Travel Tips
How is the crime situation in Costa Rica? Is it a safe destination?
By US Embassy
Feb 9, 2005, 10:42

How is the crime situation in Costa Rica?  Is it a safe destination?

1.  OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY SITUATION in Costa Rica:

The American Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica deals daily with US citizens that have fallen victim to crime during their visit.  Costa Rica is a very popular country for tourists, who in turn are very popular targets for criminals.  Some of the more common reports filed with the Embassy are of muggings and theft.  Visitors should pay particular attention while using public transportation and frequenting tourist attractions.

2.  Costa Rica POLITICAL VIOLENCE:

Costa Rica is a peaceful country and the threat to Americans from terrorism or civil unrest is almost non-existent.  Costa Rica is with the Central American country with the longest history of democracy.  In 1998, Costa Rica celebrated the 50th anniversary of the abolishment of its military.

3.  Costa Rica POST-SPECIFIC CONCERNS:

Costa Rica lies within an earthquake zone and periodically experiences significant tremors.  The last earthquake that caused significant damage to infrastructure was in 1993.

More of a day-to-day hazard are the roads in Costs Rica. Roads are in poor condition. Large potholes with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are common.  The poor condition of the roads is a frequent subject of conversation with locals and visitors alike. The bad roads get worse each year during the rainy season (May - Nov).  In the mountains, mud slides can cause even main routes to be impassable.  Roads will washout with regularity during the rainy season.  All of the above, in addition to poor visibility because of heavy fog or rain, makes driving at night especially treacherous.

Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored; turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, and pedestrians generally are not given the right of way.