8 Essential Safety Tips for Living in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a relatively peaceful place to live. In fact, according to the 2026 Global Peace Index, Costa Rica ranks among the most peaceful countries in Latin America. However, no country is completely without crime.

The most common problems visitors and residents encounter include petty theft and opportunistic crime, but more serious incidents, including armed robbery, can occur even in crowded areas during the day.

In fact, I know someone who was once mugged at knife-point for his iPhone in downtown San José during the middle of the afternoon while other people were walking around.

That being said, I have found the country to be like any other I have ever traveled or lived in, which is to say that taking proper precautions can substantially reduce your exposure to crime.

Whether you are visiting for a few weeks or preparing for a permanent move, understanding some basic safety tips for living in Costa Rica can make a meaningful difference. For those planning to relocate, our practical guide to moving to Costa Rica provides additional information about preparing for life in the country.

Below are my suggestions and tips to help keep you and your possessions safe while in Costa Rica.

1. Learn the Lay of the Land Quickly

As with any place, certain neighborhoods require more caution than others.

In San José, areas such as León XIII, La Carpio, certain parts of Hatillo and Alajuelita, and some streets around the Children’s Museum have historically had reputations for security concerns. However, it is important not to assume that entire neighborhoods are dangerous or that safety conditions remain unchanged over time.

Downtown San José has busy commercial areas, restaurants, museums, and public spaces that attract thousands of people every day. Nevertheless, it is a very good idea to remain aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.

Other communities, such as Escazú, Santa Ana, Belén, Heredia, and Cariari, offer residential environments that attract many foreign residents. San Pedro, Barrio Escalante, and Los Yoses in San José also tend to attract a younger crowd because of their restaurants, universities, and nightlife.

No place is completely crime-free, and even neighborhoods with strong reputations can experience theft or other security problems.

When choosing where to live, spend time exploring the neighborhood during the day and at night. Talk to residents, understand the surrounding streets, and consider factors such as lighting, transportation, and access to services.

For more information about one of the Central Valley’s most established expat communities, see our guide to living in Escazú.

2. You’re Safer With a Friend

If you are going into downtown San José or neighborhoods you are unfamiliar with, consider going with a friend. Traveling with another person can make navigating unfamiliar surroundings easier and can help you respond to unexpected situations.

You will generally find security personnel in many shopping centers, hotels, and commercial establishments, although that does not mean these places are immune to crime.

Most crime reported by visitors in beach communities involves theft of unattended belongings, including bags, phones, wallets, and items left in vehicles. Popular destinations such as Jacó, Playas del Coco, and Tamarindo attract large numbers of visitors, and crowded tourism areas can create opportunities for petty criminals.

Personal safety is particularly important when traveling alone, regardless of gender. Avoid isolated areas late at night, let someone know your plans, and consider traveling with others when visiting remote beaches or unfamiliar hiking trails.

The Costa Rican Tourism Board’s official safety recommendations provide additional guidance for solo travelers and visitors exploring the country.

3. Do Not Leave Electronics in Your Car

I have personally been robbed only twice in my nearly 20 years in Costa Rica, and both times it was when my car was broken into because I had foolishly left electronics in my car.

In the first case, I had left an iPod in my car around 2005, and the local guachiman—a person who watches over your car and then expects a small fee in return—was clearly in cahoots with a thief, or was the thief himself.

He saw me leave my iPod in the car, and when I came back, my car had been broken into and the iPod was gone, along with some change and a car jack.

The second time, I left a laptop in my back seat while I ran into a local pulpería, and when I came out, someone had broken the back window and stolen the computer.

The lesson: don’t give people an inviting and easy target.

It is better not to leave anything valuable in your car, even when the doors are locked. If possible, use supervised parking facilities and take electronics, passports, cash, and important documents with you.

This is also one of the recommendations provided by the Costa Rican Tourism Board in its driving safety guidance.

4. Don’t Play the Tourist

It’s often very easy for a petty thief or conman to spot a tourist.

They’re the ones walking around the city with a cellphone in front of them, using a map app.

Of course, a map app is an important way of getting around town, but use it carefully. For example, if you have a destination set on your map, keep your phone in your pocket and only check whether you’re going in the right direction periodically.

It’s nice to stop for coffee or a juice when you’re sightseeing, so use these opportunities to check the map while sitting at a table, away from the street.

A café, restaurant, or other established business can provide a more comfortable setting for reviewing your route than standing on a busy sidewalk with your phone in your hand.

The idea is simple: remain aware of your surroundings and avoid unnecessarily displaying valuables.

5. Act Low-Key

Of course, no one thinks you’re going to skip down the street singing “Yankee Doodle Dandy” or “God Save the King,” but try to mingle under the radar and not draw unnecessary attention to yourself as a visitor.

Social areas can be quite loud, and a U.S., British, or Australian accent can stand out in busy markets and malls.

If you’re new to the country, a combination of a foreign accent and unfamiliarity with local customs can make it easier for someone to recognize you as a visitor.

Try to pick up a few phrases, such as No, lo siento (no, sorry), which you can use when approached by someone asking for money.

You can dress casually, too, and avoid wearing expensive watches, jewelry, or prominent designer accessories when walking through crowded areas.

An English resident of Costa Rica once told me:

“When I first arrived, I was an easy target. I was always looking at street signs, shop signs, checking my phrase book, speaking loudly in English, and wearing brand new Levis and Nikes. So, on every street, I’d be approached asking for a dollar here and there. It took me a while to figure out it was the same gang following me around. The dollars soon added up. After a few months, they left me alone because they knew they’d get nothing as I wasn’t acting like the foreigner abroad.”

There is some great nightlife in Costa Rica, and I recommend you take full advantage of it.

However, after dark, take extra precautions. Have an idea of where you’re going, arrange reliable transportation, and avoid wandering into unfamiliar or isolated areas late at night.

6. Travel Light

If you have just arrived and are staying at a hotel or rented apartment, it is a good idea to check whether there is a secure place to store your belongings.

Many hotels provide room safes or other storage facilities. Although most hotels are respectable, theft can occur anywhere.

Keep your passport, important travel documents, and extra cash securely stored, and take with you only what you need for the day. If you have more than one credit card, consider keeping a backup in a separate secure location.

In the unfortunate event that you lose your wallet or become the victim of a theft, you will still have access to identification, money, and another payment method.

Try to think about the impression you are giving. If someone sees you repeatedly displaying large amounts of cash, they could assume that you are carrying more money than you need.

It is also practical to have Costa Rican colones available for small purchases. You can exchange money at authorized financial institutions or withdraw local currency from a reputable ATM.

Avoid handling large amounts of cash in crowded public places. If you need to organize your money, do so somewhere private and secure.

7. ATMs and Exchanging Money

ATMs in Costa Rica are widely available, but it is still important to exercise caution when withdrawing money.

Whenever possible, use machines located inside major banks, shopping centers, or other well-maintained and secure establishments.

An English teacher friend of mine once told me about an experience with an ATM:

“We stopped at an ATM in a grubby outskirt of town. The machine took my card. I went to the bank the next day and they told me that my card had been seized by my bank in the UK. This was nonsense, there was no excessive spending on the account and over £2,000 in the account.”

He continued explaining that obtaining a replacement card from the United Kingdom became an extremely frustrating process because of delays in international delivery.

Although banking technology and payment services have evolved considerably since that experience, the underlying lesson remains relevant.

Choose secure ATMs, examine the machine for anything unusual, protect your PIN, and monitor your transactions.

If a machine retains your card or you notice an unauthorized transaction, contact your bank immediately.

ATM fees vary depending on the bank, machine, and card issuer, so review the charges before completing a transaction.

You should also avoid exchanging money with unauthorized individuals on the street. Use banks or reputable exchange services instead.

8. Driving Safely in Costa Rica

Due to the conditions of some roads and the amount of traffic in urban areas, Costa Rica can experience significant traffic congestion.

When you’re in a traffic jam, remain attentive to your surroundings, keep your doors locked, and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.

Street signs are not always consistent throughout the country, so when you’re driving, use a GPS or navigation application to avoid becoming lost in unfamiliar areas.

One situation travelers should be aware of involves someone attempting to signal that there is a problem with their vehicle, such as a flat tire or mechanical issue.

Of course, not every person offering assistance has dishonest intentions. Nevertheless, if a stranger attempts to convince you to stop, exercise caution.

If you suspect a genuine mechanical problem, look for a well-lit, populated location where you can stop safely. Contact your rental company, roadside assistance provider, or emergency services if necessary.

The Costa Rican Tourism Board also recommends avoiding isolated stopping places and being cautious about unsolicited roadside assistance.

For more information about traffic regulations and foreign driver’s license requirements, read our article on driving legally in Costa Rica.

General Information About Safety in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a warm and friendly country with a significant tourism industry. As I stated at the beginning, it continues to rank relatively well on international measures of peacefulness.

However, wherever we are, it is prudent to take precautions against opportunistic crime and remain attentive to our surroundings.

For emergencies involving police, medical assistance, or firefighters, dial 911.

Costa Rica also has a specialized Tourist Police force that assists visitors in the country’s main tourism destinations.

For additional information, see the Costa Rican Tourism Board’s safety recommendations and the U.S. Department of State’s Costa Rica travel advisory.

Ultimately, taking a few sensible precautions can help you enjoy everything Costa Rica has to offer while reducing the risk of an unpleasant experience.