Last Updated: 2/2/2020 | February 2nd, 2020
Tropical jungles bursting with wildlife, mountainous landscapes prolonging into the horizon, picture-perfect beaches on both sides of the country, as well as a never-ending supply of fun activities no matter your budget.
Costa Rica is a nature-lover’s paradise — as well as it’s one of my preferred countries in the world too. It was the very first country I ever traveled to as well as it was the country that stimulated my wanderlust.
The beaches feel like paradise, there’s fantastic surfing, diving, as well as lots of locations to get away from the hordes of retired Americans that online here. No matter what your interest, there are tons of things to see as well as perform in Costa Rica without breaking the bank.
But is Costa Rica risk-free to visit?
The country was fortunate to getaway the chilly war conflicts as well as brutal gang violence that affected other countries in central America. However, in recent years, Costa Rica has ended up being a lot more included in medication trafficking as well as money laundering.
But the country is incredibly risk-free for tourists. At worst, you’ll get scammed for a few bucks. I indicate the country is so risk-free it doesn’t even have an army!
While Costa Rica is one of the safest countries for travel as well as backpacking in central America, that doesn’t indicate you must let your guard down. right here are some ideas to assurance a risk-free as well as stress-free experience:
1. prevent isolated areas – If you’re somewhere isolated, you’ll be at a higher danger for getting robbed, particularly at night as well as in huge cities. try to stay where the crowds are. That’s the very best method to prevent being singled out by prospective muggers.
2. Don’t wear fancy products – Petty theft is typical here, so eliminate any type of fashion jewelry or watches, as well as don’t wave your phone around. Do your finest to blend in, so you don’t ended up being a target for pickpockets. If you occur to discover yourself a sufferer of a robbery, comply with the directions of the robber as well as provide up your valuables; these material products can be replaced however your life cannot.
3. Don’t leave your products unattended – If you are costs the day on the beaches in Puerto Viejo, Santa Theresa, or Manuel Antonio, do not leave your possessions unattended while swimming or walking along the sand; locals or tourists alike can quickly take your valuables if you leave them around. just take what you requirement with you as well as nothing more.
4. Be alert when utilizing public transportation – Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most typical type of criminal offense you’ll deal with in Costa Rica. a lot of of the theft in Costa Rica occurs while taking the bus. keep your bag consisting of valuables as well as identification on your lap as well as stay vigilant.
5. always take an authorized taxi – Crimes against cab motorcyclists are infrequent right here however it’s finest you utilize a licensed taxi. Also, pay close interest to the meter as well as make sure it’s running. Cab motorists can turn the meter off as well as insurance claim it’s damaged (a typical scam, see below).
6. get travel insurance coverage – This is particularly crucial if you plan to join in on activities like ziplining, white water rafting, or surfing. travel insurance coverage will secure you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s detailed security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it lots of times in the past.
We suggest world Nomads for travelers under 70, while Insure My trip is the very best option for travelers over 70.
For a lot more info on tarvel insurance, inspect out these posts:
What Does travel insurance coverage really Cover?
The 7 finest travel business in 2019
How to get the very best travel Insurance
How to prevent Scams in Costa Rica
There are truly only two typical scams discovered in Costa Rica:
1. Taxi Scam
You hop into a taxi as well as recognize the meter isn’t running. You mention this to the motorist as well as their action is the meter is “broken,” as well as quotes you a cost that is outrageously high. Or you may notice that the meter is working however the fare is boosting quicker than a running cheetah.
Do your research study as well as get an concept of exactly how much a trip must expense from your hostel or hotel personnel before hailing a taxi. In my experience, if the cabbie tries to discuss the rate, I utilize the rate quoted to me as well as if they refuse, I get out as well as discover somebody who will turn the meter on. If the meter looks as though it’s rising unusually fast, ask the motorist to pull over as well as get out immediately.
2. The “Cheap Tour” Scam
You’re checking out the sites as well as seems of the city as well as a well-mannered, well dressed persontechniques you as well as asks if you’re seeking to go on a tour. They do a great task explaining the most unforgettable trip you’ll ever take in your life, as well as at a fraction of the expense of other excursion companies. You’re offered as well as hand them a deposit. You wait the next day for them to pick you up, however nobody shows up. You recognize there was no amazing excursion at 50% less; you’d been tricked.
To prevent this scam only utilize authorized business when booking tours. Your hostel/hotel can always assist you, as well as if you plan to book with a excursion business inspect their on the internet evaluations ahead of time. never depend on somebody trying to offer you a excursion on the street who does not have an official office or storefront.
These scams are the most typical ones you’ll deal with while in Costa Rica. If you’re anxious about scams, checked out this publish on travel scams to avoid. avoiding travel scams needs a great deal of typical sense as well as a healthy dose of suspicion.
Zika danger in Costa Rica
While there are no reports of a Zika break out in the country, Costa Rica has had reported situations of the Zika virus. While dangers are low, travelers are encouraged to take the complying with precautions:
Use mosquito repellent on your body to stop bites as well as sleep under a mosquito web to prevent getting bit while when you’re asleep
Wear breathable garments that cover your arms as well as legs (if you’re wondering what you must apply first, apply sunscreen very first complied with by repellent).
Keep doors as well as windows closed as much as possible to stop mosquitos from entering your room
Pregnant women or couples thinking about pregnancy must seek advice from a healthcare professional prior to travel
FAQ on Costa Rica Safety
Here are the most typical concerns I get asked about staying risk-free in Costa Rica (and my solution to them):
Is street Food in Costa Rica Safe?
In Costa Rica, street food is risk-free to eat as well as not to be missed! I’ve had my fair share of empanadas, fresh fruits from open markets, as well as other regional foods as well as have been completely fine.
That being said, if something doesn’t look cooked with (such as chicken) or has been out in the sun for as well long, then depend on your gut as well as don’t eat it. however I would motivate you to try the street food as it’s the very best method to experience the cuisine as well as support regional services (plus, it’s cheap!)
Is the tap Water risk-free to drink in Costa Rica?
The tap water in Costa Rica is risk-free to drink, however, it’s suggested that you prevent drinking the tap water in a lot of beach destinations. the very best method to make sure your drinking water is risk-free is to bring a SteriPen or LifeStraw for your recyclable water bottle. This method you’ll be able to purify the tap water so you don’t get ill — as well as prevent utilizing single-use plastic bottles in the process.
Are Taxis in Costa Rica Safe?
The taxis in Costa Rica are risk-free as well as reliable, though you’ll always want to make sure you’re getting in an authorized taxi. during the day, you can hail a taxi from the street safely, however make sure you pay interest that the meter is turned on as well as running properly.
If you’re taking a taxi at night it’s finest to have your lodging phone call it for you. That will make sure you get a reputable company. never hail a random taxi at night.
As pointed out earlier, taxi motorists will sometimes try to take advantage of travelers by overcharging them. always stay alert as well as if anything feels suspicious ask the motorist to stop the cab as well as get out. Don’t take any type of possibilities with your safety.
Is Costa Rica risk-free for Solo Travelers?
Costa Rica is a risk-free country to go to for solo travelers. As long as you stay away from isolated areas, don’t wave your valuables around, as well as don’t travel alone at night you will be able to prevent the most typical hazardous situations.
Additionally, be sure to download offline maps as well as an offline language app (like Google Translate) so you can look up directions if you get lost or interact with the locals in an emergency. If you can, try to discover some Spanish before you go too. even a few crucial phrases can go a long way!
Is Costa Rica risk-free for Solo female Travelers?
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in central America so if you’re new to solo female travel, Costa Rica is a fantastic country to begin with. However, you’ll still requirement to take some precautions of course. always prevent isolated places as well as don’t travel alone after dark. If you occur to experience feline calling or harassment from strangers on the street, be confident, prevent eye contact, as well as walk away.
Solo female travelers will want to stay additional vigilant at bus terminals, bars, as well as taxi stands where harassment is a lot more common. When traveling around the city, ask your hotel what the safest path is as well as likewise which areas you must avoid. Also, prevent taking taxis at night — particularly by yourself.
By taking some precautions as well as planning accordingly, solo female travelers will be able to have a unforgettable time in Costa Rica. just make sure to comply with the recommendations as well as ideas above!
Here are useful articles on security written by our solo female travel experts:
How to stay risk-free as a Solo female Traveler
8 myths about Solo female travel Debunked
10 typical concerns about Solo female Travel
Women Shouldn’t Be terrified To travel Alone
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With any type of vacationer destination, you’ll run into people trying to pull quick ones on visitors. By utilizing caution, typical sense, as well as complying with the ideas above, you’ll be able to stay risk-free as well as healthy during your go to to Costa Rica.
Book Your trip to Costa Rica: Logistical ideas as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to discover a inexpensive flight. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse web sites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned. begin with Skyscanner very first though since they have the greatest reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the greatest stock as well as finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the least expensive rates for guesthouses as well as inexpensive hotels. My preferred locations to stay are:
Arenal Backpackers Resort
Rocking J’s (Puerto Viejo)
Hostel Vista Serena (Manuel Antonio)
Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will secure you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s detailed security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it lots of times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:
Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)
Insure My trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)
Looking for the very best business to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want a lot more info on Costa Rica?
Be sure to go to our robust destination guide on Costa Rica for even a lot more planning tips!