Travel Safety in Costa Rica
Overview
There are a number of security concerns associated with travel to Costa Rica. Petty street crime is the main security risk, particularly in San José. Travellers have occasionally been the victims of violent crime.
Express kidnappings, (the short-term abduction of people with the objective of having them withdraw money from an ATM or taking their valuables) have also occurred.
Demonstrations in Costa Rica occur in San José and other parts of the country on occasion and are generally peaceful.
The kidnapping risk is limited to the Nicaraguan border, in the provinces of Heredia and Alajuela, where policing is weak and Nicaragua-based criminal gangs and local vigilante criminal gangs are active. Currently, there are no major concerns of terrorism or conflict in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Medical facilities are of a good standard in San José and adequate outside the capital for basic services.
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Basic information
Medical:
911 (police, fire and ambulance). Operators may not speak English. Response times and service are likely to be poor.
Money:
The currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC).
ATMs that accept foreign bank cards can be found in most towns and cities.
Credit cards are commonly accepted.
Language:
The country’s main language is Spanish. English is only spoken in tourist areas and in certain business circles.
Water:
Tap water is generally not safe to consume.
Connectivity:
3G, 4G and 5G available.