Scam in Costa RicaShopping
Tourist-shop and coffee overpricing in Costa Rica
How it works
Tourist outlets may charge inflated prices. Small quantities of coffee can cost as much as ordering coffee online from home.
Warning signs
- A small coffee package has a high price.
- You have not compared the package size and price with other sellers.
How to avoid it
- Compare package sizes as well as prices.
- Check local supermarkets and sellers who roast their own coffee.
- Confirm the total before buying.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt. Ask for a correction if the amount charged differs from the agreed price.
- 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/CostaRicaTravel2025Back from Costa Rica take awayA traveller reports seeing the same ground coffee priced at 2,000 colones in one grocery store and 6,000 closer to tourist towns.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/CostaRicaTravel2024Airport Duty free is an absolute ripoffA commenter reports buying identical coffee and chocolate at a Walmart near SJO for half the airport price or less.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the tourist-shop and coffee overpricing scam in Costa Rica?
Tourist outlets may charge inflated prices. Small quantities of coffee can cost as much as ordering coffee online from home.
How can I spot it early?
A small coffee package has a high price. You have not compared the package size and price with other sellers.
How do I avoid tourist-shop and coffee overpricing in Costa Rica?
Compare package sizes as well as prices. Check local supermarkets and sellers who roast their own coffee. Confirm the total before buying.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt. Ask for a correction if the amount charged differs from the agreed price.
Where in Costa Rica does this happen?
Tourist outlets and tourist-focused businesses
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