Safety Tips for Costa Rica Travel 2024

Is Costa Rica Safe? Our guide, crafted by our expert immigration and corporate lawyers in Costa Rica, unravels the safety tapestry of this tropical haven.

Use of Costa Rican Tour Operators: Recommended!

If you want travel safety and to make the most of your time in Costa Rica, you hire professional tour operators who offer tours to most tourist sites throughout the country. They will pick you up at the airport since informal cab drivers can pressure you to use their service, which is unsafe.

Is Costa Rica Safe for Solo Female Travel?

Costa Rica beckons solo female travelers with open arms and is one of the safest countries in Central America. Costa Ricans are very helpful; they like to help, guide, and protect, but you must always be careful. AG Legal emphasizes carrying a copy of your passport to keep the original in a secure bag, choosing reputable accommodations, and utilizing UBER, Bus, or Legal Taxis for a safe journey.

Please always keep a trusted person, friend, or family member informed of your travel itinerary, stay, tickets, and places you will visit; there are natural risks of accidents, and if you are traveling alone, you must let them know.

You can go out at night to visit the bars and clubs on the beach, but make sure you are always accompanied, keep an eye on your drink, don´t take with you expensive jewelry, prefer use of credit card; petty theft is the main risk, certain areas have fun but more risky nightlife, like San José, Limón, Puerto Viejo, Jacó, and others with more expat communities (U.S. and Canadian) like Guanacaste, which can be considered a safe place.

Transportation Safety in Costa Rica: Taxi, Uber or Bus.

First, you should be a savvy traveler; plan your trip and routes to avoid improvising. We recommend airport-licensed taxis (orange cabs) to get to your destination or hotel; you will notice that there are other types of Taxis in Costa Rica, the red cabs; these cabs are helpful for short distances and ideal for downtown San Jose. Taxi drivers can guide you to historical sites and be safe for tourists.

Second, you can use UBER as a private transportation platform; always keep track of the driver and the vehicle that goes for you. Then, use tour operators; they will take you to your vacation place; if you are more daring and want to take a bus, public transportation is safe, but you must keep a close eye on your personal belongings and your backpack; do not trust or lose sight of it.

Choosing Accommodations in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one country where you can stay one day on the beach and the next on the slopes of a volcano; you can choose accommodations with safety features and travel advisories, exercise caution with valuables, and stay vigilant in crowded areas. If you use Airbnb as a solo traveler, please check the reviews carefully and try to locate them on Google Maps; ideally, you can use hotels that provide security and respective policies in case of an accident or theft in Costa Rica.

Theft in Costa Rica: Safety Measures Petty Crime

While Costa Rica is generally safe, if you are passing through the capital, San José, when visiting museums or restaurants, you must walk through busy and crowded places; in those places, be careful with your bags. You will not be a victim of a violent crime, but you can be the target of assault or robbery by distraction.

If you get robbed or your card is lost or stolen, look for a cop. Stay safe, and don’t try to be a hero; your personal safety comes first.

Health and Well-being: Food and Tap Water In Costa Rica

Many of the houses for beach vacation rentals in Costa Rica have two primary sources of water: one is potable water from the state piped tap, it is 100% drinkable water, but other houses have their water wells, these wells sometimes have salty water, so it is better to have bottled water, you should ask this to your rental company.

You can taste food made by Costa Ricans 100% and enjoy a blessed spoon. Be careful with street food, and avoid eating what they sell in Capital, San Jose; it can make you have a wrong time.

The Importance of Travel Insurance: Legal Safeguards for Travelers

Travel insurance is often overlooked but plays a critical role. AG Legal stresses its importance as a safety net for unexpected situations when visiting Costa Rica. Legal insights ensure travelers are adequately covered and protected during their Costa Rican journey. The country is recognized as having the best medical services in Central America, but the services can generate a hefty bill if you do not have insurance.

Safety in Costa Rica: General Precautions

  1. Petty Theft Prevention: This is the most common crime in Costa Rica targeting foreign tourists. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, such as markets or public transportation. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.

  2. Taxi Safety: Use a licensed taxi. Avoid hailing taxis on the street; call for a taxi from your hotel or use a reputable app. Negotiate the fare in advance and ensure the meter is running.

  3. Accommodation Safety: Choose accommodations in well-lit and secure areas. Opt for hotels or hostels with good security reviews and consider staying on higher floors. Keep your room locked when unattended, and use the hotel safe for valuables.

  4. Tap Water: In most tourist areas of Costa Rica, tap water is safe to drink. However, you can opt for bottled water in rural areas or if you have concerns.

  5. Transportation in Costa Rica: Like in every country, choose reputable companies and secure your luggage when traveling by bus. Be mindful of your belongings, especially at bus terminals. For local transportation, consider using the ride-hailing app Uber.

Smart Traveler Tips

  1. Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and assistance from the U.S. Department of State in case of an emergency.

  2. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings.

  3. Photocopy Documents: Keep a photocopy of your passport and other essential documents in a separate location.

  4. Be Vigilant: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. You can just avoid getting a target using your phone in public places.

  5. Trust Your Instincts: If a situation feels uncomfortable, trust your instincts and avoid it.

Summary of Key Points

  • Theft is the most common petty crime targeting tourists in Costa Rica, so take precautions to protect your valuables.
  • Use only licensed taxis and negotiate the fare in advance.
  • Choose safe accommodations and keep your room locked when unattended.
  • Tap water is generally safe. The Food is safe and tasty, and the risk of getting sick is minimal.
  • Exercise caution when using public transportation and secure your luggage.
  • Stay alert, trust your instincts, and avoid risky situations.

Incorporating these insights transforms your Costa Rican travel plans into a secure and enriching experience—Trust AG Legal to be your legal partner in Costa Rica and be part of the marvelous things that make Costa Rica the happiest country in the world.

For more: info@aglegal.com