Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit This Year? Yes! You can travel safely in Costa Rica make sure you need to follow some important instructions! When making the decision to travel or reside abroad, safety is one of the most crucial factors to consider. Out of 163 nations, Costa Rica is ranked 38th in the 2022 Global Peace Index, making it the top nation in Latin America. The criteria used to determine this rating include terrorism, ecological threats, gun access, mass shootings, respect for human rights, ties with nearby nations, the efficiency of the government, etc. Despite the fact that Costa Rica is regarded as a relatively tranquil country,
Expat Safety in Costa Rica: Is It Safe to Live There?
International Living covers locations that are regarded as secure for habitation or travel. We cover many areas with sizable expat populations. Locals and foreigners both diligently maintain the safety of their areas. There are numerous crime watch groups on Facebook and Whatsapp, as well as neighbourhood applications that inform users of any local criminal activities. You probably won’t hear much about violent crime in the picturesque beach towns that line the beaches or the peaceful towns and farms located in the Central Valley’s foothills. However, crime does occur in Costa Rica, just as it does in almost every other nation.
Costa Rica’s Crime
Long-standing problems with petty crime exist, particularly in popular seaside towns and bigger cities. For instance, it has been known for purses to be stolen off the back of restaurant chairs. You run the danger of losing a cell phone you leave on your table when you quickly visit the restroom. Always be aware of your possessions. Put your wallet/phone in your front pocket, ladies, and keep your handbag on your lap or in a fanny pack. Always have someone watch on your belongings while swimming or at a waterfall. Of course, you should also never flaunt a lot of cash or wear pricey jewellery. You simply become a target as a result.
When we’re on vacation in a location that feels so cosy and welcoming, we occasionally let our guard down. But incidents like this can be readily prevented if common sense is applied.
How Safe Is Costa Rica for Travel
- Avoid remote regions – In remote areas, especially at night and in big cities, you run a higher chance of being robbed. Try to remain in the throngs. The greatest approach to prevent potential muggers from picking on you is to do that.
- Avoid showy clothing and accessories. Petty theft is prevalent in this area, so take off any jewellery or watches before you leave the house. Also, avoid flashing your phone or camera. Try to blend in as much as you can to avoid being a pickpocket target. Follow the robber’s orders and hand over your goods if you find yourself the victim of a robbery; while these worldly possessions can be replaced, your life cannot.
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended – If you plan to spend the day at one of the beaches in Puerto Viejo, Santa Theresa, or Manuel Antonio, keep an eye on them as you swim or stroll down the shore. Both locals and visitors can easily steal your valuables if you leave them lying around. Simply bring what you need and nothing more.
Go to the beach with other travellers if you can so that you may each keep an eye on each other’s belongings.
- Exercise caution when utilising public transit. The most frequent sort of crime in Costa Rica is petty theft, which includes bag snatching. In Costa Rica, the majority of thefts happen on buses. Maintain vigilance and keep your bag with valuables and identification on your lap.
- Always use a licenced taxi – Although crimes against cab passengers are rare in this country, it’s advisable to utilise a licenced taxi. Make sure the metre is functioning properly and pay close attention to it as well. Cabbies have the ability to disable the metre and claim it is broken (a common scam, see below).
Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit This Year?