Scam in Costa RicaFood and drink
Airport food price gouging in Costa Rica
How it works
Airport food outlets can charge very high prices. This is a price concern rather than a described hidden-charge scam.
Warning signs
- The displayed price is much higher than you expected.
- You are about to order without checking the price.
How to avoid it
- Read prices before ordering.
- Compare available options.
- Ask for the total before paying.
If it happens to you
If the bill differs from the displayed or agreed price, ask staff to explain and correct it.
- Get to a safe, busy place. Call 911 if you face immediate danger. Do not chase a thief or fight over belongings.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, messages, vehicle numbers and the time and place.
- Freeze or block missing cards through your card issuer. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for insurance.
- Contact the relevant hotel, transport provider or seller. For a stolen rental vehicle, contact the rental company.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/CostaRicaTravel2024Airport Duty free is an absolute ripoffA commenter reports declining a bag of Skittles after the airport cashier asked for $9.Read on Reddit
- News2026¿Por qué es tan caro comprar en el aeropuerto? Esto dice la administración del Juan Santamaría y la lógica comercial detrás de los precios en las terminales aéreasThe newspaper examines passenger complaints about expensive SJO food and drinks and the airport operator's explanation of higher operating costs.Read on News
Questions
What is the airport food price gouging scam in Costa Rica?
Airport food outlets can charge very high prices. This is a price concern rather than a described hidden-charge scam.
How can I spot it early?
The displayed price is much higher than you expected. You are about to order without checking the price.
How do I avoid airport food price gouging in Costa Rica?
Read prices before ordering. Compare available options. Ask for the total before paying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If the bill differs from the displayed or agreed price, ask staff to explain and correct it.
Where in Costa Rica does this happen?
Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO) It has been reported in Alajuela.
How much can it cost me?
A burger priced at ₡6,000 is given as an example.
How common is this scam in Costa Rica?
Occasional. Tourists can face taxi overcharging, unlicensed drivers, false offers of help and petty theft in Costa Rica. Be especially careful at airport exits, around bus terminals and with unattended bags or parked cars. Some tourist shops and airport food outlets also charge very high prices.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for immediate danger or an emergency. Police: report theft or fraud. Bring the time, location, evidence and any vehicle details. Ask for a written record or report reference. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a missing card and dispute unauthorized charges. Hotel management, transport provider or seller: report the incident promptly. Provide receipts, booking details or the taxi number, and ask for a written response. Rental company: contact the company promptly if a rental vehicle is stolen or damaged. Follow its reporting instructions. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep receipts and police records to support a claim. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in Costa Rica?
Emergency services: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck