Is Costa Rica Safe?

Costa Rica is a beautiful country in Central America, known for its rich biodiversity, stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and friendly people. It’s a popular destination for travelers who want to enjoy nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation. But is Costa Rica safe for traveling?

As a travel blogger who has visited Costa Rica several times, I can say that Costa Rica is generally safe, but not without risks. Like any other country, Costa Rica has its share of crime, violence, natural disasters, and health issues that can affect your trip. However, with some common sense and precaution, you can minimize these risks and have a wonderful time in this amazing country.

In this article, I will share with you some of the safety tips that I learned from my own travels to Costa Rica, as well as some of the information that I found from reliable sources online. I hope that by reading this article, you will have a better idea of what to expect and how to prepare for your trip to Costa Rica.

Crime in Costa Rica

The most common threat for tourists in Costa Rica is petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, armed robbery, and carjacking. These crimes usually occur in crowded areas, such as bus stations, markets, beaches, and tourist attractions. They also tend to happen more at night or in isolated places.

To avoid becoming a victim of petty crime, here are some of the tips that I follow when I travel to Costa Rica:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t walk alone at night or in unfamiliar areas. Don’t get distracted by your phone or camera. Don’t accept rides from strangers or unofficial taxis. Don’t leave your belongings unattended or in plain sight in a car or at a beach.
• Don’t display signs of wealth. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or watches. Don’t flash large amounts of cash or credit cards. Don’t carry expensive gadgets or cameras around your neck. Use a money belt or a hidden pouch to store your valuables.
• Don’t resist if you are robbed. If someone tries to rob you, don’t fight back or argue. Give them what they want and try to stay calm. Remember that your life is more important than your possessions.

To avoid becoming a victim of violent crime, here are some of the tips that I follow when I travel to Costa Rica:

• Do your research before booking a tour or a hotel. Read reviews from other travelers and check the credentials and reputation of the company or the host. Don’t go with anyone who approaches you on the street or online without proper verification.
• Don’t use drugs or drink excessively. Drugs are illegal in Costa Rica and can get you into trouble with the law or with criminals³. Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to scams or attacks. Drink responsibly and never accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended.
• Travel with a buddy or a group. Traveling with someone else can deter potential attackers and provide support in case of an emergency. If you are traveling solo, make friends with other travelers or locals who you trust and stay in touch with them regularly.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to say no or walk away from a situation that makes you uncomfortable or suspicious.

Natural Disasters in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, hurricanes, and tsunamis. These disasters can cause damage to infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and affect the availability of water, electricity, and communication.

To prepare for natural disasters, here are some of the tips that I follow when I travel to Costa Rica:

• Check the weather and the alerts before and during your trip. 
• Pack a emergency kit and a first aid kit. Your emergency kit should include items such as water, food, flashlight, batteries, radio, whistle, matches, knife, rope, duct tape, plastic bags, and copies of your important documents. Your first aid kit should include items such as bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, allergy medicine, and prescription medicine.
• Know what to do in case of a disaster. Depending on the type of disaster, you may need to evacuate, seek shelter, or stay put. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and the emergency personnel. Don’t panic or try to be a hero.

Health Issues in Costa Rica

• Vaccinations. You should be up to date on your routine vaccinations before traveling to Costa Rica. You may also need additional vaccinations for diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, yellow fever, and malaria. You should consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4 weeks before your trip to get the necessary shots and pills.
• Water and food safety. Costa Rica has generally safe tap water and food³, but you may still experience some stomach issues due to the change in diet or the exposure to bacteria. You should drink bottled water or boil tap water before drinking it. You should also avoid raw or undercooked food, street food, ice cubes, unpasteurized dairy products, and fruits and vegetables that you can’t peel or wash.

Conclusion

Costa Rica is a safe country to visit if you take some precautions and use common sense. It’s a wonderful place to explore nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation. I hope that this article has given you some useful tips and information on how to stay safe in Costa Rica.

If you have any questions or comments about this article or about traveling to Costa Rica in general, feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you and help you plan your trip.

Happy travels! 😊