costa rica tourist scams

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Costa Rica Travel Information

Avoid These Common Costa Rica Tourist Scams

March 5, 2024 By Sammi 19 Comments

Although Costa Rica is a fairly safe country, it would be irresponsible of me to say that there aren’t any tourist scams. Since tourism is one of their main sources of income and the country is receiving over 2 million visitors a year, travel scams in Costa Rica do exist.

Common Costa Rica Tourist Scams

In this post are some of the most common Costa Rica travel scams. I also included Yeison’s tips so you have insider knowledge from a local who has worked in the tourism industry for over 20 years.

Broken Taxi Meter/Not Official Taxi

This is one of the most common scams in Costa Rica, the broken taxi meter. All official taxis in Costa Rica have a meter, which is called the Maria in Spanish. When you get into a taxi, the driver may not turn it on. They know that tourists may not notice, don’t speak Spanish or if they do ask, they will claim that it is broken.

So whenever you get into a taxi, make sure you ask the driver to turn it on right away. If he says it’s broken ( no funciona in Spanish ), then get out and find another one that will use it.

You also need to make sure the taxi you’re taking is an official taxi and is operating within his province. This is what an official taxi looks like:

You will see he has the official triangle emblem and code on the door.

Here are the main things to know about taking taxis in Costa Rica

Red are official taxis. Orange are airport taxis. All official taxis have a meter and they must turn it on.

They can only operate in the province they’re licensed in. Province codes work like this: TSJ stands for Taxi San Jose and the numbers tells you the taxi number. Taxis in Heredia will have plates TH, in Limon TL, in Guanacaste TG and so on.

There are official taxi stands right outside both San Jose and Guanacaste International Airports.

Also make sure to use only small bills and Costa Rican colones. If you use USD, they may say they don’t have change. Or they may not give you the right exchange rate which I’ll talk about in a second.

In some areas like Tamarindo, you will see that there aren’t any official taxis, only pirate taxis. Take these under your own caution! These guys do not have insurance and their cars are usually old and beat up. Negotiate a price before since they don’t use a meter.

Read more about taking taxis in Costa Rica in this post.

“ Donations” to the Police

This one is a bit tricky to avoid. In Costa Rica, transit police can pull people over for any reason and there are many traffic stops in the country where they can ask anyone to pull over and check their car (mostly for drugs). The officers will normally ask for your ID (passport, drivers license) and take your information down, this is normal.

However, there are some corrupt police officers (notably in the Guanacaste area), that may try to get more from tourists. We’ve had stories from tourists where the officially looking police officer handed them a note in bad English saying they are “asking” for a donation to fix the local sewer system or something. Then they don’t let the tourists go until they get their “donation” of $10, $20 USD, etc.

This one is super tricky since most tourists don’t speak Spanish, the transit officers may not speak English and tourists will feel really stuck and trapped. Most of them just give some cash if they have some and get let go on their way without any other problems, but the “officer” is scamming tourists. If you feel like it, ask for their badge, take a photo of it and a photo of their face because it is illegal for officers (transit/police) to ask for money to tourists and you can file a report at the local OIJ or police station.

Also make sure to send any complaints to the official Costa Rican tourist website . This is extremely important as it will make them pay more attention the more complaints there are.

Incorrect Currency Exchange

The current exchange rate of Costa Rican colones to United States Dollar has been changing greatly in 2024 and it changes every single day. Right now as of mid March, it is approximately 497 CRC to 1 USD (the buy).

As you can pay in USD cash at some places and they give you your change back in CRC, make sure you calculate the exchange rate. Establishments can set their own exchange rate which should be close to the current ratio. Full size supermarkets , gas stations, banks and hotels should post a sign near the cashier their exchange rate. Small restaurants, taxis and souvenir stores normally do not so make sure you are on top of the rate if you pay in USD.

Read more about handling money in Costa Rica in this post.

Buses Aren’t Operating

If you’re at San Jose International Airport and need to get to a bus station in San Jose, the taxi driver may try to tell you that the buses aren’t operating. Or that all the seats are sold out. They will then try to sell you a ride for something ridiculously expensive. This unfortunately is common around the 7-10 bus station in San Jose, one of the main bus stations.

Do NOT accept their offer, always go into the bus station and check for yourself.

They also may try to do this with hotels. They may tell you that your hotel is overbooked or have no vacancy. Then they’ll try to take you to another place where they have a deal with the owner.

“Cheap” Car Rentals

This is unfortunately a common scam in Costa Rica. Many of the big car rental companies will post super cheap car rental prices so you think “Wow it’s so cheap to rent a car in Costa Rica!” But what you don’t know is that they’re omitting many insurances, taxes and fees.

The price you’re seeing is actually just the car rental price. They will add all the extras on when you arrive to pick up the car. That means your total car rental amount turns out to be significantly much higher than you thought. Your $200 USD car rental for 1 week turns out to be $900!

When you’re reserving a car online, here are some things you need to know

There is a mandatory insurance in Costa Rica for car rentals. If you don’t see any insurance options on the site you’re booking, they will add it on at the last minute.

Car rental companies will also have crazy high deposit amount ($3000-5000 USD) if you decide not to take any insurance but you wouldn’t  know that until you get there or if you asked.

Tourists can legally decline one type of insurance using credit card car rental insurance. Companies might not explicitly post this on the booking page so you aren’t aware until you get there.

They may add last minute fees for airport transfers, online booking fees, etc.

To avoid these hidden taxes, insurances and fees, do extensive research about insurances and book with reputable companies. Since we want to make sure everyone has a good experience renting a car in Costa Rica, we have partnered with Adobe Rent a car , a Costa Rican car rental company. They are 100% transparent about their prices, insurances and fees. We personally take care of every single reservation so you will be in good hands. Get our Costa Rica car rental discoun t here!

Read more about renting a car in Costa Rica below.

Tips for renting a car in Costa Rica

Costa Rica car rental insurances breakdown

Friendly Border Crossing “Agent”

Land border crossings can be super intimating in Latin America. Unfortunately here, there are definitely more people at the border who will try to take advantage of tourists. The most important thing to remember at the border is to only talk to official officers. Do not talk to the random people hanging out at the border.

These random local guys will pretend to “help you” with your border crossing, offering to take your passport to go to the front of the line and get a stamp without papers and then charge you a ton of money for it. Do NOT take this offer, do not EVER let anyone take your passport! You never know if you’ll see it again, you don’t know what they did with it while you weren’t looking, you don’t even know if the stamp they got you is real. Never give your passport to anyone.

My Personal Experience

I unfortunately fell victim to this during my very first time crossing the Peñas Blancas border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. All I did was say hello and smile at a man who seemed friendly but then he would NOT leave me alone, even when I told him I do not want his help. He would try to stay at my elbow and act like to everyone we were together. He kept trying to take my passport and charging me money because he was “escorting” us across. We got extremely uncomfortable and tried to lose him in the crowds but to no avail. It wasn’t until my big guy friend pretty much yelled at him in the face to leave that he finally sulked up and angrily left.

We made sure to walk the complete opposite direction when we crossed back over to Costa Rica. This man was on the Nicaraguan side, after we exited Costa Rica. So be aware of these “friendly” people, they are not official immigration agents, police offers or border control. They are just local guys trying to take advantage of unaware tourists.

Here are some other scams I saw at the border

Charging money for the custom and immigration forms. These forms, if they still require them, are free.

Offering to help you pay the Costa Rican exit tax but charging something completely ridiculous. (You can go to the office and pay this yourself, it’s super easy).

A guy offering to skip the line and get your stamp for you without documentation. One of my silly friends accepted this once and his passport was returned to him bent with little rips. Then the Nicaraguan immigration officer told him he couldn’t cross unless he paid him $100 USD because his passport was damaged. They were totally in on it together to damage tourists’ passports and charge ridiculous money.

Never accept help from anyone at the border and if you have questions, ask an official officer or ask other tourists. If you’re a solo traveler, talk to other tourists and see if you can cross together.

Read our post on crossing the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica for more tips.

Persistent and Pesky Hawkers

This one is more common in Guanacaste. You will see little kids walking around with an armful of palm leaves. Then they come up to you to try to give you a flower. If you accept, they’ll chase you down to give them money for it. This is a common practice in Nicaragua and since Guanacaste is right at the Nicaraguan-Costa Rican, it’s become a common tourist scam in that area.

They’re not violent but they will not leave you alone if you take the flower or cricket or whatever they made. I’ve had friends who gave them some colones just to make them go away but they kept following us down the street for more money. One time they even yelled at us that we didn’t give them enough for their “generous gift.”

I’ve also seen this in Jaco. A woman kept bothering these two girls who were dining outside. She kept trying to sell them postcards for about 20 minutes and finally the girl gave her 2000 colones. Right after, I saw the lady walk into the liquor store across the street.

Cheap Tours Off the Street

This is another common Costa Rica travel scam. In touristic destinations like La Fortuna , Conchal , Manuel Antonio and Playas del Coco, you’ll get approached by people selling tours on the street. They’ll make it sound really good, charging you up to 50% less then the tour company next door and offering you all these special services.

But when you finally do the tour, they take you to a completely different place, don’t include everything they said they would and charge you more money at the end because of some lame excuse. Or some are just illegal operators, running tours without licenses, insurance or certifications which is why they can charge so cheap…

How to Prevent This Costa Rica Tourist Scam

We don’t recommend booking tours from these illegal tour operators, we recommend researching companies online and booking tours beforehand. Tours in Costa Rica are expensive so it may be tempting to book that super cheap tour but there is one big reason for it: insurances. Certified and licensed tour companies have to pay for a lot of insurances but that is good for the tourist. All the drivers are licensed drivers, all the guides are certified guides, they have insurance on their vehicles, their vehicles have passed the yearly inspection, etc.

There have been many incidents when tourists decide to book a cheap tour with an illegal tour operator in La Fortuna. He took them on a closed hiking path, the tourists got injured because the trail is in literally the jungle and the tourists were not prepared, and they had to get airlifted to the hospital. The “guide” suddenly disappeared because he didn’t have any insurances so nothing’s covered. So please book with certified, reputable tour companies and you can find them on the Visit Costa Rica website.

If you need recommendations, we can help. We work with only licensed companies and offer discounts for tours in Costa Rica with only licensed, certified companies with a reputable standing.

Hiring Non Certified Guides

This is very common street scam at national parks like Manuel Antonio National Park , Ostional Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park . When you get to the entrance of the park or about 1 mile from the entrance, you’ll be approached by a lot of guys asking if you want a guide. For people who don’t know, it doesn’t seem like a big deal but if you hire a non-certified guide, it is a big deal.

This is because certified guides have to go pay to go to guide school, take the test and pay insurances and for their certification. It’s a big process in Costa Rica to become a certified naturalist, tour guide and tourism drivers. Those people who are doing it illegally are harming the tourism industry in the country. First, you’re not even paying for a certified guide and then they may try to pull more tricks like making you go to a certain souvenir stand or telling you wrong information.

So when you’re looking for a guide, hire one from a reputable tour company or ask to see their certification in person. All guides have to be ICT (government institute of Costa Rican tourism) certified and have their badge with them. This is one of the ways you can be a sustainable and responsible traveler in Costa Rica as you will be helping the real guides who are doing things correctly and trying to make an honest living.

Bottled vs Glasses of Water

This is one of those little things that seem obvious but it’s not. In North America, it’s normal for customers to get a glass of water for free when dining out. In Costa Rica, it is not. Restaurants won’t give you glasses of water unless you ask for it. Make sure to say “Yo quiero un vaso de agua, no quiero una botella” (I want a glass of water, not a bottle).

If you don’t specify, they will bring you a bottle of water and charge you for it. Whereas a glass of water is free. I’ve fallen victim to this when I first moved here. I asked for agua por favor and got a 2 liter bottle that cost me $7!

Sketchy Online Vacation Rentals

We’ve seen this scam pulled by locals and foreigners as many foreigners who retire in Costa Rica become property managers or real estate agents (anyone can be one, there is no test or license needed). Their website looks legit and the pictures look good but you don’t see any reviews of them online anywhere else. You put down a deposit and then…nothing. No communication, no answer, no reply.

Then when you arrive, the house doesn’t look the pictures at all, it’s dirty and none of the amenities described are there. You already sent the full amount and you can’t get a hold of the owner, just the local who lives on the property and doesn’t have access.

Those situations can be a bit hard to see if it’s a scam or not since the website looks legit. However, that is why I recommend going through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Read reviews and you have the platform to help you file complaints. Reviews are the one thing I go off of when I book vacation rentals and I personally prefer to use Airbnb. I’ve never had any issues using Airbnb around the world at all. If you want to book through the property management website, request a video call and see if they can show you the property through video. Also ask them if you can get the contact information of a previous tenant so you can talk to them and get their feedback.

Another tip is to join the Facebook groups like Costa Rica Expats or Gringos in Costa Rica since many of those members can give recommendations for legit property managers and vacation rentals. If you’re looking for long term rentals, look up the “real estate and rentals” Facebook group of the place you’re going to. For example, the Tamarindo Rentals and Real Estate or Atenas Costa Rica Classifieds.

Credit Cards

Another thing you need to be aware of are is your credit card. You can use credit cards almost everywhere in Costa Rica but make sure you check your statement often because there may be people who will steal your credit card information. Learn more about handling money in Costa Rica here.

Gas stations in Costa Rica are full service. If you pay with credit card, ask them to bring the card reader machine to you, or get out of your car to the cashier if it’s not portable. Always have an eye on your credit card, never let them take and charge your credit card without you looking. Always check your receipt before driving off.

If you’re using a debit card (we don’t recommend this), cover your pin number when at an ATM and watch out for lurkers. Use the ATM only during the day and don’t accept anyone’s offer to help you use the ATM. All ATM’s have an English option.

Check the Amount and Type of Currency Before You Hit Accept

If you pay with credit card, make sure you double check which currency it is charging you in. Check if it is in Costa Rican colones or USD because it is a HUGE difference and some vendors will try to sneak charge you in Costa Rican colones.

For example, if you purchase something that is $20 USD, the vendor may try to scam you by putting in the credit card machine 20,000 Costa Rican colones which is about $37 USD. Always ask which currency you are being charged!

Read more Costa Rica travel tips below!

10 mistakes to avoid traveling in Costa Rica

10 best places for 1st time visitors

Going through immigration and customs

Costa Rica Vacation Checklist

• First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
• Not sure how to move around Costa Rica? Read our How to Get Around Costa Rica guide to find the best transportation method for you.
• Click the link to get our detailed Costa Rica Packing List so you know what essential items to bring.
• Do not forget to purchase Travel Insurance for your trip to Costa Rica.
• Stay connected by purchasing a prepaid SIM Card in Costa Rica.
• Save money with Mytanfeet Deals for tours and hotels. Save more money with our Costa Rica Car Rental Discount.

Join our mailing list and get our free Costa Rica eBook!

Reader Interactions

December 4, 2023

I want to thank you for your straightforward tips especially about crossing the border to Nicaragua and avoiding scams in Costa Rica. We had a very enjoyable trip. Your blogs are a must read for trips like this.

December 8, 2023

Glad to hear, thanks for the feedback and for reading the site!

Sandra says

April 25, 2022

Hi, you say your preference in booking places to stay is to go through Airbnb…is the same true of booking tours through Airbnb? Are they safe from fraudulent guides? Thanks in advance

May 24, 2022

Hi Sandra, we have never used Airbnb experiences so I’m not sure exactly how they work but it seems like anyone can just post tours and operate them, I don’t know if Airbnb asks them for their tourism licenses or anything so I wouldn’t be able to say 100% if it’s safe from fraudulent guides – maybe you can check with the AIrbnb Experiences policies and ask them how they vet their listings

April 22, 2022

Hi there, my significant other and I are going to Costa Rica in about 3 weeks time and we are so excited! What are your thoughts / experiences with tours booked through Airbnb experiences? Also is it common for Airbnb hosts in Costa Rica to also sell activities such as ziplining, etc.? Thank you so much!

we have never used Airbnb experiences so I’m not sure exactly how they work but it seems like anyone can just post tours and operate them, I don’t know if Airbnb asks them for their tourism licenses or anything so I wouldn’t be able to say 100% if it’s safe from fraudulent guides – maybe you can check with the AIrbnb Experiences policies and ask them how they vet their listings

Sharon says

February 14, 2021

My daughter is in CR at the moment and has just had a very expensive £180 taxi ride when she was told the buses were full. SO wish I had seen your post before she went. She wasn’t harmed, just very shaken up. Such a shame her travels started off this way but at least now she will be on high alert!!

I’m sorry to hear that 🙁 But I hope she enjoys the rest of her travels!

October 5, 2020

World Nomads does NOT cover the COVID insurance required. I went with INS. To do over, I’d choose Savicor – easier.

PIERRE says

January 14, 2020

Hi, I am a Canadian travelling to Costa Rica in February 2020. Do I need to keep my Passport with me as I will be renting a 4×4 to drive. I will be going from San Jose to Liberia. Will go to Arenal and Monteverde regions on the way. thanks Pierre

January 15, 2020

Hi Pierre, all foreigners who are renting a car and driving must have their original passport with them whenever they are driving.

Susan Jackson says

July 21, 2019

We just had a new border experience.

When returning from Nica to CR at Penas Blancas, 2 men with some badges-?- made us get a “car ticket” with our car license on it and had us fill a customs form at the Aduana office. I thought that was for car crossings. I explained that the car DID NOT cross the border. We kept it at the Tico house/lot. He was persistent. I had argued and even asked the immigration desk and he validated that I did NOT need a car stamp, but he added that we should go to aduana. At Aduana he demanded the car license and customs form. We complied. There was no charge.

We never went to Aduana, filled a customs form or needed a car stamp for leaving our at at the border.

The guys then wanted a tip for “helping” us. ( Said they helped stop the fee.) I declined and shamed him for disgracing Ticos and CR, ha,ha.

Also- on the customs form it questions the 3 day out. So many do an over/back. We were out for 4 nights, but curious if a change is coming??

Appreciate any clarification. You guys rock!!!

Angela says

December 3, 2018

Thank you so much! Is it safe for 20 somethings to go to bars in San Jose at night? My son and his girlfriend are planning a trip there. There are doing lots of day tours but at night will like be in the city? Please advise. Angela

Hi Angela! It is and there is a nice bar scene in San Jose but we do recommend to taxi or Uber, don’t walk at night in San Jose after 9 PM and don’t walk down streets you don’t know.

Jean-Francois Garand says

October 7, 2018

Hi Quick question, you wrote : Tourists can legally decline one type of insurance but you need a letter from your credit card company to do so. What should I ask my credit card company? My every car I rent using my credit card is fully insured will I need proof of that?

Thank you in advance

Hi Jean-Francois, the letter you need from your credit card company has to state that they will cover the insurance you are declining. It needs to have your full name, credit card details and the company letterhead. You’ll present the letter to the car rental company in order to decline that insurance. For every reservation, if you want to decline that insurance then you’ll have to present the letter.

February 5, 2018

Hi Jen, I’m glad you find the post useful! All gas stations in Costa Rica have attendants, none are self serve so you don’t need to get out of the car or anything. When they need the payment, you’ll hand your credit card to them from your seat and they usually have a portable credit card machine so ask them to slide it in front of you. If they don’t, I would get out and go to where the machine is so you can have an eye on your card at all times. Always keep the receipts so you can keep track of them.

February 6, 2018

Great, thanks for the reply!

Thank you! This was a really helpful post. So if paying at a gas station, should you ask the attendant to run the card right at the gas pump — or should you go with them inside to do the transaction? Do you always need to use an attendant, or can you fill up and pay yourself? I always find gassing up in other countries to be a bit confusing at first, so any information you can provide would be fantastic. Thanks!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exclusive deals

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Clicking on them may earn Costa Rica Vibes a commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

16 Common Scams in Costa Rica and How to Avoid Them

Costa Rica is an amazing country, but as with almost every country, there are some common scams in Costa Rica that you should be aware of before visiting.

We want you to fall in love with this country, as we have since moving here in 2016. It really is like paradise! However, in order to have the perfect trip, you need to use a bit of caution.

We, fortunately, have never had any major scams committed against us. However, that doesn’t mean that people haven’t tried to do some of these things to us. We’ve always just been lucky enough to catch on quickly and avoid bad situations.

So, we created this guide to 16 common scams in Costa Rica to help you know what to look out for and to help you protect yourself while traveling.

1. Intercepted Transportation Scam

This scam involves stopping you while leaving the airport. Exiting the airport (especially in San Jose) can be an overwhelming experience. 

You will be bombarded with tons of people asking if you need a taxi. 

There is usually a large crowd of people waiting to pick up travelers. It can be difficult to find the person who is meeting you from your rental car company, tour company, etc.

We have heard of people approaching confused travelers and offering to help. They will ask who you are looking for and will then offer to call that person for you.

After “placing the call” they will tell you. “OK the person who was supposed to pick you up is having car troubles. I told them that I will drive you to the meeting point instead.”

Once you get in the car or away from the crowd of the airport they will either rob you or actually drive you to where you need to go but won’t let you out of the car until you pay a large sum of money.

How You Can Avoid This

Have your contact person specify a particular place to meet up at the airport. Also, there is free wifi at the airport and it reaches to the outside area. 

Tell your contact person that if you can not find them you will call them over Whatsapp, Facetime, etc.

We also have a complete guide to landing at the San Jose airport for more info.

2. The Costa Rica Rental Car Scam

I’m not sure if I should really call this a scam, or just a really shady business tactic. This involves renting a car in Costa Rica. 

Several rental car companies offer a really low rental car rate on either their website or through third-party sites like Expedia. 

You will think that you have secured a super cheap rental car until you actually go to pick up your car. It is then that you will discover that Costa Rica has mandatory rental car insurance which hasn’t been included in your price.

This is completely true, Costa Rica does have mandatory rental car insurance, but because you were unaware of it they now have you hooked. You need that rental car and will end up paying hundreds of dollars more than you expected to pay.

Our Experience

This one actually happened to my mom on her first visit to Costa Rica. She booked a rental car on a big booking website at a super reasonable rate. When she arrived to pick up her car she started to get nervous because all the other people picking up their cars were visibly frustrated and arguing with the employees. 

And, sure enough, when we got to the counter we learned that they hadn’t included the insurance costs. In reality, my mom had to pay SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS more than she had been quoted.

But, at that point, she couldn’t really do anything. She needed a rental car. So, she just paid it. But, it left us with such a bad feeling. 

After this happened I started researching which car companies are trustworthy in Costa Rica and came across a local car rental company called Adobe Rent-a-Car.

Since then, we only rent and recommended cars in Costa Rica with Adobe. They are completely upfront with their costs and an all-around excellent company. 

Adobe Rent-a-Car

• 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
• Free second driver
• 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
• Excellent customer service
• New fleet of well-maintained vehicles

Because we like them so much we approached them to see if they wanted to partner with Costa Rica VIbes. 

They have generously given us a 10% discount plus other great perks to pass on to you.

You can read more about renting a car and grab your discount here 🚗

3. The Popped Tire Scam

One scam that we have heard about is people getting their tires slashed while stopped at a red light or while driving on a slow road.

When you go to pull your car over to check the tire someone a few cars behind you will pull over to “help” you.

In reality, this is a two-person con. The person who slashed your tire and the person who pulled over to help you are in on this together. The helpful person will then rob you and take off.

How to Avoid This

There is not much you can do to avoid someone slashing your tires. However, if you do need to pull over to check the tire, try to do it in a full parking lot.

If you are in a remote area and this is not an option it is best to keep your car doors locked and call your rental car company.

They will then direct you to call the police or the rental car company will send someone out to help you.

Keep in mind that in Costa Rica the emergency number is 9-1-1.

4. Online Booking Scams

This scam involves booking hotels, house rentals, activities, transportation, etc by companies that don’t actually exist. Usually this happens when you see a deal that sounds almost too good to pass up. You will pay online and once you will arrive in Costa Rica you will be completely ghosted by the company or realize they don’t exist at all.

The best way to avoid this is by only booking through reputable sites.

For example:

For hotels, we always book through Booking.com

For vacation rentals, we like VRBO

For activities we suggest Viator

All of these are third-party sites, but at least if something goes wrong you have the backing of a large company to help you sort it out.

5. The Gas Station Scam

All gas stations in Costa Rica are full-service. that means you will stay in your car while an employee fills your tank.

You do not need to tip them or anything. However, if they wash your windshield, I often give them a small tip as a thank you.

Anyway, the gas station scam involves the employees distracting you so that they can overcharge you.

How to Prevent It

Always keep an eye on how much the total is at the gas pump. Make sure is is at 0 when they start pumping and make sure you can see the total when they stop pumping. Then, always double check your receipt.

Keep in mind that gas stations are government-regulated in Costa Rica. That means that the price will be the same no matter which gas station you go to.

One time I was at a gas station in Costa Rica with my dad. The gas attendant meant to put in 20,000 colones into the credit card machine but accidentally put in extra zero.

So the total was 200,000 (or about $370 USD) instead of 20,000 (or $37 USD).

The attendant realized his mistake before he even gave my dad the receipt to sign. He was so embarrassed and quickly took care of it to get the charge reversed.

I say this because mistakes do happen. Don’t instantly think the worst, but sometimes scams also happen.

6. Pirate Taxi Scam

This scam tends to occur most often at bus stations in San Jose. When you exit a bus you will be inundated with people asking if you need a taxi. When you say “yes” they will take you to their nearby “taxi.”

In actuality, these are not legal taxi drivers. Upon dropping you off at the location you need to go they will demand you pay them over $100 for a taxi ride that should cost about $20.

At this point, you can not do much because your luggage is in their trunk. You end up paying just to get out of the situation.

Never take unofficial taxis in Costa Rica. You can tell if a taxi is official by its red or orange color and the yellow triangle on the driver’s side door.

We have a complete guide to taxi’s in Costa Rica which will help you with more info on avoiding pirate taxis.

7. The Overcharged Taxi Scam

This scam actually happens in official taxis in Costa Rica. Usually, you should have no issues, but occasionally we have heard about taxi drivers not turning on the taxi meter or saying “oh I have a broken taxi meter.” They then majorly overcharge you. 

Taxi drivers don’t want to get in trouble. The first thing you can do is take a picture of their license plate when you get in the taxi. And don’t be shy about it. Let the driver see you do it. 

By doing that, the taxi driver is likely to follow the legal rules because they are scared that you could report them. 

Once in the taxi, make sure that they turn on the meter. If they don’t, ask them to. If they say it is broken, tell them you will find another taxi.

8. The Staged Car Accident Scam

This is somewhat similar to the popped tire scam. The scam involves a car behind you lightly tapping you at a remote traffic light. When you pull over to check the damage they will then rob you.

We have actually even heard of this happening the other way around as well. Someone in front of you will slam on their breaks so that you tap them. Again, when you go to check the damage of your car they will rob you.

There isn’t much you can do to avoid this. However, if you think this is happening to you it is best to stay in your rental car with it locked and immediately call your rental car company as well as the police.

9. The Costa Rica Exchange Rate Scam

We had this almost happen to us while crossing the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica . There are verified people who can exchange currency for you on the border, but that doesn’t mean they will actually give you the correct amount.

We knew the exchange rate ahead of time (download the free app XE Currency to always be up on the correct exchange rate) and the person exchanging money for us confirmed that this was the correct rate. However, he then tried to give us about $10 less than he was supposed to. 

Luckily we counted out the money he had given us and told him he owed us more money. We had a friend that is a native Costa Rican with us who argued with him until we got the correct rate. This man obviously thought he could pull one over on stupid gringos.

How to avoid this

I suggest avoiding currency exchange places in general. Even the ones at the airport typically give a really bad exchange rate.

Instead, you can always ask you bank at home to order colones for you before your trip. Usually this has no fee. I suggest doing it at least two weeks in advance because sometimes they will have to order the currency for you.

If you need money in Costa Rica, I suggest getting money out of an ATM.

Check with your bank to find out about international ATM fees. I have an account with Charles Schwab and all my international ATM fees are automatically refunded into my account.

10. The Double Charge Scam

This happened to someone Thomas knows last time they were visiting. They didn’t want to deal with carrying a lot of cash or exchanging money so they decided to depend entirely on credit cards while traveling in Costa Rica.

This seemed like a good idea until they returned to Germany and their credit card was accruing charges from Costa Rica. It turned out that one of the places they used their credit card at had copied their card info and was charging them multiple times on their credit card machine.

At large supermarket chains, reputable restaurants, and large hotels I wouldn’t worry too much about using your credit card. You will likely be completely fine.

However, at small mini markets, little restaurant etc. I suggest trying to pay with cash as often as possible.

Do You Have Travel Insurance?

Don’t let unexpected medical expenses or trip interruptions overshadow your dream Costa Rican vacation.  

Secure your worry-free Costa Rican adventure with Heymondo travel insurance

Also, I suggest checking your credit card transactions every day online. That way, if something looks suspicious you can immediately report it to your credit card company and have it taken care of. 

We have a complete post on currency and paying in Costa Rica for more info.

11. The Dollars or Colones Scam

I saw this recently in the news. A guy was traveling in Costa Rica and took an Uber.

At the end of his journey he paid with his debit card. The total was about 30,000 colones. That is equivalent to about $53 US dollars.

Somehow, he was instead charged 30,000 dollars! 

So, since he paid with a debit card it overdrafted his account and he was stuck without any money. Ugh!

I don’t know if this was a scam, a genuine mistake by the taxi driver, or actually an issue with his bank that charged him incorrectly, but either way, it is something to be aware of.

If you’re interested, you can read the story here .

Always ask for a receipt and double-check it. Also, avoid paying with debit card if you can. Credit card is always better for this reason.

12. The ATM Tourist Scam

Always use caution when using ATM’s. I don’t think it is super common in Costa Rica, but I have heard of ATM’s having card readers installed by thieves. This allows them to read your card details.

Also, watch out for suspicious people at ATM’s. We have heard of people being followed after taking cash out and then being robbed.

Only use an ATM that is in a more populated area during the day. Always look at the slot where you put your card in. If there looks to be unusual pieces attached to the ATM, go to another one.

13. The Fellow Gringo Scam

We read recently about two guys pulling this particular scam in San Jose to passing tourists. The men doing the scam speak English and stop tourists by asking where they are from in the US.

The men pretend to be from the US living in Costa Rica (or maybe they actually are from the US). After striking up a conversation they will ask if you’d like to get a drink/ explore the area with them etc.

Once they get you away from a touristy area they will offer you free weed (which you obviously should never accept) or they will secretly plant it on you. They will then claim to be an undercover cop and force you to go to an ATM to “pay them off.”

I’ve even heard of them calling some scary looking friends to keep an eye on you so you can’t run while withdrawing money.

How you can avoid this

I hate to say that you shouldn’t be friendly, but if someone seems a bit suspicious, they probably are. It’s never a good idea to go off from a busy area with someone you’ve just met. Always trust your instincts!

14. The Fake Costa Rica Tour Guide Scam

We have heard of people standing on the street in touristy areas ( Manuel Antonio , Jaco etc.) and asking if you would like to take a tour. They often dress nicely and sometimes even go as far as to have a shirt on from a tour company.

The offer for the tour will be super amazing. When they have you hooked they will tell you the details of where to meet for the tour and that they need a deposit ahead of time.

After giving the deposit you will never see them again.

When you arrive for your tour there will be nobody else there.

Sometimes the worst part of this is not even losing the money but the wasted day of your vacation when you thought you had a great tour set up.

Only book tours through official companies. Your hotel can always help you with tours if you need. If you plan to book through a shop just check out their online reviews ahead of time.

15. Spilled Drink Scam

We have heard of people “accidentally” spilling a drink on tourists in a crowded bar. The criminal will then act very apologetic and try to help you wipe the drink up. While you are distracted an accomplice will pickpocket from you.

If someone spills something on you just tell them that you do not need help cleaning it up. Be aware of your surroundings and hopefully you will be OK.

16. The Fake Parking Lot Scam

We almost fell for this one in Manuel Antonio. This tourist scam involves someone standing on the side of the road near popular tourist destinations such as national parks. 

When you drive by they will tell you that the official parking lot is full or closed for repairs. 

They will then charge you about double what the normal parking lot costs.

Always look up if a national park has an official parking lot ahead of time and see exactly where it is located and how much it costs. 

If you are heading to Manuel Antonio we have a complete guide to the Manuel Antonio national park . It includes details about how to get to the official lot.

How to Stay Safe

Safety during your travels in Costa Rica should always be you number one concern.

Check out our guide to safety for all of our tips.

Learning Basic Spanish Phrases

Knowing a few key phrases can help you avoid misunderstandings and navigate tricky situations.

We created a complete guide to basic Spanish to help you out.

Register with STEP

If you are a US citizen, we definitely suggest registering with STEP . This is a program put on by the government.

It allows them to get in contact with you in the case of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, etc. in whichever country you are visiting.

Keep Valuables Hidden

If you have an expensive camera, cell phone, jewelry, etc. it is best not to make it overly visible.

Pro Tip: Make a photocopy of your passport and carry the paper copy with you. Store the photocopy in your safe in your hotel room. 

Purchase Travel Insurance

Travel insurance doesn’t just cover you for injury. It is also there to protect you if items get stolen or you get scammed.

Our go-to travel insurance for Costa Rica travel is a company called HeyMondo.

⤷ Get a Travel Insurance Quote

Confirm Prices Before Committing

Before ordering food, taking a taxi, or purchasing items, always confirm the price to avoid any unexpected charges.

Stay Alert in Crowded Areas

Scammers often operate in busy tourist spots, markets, and transportation hubs. Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.

Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Offers

Whether it’s a street deal or an online bargain, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust you gut!

Secure Your Belongings

Use anti-theft bags and backpacks that have lockable zippers and slash-proof materials. Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch for essential documents and cash.

This especially applies in crowded areas such as downtown San Jose.

Limit Cash and Valuables

Only carry the amount of cash you’ll need for the day, and leave unnecessary valuables at your accommodation in a secure safe.

The Positive Side of Costa Rica

Yes, there are some bad people in Costa Rica that may try to target you because you are a tourist, but in general, that is usually not the case.

Costa Ricans are typically the most friendly and helpful people you will ever meet. So, in general you shouldn’t be scared to ask for help or to talk to people.

In fact, when Thomas and I moved to Costa Rica we were very standoffish towards people. See, we had been living in northern Germany for four years, and random people would never go out of their way to help you there.

When we moved to Costa Rica our first landlord spent her Saturday morning showing us around the neighborhood and helping us buy furniture. We thought for sure that she wanted something from us, but no, she was just genuinely nice.

Then we had random people helping me to find a job, people we barely knew took us on day trips to help us get better acclimated etc.

It took Thomas and I a long time to get used to this, but now we love it. The culture is very much about helping each other to have the best out of life.

So, what I’m trying to say is that yes, you need to use caution and always somewhat have your guard up. But, in general, people here are absolutely amazing. 

Cultural Norms to be Aware Of

There are some practices that at first might feel like they are leading up to a scam, but are actually normal things in Costa Rica.

Here are a few things you should know. 

Tipping Practices

Misinterpretation: In many restaurants in Costa Rica, a service charge (typically 10%) is automatically included in the bill. If you are visiting from a country where tipping is customary you might think you’re being scammed.

Reality: The service charge is standard. Additional tipping is appreciated but it’s not mandatory.

“Tico Time”

Misinterpretation: Appointments or scheduled events might start later than the set time, which could be mistaken as unreliability or even as a no-show scam.

Reality: “Tico Time” refers to the more relaxed approach to punctuality in Costa Rica. It’s a cultural norm, especially in non-business settings. People here take the Pura Vida lifestyle seriously.

Informal Sales

Misinterpretation: People might approach you on the beach or in public places offering to sell handmade crafts, fruits, or services (for example a boat tour or jet ski rental). You might feel this is a scam or an attempt to overcharge.

Reality: Many locals make a living or supplement their income by selling goods or services this way. While it’s always good to be cautious, many of these sellers are genuine.

Friendliness and Personal Questions

Misinterpretation: Costa Ricans (or Ticos, as they often call themselves) are known for their friendliness. They might ask personal questions or engage in what you might consider overly familiar conversations. This can lead to discomfort or suspicion.

Reality: Warmth and friendliness are parts of Tico culture. Questions about one’s family, reasons for visiting, or opinions about Costa Rica are often just ways to make conversation and show genuine interest.

Paying for Parking

Misinterpretation: If you park on the side of the road or in a public park lot you might see a person in a neon vest that helps you park. You might assume that it is some kind of scam.

Reality: These people often appoint themselves to this position. You do not have to pay them, but it is best to do so. You can pay them as you leave. Just give them a dollar or two. They will watch your car and make sure it is protected.

Conclusion: Costa Rica Scams

We are not trying to scare you off with these common Costa Rica scams, but we just want you to be aware of things that sometimes can happen.

Hopefully, by reading this list you feel more prepared and can avoid any uncomfortable situations during your vacation to paradise.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!

You Might Also Like:

90 Costa Rica Travel Tips: Things You Need to Know

Costa rica travel insurance: everything to know before purchasing, costa rica car rental scam: what to watch out for, ​​costa rica entry requirements and restrictions for travel, is costa rica safe to visit in 2024 travel crime advice.

Costa Rica Travel Details : What You Need to Know

🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?

Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.

• Save 10% Plus Other Perks with Our Adobe Rental Car Discount
• You might also consider; shared shuttle services or private transfer services

🏄🏽 How can I book things to do?

We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.

🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?

Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.

✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?

Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner . Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).

🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?

We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.

🗣️ What is the main language in Costa Rica?

The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.

💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas

📞 What is the best way to stay connected?

An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.

🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?

Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.

🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?

Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.

Hi! We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)

We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes. Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together. Want the whole crazy story?

Sarah McArthur

Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.  She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.  Want the whole crazy story?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

24 Comments

That car rental scam is spot on. Good to know about Adobe. I go to CR a lot and occasionally need to rent

I can confirm the parking lot scam. I saw this in Manuel Antonio myself. Luckily we were with a tour company, but the aggressiveness of the scammers was a little scary. The guy even tried it on the tour bus driver, but I think the driver told him to go away in Spanish, in possibly not so nice words 😉

We did not get scammed, but a few people tried. I still would go back in a heartbeat. Pura Vida all the way!

This is a great guide, you guys did your homework.

Good day! I’m going to PV and Bocas today. How do I recognize the Uber drivers if you say they are almost legal. Do they have their stickers on the windshield?

Hi Jackie! To use Uber you will need to use the Uber app. Then when a car comes to pick you up just say “Who are you picking up?” and with the Uber app they will know your name. That way you can be sure that they are actually legit and not some random person pretending to be your Uber driver. They don’t have any stickers on their window. However, taxis in Costa Rica are red and usually have a large yellow triangle on the side. That is how you know a taxi is a legit taxi (in case you can’t get an uber).

Awesome article, thanks for the tips! Indeed, Colombia has agreat mix of different sceneries and attractions such as the famous cloud forest of Monteverde, rolling surf in Salsa Brava and Tamarindo and the colonial architecture in San Jose. However, crime rate is high and petty crime is common in tourist areas.

Do be wary of fraudulent park guides, fake border crossing agent, drink or food spiking, long taxi routes, atm scams, street money exchange, and many more!

Here’s another tip. If you have to take a red taxi, make sure the name on the yellow sign on top of the taxi says Coopetico. They are the best taxi drivers compared to the other red taxis. ?

I didn’t know that. Thanks for the tip Elena! That will definitely help other travelers. 🙂

• Latin America News
• Art and Culture
• Science and Tech
• Classifieds

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

U.S. Temporarily Shuts Down Mexico Border and What It Means for Migrants

Costa rica’s june gardening secrets: from lush lawns to bountiful harvests, costa rica’s central bank rejects industrial sectors’ economic demands, bus catches fire in costa rica, exposing passenger safety concerns, costa rican president accused of offering bribes to congress president, 10 common tourist scams in costa rica to avoid.

Costa Rica can be the ultimate paradise. A place people longingly dream of whether it be a vacation, part-time move, or retirement destination, it is desired by plenty.

So, when many arrive, they are laden with rose-colored glasses, living in the honeymoon phase of being in Costa Rica. Excitement, the sunshine, and coconuts of tropical days. Monkeys and rainforests, reconnecting with nature. 

However, as with most destinations around the globe, there are always a few tricks of the trade that some like to use on others to get ahead. Here are a few tips to be aware of throughout your travels and stay in Costa Rica.

1. Bus Strike

The bus strike story is one of the oldest in the books and stays alive since it works. When you arrive and seek out a taxi to take you to the bus terminal or even out waiting for the bus some drivers will share pertinent news with you. That there is a bus strike in the country but will gladly help you reach your hotel or destination.

This would be key information and top news in Costa Rica and easily found online. You would most definitely know about it since the public transportation system is so heavily relied upon across the country.

Save your dollars and dignity and continue with your plans by taking a ride to the terminal or waiting for the bus. There is likely no bus strike but only someone looking to make some extra money.

2. Property Rental Deposits

It is always in your best interest to rent first when deciding where to stay in Costa Rica if a long-time visit is in the plans. Getting to know if a town is right for you or best suited as a vacation destination is extremely important. Renting lets you get a feel for the land, the community, and the way of life.

Rental deposits are typically asked for as a security for any damages. Always take photos first as a backup. What can seem like a great relationship at the beginning can sometimes turn a bit sour, money tends to do that to people. This goes for any country you are renting in, not just Costa Rica.

There have been some wild stories of landlords coming up with ridiculous lists when it’s time to move out. Given long lists of what seems like more of a home renovation, makeover, or maintenance costs than any actual damages.

3. The Love Language

It is so easy for some to be swooned by the mi amor, mi vida, corazon, amorcito if it isn’t the language you are accustomed to. The words of love and adoration by both women and men can seem so adoring. Of course, it is beautiful and can come from the heart with good natural intentions.

But it is something to be mindful of when a first-time visitor. It is also said to the cashier when checking out, welcoming a random patron into the store, or a stray animal on the street. It is incorporated into everyday vocabulary regardless of who one is speaking to. Some can fall prey to the emotions that it can evoke if it is all new to you and not your vernacular.

4. Restaurant Bill Review

It goes without saying whenever you go out to eat, take a look at your bill. And if you are having a few cervezas try to keep tabs on the empties or the glasses on the table. Sometimes, a few might be added on thinking you might not notice.

Review your bill to make sure it doesn’t include an extra plate of food or drinks. High traffic and tourist locations can make for easy attempts and most often than not when questioned it is fixed.

5. Parking Lots

Parking lots such as Manuel Antonio are notorious for luring you into their unofficial spaces by what appears to be parking assistants. However, pulling in has you walking about a mile to just get to the park.

There is no official parking lot but there are private lots much closer to the park’s entrance. Don’t choose the first one you see and don’t believe that you cannot enter the park without their guidance or staying in their lot.

Remember to never leave anything in sight wherever you are parking, even if it is just for a few minutes.  It may not seem valuable to you but to someone else, it may be worth breaking in for.

6. Taxi Tricks

It almost becomes a right of passage when traveling to Costa Rica to share your taxi tales over a cold cerveza. You don’t need to be a foreigner to have one, locals and tourists alike.

The old faithful trick of the meter is broken. Let’s set an agreed-upon price so we get you on your way quickly is told time and time again. But don’t fall for it, the price will most likely not be what you agreed upon once you arrive and you are left to pay whatever they choose.

Meters aren’t reset, many somehow have been forgotten to be turned on or accidentally turned off. Be responsible and take note before the journey starts. Taking the long route is one of the oldest tricks in the book around the world. Follow along on your phone and keep an eye if it seems to be going further off track than what seems reasonable.

7. Investing in Something You Have Never Seen

So many have a dream of spending their future days in Costa Rica’s paradise that they get wrapped up in the potential of making their visions a reality. However, they make the mistake of not coming to Costa Rica and seeing it for themselves or speaking to the right people.  So often than not, you can find your deposit or purchase is for a place that does not even exist.

Things can appear to be legitimate with the powers of technology and methods of communication, but this can also serve as a detriment. When investing ensure you are fully aware and knowledgeable of your purchase and who you are working with. Property fraud is a very common occurrence across the globe.

You want to ensure what is being sold to you can actually be sold to you, developed on, and are in fact are the owners of the property, not someone well versed in the trickery. Do your research and don’t rush.  There are reputable and trustworthy professionals that can assist you.

8. Rainy Season Romance

Romance can suddenly shower down on you when the rainy season is approaching. It becomes a way of life for some needing a place to stay when the sunny days cloud over, especially in the tourist beach towns.

It’s so well known, that even the locals joke about it. However, many unsuspecting tourists or seasonal vacationers may not be privy to this.  They come to believe they have met their next romance or love of their life. Unfortunately, some find themselves without a few of their possessions, passports, and documents missing, or at least a good portion of their savings dwindled after the rains pass.

9. Car Rentals

Costa Rica has a good public transportation system, most are comfortable with big windows to see the country as you travel. However, it can take quite a while to get from one place to another. So many invest in a car rental getting them to where they need to go quickly and when they want.

But there are a few things to look out for. The online prices can grab your attention with what appears to be a great deal. Once you arrive for your vacation you can be at the mercy of the rental company. Finding yourself with no other options, coming in high season, everything is rented and you have no choice but to accept the expensive surprises.

At the end of the payment process what you thought you would be paying is nowhere near the actual amount with the additional fees. There is mandatory insurance that must be purchased, regardless of what company you use which is not cheap.

Simply inquire about all the additional fees and insurance that are required for your car rental booking so you aren’t left in sticker shock when it comes time to pay. Also, do a very thorough walk around the rental and even take some pictures. You don’t want to be responsible for someone else’s pothole adventures that the country’s roads are notorious for.

10. Gas Stations

Gas stations in Costa Rica are full service so everything is taken care of for you. You may need to use the restroom or use those down moments for something else, but save that for after you have filled up. Keep your presence at the pump and your eyes on what is going on before you.

Has the pump been reset? Is someone distracting you by trying to sell you something at your window? Are you using a credit card, if so, does your bill match the amount on the pump? Have there been extra charges put on, or were you charged twice? Not paying in the local currency? Be cognizant of what the actual exchange is if it isn’t posted on the pump or station.

All countries have someone waiting to take advantage of an unsuspecting person or those that may be a bit too kind or naïve. It goes without saying to be weary if one is too friendly or befriends you quickly, always watch your credit card wherever it goes and have a good sense of awareness.

Of course, you are on vacation and simply want to focus on all the beautiful things around you which you should so rightfully do. Just have a good head on your shoulders when settling into the pura vida of things.

Weekly Recap

Costa rica weekly recap news recap for june 2 2024.

Latest Articles

Keylor navas accused of undeclared employee scandal as former assistant speaks out, southwest airlines inaugurates direct route from costa rica to orlando, el salvador police detain prominent barrio 18 gang front person, escazu community shocked by fatal neighbor conflict.

Common Costa Rica tourist scams

 No matter how much a country claims to be safe for tourists, there will always be a risk of getting conned. Every country has a fair share of tourist scams, and Costa Rica is no exception. With an inflow of more than 2 million tourists per year, the tourism sector is one of its primary income sources. And though it is a very safe and incredible tourist destination, tourist scams are a proportionally common occurrence. However, if you are cautious and well-versed with these scams, avoiding them can be pretty simple. 

So, to help our fellow tourists have a safe and fun touring experience, we’ve compiled a list of some common tourist scams. Skim through our Costa Rica safety tips to learn how to avert such happenings! 

Online Travel Scams

The first and foremost scam that tourists can fall prey to are the internet/online travel scams. There are numerous travel companies online with no authenticity, just waiting for someone to fall into their trap. Though this isn’t an everyday occurrence, being careless on a bad day can cost you a lot.

How to avoid this?

Being careful is the key. Before you entrust any company with your money, make sure to check its ratings with organizations like BBB ( Better Business Bureau), Canatur, and ICT. These organizations rate the companies after thoroughly checking their legitimacy and the ones that make the cut, are the trustworthy lot. Most of the companies and hotels are responsible and legitimate but it’s your duty as a consumer to go through their details before trusting them. 

The taxi meter scams

It’s a common practice among taxi drivers to try their best to get as much money from their customers as possible. Tourists are the most vulnerable group to be targeted. This is due to the notion that tourists are usually naive and less likely to pay attention to the taxi meters. All the official Costa Rican taxis come with a meter. However, some sly taxi drivers either don’t turn the meter on or don’t reset the meter from the previous trip. If the tourist happens to acknowledge this fact, some would claim that their meter is broken. These are all common lies that you must look out for.  

Preventing such scams from happening to you is pretty simple. The best way is to refrain from taking a taxi. Whenever you can, it’s best to call for an Uber instead, as they are a cheaper and a much safer travel option than taxis. However, if you don’t have any choice other than to take a taxi, please ensure that it is a legally registered one. Also, see to it that the driver resets the meter to zero before beginning the ride. If they don’t, board a new taxi.

The slashed/popped tire scam

This is a scam that people planning to rent a car in Costa Rica need to be aware of. Renting a car comes in handy when you want to tour around the city without any hassle. However, rental cars are also popular subjects to this popped tire scam. This act involves two people. One slyly gets your tires slashed and when you get out to check out the tire, the second one comes in to help you and then robs you and takes off. 

Falling victim to such a con is very tragic, but you can do some things to ensure that the harm remains confined to just your tires. Firstly, if you need to check on the condition of your tires, it’s best to do so in a populated parking lot. However, if you happen to be in a remote area, lock your car and call your rental company. Stay inside till they send the police or someone else to help you out.

The Currency Exchange scams

The Currency exchange rate serves as another popular means of scamming tourists. For over a decade, the currency rate of the Costa Rican colones remained around 500 colonies to 1 USD, which was easier to calculate and use. However, over the years, the colon has seen a gradual decline in its value. With daily fluctuations in its value, it is very convenient for native businesses to take advantage of you as a tourist by simply using the older conversion rates to gain profit.  

As a tourist, you should keep yourself up-to-date with the current conversion rate. If you think that the exchange rate offered to you seems irrational, you should look for the conversion rate they have posted or the one published on a banking website or in any newspaper. Another way to prevent such happenings is by paying in colones for things whose rates are mentioned in colones. 

The fake taxi scam

Most commonly experienced in San Jose, this is another popular scam the tourists need to be aware of. Many times when you get out of a bus at a bus station, there are plenty of supposed taxi drivers waiting, asking if you need to hire one. Mostly these taxis are illegal and if some unfortunate soul tends to agree to hire them, they will charge 4 to 5 times the actual taxi fare for the same ride. However, once the ride is over there’s nothing much you can do, especially in an unknown country, other than pay the entire amount. 

The only way to prevent such mishaps is by knowing what a legal Costa Rican Taxi looks like. The legal taxis in Costa Rica are orange or red ( orange for the airport ones and red for the official ones). All these taxis have a meter installed and there’s a yellow triangular symbol imprinted on the driver’s side door. So, only after thoroughly checking whether the taxi you’re about to board is an official one or not, should you get in. In case you can only board an unofficial taxi, it is best to negotiate the price beforehand.

The fake tour guide scam

Another popular scam we’ve heard people fall prey to is the fake tour guide scam. What happens here is that you’ll find plenty of people at famous tourist destinations asking if you’d like to have a tour guide. To give their best impression they are usually well-dressed and some even go as far as to wear a shirt from an official tour company. They usually come well prepared and hence will go into every detail to lure you into saying yes. From amazingly discounted prices to a detailed plan of the tour, they tell you everything that will convince you that they’re doing the best you’ll find. Next, they ask you for an advanced payment. And once you pay them, they’ll vanish with your money, never to be found again. What’s more tragic is that not only do you lose your hard-earned money but also your precious time.

To avoid buying into such bluffs it’s best to book a tour guide through an official company. The hotel you’re staying at can also help you find a reliable company for arranging worthy tours. Irrespective of who you’re trusting, it’s best to do a background check beforehand to avoid such problematic situations.

The Gas Station Scam

Such types of scams are a more common occurrence than you’d like to believe. Since there’s no option of self-service at the Costa Rican gas stations, your experience of the same depends on the respective attendants. Scamming tourists at a gas station can either be done by starting the pump before it reaches zero or through incorrect currency exchange rates. Some even try to simply charge more on your credit card than the amount shown in the meter.  

Your physical presence, as well as the presence of mind,d is very important if you want to avoid getting scammed at a Costa Rica Gas Station . Make sure that both the colones section and the liters section read zero before they start filling up your tank. Do not leave your vehicle unattended while it is being filled. 

The lengthy taxi route scam

Another easy and common means among the taxi drivers to fool the tourists and gain as much money as possible is by taking the longest possible route to reach a destination. Tourists have no idea of the common shortcuts and hence are unsuspecting and easily fooled.

All you need is google maps on your phone! You can simply download the maps for the route you’re about to take and follow along as the taxi driver takes you to your desired location. In case they make any deviation from the original route without any reason, just call them out politely. Or you can always book an Uber, which usually has a lower fare and if anything of this sort happens, you can call the company and get compensated.

The fake parking-lot scam

This is another common scam occurring near famous tourist destinations such as Manuel Antonio. What usually transpires is that a person standing on the roadside near some famous tourist destination will call you when they see you driving past them. Then they’ll tell you that the original parking lot is not available for parking and will state a plausible reason for the same. Then they take you to another location and charge you about double the original parking cost.

Before you start your journey, make sure to look up whether the destination you’re headed to has a parking lot or not. If there is one, then you should check its location and the fare they charge. To know more about Costa Rica and its famous destinations, you can always go to our Costa Rica FAQs and shoot some of your queries as well.

The faked car accident scam

Working on the lines of the popped/slashed tire scam, here the perpetrators try to either stay behind you to slam their car lightly into yours, or stay in front of you and then apply brakes all of a sudden so that your car slams into theirs. And once you get out of your car to inspect the damage, they try to rob you.

This is a rather unfortunate act where nothing much can be done to prevent it. However, what you can do to minimize the damage is to stay in your car and lock it from the inside. It is best to call the police as well as your rental car company to avoid things escalating in the negative direction.

The drink spilling scam

This is something you need to look out for at crowded places such as bars and restaurants. The culprit here will ‘accidentally’ try to spill your drink and then try to help you clean the stain all the while acting apologetic and guilty. And taking advantage of your distraction their accomplice will smoothly pickpocket you.

You cannot do anything about someone spilling something on you. But if someone offers help with cleaning it up, refuse and tell them you don’t need it. Even if such a thing does not happen to you, it’s best to beware of the people around you whenever you’re in a crowded place. 

The ATM scam

While we’re at it, let’s look at ATMs through a cautious lens as well because they’re equally susceptible to scams. Though a rather uncommon occurrence, you can never rule out the possibility of such a thing happening to you. There has been news of people installing card readers in ATMs that allow them to access your card details. Also, it’s always a good idea to look out for any suspicious person at or near the ATMs. 

Refrain from using ATMs located in secluded settings, instead opt for one that is located in a well-populated area. Also, if you find anything off about the ATM, go find another one. 

The list of scams indeed runs long and by no means are these supposed to scare you off and prevent you from coming to Costa Rica. It is a beautiful country with rich natural inheritance and a flourishing tourism industry. And we simply want every tourist that visits or plans to visit Costa Rica to have the best time of their lives. By equipping yourself with adequate knowledge of all these potential scams, you can easily dodge any such problematic situation. 

With this article, hope you’ll have one less thing to worry about especially with covid still lurking around. All you need is to follow these safety tips, know about the current CoronaVirus Update and you’re all set for a happening trip to Costa Rica!

Quick links

Send us a message.

Click here to see more results

FOR YOU, FOR FREE: 17 years' worth of firsthand Costa Rica trip planning and travel advice compiled into hundreds of articles, plus exclusive discounts. Created by a Costa Rican and a four-time published Costa Rica guidebook author. Welcome, amigos, and as we say in Costa Rica, pura vida!

Our 2023 Moon Costa Rica guidebook (third edition)

Our 2022 Moon Best of Costa Rica guidebook (first edition)

Our 2021 Moon Costa Rica guidebook (second edition)

Our 2019 Moon Costa Rica guidebook (first edition)

• Moon Travel Guides
• FREE DIY COSTA RICA ACCESS! Details here.

Our company is inclusive.  Read our Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism, Anti-Xenophobia, Anti-Inequality, Anti-Discrimination Statement here.

NEW! Our awesome Costa Rica Destination Tool filters 66 destinations by nearly 150 criteria to help you quickly and easily decide where to go in Costa Rica according to your unique preferences, wants, and needs. Learn more and access the tool on our sister site, DIY Costa Rica, here.

Costa Rica Vacation Package Scams And Red Flags

Home » Introductory Costa Rica Trip Planning Resources » Costa Rica Vacation Package Scams And Red Flags

Last updated on October 1st, 2017 at 07:50 pm GMT-6 (Costa Rica time)

Written by Nikki Solano

Get the Costa Rica info you need by browsing our article's TABLE OF CONTENTS:

BE AWARE OF SCAMS AND RED FLAGS WHEN BUYING A COSTA RICA VACATION PACKAGE

Costa rica vacation package scams and red flags: highballers, costa rica vacation package scams and red flags: lowballers, costa rica vacation package scams and red flags: hidden fees and double taxation, costa rica vacation package scams and red flags: questionable reservation cancellation policies and/or reservation change policies, costa rica vacation package scams and red flags: questionable trip planning advice.

Trips to Costa Rica are more popular than ever, but do you know how to protect yourself from paying more for your vacation than you should, having a low quality experience, getting trapped by company policies, and/or receiving poor advice? If not, we can help. Throughout our experience working with thousands of travellers via our business ( Pura Vida! eh? Inc. ), we have heard enough horror stories to compile the following list. When buying (or building your own) Costa Rica vacation package, be aware of the following red flags, and don’t miss our recommendations as to how to identify and avoid each.

Highballers are individuals or agencies that overcharge travellers when and where it is not necessary to do so. We use the word “necessary” cautiously here, as surely each agent has their own opinion in regards to what is necessary or not for the success of their business. In our opinion, the practice of highballers is never necessary; it not only causes travellers to pay more for a Costa Rica vacation package than what they should pay, but it also deceives travellers througout the process.

While some companies use standard prices (or even provide discounted rates for Costa Rica trip items, as our business does), in contrast, highballers use inflated prices to cover operational costs. Such costs could include agent or employee wages, partner commissions, bank fees, or other expenses. These charges are then grouped into categories, given a title similar to “service fees” or “booking fees”, and are added on top of a Costa Rica vacation package price. This means that travellers end up paying more for what they can truly get for less, if only the highballers’ fees were eliminated.

Some highballers automatically apply such fees to their Costa Rica vacation packages, which instantly increases the overall cost and decreases the traveller’s value per dollar spent. Other highballers wait until travellers need to make changes and/or cancellations to the Costa Rica vacation package to charge the fees. In either case, travellers who opt to reserve their Costa Rica vacations through highballers are essentially paying for an individual or agency’s service on top of the costs directly related to their trip.

Costa Rica vacation package example

Company X’s total Costa Rica vacation package cost is $4,000.00 for two people. When you total the cost of the Costa Rica hotels, tours/activities, and transportation services included, the total Costa Rica vacation package cost is $3,400.00 for two people ($1,900.00 for hotels, $1,100.00 for tours/activities, and $400.00 for transportation services).

Scams and red flags to be aware of

• When asked how Company X obtained the package total of $4,000.00, they regrettably reply “sorry, we do not provide package price breakdowns, only total package costs” (ask yourself, what are they trying to hide?)
• When asked how Company X obtained the package total of $4,000.00, they lie and reply “the package cost is the lowest available–we have included the lowest prices for the hotels, tours/activities, and transportation services” (if you can find it less expensive elsewhere, Company X is lying through their teeth)
• When asked how Company X obtained the package total of $4,000.00, they explain “our packages include tax, guide fees, and service fees” (newsflash–tax is included with most individual trip items, as are guides, so you should not be paying extra for either of these items bundled as service fees–these are plain and simply extra amounts tacked on to the real total package cost resulting in higher earnings for the company)

How to identify and avoid highballers

Ask the individual and/or agency you are planning your trip through to send you a complete price breakdown of each vacation item included with your package. This list should include a complete and detailed outline of hotels (including the exact room type provided), transportation services (including a description of whether the services are shuttle services shared with other travellers or transfer services private to your group), and tours/activities (including whether expenses such as guide fees, entrance fees, and any meals have been worked into the calculation). With this list in hand, you can quickly and easily verify the cost of each vacation item for yourself and can learn whether the total you were quoted is the same or more than what the actual vacation is costing you.

Lowballers are individuals or agencies that undercharge travellers for various Costa Rica vacation package items. Sounds good, doesn’t it? After all, we could all afford to save on travel these days, couldn’t we? Unfortunately in many cases, if something seems too good to be true, it may just be. Cheap prices can be a precursor to a cheap (low quality) vacation experience, so it is always good to question why and how it is possible that the prices are so low.

In Costa Rica, since the tourism market is widespread (and competitive!) there are countless operators offering the same tours/activities, transportation services, and hotel experiences. Sometimes these operators offer promotions or discounts (which are legitimate) and other times operators take advantage of the country’s popularity by fooling travellers into believing that they are paying for an experience much different than the one they receive. In the case of the latter, operators advertise particular tours, services, or hotel amenities at extremely low rates, and compare these to the much higher rates provided by their competitors. What is actually happening however, is that the scamming operator is providing a tour, service, or hotel experience that pales in comparison to that which is provided by other companies. This allows dishonest operators to advertise incredibly low rates, and the travellers who buy into the gimmick are left paying for an experience that would have been much richer elsewhere.

Company X is offering a steal of a deal: a volcano tour for less than half of the cost that all other tour operators are charging for it.

• When asked how Company X can offer the tour for such  low rate, they eagerly reply “our prices are always this low” (if the cost is less than half the price of other competitors, question how Company X is able to operate their business with such little income)
• When asked how Company X’s tour compares to others, they competitively reply “our tour is the best available, it offers this, that, and more than our competitors” (hmmm… Company X must be a magical company if it is able to offer travellers a bigger, better experience for only half of the cost–question the specifics of the tour to compare it to others available, inquire about the experience and knowledge of the tour guides, and ask to view past tour-goers’ testimonials; any company that cannot produce these is not worth a second thought)

How to identify and avoid lowballers

Make sure you carefully read the description of the tour, service, or hotel that is being advertised as included in your Costa Rica vacation package. Compare its description to that of a similar tour, service, or hotel that is more expensive and evaluate the options. If the descriptions are the same, it is likely that the operator offering the lower price is simply running a promotion and/or has opted to offer discounts to its clients. Alternatively, if the descriptions are different or there are details missing from one description when compared to the next, this could mean that there are great dissimilarities between each, which could make or break your vacation experience. While good things do often come in small packages, other things are worth paying more for.

Although we already touched on this briefly above with respect to highballers, hidden fees can sneak into your vacation cost faster than you’ll learn to say “pura vida” once in Costa Rica. These fees include (but are not limited to) taxes, entrance fees, guide fees, tour transport fees, agency fees, and service/booking fees. All of these fees may be applied to your Costa Rica vacation package (watch out for those agencies who choose to add in every possible fee that they can), or else only one or two fees may be applied.

For the most part, taxes are automatically included in tour operator and transportation service providers’ prices for tours, activities, and transfer services. For hotels, about half in Costa Rica already include tax in their rates while the other half do not. While being asked to pay taxes on top of a vacation item cost is not a crime, what is shameful is the practice of applying the cost of tax to a Costa Rica vacation package overall that already includes tax for a variety of items included. In these cases, travellers find themselves paying tax twice–tax on the trip items that constitute the Costa Rica vacation package, and tax on the package itself. Perhaps illegal and certainly immoral, individuals and agencies offering Costa Rica vacation packages often get away with promoting the packages for a great low price, which is essentially the structure of a bare-bones vacation. Add in the numerous hidden fees to bring the package up to standard, form a price total, charge tax on top and voilà–your steal-of-a-deal Costa Rica vacation is now a rip-off.

Company X is offering a special Costa Rica vacation package promotion: buy now and save the tax off your vacation!

• When asked how Company X can reduce the package cost by so much, they are happy to explain “our special promotion this month allows travellers to avoid paying the tax on our Costa Rica packages” (in theory, this promotion would work if the items included with the package did not already include tax in their cost, however since the majority of trip items do include tax, travellers pay this on the items regardless–the promotion simply allows travellers to avoid paying an additional fee that Company X would normally add on top of the overall Costa Rica vacation package to which they assign the title “tax”)
• When asked if Company X has calculated their Costa Rica vacation package cost before tax, they lie and reply “the original package cost does not include tax” (Company X is lying–tax is inherent in many Costa Rica trip items)

How to identify and avoid hidden fees and double taxation

As described in our solution above with respect to highballers, ask the individual and/or agency you are planning your trip through to send you a complete price breakdown of each vacation item included with your package. This will immediately help you identify where any hidden fees are or are not included. Doing so will inform you if you are being taxed twice. If you are unsure how to identify double taxation, visit the specific websites of each tour operator, transportation service provider, and hotel whose products or services have been included with your Costa Rica vacation package. If their websites note that tax is included, then the individual and/or agency you are planning your trip through should not be charging additional tax on these items. You will know if they are doing so, as this will appear in the complete price breakdown you will receive from them. You can also ask them to confirm whether or not taxes are included with the quote you have received. If they say no, take your question one step further and ask them to identify which items (if not all items) tax will be calculated on when producing the final cost. If they respond that tax will be added to the entire cost, take your business elsewhere to avoid double taxation.

This point is one that is more difficult to highlight as a scam, as each company is certainly entitled to the creation of their own cancellation policies. This being said, there are policies that are created to maintain the integrity of a company, protect a company against liability, and minimize loss to a company (as there should be, in each of these cases), just as there are policies that take advantage of travellers. Arguably, the intent of minimizing loss is justifiable, however some companies are just plain greedy and try to take more from travellers than they should.

Each tour operator, transportation service provider, and hotel in Costa Rica has its own policy in regards to cancellations. Some require significant advance notice in order to avoid a cancellation penalty (e.g., one month) and they count down from there the amount of refund provided if a cancellation is made within that time (e.g., a 50% refund is provided if the cancellation is received two weeks before the reservation date). Other companies have much more lenient policies–accepting (and providing full refunds for) cancellations up to twenty-four or forty-eight hours before the reservation date. Of course, to each their own, and we cannot argue whether one particular approach to a cancellation policy is better or worse than another. What is surprising, however, is that companies offering Costa Rica vacation packages do not always follow the specific cancellation policies of each tour operator, transportation service provider, and hotel. Instead, individuals and/or agencies selling Costa Rica vacation packages create their own policies that override the rest.

What happens in this case is that travellers who reserve Costa Rica vacation packages with individuals or agencies that have their own cancellation policies are bound by the restrictions placed on them by the individual or agency–not the tour operator, transportation service provider, or hotel. Assume that a hotel requires seven days notice for all cancellations and a transportation service provider requires twenty-four hours notice. Alternatively, the agency you reserved your Costa Rica vacation package through requires all cancellations be made no later than fourteen days prior to your trip. Suddenly, a tragedy at home causes you to have to cancel your trip ten days before your departure. Although you would have been able to cancel your hotel and transfer service arrangements without penalty had you reserved those items elsewhere, given the specific policy demands of the agency you chose to book your trip through, you are not entitled to a refund.

When this occurs, we empathize with travellers. Life happens, and it has no appreciation for the cancellation policies that travellers are tied to when they plan a vacation. We also empathize with the individual or agency that the Costa Rica vacation package was reserved through, as they should not be out the costs associated with spur-of-the-moment changes in the lives of their clients. Here lies the fine line between good business sense and pure greed. In our opinion, the best individuals and/or agencies to reserve a Costa Rica vacation package through are those who simply enforce the cancellation policies of each of their tour operator, transportation service provider, and hotel partners–companies who do not have a cancellation policy of their own. Companies who operate this way protect themselves by ensuring that their clients are committed to the same cancellation policies that they are, without going so far as to holding their clients to higher standards simply to make an extra buck.

Consider, once again, the example provided above where you had to cancel your trip ten days prior to arrival. Had you reserved your trip through an individual or agency that does not have a cancellation policy of its own, you would have been entitled to two refunds–one from the hotel and one from the transportation service provider–as you met the requirements to cancel with each without penalty. In this case, your decision to reserve the Costa Rica vacation package through the individual or agency that did not have its own cancellation policy was not a hindrance to you, and in the end, you wouldn’t be left feeling shortchanged.

Company X informs travellers that their cancellation policy requires any/all cancellations (for hotels, tours/activities, and/or transportation services) to be made at least one month prior to travel. The tour operator you are interested in reserving with requires any/all cancellations to be made at least forty-eight hours prior to the tour date.

• When asked why Company X requires one month notice of any/all cancellations, they reply “this is not our policy–this is the policy of the hotels, tour operators, and transportation service providers” (Company X is lying–visit the hotel, tour operator, and/or transportation service provider’s website directly to reconfirm this)
• When asked why Company X requires one month notice of any/all cancellations, they reply “this is simply our company’s policy” (in this case, thank them kindly and take your business elsewhere–the last thing you need is a company locking you in to reservations well in advance for their own financial benefit if you need to change your plans down the road)
• When asked why Company X requires one month notice of any/all cancellations, they reply “we require advance notice in order to have enough time to process the cancellation with the hotel, tour operator, and/or transportation service provider” (this is an excuse–reservation cancellations require hours–not days, weeks, or even months–to process)

How to identify and avoid questionable cancellation and/or reservation change policies

This issue is easy to avoid. Simply ask the individual or agency you are planning your Costa Rica trip through to provide you with an explanation of their cancellation policies. If the company admits to having their own cancellation policy, compare this with the cancellation policies of each tour operator, transportation service provider, and hotel that is included with your package. Be sure to record any differences–you can then question the individual or agency you have reserved your package with about these differences and which policy would succeed the other in the event that you needed to cancel. If the company responds that they do not have a cancellation policy of its own, ask them to confirm whose cancellation policies they abide by so this is clear to you throughout your trip planning and travels.

Although we would like to think that all individuals and/or agencies who offer Costa Rica advice actually know the country firsthand, unfortunately this is not always the case. There are ample agencies located in countries around the world that sell Costa Rica, and although many have direct experience with the country (they may live in and/or be from Costa Rica), others may have never experienced the country for themselves. We always recommend that travellers get to know the people behind the company they reserve their trip through, in order to understand the breadth of knowledge that is being brought to the table. An individual should not only know the obvious “must-knows” about Costa Rica (i.e., various areas worth a visit, hotel options, popular things to do, etc.–everything that can be learned by reading a guide book), but more importantly, they should know how to best plan a Costa Rica vacation. There is a big difference between knowing Costa Rica and knowing how to travel throughout Costa Rica, including the best way to organize a trip itinerary, the most time-efficient methods of travel, and the best means of obtaining everything at a cost that is affordable to the traveller.

Individuals or agencies who are unable to answer your questions fully will not be of help to you. As a result of the digital age we live in, we can do everything for ourselves online, from booking our own flights to researching our own destinations and reserving our own trip items. Of course, firsthand local experience is valuable and should certainly be sought out when planning a trip to Costa Rica, however if the responses you receive from individuals and/or agencies (who claim to be in the business of helping you) fail to do just that–actually help you–you would likely be better off spending your time corresponding with someone who knows what they’re talking about.

Furthermore, the individual or agency you turn to for Costa Rica trip planning assistance should be able to wow you. You should feel as if they have given you enough opportunities to plan a Costa Rica vacation that is perfect for  you  (not a vacation that is easy for them to build and/or a vacation that will return the greatest income). You should feel as if your trip would not have been the same had it not been for the assistance of the individual and/or agency you chose to work with, and that you learned something new (that you perhaps would not have known had you tacked the challenge of Costa Rica trip planning on your own). While these statements may sound simple, it is surprising how static some individuals’ and agencies’ approaches to trip planning are.  Planning a vacation should be an enjoyable, fun, learning process–anything less is not worth your time and certainly not your business.

Company X “sells” Costa Rica but has never been to Costa Rica. You feel as if you know the country better than Company X simply because you read Lonely Planet.

• When asked why Company X recommends a particular tour over another, they reply “because our company works with a them” (hmmm… would you rather participate in a tour that receives the best reviews or a tour that merely works with Company X?–request that Company X back up their recommendations with first hand experience,)
• When asked why Company X recommends a particular tour over another, they reply “because it is a great tour” (great is good, but a lot of tours in Costa Rica are “great”–what’s more valuable is knowing why a particular tour is rated so well–request that Company X back up their recommendations with first hand experience, or if this is not possible, at least request solid, impartial reviews from other travellers)

How to identify and avoid questionable trip planning advice

Ensuring a good connection with an individual or agency when Costa Rica trip planning depends a lot on you–the time you put into correspondence, the questions you pose, and the follow-up to responses received all help create a space wherein ideas, experiences, comments, needs, preferences, and concerns can be shared. When you put yourself out there and contact an individual or agency for trip planning assistance, do not be afraid to do the same to those you seek assistance from. Put them out by test them with your questions and see what responses you get. In general, you can tell by the quality of the responses you receive how invested the other side is in you and your trip. Do your research (just because a company is a big one does not mean they are the best one) and trust your gut. As described in two of our other posts– Humble Business. Period.  and  The Art Of Good Business. Practice What You Preach –being kind, humble, and honest are key components of any good business operation. Shoot to receive no less than this from the individual and/or agency you choose to reserve your Costa Rica vacation package through and you will get back from your trip planning more than what you put into it.

QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have you had a challenging experience with an individual or agency in Costa Rica (no names please!)? What scams or red flags have you uncovered?

Hey, Costa Rica Travel Blog reader, thank you for visiting and reading our blog! We're truly grateful for your time and preference.

Do you know that your spam-free reading experience is most important to us? Unlike some other Costa Rica blogs, we do not to sell your personal information, and we choose not to display ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing on our blog so we can keep your visit as distraction- and junk-free as possible. Because we prioritize your privacy, we don't earn money when you visit us, when you sign up for our e-course, or when you click on our links, which means the time and work we put into this blog—including its 300+ articles—is entirely voluntary! If you find our content valuable, and you'd like to thank us for making the trip-planning process easier and your Costa Rica vacation more enjoyable , please consider making a small donation ($1, $2, $3, or an amount of your choosing) to our blog. Doing so is a great way to pat us on the back if you feel we deserve it . 😊 Pura vida, amigos!

Click on the button above to donate through PayPal. (If you cannot see the PayPal button above, click here .) A PayPal account is not required to make a donation; credit and debit cards are also accepted. PayPal donations are confidential; we never see your payment details.

Tagged:  budget travel , costa rica , costa rica travel , costa rica travel tips , pura vida! eh? incorporated , tourism , travel , travel guide , travel tips , vacation , vacation package , vacation planning

• Author Posts

wish you would give names of the good companies to use.. or ones to stay away from

We would love to be able to call out all of the companies that produce the red flags we touch on above, but it’s tough to do so because operations change daily. There isn’t a set list of Costa Rican tour companies and agencies that are good and fair, and another of Costa Rican tour companies and agencies that are bad and sketchy. Truthfully, the companies that we’ve heard negative stories about could shape up at any time just like those with solid reputations could cross the line at any moment. Since business operations and customer service are fluid and ever-changing, it wouldn’t be right for us to state (and state permanently) which companies can or cannot be trusted. Instead, we hope that by highlighting some of the ways we’ve seen companies take advantage of travelers, the majority of readers will be better informed and able to recognize vacation package scams before they become a victim of one.

Pura vida! 🙂

These tips are a bit generic, I would have included specific examples.

Great point! I’ve revised the article to include examples of each of the five red flags that it addresses. Check it out and let us know what you think! 🙂

Reblogueó esto en El Noticiero de Alvarez Galloso y comentado: Add your thoughts here… (optional)

Muchisimas gracias por el re-blog, alvarezgalloso! 🙂

Thank you for visiting my blog. I would love to travel to Costa Rica one day (its on my bucket list!) 🙂 now I have some advice on booking a holiday

Hi bellyfulloffood!

Absolutely. Costa awaits! 🙂

Regarding your highballers that you mention I think it can be a little unfair. If people wish you use the expertise of a specialist who resides in their home country, in my case the UK but the same would apply anywhere, why should somebody not pay extra for that service? Of course it is more expensive to go through people who have to pay for an office in London or a shopfront for guests to come in and discuss their travel plans. Why should guests/clients not pay extra if they would like this service? Yes the component parts would be cheaper if you bought everything yourself and put it together yourself. If I went to a restaurant I would not then work out the ingredients and go to the supermarket only to be stunned that I could have cooked it myself for cheaper! If you want the service of a professional tour operator to build and manage your trip for you then this service should be paid for, the concept that operators are ripping people off by charging for professional services is a little naive in my opinion. On a lighter note, lovely blog! I am visiting Costa Rica soon for a research trip and have found your posts very insightful.

Hey wakitipu!

You make some great points! I’m sorry our article came across that way. It wasn’t my intention to suggest that all Costa Rican companies that could be considered highballers could also be considered scam artists. My intention was to inform travelers that several Costa Rican travel agencies (unbeknownst to many travelers) charge rates for vacation items that are higher than the actual value of the vacation item. It isn’t sketchy if a company wants to charge more for their service, and it’s okay if a traveler decides that a particular service is worth paying more for, but where highballers cross the line (in our opinion) is when they aren’t upfront about the extra costs. When highballers imply that the rates they charge are the same as the regular rates that the tour operators, hotels, or transportation service providers themselves charge, or when they aren’t transparent about the surcharges they’ve added for their own service, to us, that’s a red flag. In your example about buying groceries and being able to cook a meal for less versus paying more to eat a skillfully prepared meal at a restaurant, of course it wouldn’t be considered a scam if you were tempted into buying the restaurant’s meal. Lots of things are worth paying more for. But if you were considering eating out at that restaurant and three others in town, and you were tempted by the first restaurant to eat at their establishment because they said that their meals cost the same as the meals at the other restaurants (which you believed but wasn’t true), or you weren’t informed in advance that there’s a cover charge to eat at the first restaurant (which may have swayed your decision), that’s where the snakey behavior slithers in.

Thanks for sharing Nikki! Definitely a very good guide from an insider on the inner workings of the industry! Many of these industries around the world are not so transparent and sometimes it can be really difficult to find a good deal from a reliable company.

Thank you so much for your kind compliment! 🙂

Great article and just what I was looking for. Want to have a great vacation but don’t want to be robbed! Plan on traveling in May to your beautiful country. Excited for the adventure, beauty and relaxation. Thanks so much!!

Hey Kimberly!

Con mucho gusto! (You’re welcome!) 🙂

Where do the companies make their money from, if they are honest? Do you offer vacation packages?

Hi again Kimberly!

Most travel agencies in Costa Rica make their money by selling items (hotel stays, tours/activities, transportation services, etc.) at or above retail cost, and pocketing the difference between that cost and the hotel, tour operator, or transportation service provider’s net/wholesale rate. Here’s a very basic example: a hotel might normally list their room at the price of $100 per night but allow travel agencies to pay only $80 per night for the same room. When a travel agency turns around and sells a night in the room to a traveler for $100, their income is $20 on the sale. This is completely legal. It’s also legal, although not always fair, for travel agencies to ask travelers to pay more for the room, such as $120 for the night, so they can make $40. It’s up to you to decide whether you want to pay the hotel’s rate of $100, the travel agency’s rate of $100, or even the travel agency’s rate of $120.

Re: vacation packages. We do not offer these. We believe travelers can build more affordable trips without them. If you absolutely want a vacation package, though, you won’t be hard-pressed to find a travel agency that will sell you one. 😉

• The forum ‘Costa Rica Travel Blog Forum’ is closed to new topics and replies.
• Kale by LyraThemes.com.

We're Nikki and Ricky, and we're human!

Sadly, ai-generated costa rica blogs and guides are taking over the internet. thank you for choosing our authentic website and resources over others, for trusting our firsthand experience, and for preferring our human-backed recommendations 😀 other ways we are unique:.

✓ We choose not to display ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing on our blog. Because we prioritize your privacy, we don't earn money when you visit us, when you sign up for our e-course, or when you click on our links, which means the time and work we put into this blog is entirely voluntary. ✓ Ricky is a born-and-raised Costa Rican and Nikki (married to Ricky) has explored Costa Rica since the mid-2000s . ✓ We've operated our Costa Rica-based business, Pura Vida! eh? Inc. , for 16 years (and counting!) . ✓ Our Costa Rica guidebooks are published by the prestigious Moon Travel Guides brand . ✓ We only ever write about experiences we know firsthand , and we never stuff our blog with general information about Costa Rica that is widely available elsewhere . ✓ We never copy or plagiarize other writers' content . How we wish other writers would show us the same respect! ✓ Unless stated otherwise, every photo displayed on our blog was taken by us, and with our own two hands. (Unlike some other bloggers, who rely on drones to travel and conduct research for them, we actually visit and explore the places we write about .)👍🏽 ✓ We're active in promoting Costa Rica around the world . We've written about Costa Rica for Wanderlust Magazine (UK), presented Costa Rica on Rick Steves' Monday Night Travel Show and podcast/radio show (US), and served as a Costa Rica Destination Editor for Essentialist (Spain). ✓ Our work is backed by hundreds of positive reviews and testimonials ( read some here ) ✓ We are not overly active on social media . Instead of fixating on our own popularity, we spend the majority of our time exploring and researching Costa Rica, updating our various Costa Rica resources, and working with travelers one-on-one. We're focused on the quality of your travel experience , not the quantity of our followers. ❤️ 

We hope you enjoy your visit to our junk-free blog as much as your time in Costa Rica. 😊

• Privacy Policy Overview
• Remember my preference

This website uses cookies to operate and provide you with the best user experience possible. To ensure you're aware of and okay with this and our other privacy-related practices, please review our  Privacy Policy, then click the button below to accept it.

If you do not accept the policy, we respect your choice 100%. Unfortunately, several of our website’s features, including our Questions and Answers Forum, rely on cookies to operate. Most are also run by themes, plugins, and other add-ons to our website that we do not and cannot control, which means the cookies you receive are mainly provided by third parties. Because simple actions like reading our articles, asking a question, and even visiting our website’s homepage require the use of cookies, it is not possible to explore or use our website without them. If you would prefer not to receive cookies, we kindly (and sadly) ask that you do not visit our website. (Alternatively, you can try setting your browser to remove or reject browser cookies before visiting our website, but you may find that our website doesn’t function properly without them.) By visiting or submitting information through our website, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies, and the use of third-party cookies. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.

Thank you for understanding!

In order for our site to remember that you accept our policy, please enable the Strictly Necessary Cookie.

If you leave the Strictly Necessary Cookie disabled, we will not be able to save your preference. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to accept the policy again.

Home » Travel Planning and Inspiration » Is Costa Rica Safe? Travel Scams, Safety Advice & More

Is Costa Rica Safe? Travel Scams, Safety Advice & More

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

 Costa Rica is a small but gorgeous country full of lush rainforests, mountains, and pristine beaches, all of which attract visitors from around the world each year. Over the past decade, it has become one of the most popular destinations in Latin America due to its fantastic climate, friendly locals, and wildlife encounters. 

If you’ve never experienced traveling in Latin America, a trip to Costa Rica might seem intimidating and might leave you wondering if Costa Rica is a safe place to visit.

While it’s important to exercise common sense and good judgment during any trip abroad, travelers from around the world agree that Costa Rica is one of the safest countries to visit in all of Latin America. 

The economy of Costa Rica is highly dependent upon tourism, and many of the locals make their livelihoods from working in tourism and hospitality-related fields. The result is an extremely friendly attitude towards foreigners and increased safety measures in tourist hotspots around the country. If you’re still wondering how safe Costa Rica is, read on to learn about our own experiences in Costa Rica including safety tips to make your adventure worry-free!

Safety in Costa Rica Overview

Costa Rica is still growing and developing, especially economically. Like many places in Latin America, there is often a big wealth gap between tourists and locals. For these reasons, there is a chance that you might experience some crime like petty theft or getting scammed in some of the larger cities, but violent crime is rare. Overall, Costa Rica is extremely safe. It’s one of the safest countries in Latin America and is especially friendly for tourists. 

Even though Costa Rica is safe, it doesn’t mean you should totally let your guard down. It’s important to use common sense and keep your wits about you anytime you travel abroad, and Costa Rica is no exception. Keep a good eye on personal belongings, especially electronics – if you leave your IPad on the beach, there is a good chance it will get swiped. 

Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to safety in Costa Rica is that not all danger comes from people. Costa Rica is a wild country with tons of species of animals that call the country home. The most dangerous things you will face in Costa Rica have nothing to do with crime. Many dangerous species are nocturnal – and if you’re in certain parts of the country or within the national parks, it’s a good idea to keep a flashlight with you at night to watch for snakes!

Don’t feed wild animals or try to pet them – they may seem super cute, and like they’re used to people, but they are wild animals, and if they feel scared or threatened, they will bite you, which can lead to nasty infections. 

Also, make sure you shake out clothes and shoes before you put them on so that you don’t get stung by a scorpion.

Wear shoes when swimming on rocky beaches so that you don’t get cut on sharp coral rocks. The tropics are ripe with bacteria, so cuts can become easily infected. Make sure you clean even small open wounds. 

Also, be sure to practice sun safety! Always wear sunscreen, look for shade, and keep hydrated.

Saftey in Costa Rica FAQs

Yes, public transportation in Costa Rica is safe and reliable. It is used by locals and tourists from all over the world and is one of the safest ways to get around. It is still a good idea to keep valuable items on your person and keep bags below your seat as opposed to the overhead bin. This is especially true if you think you might take a nap during the ride. 

Ubers in Costa Rica are safe and reliable, although they are usually only available in the bigger towns and cities like San Jose . When ordering an Uber, make sure you check the vehicle model and make as well as the auto plate number to verify that it is the driver you’re matched with. 

Yes, taxis are safe in Costa Rica. Make sure that you are using a legitimate registered taxi. In Costa Rica, these are red, and the safest place to get them is at a taxi stand. With that said, I recommend using Uber when you can. 

Costa Rica is extremely safe for locals and foreigners who call the country home. Many people from around the world choose to live in Costa Rica. 

Yes, Airbnb is safe in Costa Rica. There are occasionally scam listings so check reviews and messages with your host before committing. If things feel off – choose a different place to stay. 

Costa Rica is extremely safe for adventurous families – just make sure to keep a close eye on kids while they’re in the ocean or exploring the rainforest. 

Costa Rica is one of the safest destinations for female travelers in Central America. 

The roads in Costa Rica can get a little crazy. Overall, it’s a very safe place to drive. Just make sure to stay alert and go the speed limit. You should also avoid driving when it is dark.

15 Safety Tips for Costa Rica 

• Don’t leave your belongings unattended 
• Avoid walking around alone at night 
• Keep bags close on public transportation and at all times 
• Know some basic Spanish 
• Don’t wear overly flashy clothing or jewelry 
• Avoid carrying your passport 
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash 
• Lock up valuables at your hotel or vacation rental 
• Wear bug repellent to avoid insect-borne diseases 
• Walk with a flashlight after dark in the jungle 
• Lock vehicles when unattended and don’t leave any valuables in them
• Avoid illegal purchases 
• Check the license plate of your Uber or take an authorized taxi 
• Check in with friends and family, especially if you’re traveling solo 
• Stay in well-lit areas in larger towns and cities 
• Avoid becoming overly intoxicated 
• Travel with a cellphone that works in Costa rica (or buy a Costa Rica sim card to use during your travels)

Food and Drink Safety in Costa Rica 

The food safety standards in Costa Rica are in line with the rest of the world, and the street food is some of the safest in Latin America.

As a traveler, your body might not be used to some of the bacteria that can be found in the produce, so it is a good idea to peel fruits and veggies before eating them so that you don’t get an upset stomach on your trip. 

The water in Costa Rica is also widely accepted as being safe to drink. Most travelers never have any issues with the water. That being said, it is still a good idea to ask a staff member at your hotel, hostel, or vacation rental whether or not the water is deemed drinkable. 

I myself drink the water in every town in Costa Rica, including San Jose. To this day, I have not had any problems. In fact, I prefer the water in Costa Rica more than in Australia and Canada.

Safest Places to Visit in Costa Rica 

The safest places to visit in Costa Rica all have one thing in common – they’re tourist hot spots. Many of these communities thrive on tourism, and the locals make their living through working in eco-tourism and hospitality. They’re friendly places for travelers to visit and safe for everyone to enjoy. 

Nosara 

Nosara is known as an extremely safe place to visit and a great destination for families. The beautiful beaches and soft sand attract tons of travelers and expats who winter in Costa Rica or call it home year-round. There are also tons of beautiful hotels and holidays home to choose from in Nosara as well as plenty of trendy restaurants !

Samara is a safe place and a popular destination for solo travelers and solo female travelers. There are beautiful beaches and tons of fun activities and yoga classes. It’s also a family-friendly spot with very little drug activity, lots of hotels to choose from , and delicious local restaurants . 

Located in the Guanacaste Province , Tamarindo is a mid to large-sized town by Costa Rican standards. It has some great beaches and exciting nightlife without being quite as busy as other cities of comparable sizes. You’ll also find a huge selection of restaurants in Tamarindo to choose from! It is a lively place that is still super safe.  

Hot Tip: Read our blog about where to stay in Tamarindo before you go to stay in the best area!

Santa Teresa 

If you’re looking for a good balance of nightlife and beach vibes without sacrificing safety, Santa Teresa is a great option. This town features awesome surfing, and the crowd is younger, with a lot of European travelers on their gap year visiting for extended periods of time. It’s a small town, but it’s super lively with lots of bars and restaurants. You might experience pety theft, but generally, it’s all good vibes and surf culture.  

Related Read: There are some really amazing hotels in Santa Teresa that you should consider!

Montezuma is a laid-back bohemian beach town located in the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica . It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a blend of jungle and beach. It’s harder to get to, which means it is not as busy as some other spots making it even safer for visitors. 

Related Read: Check out the best hotels in Montezuma as well as our favorite restaurants !

Drake Bay is an extremely remote part of Costa Rica and is one of the safest places in the country due to the lack of people. On top of being an amazing place to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural side of Costa Rica, there is hardly any crime in this area.  Stay at one of the hotels near the beach for the best experience!

Puerto Jimenez 

Puerto Jimenez is a small town located on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica . It used to be a gold mining town and now offers a quiet retreat in one of the wildest places in Costa Rica. It’s small, and there isn’t much nightlife, which makes it super safe and a great option for families who are really looking to get up close and personal with nature. 

Hot Tip: Some of the best hotels in Puerto Jimenez are located outside of town in nature!

Uvita  

Uvita is a little town that is home to the famous Whale’s Tail landmark and beautiful beaches. The beach is regularly patrolled, which keeps crime to a minimum. It’s very relaxed and easygoing, with a good mix of locals, expats, and tourists. You’ll also find a good selection of hotels and restaurants in Uvita that are safe.

La Fortuna 

La Fortuna is one of the safest urban parts of Costa Rica. It’s a major hub for tourism and a jumping-off place for a lot of amazing tours. There is a decent nightlife scene, and most visitors feel very safe, even walking at night. You can wander around checking out the different bars and restaurants in La Fortuna without having to worry too much.

With that said, there is a drug economy in La Fortuna, so it’s best to avoid bars late at night. 

Related Read: Check out the best hot springs in La Fortuna while you’re there.

Monteverde is also known as the Monteverde Cloud Forest and offers a stunning natural retreat for hiking through the protected habitat. Monteverde itself is super tiny and is geared towards travelers with a sprinkle of small cafes and restaurants as well as hostels and lodges. It’s a quiet place without crazy nightlife and is mostly frequented by eco-tourism-minded visitors which makes it a safe spot to visit. 

Places to use more Caution in Costa Rica  

Although Costa Rica as a whole is incredibly safe for tourists, there are a few areas where it is appropriate to use a bit more caution. This is by no means an attempt to discourage you from visiting these areas – all of Costa Rica is incredibly beautiful, but these areas are often bigger and more traveled and have higher rates of crime than some of the smaller tourist hubs around the country. 

It’s good to use a bit more caution when visiting any of these spots during your trip to Costa Rica. In general, the Caribbean Coast is thought to be a bit more dangerous than the Pacific side of Costa Rica due to the larger towns and ports that focus on shipping and commerce. Again, don’t overlook it all together – the Caribbean side is home to some of the country’s best cuisine and music, so it’s well worth a visit. 

When visiting these areas, pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t leave personal items unattended, and consider leaving important items locked up in a safe at your accommodations. Pick-pocketing and petty theft are the main things you’ll run into, but there is also an increase in drug trafficking in women in these places, which can get seedy. Be aware, and take care! 

Puerto Limon 

Puerto Limon is the most violent province in Costa Rica. It is the center of the drug trafficking that happens throughout Costa Rica, which leads to huge upticks in violent crime. If you aren’t buying drugs – you should be okay, but there is also all of the other crime that sort of commerce brings into an area. In Limon, theft is common. Use extra caution to keep your personal belongings safe. 

San Jose is the largest city in Costa Rica and the nation’s capital. It’s a sprawling city within the Central Valley region and is home to more than a third of the country’s population. Most people just use San Jose as a stop-over point on their way in or way out, but it’s still worth visiting. There are cool museums and an emerging foodie scene that make it worthwhile.

Generally speaking, it is still a safe city to visit, but it’s important to know which neighborhoods to avoid. The areas to stay away from include Los Guido, Desamparados, Pavas, La Carpio, Leon XIII, El Carmen, and the El Infiernillo area of Alajuela . 

The crime rate has increased over the past few years, but most of it is petty theft. Keep your personal belongings safely strapped to your body to avoid becoming a victim of theft in San Jose. Avoid walking alone at night or down unlit streets. The city has many beautiful parks, but it is best to avoid all of them at night. 

Puerto Viejo

Crime is more of a problem in Puerto Viejo than in other similar beach towns in Costa Rica . Most of the crime is still limited to petty theft, but there have been increases in violent crime over the past several years, especially in regard to drug trafficking. 

Be extremely watchful of your belongings, and don’t walk alone after dark. Be cautious and careful if you visit this part of Costa Rica. 

I want to leave a special mention to female travelers. As a female myself, it is very important to be careful in Puerto Viejo. There have been rare crimes involving groups of men, and it is very important to travel in large groups if you can late at night. 

Although I still love Puerto Viejo, and it is one of my favorite towns in Costa Rica, I am extremely disappointed at the local authorities who have let crimes like this go unpunished. 

You can read more about a recent incident in Puerto Viejo here .

Hot Tip: If you do visit, check out our blog on the best areas to stay in Puerto Viejo for the safest and most touristic areas!

Jaco is a popular tourist destination on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, located just a few hours from San Jose by car. There is a pretty active nightlife in Jaco combined with the beachy vibes. It attracts throngs of tourists looking to party. While Jaco can be a lot of fun, it’s a busier city, and the party/drug culture means there is more crime. 

With that said, we both really enjoy Jaco. There are tons of activities to enjoy as well as top-rated restaurants , bars, as well as hotels and resorts !

Is Solo Travel in Costa Rica Safe? 

Solo travel in Costa Rica is extremely safe, as long as you use common sense. Most travelers and locals speak some amount of English, so even if you aren’t a Spanish speaker, you’ll still be able to get around relatively easier and find people to help you navigate during your travels. There’s a great infrastructure and a safe and reliable public transportation system throughout the country. 

Solo female travelers feel particularly safe traveling in Costa Rica. It’s one of the best countries for solo female travelers and even first-time solo female travelers. For one thing, it’s easy to get around and has a thriving hostel culture which makes it easy to make friends and find groups to go out with at night.

The whole country is set up to be tourist friendly and there are a variety of tours and experiences geared towards solo travelers available for solo females to book during their stay. Out of anywhere in Latin America, we would vote Costa Rica as the perfect destination for solo female travelers and especially first-timers.

Travel Scams to Watch Out for in Costa Rica

Like any tourist destination, you may run into some scams that are geared toward travelers during your trip to Costa Rica. It’s nothing to worry about, just be aware. Remember, if something feels off – it probably is. Trust your gut and watch out for some of these common travel scams. 

• Broken taxi meters
• Short changing or incorrect currency exchange 
• Car rentals that seem cheap but have huge fees for insurance 
• Fake vacation rentals online 

To avoid these scams, make sure that you have a good idea of the currency and what things cost, and do some research before booking rental cars and vacation rentals. 

Diseases in Costa Rica

Like many tropical destinations, certain diseases and illnesses are more common in Costa Rica . It’s a good idea to make sure you’re up to date on your routine vaccinations before you go as well as getting your Hepatitis shots if you haven’t already. 

Mosquito-borne illnesses like Malaria, Dengue, and Yellow Fever are more common in Costa Rica. It’s a good idea to wear a high-quality insect repellent, and if you are traveling to certain areas, you may want to consider taking a Malaria medication during your trip. Check with your doctor for suggestions.

Rabies is more common as well. If you’re bitten or scratched by a dog or another wild animal, it’s important to get a rabies vaccination right away.

To avoid pesky parasites, it’s a good idea to be cautious of contaminated water. When swimming in fresh water, make sure not to get any in your mouth. Agricultural runoff, including animal urine, often ends up in freshwater swimming holes, which can lead to parasites. If you do develop symptoms of a parasite, visit a doctor for treatment. 

Costa Rica Travel Insurance 

Always get travel insurance before you travel. This is especially true in Costa Rica because things are not very cheap here. Medical bills add up very quickly if you end up in hospital, not to mention, if you are a victim of theft, travel insurance will replace your items. Travel insurance isn’t just a piece of mind, but to us, it’s essential!

When we are going on a trip, the insurance provider we always use is SafetyWing . Their travel medical insurance is very affordable at only $45 USD per every 4-weeks. The only thing to note is that the insurance must be purchased once you’ve left your home country – we typically buy it as soon as we land at the airport.  

We’ve both personally used both SafetyWing for different trips, and we’ve been reimbursed for countless expenses when we’ve fallen ill. SafetyWing even covered our flights back to Canada when the pandemic first happened (when last-minute flights before the borders closed were super expensive.)

It’s safe to say that travel insurance has saved us thousands over the years!

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

The BEST Things to do in Costa Rica

While there are so many fun things to do in Costa Rica , a couple of specific attractions and activities stand out amongst the rest. They are:

Explore Volcanoes

There are some impressive (and beautiful!) volcanoes that you’ll want to check out while you’re here.

Poas Volcano is known for its bright blue crater lake. Poas Volcano is most commonly visited on a day trip from San Jose. This Poas Volcano tour from San Jose is one of the best you can do since it also includes a visit to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens as well as a coffee farm.

Arenal Volcano is also one of Costa Rica’s top attractions. Arenal Volcano is located closest to the town of La Fortuna. You can book this full-day tour from La Fortuna that takes you to the volcano to hike, the famous La Fortuna Waterfall and even a hanging bridge – it’s a full day of adventure!

Chase Waterfalls

La Fortuna Waterfall is one of our favorite waterfalls in all of Costa Rica. You can easily visit it on this full-day tour in La Fortuna that also visits hot springs.

Rio Celeste is another beautiful waterfall that is famous for its bright blue water. Rio Celeste is a popular attraction to visit from Guanacaste Province and this particular tour includes transport from there. Alternatively, you can book this tour from La Fortuna or this tour from San Jose .

See the wildlife

Costa Rica is the place for wildlife lovers! One of the best places to see lots of animals in their wild habitat is at Manuel Antonio National Park . With the help of a guide you will see plenty of birds, monkeys, and even sloths! This particular tour is super popular and also has amazing reviews, so you really can;t go wrong.

There are also lots of wildlife rescue centers around the country that are worth visiting. The Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo is one of our favorites as well as Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in San Jose where you can book this private tour.

So, is Costa Rica safe?

Hopefully, this article leaves you feeling confident about embarking on your adventure in Costa Rica. The tiny country is one of the safest places for tourists to visit in Central America, with reliable infrastructure, tourist-friendly locals, and low crime rates in most places.

 If you’re still left wondering whether or not Costa Rica is safe, remember that crime exists everywhere in the world. It’s important to stay aware and use common sense anytime you venture abroad, but out of all the countries out there, Costa Rica is one of the safest spots for everyone and anyone to enjoy! 

Rio Celeste visitor guide

Where to stay in La Fortuna

Guide to visiting Manuel Antonio National Park

How to Avoid Falling Victim to Costa Rica Scams

Avoiding Costa Rica Scams: A Comprehensive Guide

Costa Rica is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, warm climate, and friendly locals. However, it is not immune to scams and fraud like any other place. In fact, during the pandemic, the number of scams has increased, and criminals have become more specialized and streamlined in their tactics. As a result, it is essential to be aware of the most common scams in Costa Rica and how to avoid them. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on protecting yourself from Costa Rica scams.

It’s impossible to list all of the tricks devised by criminals to achieve their goals since the possibilities are as vast as the imagination. That said, we can determine the main characteristics of scams and the scamming procedures that stand out as among the most common in Costa Rica.

Phishing has been the preferred method of fraudsters. This is a technique in which scammers impersonate security officials, relatives, and payment and banking platforms to steal sensitive information or money. Strategies vary and always include contact via phone, email, private messages on social media, or SMS. Some of the most common tactics are:

False bank or municipal officials

Scammers commonly contact victims by phone to warn them about a sensitive situation or to reward them. They will say that it is not necessary to give them any personal data. Instead, they will send an email or text message with a link that will allow them to steal your data.

Fake employer

Criminals create profiles on social media networks to offer fake jobs and gain access to their victims’ information, either at the time of the job application or by contacting them later to tell them that they have been hired and that it is necessary to provide their data to continue with the process.

Digital Signature

In this case, scammers call their target to indicate that they can obtain their digital signature without leaving home, despite this procedure being in person. They tell them it is only necessary to visit an almost identical website to a blank page and follow the steps indicated.

Other techniques used by criminals do not necessarily include identity fraud. Many of the most severe scams include everyday actions that leave the victim compromised in the face of carelessness or overconfidence.

False buyer, false seller

This scam can occur when someone buys a product online or from a door-to-door salesperson. Sometimes, the seller might take payment in advance for products or services they never intend to provide. Alternatively, a buyer might send false proof of income or claim that a product was not received to receive a refund or other compensation. To avoid falling victim to these scams, it’s important only to make purchases from reputable sellers or websites and never to send money or provide personal information unless you are confident that the transaction is legitimate.

Fake lottery tickets and counterfeit checks

Fake lottery tickets and fake checks are common scams in Costa Rica that often target tourists. Scammers will approach their victims and inform them that they have won a lottery prize or a large sum of money, but to claim the prize, the victim must pay a small fee or provide their personal information. Once the victim pays the fee or provides their knowledge, the scammer disappears, and the victim never receives the promised prize. It’s important to remember that legitimate lotteries and contests never ask for payment or personal information to claim a prize. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Identity theft

Identity theft is a common scam in Costa Rica, especially among tourists. Scammers can use various methods to steal personal information, such as mail, hacking into email or social media accounts, or using skimming devices on ATMs or credit card machines. Once they have your information, they can use it to make unauthorized purchases or open new credit accounts in your name. To protect yourself from identity theft, keep your personal information secure, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, and report any fraudulent activity to the authorities immediately.

Immigration procedures

Criminals offer services to obtain legal immigration status by posing as immigration employees, recognized companies, or by providing related services.

How to Identify and Avoid a Scam Unfortunately, scammers prey on our emotions and manipulate our trust and fears to take advantage of us. Even so, scams share some characteristics that can help you determine if the interaction is anomalous.

Typically, scammers create a sense of urgency. Whatever the fraudster is warning you about, or reporting is urgent and requires immediate action. In addition, the scammer will almost always contact you and may come across as overly lovely, respectful, and even innocent.

How to Identify and Avoid a Scam

Unfortunately, scammers prey on our emotions and manipulate our trust and fears to exploit us. Even so, scams share some characteristics that can help you determine if the interaction is anomalous.

To avoid falling victim to a scam, it’s essential to be vigilant and exercise caution when interacting with individuals or organizations you are not familiar with. Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages. Never give out personal or financial information unless you know the legitimacy of the person or organization requesting it.

Additionally, always verify the identity of the individual or organization before proceeding with any transaction or information sharing. You can research the person or organization online or contact the relevant authorities for confirmation.

If you have fallen victim to a scam

Taking immediate action is essential if you have fallen victim to a scam. The first step is to report the fraud to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency or the OIJ. It would be best to consider contacting your bank or credit card company to report fraudulent charges or unauthorized transactions. It’s essential to keep all documentation related to the scam, including emails, phone messages, and other evidence. While it may be difficult to recover any lost funds, taking these steps can help prevent further damage and alert others to the scam. Remember, the best defense against scams is to stay informed and vigilant.

In conclusion

It is essential to be aware of the various scams and frauds in Costa Rica to protect yourself from falling victim to them. Scammers can be persuasive and often prey on people’s emotions and trust. By understanding the most common tactics used by scammers, you can take steps to avoid becoming a victim. Always be cautious when providing personal information, primarily online or over the phone, and never send money or pay a fee without verifying the request’s legitimacy. With vigilance and awareness, you can enjoy all that Costa Rica offers without worrying about falling victim to scams.

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim to Costa Rica scams and ensure your experience in this beautiful country remains safe and enjoyable.

-Written by Glenn Tellier  (Founder of  CRIE   and  Grupo Gap ).

[email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common scams in costa rica.

Common scams in Costa Rica include fake police officers, taxis, and timeshare scams. Other common scams include overcharging tourists for goods or services and fraudulent activities related to rental properties.

What should I do if I’ve been scammed in Costa Rica?

If you’ve been scammed in Costa Rica, you should report the incident to the local police and your embassy. You may also want to contact your credit card company to dispute fraudulent charges.

Are there any scams related to Costa Rica vacation rentals?

Yes, there have been reports of scams related to vacation rentals in Costa Rica. Some scammers will advertise properties that do not exist or are unavailable for rent. Using a reputable rental agency to verify the property’s availability before sending any money is essential.

Are there any common scams related to Costa Rica tours and activities?

Yes, there have been reports of scams related to tours and activities in Costa Rica. Some scammers will advertise terms or activities that do not exist or are not as advertised. Using a reputable tour company and verifying the tour’s details or exercise is essential before sending any money.

What should I do if someone tries to sell me something on the street in Costa Rica?

Be wary if someone tries to sell you something expensive on the street in Costa Rica. While some street vendors are legitimate, others may be trying to scam tourists. Avoid giving out personal information and not buying anything unless you are sure it is legitimate.

Are there any common scams related to Costa Rica real estate?

Yes, there have been reports of scams related to real estate in Costa Rica. Some scammers will advertise properties that do not exist or are not for sale. Using a reputable real estate agent to verify the property’s ownership is vital before sending any money.

Is it safe to use my credit card in Costa Rica?

Yes, using your credit card in Costa Rica is generally safe. However, you should be aware of potential scams related to credit card fraud, such as skimming devices at ATMs or restaurants. Monitor your account for fraudulent charges and report suspicious activity to your credit card company immediately.

What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?

If you think you’ve been scammed, stop all communication with the scammer and report it to the appropriate authorities. You should also contact your bank or credit card company to report unauthorized transactions.

Can I get my money back if I’ve been scammed?

In most cases, recovering money lost to a scam is difficult. However, if you act quickly and report the fraud to the appropriate authorities, there is a chance that some or all of your money can be recovered.

How can I protect myself from scams?

To protect yourself from scams, be wary of unsolicited offers or requests for personal information or money, and never give out sensitive information without verifying the request’s legitimacy. You should also regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions and use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.

Fill out the form below to determine your residency category. Or click here !

Looking for a Loan? – Click HERE . Looking for Real Estate? – Click  HERE . Looking for Profitable Investments? – Click  HERE .

Article by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap)

See If You Qualify For Residency Today!

Add your comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Costa Rica Holiday

Scams in Costa Rica

It’s probably the thing that travelers are most afraid of (if they’re aware of them), and yet they continue to happen over and over. Scams can happen to the best of us, but if you know what to expect, your chances of falling prey to common tourist scams will be just about nill. 

Here are some of the most common scams in Costa Rica : 

• Taxi scam: this is one of the more common scams in Costa Rica. You’ll get in the taxi and the driver will tell you that the meter is broken – don’t believe them. Without the meter, they’ll be able to charge whatever they want. Find another taxi. 
• “Helpful” scam: This one is a little tricky. If you seem lost, someone might approach you to offer assistance or guidance, and then demand a “tip” for their services. Alternatively, someone may offer to help you with your bags, subsequently making off with them, or also demanding a tip. Moral of the story – be wary of anyone who approaches you uninvited.  
• Tour scam: A very friendly and professionally dressed individual comes up to you and starts spinning a tale of the best day tour you’ve been on in your entire life. It’s simple, it’s informative, it’s fun and full of activity, and best of all, the price is amazing. You’re sold, so you pay them the fee and wait the next morning for a tour bus which…never comes. They got you. The lesson – only purchase day tours from authorized tour companies, and read the reviews so you can be sure of a good experience. 

How can I keep my money safe while traveling in Costa Rica? 

Along with being wary of scams in Costa Rica, you should also keep an eye on your money in general. 

First, keep your money separated. You definitely don’t want to have everything in one place. In the unfortunate event that you fall victim to the pickpockets, better that they get some of what you got – not everything. So you have a couple options: divide up cash and cards, or divide whatever you have into as many places as you like. Just not one. 

In addition, when going out, carry small amounts of cash so that the risk is lower if the thieves get you. One way to keep what you have safe is also by using a money belt, something you wear under your clothes, so you can move around with a little less worry (tip: keep your passport in the money belt too – you’ll need to have it anyway, and this way your most important travel document is as secure as possible). 

Finally, never use an ATM after dark – you’ll be a very vulnerable target. Daytime ATM use only, please. 

And that’s it! Remember, the word you hear the most in discussions of pickpockets is vigilance . Check on your valuables frequently, and be suspicious of anyone who might come up to you. They won’t know who they’re messing with!

Looking for more information?  

Check out the following articles below for other tips on safety in Costa Rica: 

Safety in Costa Rica

Food and Water Safety in Costa Rica

Getting around: Buses and Taxis in Costa Rica

Solo Travel in Costa Rica

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

{{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Learn More {{/message}}

{{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Learn More {{/message}}

Submitting…

• Sun. Jun 9th, 2024

TAKE ME FISHING TRAVEL

Fishing and Travel Adventures

Avoid Costa Rica Tourist Scams – Stay Safe!

By Guy Wann

This post contains affiliate links.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Be alert and informed about the potential tourist scams you may face in Costa Rica.
• Implement safety tips to protect yourself and your belongings amidst the beauty of Costa Rica.
• Regularly check travel advisories for the latest updates on safety in Costa Rica.
• Embrace the adventure while avoiding common pitfalls that can taint your experience.
• Always opt for reputable services and avoid too-good-to-be-true offers.

Understanding Costa Rica Tourist Scams

The attractiveness of costa rica as a tourist destination, why tourists are targeted by scammers, profile of common scams to recognize, navigating taxi scams: red flags and safe rides.

• Firstly, lock eyes with the ‘Maria’ (that’s the name for the taxi meter) — it should read “cero”. Yes, zero. If the driver mumbles about a broken meter, consider it a burst bubble in your trust balloon.
• Spot those official taxis by their emblems and codes—it’s like Tinder for transport, swipe right only on the legit ones!
• Stay within the invisible lines of their licensed province—crossing boundaries could cost you more than just extra colones.

“Remember, the best rides are the ones with clear rules and even clearer meters.”

Rental Car Rip-offs: How to Spot and Avoid Them

Understanding the mandatory insurance policy, recognizing too-good-to-be-true rental deals, tips for booking with reputable rental companies, currency exchange scams and how to protect your wallet.

• Be skeptical of vendors who are quick to accept dollars without blinking at the current rates.
• When prices are in colones, stick to the local currency – it’s a great excuse to use that new currency converter app!
• Decline any offers to charge you in USD when using your credit card – unless you fancy a puzzle of unexpected fees on your statement.

Costa Rica Tourist Scams: Spotting Fake Police and Unofficial Charges

Distinguishing between official and corrupt practices, steps to take if you encounter a fake officer, reporting scams to authorities: what you need to know.

Land Border Crossings: Dodging Scams at the Frontier

• Verify the credentials of any official looking to provide aid.
• Avoid side deals that seem to be offering a fast pass through immigration or customs.
• If approached by anyone claiming to speed up your border crossing process, remember, fast is not always your friend.

“Crossing borders might test your patience but should never compromise your safety. Stick to the path well-trodden.”

Safety Tips for Travelers in Costa Rica: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Stay alert in tourist hotspots, essential advice for protecting your belongings, keep up-to-date with costa rica travel advisories, travel warnings: identifying and steering clear of online scams.

Remember: all that glitters is not gold, and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is—a mantra for travel and life!

Staying Informed: Your Best Defense Against Scams

Creating a safe itinerary: resources and contacts, embrace costa rica’s beauty with confidence and care, what makes costa rica attractive to tourists, why are tourists targeted by scammers in costa rica, what are some common scams to be aware of in costa rica, how can i avoid taxi scams in costa rica, what should i know about rental car insurances in costa rica, how can i spot a rental car deal that’s too good to be true, what steps should i take when booking with rental companies, how can i protect my wallet from currency exchange scams, what should i do if approached by someone claiming to be a police officer in costa rica, how do i report a scam to costa rican authorities, what scams might i encounter at costa rica’s land borders, how do i stay alert and safe in tourist hotspots, how can i protect my belongings while traveling in costa rica, where can i find up-to-date travel advisories for costa rica, how can i identify and avoid online travel scams, source links.

• https://leonawaterfall.com/common-costa-rica-tourist-scams/
• https://www.costaricavibes.com/common-scams-in-costa-rica/
• https://mytanfeet.com/costa-rica-travel-tips/costa-rica-tourist-scams/

About the Author: Guy Wann's lifelong enthusiasm for fishing traces back to his childhood when he and his friend Jeff Hass embarked on youthful fishing adventures, laying the groundwork for a lifelong passion. Together, they established a fishermen's club, a cornerstone in their lives, reflecting their dedication to the sport. In addition to his love for fishing, Guy is a talented artist, channeling his experiences and emotions into his paintings. His fishing quests have led him to diverse destinations worldwide, from the vibrant canals of Amsterdam to the serene Gulf of Thailand, the lush Philippine islands, the rich Mexican waters, and the picturesque Florida Keys. Born and raised in Ojai, California, Guy has honed his fishing skills in local waters before expanding his horizons globally. Now, alongside Jeff, Guy pours his passion into the "Take Me Fishing Travel" blog, documenting their fishing expeditions and the unique destinations they uncover. The blog not only chronicles their adventures across Amsterdam, the Gulf of Thailand, the Philippines, Mexico, and the Florida Keys but also serves as a platform for their future aspirations. It stands as a tribute to their enduring friendship and shared love for fishing, highlighting Guy's journey from a young enthusiast in Ojai to a worldly fisherman and artist.

Related Post

Safe catfish handling: how to hold a catfish, is fishing a sport short answer yes | quick insight., essential survival fishing kit guide for outdoors, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Kayak Fishing for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

Kayak fishing san diego: discover the ultimate adventure, exciting 30 miles out kayak fishing adventures, kayak fishing tips: mastering the art of angling from a kayak.

Costa Rica Guide

Travel information and maps, con artists and rip-offs in costa rica, internet travel scams.

If you’re shopping for travel on the internet you should check the company’s ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) , ICT, and Canatur before sending any money.  Nearly all of the travel service companies, tour companies, hotels and lodges are honest and legitimate but it is careless to just assume.

Please look them up.

Departure or Exit Tax Scam

Many countries charge visitors an “exit tax” but for many years Costa Rica was unique because instead of lumping departure tax together will all the other taxes included in airfares they required in person payments at a bank counter in the airport.

Now most airlines do include the departure tax but con artists are taking advantage of all the old information on the internet that says you have to pay in person to defraud travelers.

Scammers in official looking uniforms offer to help with airport check-in and mention the tax requirement.  They convince harried travelers who’ve vaguely heard of the old system that they need to pay, take them to an unused counter in the terminal, provide fake forms to fill out and take their money.

Currency Exchange Rip-Offs

For a decade the Costa Rican currency was artificially pegged within a percent or two of ¢500 to one U.S. dollar which made exchange extremely simple.  A 10 mil colones (¢10,000) not was just a $20 bill.  A 5 mil was $10.  Just ignore the “mil” and double it.

Due to some political and economic finagling the colón lost nearly 10% of its value .  Since then it’s declined further to around ¢610 to one U.S. dollar which makes it extremely easy for unscrupulous business owners to take advantage of unwary tourists.  Using the old “easy” exchange rate adds about 10% to their profit margin.

This is why in our guidelines for getting and spending money in Costa Rica we strongly recommend paying for things in the posted currency (eg. if the menu is in $ pay in dollars and if it’s in ¢ pay in colones).

If the exchange rate applied seems unfair ask to see where it is posted and if it’s not they’ll generally agree to give the going rate published in the newspaper or on any banking website.

At the Gas Station

The most common method is to start the pump without zeroing it.  Check to make sure the colones and liters both read zero before they put the nozzle in your tank.

Other common scams were incorrect change, watered down gas and simply charging more on the credit card than the amount of the purchase.

Small Time Cons

Most of the cons against tourists in Costa Rica are very small scale.  We had a waiter at a restaurant called the Happy Snapper in Brasilito who must have thought we were fresh off the plane.  We ordered a couple of Ahi Tuna sandwiches and “dos vasos de agua” for lunch.

A few minutes later he stepped back to the table while opening bottled water with a flourish.  In Costa Rica a glass of water means tap water and you must explicitly order bottled water.  I would have given him the benefit of the doubt that he made a mistake on the order, but I noticed there were small floaters in the bottle…they hadn’t even washed it well before refilling it with tap water.  Normally bottled water is brought to the table sealed… his big show of opening it was to try to convince us it had been.

I still wanted to hope it was somehow an honest mistake but when our sandwiches arrived there was no bread or bun.  It made sense when the bill arrived and there were two Ahi Tuna “dinners” listed for twice the price of the sandwiches we ordered.  All in all it would have been a $20 scam.

I spoke with the owner who straightened it out but the restaurant went out of business a couple of months later so maybe they were pulling the same sort of crap on other diners.

Other little scams you might see are rounding “errors” or incorrect change.  These are frequently honest mistakes so don’t explode into a rage if you think you’ve been overcharged.  Just point out the error and ask that it be corrected.

Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit in 2024? Travel Crime Advice

One of the most common questions we get asked is, “Is Costa Rica safe to visit?” The short answer is, “usually”.

We started this website to give you all the most genuine information about Costa Rica travel and we take that responsibility very seriously. 

However, one thing I didn’t consider when we started this site is how responsible I would end up feeling for your safety while you are in Costa Rica. I genuinely want you to have the best trip here possible and that means that you should feel secure while traveling.

Crime in Costa Rica is an ever-evolving issue. In general, this is a very safe country. The most common crime is petty theft. Violent crimes targeting tourists such as armed robberies, sexual assault, or homicide are very very unusual. In general, you will likely meet wonderful people and have the vacation of a lifetime. 

However, because we feel responsible, here are all our tips about safety in Costa Rica. Please read through them and please contact us if you have any safety questions.

Our Perspective on Crime in Costa Rica

Thomas and I agree that in general, we feel secure in Costa Rica. 

We, fortunately, have never had any crimes committed against us in our several years of living here. 

That being said, we also use extreme caution and I sometimes feel it is exhausting to maintain our level of security. 

Although nothing has happened to us, that doesn’t mean that we haven’t heard of crimes being committed against friends. This has always been theft in various forms.

We have had friends leave things out visible in their car and their car has been broken into, a friend got robbed walking alone at night, a friend had their house broken into, and another friend was robbed in their driveway. 

Keep in mind that these incidents have been over about 8 years of living here. This is not an everyday occurrence.

But, yes, crime happens and it can be very scary. 

However, even if you are extremely cautious sometimes you just never know. We had a crime committed against us once in Europe in a very safe neighborhood. So, unfortunately, bad things can happen anywhere.

As of now, we still feel 100% secure in recommending that you visit Costa Rica.  It is a beautiful country and in general, the threat against tourists is low. 

If at any point we feel that the security level in this country is too unstable, we will update this to reflect that. 

​How the Costa Rican Government Protects Tourists

Tourism is the biggest industry in Costa Rica. With that in mind, the government works hard to make this the safest destination for tourists as possible. 

In recent years there has been an increase in homicides. This is largely due to drug trafficking and gangs. I have read a lot of articles about it in the news recently. It seems that the government is taking action to alleviate the situation. Although, it is hard to say exactly what is being done. 

Crime rates against tourists have remained somewhat steady. However, the president of Costa Rica along with the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) are making it their mission to lower these rates.

One way they are doing that is by identifying crime hot spots. They are now working to increase police presence in these areas. 

Sometimes I wonder if this is just talk to keep tourists coming here and feeling safe, but I really don’t think it is. 

I have noticed an increase in police presence in some areas and I have even been stopped by a police officer on the beach to tell me that there had been a few robberies there recently and to keep an eye on my stuff. 

How to Protect Yourself in Costa Rica

Here are all the safety tips I suggest doing to protect yourself while traveling in this foreign country. 

Pre-Trip Preparation

Here is what you need to do before you even leave home. 

Register With STEP

If you’re a United States citizen,  enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .

This program allows the US government to notify you regarding potential security threats in the area you are visiting, get in contact with you regarding  natural disasters , and give family and friends a way to contact you in the case of emergencies.

If you are from another country. see if your government offers a similar program. 

Check Embassy Warnings:

The US government has a whole  page dedicated to the safety in Costa Rica . 

Make sure to check it our before you travel so you can be aware of any areas to avoid or current crime situations.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance  has multiple benefits. Not only will it help you out in case you get hurt, but it is also great if one of your belongings is stolen. 

Get your travel insurance quote from Heymondo here .

Give Travel Plan to Trusted Person

Inform a trusted person of your travel plans and keep them updated. I like to write out a document with all hotel info, any preplanned activities, flight info etc. for my mom.

I then update her on my license plate number if I have rented a car once I arrive in a destination.

I usually also try to check in once a day and just send her a quick message of my plans.

That way, if I go missing, somebody has a record of my intended movements. 

Travel Tip : If you are an iPhone user you can turn on “share your location” with a trusted family member or friend. That way, someone always knows exactly where you/ your phone is.

Rent Your Car Directly from a Company

Third party sites often have car rental deals that seem too good to be true…they are. These rates don’t include any added taxes, fees, or mandatory rental insurance. Check out our  guide to rental scams for more info .

We work exclusively with our favorite local rental company, Adobe Rent-a-Car.  You can get a 10% discount plus other great perks here.

Make a Photocopy of Your Passport

I suggest making one or two copies of your passport to bring with you while traveling.

Then, while in Costa Rica you can leave your passport in your hotel safe and only carry the paper copies with you. 

Get an eSIM Card

It is a good idea to always be able to stay connected and have a working cell phone.

We suggest getting an  eSIM card from Airalo  for this.

However, you can  check out our guide to SIM cards in Costa Rica  for all the different ways to stay connected. 

Purchase Security Products

This is not absolutely necessary, but there are a few products I really like for keeping me and my stuff safe while traveling. 

• Doorstop : Put this under your door at a hotel. When someone tries to open the door the alarm will sound.
• Money belt : Helpful for walking around towns so that your money, cards, etc are hidden. This one is also RFID blocking so nobody can scan your cards.
• Safety Alarm :  Carry on your keys. Presd the button to activate the alarm if you are attached.
• Headlamp : It gets dark very early here. If you plan to walk around at night it is a good idea to have a headlamp.

Monetary Theft

Here are some of the ways you can protect yourself from being scammed or robbed while in Costa Rica. 

Pay with Credit Card Instead of Debit Card

Credit cards make it easier to refute fraudulent charges than debit cards. I suggest checking your credit card account after any transactions to make sure that the amount is correct. 

Travel Tip: I t is a good idea to get a credit card that is made for travel so you will not pay a percentage on every transaction.

Keep Money in Several Locations

Don’t put all your money in your pocket or purse. It’s best not to carry much money at all, but if you have to, divide it up.

I put some in my shoe, some in my bra, and some in each of my pockets.

That way if I am robbed they hopefully won’t find all of the money and I can just give them my wallet and move on.

If you need more info on whether you should carry money or use credit cards in Costa Rica, we have a full post on  currency and paying .

Only Change Currency at Banks

The currency exchange places at the airport will give you a very bad exchange rate. Don’t use them!

Also, there are often people exchanging currency on the Nicragua or Panama border. Don’t use them either.

Instead, you will get the best exchange rate directly at a bank. 

Check All Receipts

After any payment, check the receipt to make sure the amount adds up correctly. Often in Costa Rica store employees need to manually enter the total on a credit card machine.

It is so easy to accidentally (or purposely) add an extra “0” and overcharge a customer.

We’ve had it happen to us. Luckily, the employee noticed it when he charged us several hundred dollars instead of about $50 for gas.

He was so embarrassed and pointed out his mistake to us and fixed it.

So, just double-check. 

Personal Safety and Awareness

Here are all the things you should do to protect yourself.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When you are traveling it’s easy to get distracted by all the beautiful new sights, but you need to also be aware of the people around you.

Look around often and avoid standing in large crowds.

If you feel uncomfortable in a situation or place, just leave.

If you take money out of the bank pay attention to who is around and watching you.

Dress Like You Belong

We get it, you are on vacation and probably want to wear all your nice warm weather clothing.

However, in Costa Rica it is best to blend in.

Leave the nice jewelry or flashy items at home and dress in a relaxed way.

Don’t Walk Around Alone at Night

Unfortunately, it  gets dark by 6pm  in Costa Rica year round. 

As I mentioned above, it is a good idea to have a headlamp if you plan to walk around after dark.

Also, it is best to never go out alone.

Trust Your Instincts

If you feel hesitant about a person or a location, trust yourself. Your gut instinct is usually right. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t Leave Your Stuff Unattended

If you plan to go to the beach it is never a good idea to leave your personal belongings unattended while you are in the ocean or taking a walk. 

​Keep Stuff Secure at Restaurants

A lot of restaurants in Costa Rica are open air. This means it is easy for anyone from outside to walk by your table and swipe something.

Don’t leave your cell phone, wallet, keys, etc just sitting on the table.

Also, don’t just put your purse or backpack on the back of your chair. I always put mine on the floor between my legs with one strap under my leg so it can not be taken. 

Know Your Hotel Location

If you get lost, your phone dies etc. it is good to know the place you are staying in your mother tongue and in Spanish.

In Costa Rica this is difficult because there are no addresses. It’s strange but true.

Instead, make sure you know the name of your hotel and any landmarks that are located nearby the place you are staying.

Keep Personal Info Private

People in Costa Rica generally really enjoy talking to tourists and they are usually extremely nice and welcoming.

However, to stay safe in Costa Rica you should still be cautious. Don’t reveal too much.

If you are a  solo traveler , NEVER tell anyone that you are by yourself. I always just say I’m with my husband and he is on his way to meet me.

I also never say which hotel I am staying in.

Lock Everything

When going out make sure you lock your car, hotel room etc.

Also, don’t leave anything of value in your rental car. It is not unheard of for windows to be smashed and things stolen.

When driving, lock your doors and use the AC instead of rolling down your windows.

We have heard stories of people getting robbed while waiting at traffic lights.

Because of this I always keep my purse on the floor between my feet while in the car.

Don’t Leave Your Drink Unattended

If I feel a bit sketched out by a place I always order bottled beer and keep my finger over the opening when I’m not drinking it.

Tell Someone Where You’ll Be 

In order to stay safe in Costa Rica, you should always tell someone where you’ll be when going out.

Even when traveling alone just send someone from home a quick message telling them where you are going that day.

Keep Your Room Secure

Try to get a room  not  on the first floor of a hotel (they are the most likely to be broken into).

I always put the “Do Not Disturb” sign on my door even when I’m not there, so it looks like someone is in the room.

Transportation Safety

Here is how you can protect yourself from transportation-related crimes.

Be Wary of Rental Car Issues

We have heard recently about  a travel scam  in which people are slashing tires at traffic lights and then conveniently pulling up when you pull off to the side of the road.

They will then rob you.

If you can, always drive to a gas station or another populated place before fixing your tire.

Check out our  guide to driving in Costa Rica  for more info.

Only Use Registered Taxis

Make sure to only use official taxis while in Costa Rica so that you do not get scammed out of a lot of money.

You can tell an official taxi because it will be red (or orange if coming from the airport) with a yellow triangle on the drivers and passenger side door (or green triangle from the airport). 

We wrote a complete  guide to using taxis and Uber here in Costa Rica . I suggest reading that to help you stay safe in taxis.

Be Cautious in Public Transportation

If you opt to take a public bus it is best to keep an eye on any belongings you put on the shelf above your seat.

Always make sure you keep your passport and valuables physically on you.

We have heard about people having their bags stolen while they were sleeping on public buses. 

Walk Facing the Traffic

If you walk facing traffic, motorcyclists will not be able to drive up behind you and grab your bag.

Walking facing traffic also means you will see any cars coming and are much less likely to get hit (and people drive like maniacs here sometimes).

Don’t leave Your Rental Car in a Remote Place

Sometimes cars are broken into when left in remote places.

At most public places there will be a guard watching cars. You can (usually) trust them to keep a good eye on your car.

However, we still strongly suggest that you never leave anything of value in your car and definitely don’t leave anything of value visible.

What to Do if a Crime Happens in Costa Rica

If someone robs you, let them. It’s better to have to cancel your credit cards and lose some money than to fight back and get attacked. It’s just not worth it.

If something happens to you and you need to call the local authorities just dial 9-1-1. There should be at least one person at the police station who speaks a little bit of English.

Also, it is best to contact your embassy as soon as possible. They can assist you in whatever you need as a citizen. Contacting the embassy is also important because it can help future travelers. Most embassies will then update their safety pages accordingly.

If you are a United States citizen the US embassy is located in the Pavas / Rohrmoser neighborhood of San José. The phone number is (506) 2519-2000.

Dangerous Areas

Here are some areas that are sometimes considered unsafe. In general, the larger cities such as San Jose, Alajuela, Puntarenas, and Limon tend to have a higher crime rate. 

San Jose  is the capital city of Costa Rica. This is where we live and I feel mostly safe here during the day.

However, you need to stick to exploring the downtown area or reputable neighborhoods.

If you plan to stay downtown I suggest Barrio Escalante or the area near the stadium at La Sabana Park.

Petty theft during the day is very widespread here. It is a good idea to have a secure backpack and hide stuff in a money belt.

In downtown  Alajuela , you should use increased caution.

However, above the city in the beautiful rural areas you should feel very safe.

Tamarindo  is a popular destination for families, surfers, and backpackers. It is a larger town, so mostly due to its size there tends to be more crime.

Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa  is one of our favorite places in the country. It is a beautiful remote Pacific Coast surfing town.

However, because it is so remote it seems to be a hot spot for criminals to hide out in.

This doesn’t just mean Costa Rican criminals. I also mean shady people from around the world who have committed crimes tend to hide in this area.

For example, I just watched  this episode of 48 Hours  recently about a woman from the US who murdered another woman and was hiding out in Santa Teresa. 

Anyway, during the day you should be completely fine here, but use more caution at night. This especially applies to walking alone or if you plan to enjoy the nightlife scene. 

Panama Border on Osa Peninsula

This area is mostly safe for tourists. However, this is where a lot of drugs pass through from Panama into Costa Rica. So, use caution if in very remote areas.

Other Safety Concerns

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Costa Rica, but sometimes I feel like this country is slowly trying to kill me in a million ways.

From poisonous animals, earthquakes, erupting volcanoes, weird illnesses, a crazy high UV index, etc.

So, crime is not the only thing you need to think about in regards to safety here. A few other tips to stay secure from just this crazy tropical country as a whole are…

• Always Stay on Marked Trails : This will help keep you away from some potential wildlife threats like snakes. 
• Don’t Swim in Weird Bodies of Water : This should go without saying, but it is easy to get weird rashes and skin issues from unclean water. Check out our  guide to safety from environmental issues  for more info.
• Only Drink Bottled Water : In most towns, it is fine to  drink the tap water  here. However, because you are not used to the water it is best not to risk your vacation. Just buy bottled water so you don’t end up with stomach illnesses. I like to bring my refillable water bottle from home and buy several-gallon jugs while traveling. 
• Avoid Street Food : It is a good idea to be cautious of food safety so that you don’t get sick while visiting. The best way to do that is by only eating at reputable restaurants or cooking your own food. 
• Trust Your Instincts During Activities : If participating in day tour or activities with reputable companies you can generally expect a high standard of safety. However, if something feels unsafe to you, trust yourself. It is best not to risk your security. 
• Be Cautious of Flooding During the Rainy Season:  It is not unusual for there to be flash floods or road flooding.
• Be Aware of Natural Disasters : There are five active volcanoes in Costa Rica. That doesn’t mean that they are all actively erupting, but some are actually active at the moment. Earthquakes occur pretty much every day. Again, that doesn’t mean that you will actually feel them. Usually they are so minor that you won’t even notice. For more info,  check out our natural disaster guide . 
• Wear Bug Spray : The mosquitos here are generally not a problem during the day, but once the sun goes down they come out in full force.  Mosquitos here  can carry dengue, zika, and more. So, always load up on bug spray to avoid mosquito bites.
• Wear SPF 50+ Sunblock : One of your biggest concerns here needs to be the sun. Costa Rica is not THAT far from the equator.  The UV index is really high . Bad sunburns are often the number one medical issue that travelers face when visiting. 
• Be Aware of Entry Requirements : Check out our  guide on entry requirements  to stay up to date on things like Yellow Fever vaccine requirements, how long you can stay in the country, etc.

It’s Not All Bad

I know this post is a lot of doom and gloom. But, in reality, Costa Rica is an amazing travel destination filled with friendly people. In general, Costa Ricans are welcoming, kind, and peaceful. 

When we first moved here after living in Europe for four years we were so caught off guard. Several people that we had never met before went out of their way to help us find a place to live, help us buy furniture, gave us things, helped us adjust to the lifestyle etc. 

We turned down a lot of help because we felt like we would then owe them something. 

It took us a while to realize that no, people here are just very kind-hearted. The country operates a lot based on helping out your friends, family, and neighbors when you can with the mindset that someday they might need help and you can step in. 

Also, a lot of people work in tourism. They want to make sure that tourists feel welcome here.

Conclusion: Safety in Costa Rica

In conclusion, there are several things that can happen while traveling in Costa Rica, but with common sense and some caution, you should find that Costa Rica is a safe place.

Overall this is a peaceful country filled with beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and kind people.