car at all. I would get a phone pouch, I actually use those quite a bit and they work well (get a good quality one, not a cheap $2 one).

      Reply
  2. Andi says

    January 8, 2019

    Your blog has been immensely helpful with planning our upcoming Costa Rica vacation!! Thank you!! We will be staying in La Fortuna next week and were planning on checking out of our hotel in the morning, driving to see Rio Celeste, doing the hike and then driving on to Monteverde. I hadn’t thought about the fact that this plan would leave our luggage in our renal SUV in plain sight while doing the hike. =( Do you have any recommendations for us on how to work that instead?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 9, 2019

      Hi Andi, if you can put your luggage in the trunk, it should be fine. The parking lot of Tenorio Volcano NP is actually very busy and there are “security guards” so if you can put your luggage in the trunk or at least not have it visible, usually it is OK because there is a lot of movement in that area (lots of tours, tourists, shuttles, etc.) If you have a lot of valuables, I recommend to contact a hotel in Bijagua to see if they can store your luggage there.

      Reply
      • Sarah says

        February 26, 2021

        Hi Sammi, what a great blog! Thanks for so much helpful information! Do you think it is also ok to leave the luggage in the trunk while going to the Llanos des cortes waterfall? Because we plan a stop on our way from La Fortuna to Nicoya.
        Can you recommend a repellent for children? Are there many mosquitos during the dry season in April (we plan not to go to the carribean side)?
        Thanks again and happy weekend!

        Reply
        • Sammi says

          February 28, 2021

          Hi Sarah, you can read our Catarata Llanos de Cortes guide here, there are always mosquitoes in Costa Rica all year long. Personally for me, DEET works best, sadly the natural ones don’t work that great for me (it doesn’t last long, only like 10 minutes so if I use natural I’m constantly reapplying) but citronelle works very well for some people.

          Reply
  3. David says

    December 28, 2018

    Hi Samantha,
    So glad we signed up for your e-newsletter (recommend others do too!).
    My wife and I are traveling to CR for the first time in early February. Landing in SJ and then staying just outside Manuel Antonio Park at an Airbnb. We’re wondering if we should one of the small airlines there (to Quepos I think) or rent a car for the week. We don’t plan to do much driving, maybe a day trip to Jaco.
    Any thoughts on considerations: Cost? Time? Safety?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      December 28, 2018

      Hi David, driving from San Jose to MA is about 3.5 hours, flying is only 30 minutes. If you want to save time and not have to worry about driving, flying is a great option as there is an airport in Quepos. Then if you don’t really plan to move around much, you don’t need a car in Manuel Antonio. There is a bus that goes back and forth Quepos and Jaco that is very easy (we have a guide to it here: Bus from Jaco to Manuel ANtonio).

      Then most people just relax at the beach, go to the national park and do the activities that are in the MA area for a week. You can go ziplining, rafting and hiking all from Manuel Antonio.

      We also have a partnership with Skyways CR to give 10% off and an extra 10 lbs of luggage. Their website is https://www.skywaycr.com/destinations and our promo code is SWMTF18 in case you decide to fly, you can check out rates 🙂

      Reply
  4. Don Nicholson says

    November 1, 2018

    We are planning our first trip for next March, 2019. Landing in San Jose and going to Tamarindo. Would it be better to take a bus or rent a car? ( Considering safety and getting feel for the country versus cost)

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      November 1, 2018

      Hi Don, the best way to get around Tamarindo and Guanacaste is by car since buses are not very common and you will be super restricted on when and where you can go to places. You could take the bus if you don’t really plan to explore from Tamarindo though and want to take day tours which you can perfectly do too. But if you’d like to explore more places and be more flexible in time, renting a car is the best way to go. You can read more tips for renting a car here: Costa Rica car rental tips and get our car rental discount here: Costa Rica car rental discount

      Reply
  5. Sammi says

    October 30, 2017

    Hi Kristina! If you are renting a SUV and the car has the cover for the back, definitely use it and try to cover it up with a jacket or towel. If you have a sedan with a trunk, you can leave your luggage in there. Pick a rest stop where there is a lot of other people or at a gas station where you can park close to the bathroom. Have a great time!! 🙂

    Reply
  6. Kristina says

    October 30, 2017

    I believe this is my third post. I think I am done with questions and think of another. Thank you again for your help! I am heading to the Chirripo area from the San Jose airport and driving alone. If I am to stop and use the restroom, do you think it is safe to keep the luggage in the car (if out of sight)? Or am I better off bringing my luggage with me into wherever it is that I stop? I will probably have a large suitcase.

    Reply
  7. Mallory says

    January 26, 2017

    We are headed to Costa Rica in May. We are coming in at SJO and planning to head to La Paz Waterfalls & Gardens then to Del Toro Waterfall and then make our Journey to our Arenal Resort…. But will our luggage be safe in the car while we are at the parks? Since we will be stopping at these places on our journey to the resort we wont be able to drop our luggage off before stopping.. How safe is it to leave our carry on packs in the car at these locations while we enjoy the park?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 26, 2017

      La Paz Waterfall Gardens has a fairly secure parking lot, but as always make sure valuables aren’t visible and if possible, leave all your luggage in the trunk. Since the waterfall gardens are so touristy, you will see dozens of tour buses and shuttles there. At the del Toro waterfall, their parking lot isn’t quite as secure but it is in a kind of blocked off area off the road. You can ask the owners if they can take extra care to watch your car and park it as close as possible to the office.

      Reply
  8. Elizabeth Guide says

    January 18, 2017

    Hi! How concerned about petty theft do we need to be when going to the beach? We are going to be in Puerto Viejo and I’ve read stories of people coming out of the jungle to steal your flip flops. Is this accurate?? If so do you have any recommendations for us? For example, if we have towels or cheap sunglasses or water bottles with us can we leave these items on the beach while we swim or do we need to be much more careful even with small items like this? Even on a almost deserted beach like Punta Una, do we have to go as far as to swim in shifts? I planned to carry my backpack with sunblock, bugspray, water bottles, towel etc. with me to the beach but I’m wondering if even these items get stolen? If so, how do two people enjoy the beach together? Thank you for all your helpful info!!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      January 18, 2017

      Hi Elizabeth, petty theft is the most common crime and unfortunately, we have heard stories of people swimming at the beach and having their flip flops stolen. I always tell people to never leave their valuables on the beach because of this but if you’re bringing just water and towels, nothing of value or expensive and you won’t be upset if it’s get stolen, it should be OK (but you never know). Even on what seems like a deserted beach, you never know and Punta Uva is easily accessible and not always deserted. If it’s not electric, I do recommend tying your hotel key to your swimsuit if you can and swimming with it and if you have a car key, I do recommend not leaving it on the beach unattended. When Yeison and I go to the beach, we just swim in shifts or we leave our items really close to where we are swimming, never take our eyes off of it and don’t swim far away. It’s not the most fun, but we don’t like to take any risks when it comes to our things and we are always extra cautious.

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Guide says

        January 18, 2017

        Thank you!!!

        Reply
  9. Elizabeth says

    December 29, 2016

    We are going for our honeymoon, do you recommend we leave our wedding/engagement rings at home or do you think it will be safe since they will always be on our person? They aren’t worth more than $5 grand together but obviously there is a lot of sentimental value and would be devastated if we were to lose them. Thank you for all of your fabulous info!!

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      December 29, 2016

      Hi Elizabeth, you can bring them but honestly, if you’re planning on going into the ocean/hiking in the jungle/ziplining/white water rafting and things like that, you’re probably going to take off your rings anyways and put them in the safe of the hotel room. So it’d be easier to leave them at home so you don’t have to worry about it since you probably won’t wear them most of the time anyways. I’ve met a lot of honeymooners in Costa Rica and majority of them decided to do this because they knew they’d be in the ocean and in the jungle for their trip so they didn’t even want to have to worry about their rings at all.

      Reply
  10. Pam says

    November 27, 2016

    I have read here and also on other sites that we should never leave valuables in our rental car. I am wondering how that is possible when driving a distance such as from Arenal to Manuel Antonio, or MA to Liberia? What are we supposed to do if we need to stop and use a restroom or would like to get out and look at the scenery? We will be renting an SUV so our luggage would be visible in the back. At this point my husband is thinking of having our suitcases locked and then cable locking them to the vehicle. Is this our best option? They could still slice open our suitcases I suppose?

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      November 28, 2016

      Hi Pam, for long drives Yeison and I always take turns using the bathroom so one person stays with the car, another person goes. And if you want to stop and take pictures, never stray too far from your car and always have your eye on it as much as possible. Unfortunately theft is the more common crime in Costa Rica and Yeison and I have been victims of it ourselves. I went to the restroom and Yeison walked not even 10 meters away and someone immediately broke our side window and we don’t even have a nice car but you could see all our luggage in the back.

      Reply
  11. Allen says

    March 22, 2016

    PLEASE UPDATE YOUR SITE.
    The rules regarding moving vehicles and calling a Transito officer after a minor traffic accident has changed: Since the beginning of 2016, a Presidential Decree, number 39146-MOPT, allows vehicles to be moved if there is agreement between the drivers and: a) The collision was between two vehicles or between a vehicle and an object, b) That there are only material damages (meaning no person was injured in any way), c) That one of the drivers accepts responsibility for the accident and, d) It is necessary to avoid traffic jams. Both parties do need to fill out a minor accident declaration to be submitted to their insurance companies (along with any photographs, videos, or other evidence) with their claims, however. The accident declaration is called the Costa Rica Minor Traffic Accident reporting form.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      March 22, 2016

      Thanks Allen

      Reply
  12. Emme says

    April 17, 2014

    Very useful and wise tips, many of which are applicable no matter where you travel.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      April 17, 2014

      Completely agree !

      Reply
  13. Don Enright says

    December 8, 2013

    Hi- I’d be interested in your thoughts on the relative safety/danger of the different regions. Is Puntarenas rougher than average, or does it just feel that way? Limon? How do the different regions compare to San Jose?

    I have found Costa Rica in general to be safer, or at least feel safer, than Nicaragua, Panama and Colombia. Mind you, I did get robbed in the Coca Cola in San Jose.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      December 8, 2013

      Hi Dan, to be honest Limon gets some pretty bad rap in the media for being uber dangerous. It’s gotten more dangerous recently but there are still tons of tourists and expats who travel/live there who say it’s actually nothing drastic and that it’s not as bad as they make it out to be.

      We go to Puntrarenas sometimes but never had any problems. Puntarenas is a huge province but in the city of Puntarenas, it’s super laid back, not dangerous at all. San Jose though has gotten more dangerous, especially in certain parts of town. There are more drugs, more thefts. Yeison got robbed once just a couple blocks from his house in Heredia once so robberies do happen unfortunately like everywhere in the world and he is a Costa Rican.

      Here in Guanacaste it’s super safe. Even for me as a young woman I have no problem to walk around by myself at night (using common sense of course). I actually felt equally as safe in Nicaragua but in general, just use your common sense, don’t be doing stupid stuff or be an ass to people and Costa Rica is generally pretty safe. =)

      Reply
  14. Anna from The Blonde Banana says

    December 8, 2013

    I went to Costa Rica and never felt unsafe! But I also took most of these precautions :). People need to use common sense and they can travel almost anywhere safely.

    Reply
    • Sammi says

      December 8, 2013

      Very true! Just don’t do stupid things and using common sense is pretty much the recipe for having a safe trip anywhere in the world. Too bad some people just don’t use their common sense too much ha ha 😉

      Reply
  15. Renuka says

    October 9, 2013

    Useful tips! You are right when you say that we should rather use our common sense than being apprehensive about a city/country.

    Reply

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