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Common in Costa Rica

Scam in Costa RicaTaxis

Unlicensed taxis and airport luggage pressure in Costa Rica

Airport exits, especially Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), and taxi pickup areas

How it works

An 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.

Warning signs

  • Someone starts loading your bags before you choose a taxi.
  • A regular taxi lacks a yellow triangle with a number matching its plate.
  • An airport driver approaches without a clearly marked official airport taxi.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep hold of your bags until you choose your ride.
  2. At SJO, look for the official reddish-orange taxis marked Taxi Aeropuerto.
  3. For regular taxis, check the red body and yellow triangle, and match its number to the plate.
  4. Do not enter a vehicle whose markings do not match.

If it happens to you

Ask for your bags back before entering. Seek help nearby if the driver refuses. Avoid a physical struggle.

  1. Get to a safe, busy place. Call 911 if you face immediate danger. Do not chase a thief or fight over belongings.
  2. Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, messages, vehicle numbers and the time and place.
  3. Freeze or block missing cards through your card issuer. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
  4. Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for insurance.
  5. Contact the relevant hotel, transport provider or seller. For a stolen rental vehicle, contact the rental company.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What it can costUnlicensed SJO drivers may charge almost twice the official airport taxi fare. The listed fare to San José was around US$25 in the 2023 airport information.
Where it happensAirport exits, especially Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), and taxi pickup areasSan José, Alajuela

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

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Questions

What is the unlicensed taxis and airport luggage pressure scam in Costa Rica?

An 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.

How can I spot it early?

Someone starts loading your bags before you choose a taxi. A regular taxi lacks a yellow triangle with a number matching its plate. An airport driver approaches without a clearly marked official airport taxi.

How do I avoid unlicensed taxis and airport luggage pressure in Costa Rica?

Keep hold of your bags until you choose your ride. At SJO, look for the official reddish-orange taxis marked Taxi Aeropuerto. For regular taxis, check the red body and yellow triangle, and match its number to the plate. Do not enter a vehicle whose markings do not match.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask for your bags back before entering. Seek help nearby if the driver refuses. Avoid a physical struggle.

Where in Costa Rica does this happen?

Airport exits, especially Juan Santamaría Airport (SJO), and taxi pickup areas It has been reported in San José, Alajuela.

How much can it cost me?

Unlicensed SJO drivers may charge almost twice the official airport taxi fare. The listed fare to San José was around US$25 in the 2023 airport information.

How common is this scam in Costa Rica?

Common. 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: taxi meter left off, drivers pretending to be Uber, taxi meter already running.

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.

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