Scam in Costa RicaTheft
Street and nightlife theft in Costa Rica
How it works
Thieves take belongings in areas where theft is a concern. Foreign visitors are specifically warned about theft in La Cali. No particular distraction or pickpocket method is described.
Warning signs
- Your phone, cash or valuables are visible.
- Your bag is open or out of your control.
How to avoid it
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Avoid displaying your phone or large amounts of cash.
- Stay with people you trust.
- Use transport instead of walking through unsafe areas, especially at night.
If it happens to you
Go somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft. Block stolen cards and secure affected accounts.
- 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/CostaRicaTravel2026Avoid Sharky’s in TamarindoA traveller reports a stolen wallet and a friend's stolen phone shortly after entering a crowded Tamarindo nightlife venue, followed by attempted card charges.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/costarica2025I have not felt afraid in Costa Rica after 10 total monthsCommenters recount a forceful daytime robbery on a downtown San José pedestrian street and phone pickpocketing at a carnival.Read on Reddit
- Government adviceCosta Rica travel adviceCanadian travel advice reports frequent pickpocketing and purse snatching, with tourists commonly targeted by distraction teams.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the street and nightlife theft scam in Costa Rica?
Thieves take belongings in areas where theft is a concern. Foreign visitors are specifically warned about theft in La Cali. No particular distraction or pickpocket method is described.
How can I spot it early?
Your phone, cash or valuables are visible. Your bag is open or out of your control.
How do I avoid street and nightlife theft in Costa Rica?
Keep valuables out of sight. Avoid displaying your phone or large amounts of cash. Stay with people you trust. Use transport instead of walking through unsafe areas, especially at night.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Go somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft. Block stolen cards and secure affected accounts.
Where in Costa Rica does this happen?
La Cali, the area around Coca Cola Bus Terminal, and the northwest of San José city center It has been reported in San José.
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.
Are there similar scams in Costa Rica?
Yes: flat-tire help used to steal, theft from overhead bus luggage, theft by valet parking staff.
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