How Does Scams to Avoid Work in Costa Rica?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Costa Rica has relatively low scam rates, but taxi overcharging, vendor overpricing in tourist areas, and beach car break-ins are the most common risks.
2What You Need to Know
The most common tourist scam is taxi drivers refusing to use the meter and quoting inflated flat rates — always insist on 'por taxímetro' or use Uber. A well-known trick near popular tourist businesses is a stranger telling you the place is 'closed today' and offering to take you to an 'equally good' alternative that pays them a commission — ignore these redirects and verify closures yourself. Vendors in very touristy areas like La Fortuna and Jacó may inflate prices for souvenirs; compare prices at multiple stalls. Beach car break-ins are extremely common — this is not a scam but a serious and organized crime that targets rental cars, which are identifiable by their plates.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Never leave anything in a rental car — not even items hidden in the trunk — as organized thieves target rental car plates.
- 2If someone tells you a restaurant or attraction is 'closed today,' walk to it yourself and check before believing them.
- 3Use Uber instead of street taxis to avoid the taxímetro haggling entirely.
Important Warning
Rental car break-ins at beaches and trailheads are extremely common and organized — treat your rental car as if it contains nothing, because it should contain nothing.
How does this compare?
Scams to Avoid rules in nearby and similar countries:
Watch out for ATM skimming, fake police demanding wallet inspection, the timeshare free-gift trap, and deliberate short-changing.
Key scams to watch for include beach theft (arrastão group robberies), distraction pickpockets, express kidnappings in cities, and people posing as police officers.
Canada is a low-scam destination for tourists, but phone and email scams impersonating the Canada Revenue Agency are rampant — hang up immediately.
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More About Costa Rica
A 10% service charge (ley de propina) is legally included in all restaurant bills, so no additional tip is required.
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Costa Rica has no national rail system; intercity buses are the cheapest option, while shared tourist shuttles and domestic flights connect remote destinations.
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Costa Rica has good private hospitals in San José, but travel insurance is essential as private care is expensive and public hospitals are slow for non-emergencies.
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Costa Rica is generally law-relaxed with a 'pura vida' attitude, but wildlife protection, environmental laws, and anti-drug laws are strictly enforced.
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Dial 911 for all emergencies; tourists can also call 1800-TURISMO (1800-887476) for dedicated tourist assistance.
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Costa Rica is extremely casual with no strict dress requirements — light clothing is ideal for the coast and layers are needed for cooler highland areas.
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