Is Costa Rica Safe? An Honest Answer from People Who Live Here

Short answer: yes. Here is what actually goes wrong, and how to avoid all of it.

October 15, 2026 · 5 min read

Costa Rica is safe for most travelers. Millions of people visit every year, and most go home with nothing worse than a sunburn. We live here, so we will not sell you a fairy tale. Here is what to watch for.

Petty theft is the real risk

Crime against visitors is mostly theft, not violence. The targets are phones, bags, and anything you leave in plain sight. Thieves watch rental cars and beach bags. Leave nothing in the car, not even for ten minutes. Keep your passport in the hotel safe and a photo of it on your phone. Never leave your bag on the sand while you swim.

The ocean is riskier than the city

Riptides catch more visitors off guard than crime does. Most beaches have no lifeguards. Swim where other people swim. If more people are surfing than swimming, stay out. Ask a local before you get in, and never swim alone.

Driving takes the most care

The roads are narrower, steeper, and wetter than you expect. Watch for potholes, trucks, and people walking on the shoulder. Skip night driving. The sun sets around 6 pm all year, and many roads have no lights. Use Waze. If you would rather not drive, book a shuttle.

Taxis and rides

Take the official red taxis with the yellow triangle on the door, and ask the driver to turn on the meter. Uber works in many areas. Your hotel can also call a driver it trusts. Skip unmarked cars at the airport.

Nature has rules

Stay on the trail and hire a guide in big parks like Corcovado. Don't swim in rivers where you see no locals, and stay out of estuaries, because crocodiles live there. Don't feed the monkeys. Wear real shoes on the trail, and cover up for mosquitoes at dawn and dusk.

Water, food, and health

Tap water is safe to drink in most towns. If you are somewhere remote, ask your hotel. Restaurants follow the same food rules you know from home. Pharmacies here can treat small problems, and most tourist towns have a clinic. The tropical sun burns fast, even on cloudy days, so pack sunscreen and insect repellent.

If something happens

Dial 911 for emergencies. File a police report at the nearest station and ask for a copy, because your insurance will want it. Cancel stolen cards right away. Buy travel insurance before you fly. If you book with us, you get our number and we help you through it.

Check official advice before you go

Read your government's travel advice for Costa Rica before you book. It shows the current picture, and it changes.

Driving the Caribbean side? Our Route 32 guide covers fog and closures. Traveling alone? Our solo travel guide covers staying safe and meeting people.

Written by Insiders Costa Rica — Certified Travel Advisors based in Atenas, Costa Rica.

🌿 The full breakdown — costs, booking contacts, and day-by-day timing — is in the Insider Guide.