Is Costa Rica Safe? Practical Safety Advice for Travelers

Costa Rica is a major international tourism destination, but travelers should use normal security precautions rather than assuming popular tourist areas are risk-free. As of September 19, 2026, the U.S. State Department lists Costa Rica at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime. The current advisory was issued April 2, 2026.

That does not mean most trips are dangerous.

It means petty crime is common and more serious crime also occurs, so practical habits matter.

What the current U.S. advisory says

The State Department advises increased caution because of crime.

Its current country guidance says petty crime is common and that violent crime can also affect tourists.

For a normal vacation, the useful response is not panic. It is reducing obvious opportunities:

• keep valuables controlled;
• avoid isolated places at night;
• use reliable transport;
• protect luggage during transfer days;
• pay attention around beaches, vehicles and busy tourism areas.

Check the advisory again shortly before departure because levels and details can change.

Petty theft is the everyday risk to plan around

Phones, wallets, passports and unattended bags are the items most likely to create a ruined travel day.

Do not leave valuables unattended on a beach while everyone swims.

Do not leave bags visible inside a rental car.

Use the hotel safe or another secure place for documents and backup cards when practical.

Carry only what you need for the day.

These are small habits, but they remove many easy theft opportunities.

Rental-car security

A rental car creates a specific vulnerability because transfer days put all your luggage in one place.

Costa Rica's official tourism guidance recommends using supervised or public parking when possible and keeping valuables out of sight.

If you stop between hotels:

• put luggage in the trunk or covered cargo area before arriving;
• avoid opening the trunk repeatedly in a busy parking lot;
• keep passports and critical electronics with you;
• ask restaurants or attractions about secure parking;
• do not assume a scenic roadside stop is a safe place to leave a loaded car.

Our rental-car guide covers the driving side of the decision.

Beach safety is not only about crime

Rip currents are a serious ocean hazard.

The U.S. Embassy guidance for Costa Rica specifically warns travelers about dangerous rip currents, while Costa Rica's tourism board advises checking local conditions and warning flags.

At the beach:

• look for flags and signs;
• ask locally about currents;
• use lifeguarded areas when available;
• do not swim alone in unfamiliar water;
• supervise children closely;
• avoid mixing alcohol with risky swimming;
• do not assume a beautiful calm-looking beach is safe everywhere.

A surf beach can be excellent for experienced surfers and poor for casual swimming on the same day.

Solo travelers

Costa Rica's official tourism guidance gives specific advice to solo travelers.

It recommends using official transportation, avoiding isolated areas alone—especially at night—and staying in contact with friends or family.

The same habits apply to couples and families too.

If you are arriving after dark, arrange transport rather than improvising a long walk with luggage.

If a hotel warns against a particular walking route at night, take the advice seriously even if the map distance looks short.

Taxis, shuttles and transport

Use authorized or reputable transport.

At airports, use official taxi/transport channels or a pre-arranged pickup.

For intercity travel, established tourist shuttles and public bus companies are safer planning choices than accepting an unsolicited ride.

Keep the exact hotel address available offline in case mobile service fails.

Our Costa Rica without a car guide explains the main transport options.

San José

San José is a working capital city, so urban precautions matter.

During the day, central tourism areas can be explored normally.

At night, use reliable transport and avoid wandering into poorly lit or unfamiliar areas simply because they are close on the map.

Ask accommodation staff for current local guidance.

The most useful safety information is often specific to the few blocks around where you are actually staying.

La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio

Tourism infrastructure is strong in all three destinations, but the risks differ.

La Fortuna: watch belongings around busy attractions and transport points.

Monteverde: weather, steep roads and darkness can be as relevant as crime.

Manuel Antonio: protect beach belongings, use legitimate park-related services and pay attention to swimming conditions.

A destination being popular does not remove the need for basic judgment.

Natural hazards

Costa Rica is in an active volcanic and earthquake region.

Heavy rain can also affect roads, rivers and trails.

Follow official closures and local instructions rather than trying to complete a planned hike because it was already paid for.

For rafting, canyoning and other adventure activities, use established operators and follow guide decisions about weather and water levels.

The Costa Rica weather guide helps with seasonal context but cannot predict local conditions on your travel day.

Emergency number

Costa Rica uses 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Save your travel-insurance contact, accommodation number and transport provider details as well.

U.S. travelers may also want the current U.S. Embassy San José contact information available offline.

Do not wait until an incident to find these numbers.

Is the tap water safe?

Costa Rica's tourism board says tap water is potable in most of the country, with bottled water recommended in some rural areas.

Ask locally when staying in a remote property or using a private water source.

This is a different question from general travel safety, but it is one of the most common concerns first-time visitors have.

Should safety concerns change the itinerary?

Usually they should change your habits more than your destinations.

A sensible first trip can still include La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste.

Choose secure accommodation, plan transport, protect valuables, respect ocean conditions and check current official guidance before departure.

That is a more useful approach than treating the whole country as either completely safe or broadly unsafe.

Before departure, pair this page with the current Costa Rica entry requirements and the practical Costa Rica packing list. If you are avoiding a rental car, Costa Rica without a car covers the transport choices discussed above.