Staying Safe in Costa Rica
Local Laws
In Costa Rica, you need to be 18 years old to legally drink alcohol. It's also important to know that drinking alcohol in public places isn't allowed. If you're driving, your blood alcohol concentration can't go over 0.05% mg, and breaking this rule can lead to fines or even jail time. While passengers aren't restricted by an open container law, the driver must not be drinking, and passengers should avoid anything that could distract the driver.
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old. Just a heads-up, there are speed limits, and driving over 120 km/h (which is about 74.5 mph) is considered a serious offense. Regarding drugs, possessing small amounts for personal use (up to 3 grams) isn't against the law, but selling them is illegal. If you're caught using drugs in public, you could be detained and have your drugs confiscated.
When you're coming into or leaving Costa Rica, if you're carrying more than $10,000 in cash or securities, you'll need to declare it.
For cultural etiquette, it's a good idea to dress modestly, especially in rural areas and at religious sites. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Swimwear is really only appropriate for beaches and resorts; elsewhere, it's best to wear something over it.
Costa Ricans generally prefer to keep public displays of affection quite discreet. While tipping is appreciated, it's not something people expect.
Most visitors are allowed to stay for up to 180 days, but the exact duration is decided by immigration officials when you arrive. If you stay longer than permitted, you could face deportation and might not be allowed back into the country in the future. To enter Costa Rica, you'll need to show a return or onward ticket and prove you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
LGBTQ+ Travellers
Costa Rica has established itself as a progressive and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The country legalized same-sex marriage and adoption in 2020, and anti-discrimination laws protect individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
While major cities and tourist areas generally exhibit open-minded attitudes, some rural or more conservative regions may hold traditional views. Overall, Costa Rica is considered one of the safest and most inclusive countries for LGBTQ+ individuals in Central America, with legal frameworks in place to safeguard their rights.
Scams
When visiting Costa Rica, it's good to be aware of a few common ways people might try to take advantage of tourists. You might see people on the street offering really cheap tours, but often these don't turn out to be what was promised.
Be cautious of unofficial taxis, as their meters might not be working correctly or they could charge you more than they should. Credit card fraud is also a possibility, where you might be charged in the wrong currency or have your information compromised.
At gas stations, keep an eye out. Sometimes attendants might start pumping gas before resetting the meter to zero, or they could give you the wrong change. There's also a chance of being overcharged if you're paying with a credit card. A scam to watch out for involves someone deliberately slashing your tire, and then an accomplice will approach you offering help, which is actually a distraction so they can rob you.
When it comes to exchanging money, be careful of people offering old or unfavorable exchange rates, and be wary of street changers who might give you counterfeit money. Online, you could end up paying for accommodations or tours that simply don't exist. Rental car companies sometimes try to hide mandatory insurance or extra fees until you get to the pickup counter.
Other scams you might encounter include people intercepting your pre-booked airport transportation, fake tour guides, staged car accidents, and an older scam involving a departure tax that's usually not required in person anymore.
Crime
You'll find that petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are quite common in Costa Rica, especially in places where tourists tend to gather. Unfortunately, more serious crimes such as armed robbery, murder, sexual assault, carjacking, and what are known as 'express kidnappings' also happen and seem to be on the rise. Criminals often focus their attention on popular tourist spots, resorts, transportation hubs, and public transport.
To help keep yourself safe, it's a good idea to avoid walking alone in areas that aren't well-lit or on quiet beaches and streets, particularly after dark. If you're ever the victim of a robbery, please don't resist.
It's also wise to avoid showing off expensive jewelry or anything that might signal you have a lot of wealth. Never leave your valuables unattended on the beach, in unlocked rooms, or in your car, even if it's locked. Always stay aware of what's going on around you, especially in busy places.
When you rent a car, make sure to keep the doors locked, as thieves sometimes use devices to block car signals. Stick to using reputable tour operators and taxis that are officially registered.
Be mindful of the possibility of drinks being tampered with or beverages containing methanol. Women traveling on their own should be particularly cautious, as there are risks of sexual harassment and assault.
If you're driving, don't stop for strangers who seem to need help or after a suspicious car incident; instead, drive to a safe, public location.
