Costa Rica is generally safe, but taking precautions enhances your vacation, Read the following article to find the best 26 tips to travel safely in Costa Rica. With some care, Costa Rica offers stunning landscapes and friendly people to make wonderful memories.
When we talk about Costa Rican travel safety, we must go beyond illnesses, diseases, and insurance possibilities. We covered all that in our first post, which you can find here. (LINK)
In this part of this important guide for your safe travel in Costa Rica, we will talk a bit about other risks and all you need to know to cope with them.
At Amazing Costa Rica, we want you to feel at home, be safe, and leave with a smile. We always strive for our passengers to have the safest and most delightful vacation. And even if you don’t travel with us, we want visitors to Costa Rica to leave with a smile. Keep on reading and find some of the most important safety tips that a local can give you in this blog.
First is first; use your common sense at all times and ask questions of the right people.
Tip #1
Travel only with authorized companies. Not only as a travel agent, but even on tours or transfers, make sure your transportation, your travel agent, and your tour guide are authorized and licensed.
Tip #2
We are a tropical country, and the weather is as unpredictable as it can be. So, before going on any adventure tour, check the forecast, and especially when talking about rafting, canyoning, or ziplining, watch out for the climate where you are going to enjoy your tour.
Tip #3
Verify the company’s insurance policies, certified tour guides, and Ministry of Health operating permit.
Tip #4
Do not walk, jog, or hike in secluded areas. If you are going on a trail by yourself, make sure the staff at the hotel and Amazing Costa Rica know where you are going.
Tip #5
In general, in Costa Rica, you can trust the police. If you contact “Policia Turistica,” most likely they will speak and understand English.
Tip #6
As soon as you arrive in Costa Rica, you can purchase a SIM card at the airport or nearby. Additionally, you can use your unlocked phone, but you’ll need to upgrade your plan to include roaming.
Tip #7
Colones are the currency of Costa Rica, although US dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted. Use mainly smaller bills. No teared or stained bills are accepted. Changing $50 and $100 is difficult. If you need to change those, better go to the bank. And bring your passport, as bank transactions require a valid passport.
Tip #8
There are ATMs in all of Costa Rica, but know that some stay closed from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Be mindful of your surroundings when using the ATMs.
Tip #9
Traveling light is possible, but remember that at times, local flights and boats will ask you for limited baggage weight. If you feel that you cannot enjoy your trip with whatever fits in your carry-on and want to bring a bigger suitcase, tell us about it so that we can keep it in the storage of hotels at times, depending on your itinerary.
Tip #10
In most of the hotels we use in Amazing Costa Rica, they will offer laundry service. If they don’t, let us know so we can find the closest laundry mat next to you. In most touristic areas of Costa Rica, you will find one at affordable prices.
Tip #11
Always take care of all your belongings and valuables, even when traveling by bus. Carry your backpack in front of you; avoid unsolicited help from strangers.
Tip #12
When you are in cities or crowded places and you need to check your phone, get into a business, or go grocery shopping, Do not flash your phone if you are not sure where you are.
Tip #13
If you have a mechanical problem while driving, call our 24-hour emergency system. If we are not reachable or you don’t have a signal, please call 911; they are there to help in those events too.
Tip #14
Never leave valuables in your car unattended, including cash, credit cards, jewelry, and passports. Use a monitored public parking lot.
Tip #15
If you buy a prepaid SIM card, make sure it has coverage in the areas where you are going. And download Waze and Google Maps. Costa Ricans are famed for their use of Waze, and the app will warn you if there are any problems on your route.
Tip #16
If you are traveling with Amazing Costa Rica, we will choose the best and authorized hotels with the proper insurance. However, if you prefer to book your own accommodations, make sure to choose one that is also authorized and has the proper insurance. Check also their cancellation policies. And do not provide any credit card information over the phone.
Tip #17
Standard US two-prong plugs are used with 110 V outlets.
Tip #18
If your hotel has a safety box, use it. If not, keep the valuables in the reception safe box. Especially your passports and cash (put them in a closed envelope).
Tip #19
Always carry a copy of your passport.
Tip #20
Ask your hotel staff about the best routes to take wherever you are going. Waze sometimes doesn’t get it right.
Tip #21
Check out our packing list (link). But remember to bring good closed shoes; waterproof hiking boots are better, but a good pair of tennis shoes can solve many hikes. A pair of sandals with a sturdy undersole is a good idea.
Tip #22
Even in the rainy season, when clouds are covering the sky, use sunblock! We are in the tropics!
Tip #23
If you’re planning to swim in the ocean, ask locals or surfers about rip currents and beach conditions.
Tip #24
Ask for assistance if you haven’t received first aid training and someone is in danger. In Costa Rica and on the main beaches, you will always find a safe guard, and usually paramedics are close by.
Tip#25
Do not share details of your itinerary, hotel, or tour with strangers.
Tip #26
Do not stray from the hiking trails. In the jungle, everything looks the same, and getting lost is incredibly easy.
As a conclusion:
After reading through all these important tips, you can rest assured that, with some common sense and care, Costa Rica is a very safe country to visit. The people are friendly, the police are helpful, and crimes against tourists are not common. However, it never hurts to take some basic precautions.
We hope you feel encouraged to start planning your Costa Rica vacation. When you’re ready, contact Amazing Costa Rica to reserve your transport, tours, and accommodations.
Our experienced team will tailor all the details to your interests and needs, providing stress-free travel from start to finish. With Amazing Costa Rica as your guide, you can focus simply on making wonderful memories amidst Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes. Reach out today to get your custom itinerary and price quote!
