Costa Rica Travel Safety Guide
What are the emergency numbers in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica emergency numbers: 911 (Police), 911 (Ambulance), 911 (Fire Department).
Is Costa Rica safe for travelers?
Muggings, armed robberies, and theft from cars or beaches are real tourist issues, especially when valuables are visible.
Do not leave bags unattended on buses, shuttle stops, or beach days.
What health risks should travelers know about in Costa Rica?
A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from a listed transmission-risk country.
Tap water is generally considered safe in many urban and established tourist areas, but remote beach or jungle areas can be less reliable. Ask locally when in doubt.
How is transportation in Costa Rica?
Do not stop a hire car for strangers signalling for help. Carjackers and opportunistic thieves use roadside setups.
Avoid walking or driving casually in poorly lit or remote areas at night. Booked transfers and official taxis are the safer default when you are tired or unfamiliar with the area.
What should travelers know about money in Costa Rica?
Currency is Costa Rican colón (CRC). Cards work widely in hotels, supermarkets, and much of the tourism economy, but cash still helps for small shops, buses, and rural areas.
Declare cash, travellers cheques, or goods worth 10,000 US dollars or more when entering.
Tipping is usually less dramatic than in the US because a service charge is commonly built into restaurant bills. Small extra tips are fine, not mandatory.
What practical info do travelers need for Costa Rica?
Plug types are A and B. Voltage is 120V.
Beach towns, San José, surf areas, and jungle lodges can feel very different. Country-wide assumptions often break once you leave the main corridor.
City Specific Info
San José
In San José, after-dark walking deserves much more caution than many visitors expect from the country’s eco-tourism image.
Which embassies are in Costa Rica?
Mostly in San José, Curridabat, San Rafael.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the emergency number in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, you can reach police at 911, ambulance at 911. These numbers work from any phone, including mobile phones without a local SIM card.
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Muggings, armed robberies, and theft from cars or beaches are real tourist issues, especially when valuables are visible.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
Currency is Costa Rican colón (CRC). Cards work widely in hotels, supermarkets, and much of the tourism economy, but cash still helps for small shops, buses, and rural areas.
What health precautions should I take in Costa Rica?
A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from a listed transmission-risk country.
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