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Some scams

Central America

Tourist scams in Costa Rica

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.
  1. 1 TheftCommonFlat-tire help used to stealA stranger offers help when you have a flat tire. Their friendly approach creates a chance to steal your belongings. The situation can also turn into a carjacking.San José 3Read
  2. 2 TaxisCommonTaxi meter left offThe driver leaves the meter off and makes up a higher fare at the end. Airport drivers may be unwilling to use the meter.Taxis across Costa Rica, including airport pickups 1Read
  3. 3 TaxisCommonUnlicensed taxis and airport luggage pressureAn unlicensed driver offers a ride and may charge far more than an official airport taxi. Some approach quickly, grab your luggage and start loading it into their car to pressure you into going with them.San José, Alajuela 3Read
  4. 4 TheftOccasionalStreet and nightlife theftThieves 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.San José 3Read
  5. 5 TaxisOccasionalDrivers pretending to be UberAn unmarked taxi driver claims to provide Uber rides. Without a booking in the app, you cannot confirm that claim.San José 1Read
  6. 6 TaxisOccasionalTaxi meter already runningThe meter has been running before you get in, so you start the trip paying for time or distance you did not use.Taxis across Costa Rica 1Read
  7. 7 TaxisOccasionalUnnecessary taxi detoursA driver takes unnecessary detours to increase the fare. However, indirect routes in San José can also be a reasonable way to avoid traffic.Taxi journeys across Costa Rica 1Read
  8. 8 TheftOccasionalTheft from overhead bus luggageA bag stored above the seats is harder to watch and control, leaving it exposed to theft.San José 2Read
  9. 9 TheftOccasionalTheft by valet parking staffPetty theft can involve valet parking staff who have access to your vehicle.San JoséRead
  10. 10 TheftOccasionalTheft by hotel housekeeping staffPetty theft can involve housekeeping staff with access to guest rooms.San José 1Read
  11. 11 TheftOccasionalVehicle theftThieves steal parked vehicles. Car theft is identified as a problem in the city.San José 1Read
  12. 12 TheftOccasionalTheft from parked vehiclesThieves take belongings from parked vehicles.San José 2Read
  13. 13 Food and drinkOccasionalAirport food price gougingAirport food outlets can charge very high prices. This is a price concern rather than a described hidden-charge scam.Alajuela 2Read
  14. 14 ShoppingOccasionalTourist-shop and coffee overpricingTourist outlets may charge inflated prices. Small quantities of coffee can cost as much as ordering coffee online from home.Tourist outlets and tourist-focused businesses 2Read

Where to stay alert

  • Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), AlajuelaUnlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge or load bags before a traveller agrees to a ride. Airport food can also be expensive.
  • Bus terminals, San JoséUnmarked drivers outside terminals may claim to provide Uber rides.
  • Coca Cola Bus Terminal and surrounding area, San JoséThe surrounding area is identified as unsafe during both day and night.
  • Barrio La California (La Cali), San JoséThere is a theft risk, particularly for foreign visitors.
  • Northwest of the city center, San JoséExtra caution is advised, and visits at night should be avoided.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Check regular taxis for a red body and a yellow triangle whose number matches the plate.
  • At SJO, choose an official reddish-orange Taxi Aeropuerto.
  • Check the meter at the start or agree on the full flat fare before leaving.
  • Book app rides yourself and match the vehicle to the booking.
  • Know your destination's exact name and a nearby landmark.

Money

  • Keep large amounts of cash out of sight.
  • Check prices and the final total before paying.
  • Compare coffee prices by package size.
  • Keep receipts for purchases and disputed charges.

Cards and ATMs

  • Read the ATM fee before accepting a withdrawal.
  • Airport ATM information from 2023 listed a ₡4,000 fee on a withdrawal of about US$100; check the amount shown on the machine.
  • Shield your PIN and keep your card secure.

Your belongings

  • On inner-city buses, keep your rucksack between your knees.
  • Keep phones and valuables out of sight in public.
  • Take valuables out of parked cars.
  • Use secure parking and consider a steering wheel lock.
  • For a flat tire, accept help only from an established service station.

Nights out

  • Watch your belongings closely in La Cali.
  • Stay with people you trust.
  • Arrange transport instead of walking at night in unfamiliar parts of San José.
  • Avoid home-distilled spirits, which may contain poisonous methanol.

Where you stay

  • Secure cash, documents and valuables before leaving your room.
  • Do not leave valuables in a car handed to a valet.
  • Tell management promptly if anything goes missing.

Police and officials

  • Keep a photocopy of your passport's main page and entry stamp available; police may ask for identification.
  • Keep a separate secure copy of important travel documents.

What travellers say about Costa Rica

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Should I be worried about scams in Costa Rica?

Use sensible care. The main concerns described here are taxi overcharging, unlicensed rides, false offers of help and theft. Keep control of your bags and agree on prices before paying.

How do I recognize an official taxi?

Regular official taxis are red with a yellow triangle. The number in the triangle should match the license plate. At SJO, official airport taxis are reddish-orange and marked Taxi Aeropuerto.

What should I check on a taxi meter?

Make sure it was not running before you entered and ask the driver to turn it on immediately. If using a flat fare, agree on the full price before departure.

Can I trust someone outside a bus terminal who says they are Uber?

Book the ride yourself in the app. Match the driver and vehicle to your booking before getting in.

Should I accept help with a flat tire?

Accept help only from an established service station. Strangers may use an offer of help to steal belongings, and the situation can become a carjacking.

Where should I keep my bag on a city bus?

Keep your rucksack between your knees, where you can control it. Avoid storing it above the seats.

Which parts of San José need extra care?

Watch for theft in La Cali. The area around Coca Cola Bus Terminal is described as unsafe day and night. Avoid the northwest of the city center at night.

How can I protect a rental car and my belongings?

Choose a parking building or parking behind a locked fence. Lock the car, take valuables with you and consider a steering wheel lock.

Are high airport prices always a scam?

High prices alone do not prove fraud. Check food prices and ATM fees before accepting them. Compare coffee prices and package sizes before buying.

What should I do first after a theft?

Move to safety. Call 911 if there is immediate danger. Then block missing cards, save evidence and report the theft to police.

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