So let’s talk about facts and get into the nitty-gritty of how to stay safe in Costa Rica…. The Active Roots Zipper Scarf is your run-of-the-mill infinity scarf but with a hidden pocket that’s big and sturdy enough for a night’s cash, your phone, a passport and (hell with it) some snacks too! So here are a few top tips for staying safe in Costa Rica. Travel to Costa Rica by yourself is totally doable and is one of the best ways to experience the country! There is one train line up and running in the capital, but there are certainly no metro services going on in this Central American country. In general, Costa Rican families are very tightly knit. She’s here to share all their amazing adventures, activities and experiences – giving some tips, advice and recommendations on how to successfully do Costa Rica … Costa Rican cuisine is supremely delicious. You’re in the right place to find out. Passengers can ride from one end of town to the other, in essence, for a flat fee of what is usually the equivalent to 1 USD. When it comes to safety, start with paying for your bus tickets in Costa Rican colones. It’s common to take a taxi and you’ll see them almost everywhere. Costa Rica is a largely safe country, but petty crime (bag snatchings, car break-ins etc) is common and muggings do occur, so it’s important to be vigilant. There’s a lot of it in this Central American Country. Heading to Costa Rica? Really assessing the safety of a country like Costa Rica is difficult. “A lot of expat families are drawn to Las Catalinas because it’s safe for kids to run free and there’s access to quality schools and health care,” Mr. Davey said. That’s not to say that everywhere has safe drinking water, however: in rural communities and more undeveloped areas it’s not always drinkable. Costa Rica compared to other countries in Central America is very safe for families and children; having no army since 1948 makes us a friendly and safe country with a fairly stable economy. Alternatively, take a decent water bottle and water purification tablets to be on the (extra) safe side. Rural areas tend to be less well equipped, so it’s best to stock up on supplies (including snacks) before you head out there. You need to pick a good place, such as Samara, that has calm waves and is very family-friendly. But to be extra sure, you should follow our guidelines below. Of course, there are ways to travel safe, which we’re going to get into now. Living in Costa Rica is not always as cheap as you think it’s going to be, nor as straightforward as you might want it to be. Costa Rica is a true wonderland with jungles, beaches and friendly people. Do your own research. Also, make sure your Costa Rica travel insurance includes the children. Earthquakes and volcanoes can pose a risk wherever you’re situated, so knowing what to do when disaster strikes is very sensible! It’s about being sensible as much as it is about keeping an open mind and having the best experience you possibly can. Because the food in Costa Rica has a big focus on fresh ingredients being freshly cooked, the likelihood of getting sick from something you ate is actually relatively low. Spending between $600 and $800 per month will get a nice rental. Is Costa Rica Safe? Putting your bag in the overhead shelf puts it and your valuables at risk. The Springs Resort | Arenal Volcano. If you want to get around in the luxury of a shuttle service, usually with air-con and a pick-up service directly from your hotel, then this is the mode of transport for you. Copyright 2013 - 2019 - One Weird Globe |, Is Costa Rica safe in 2020? A wealth of history, crazy good food, and literally amazing nature make it perfect for many different people. Read our post for tips on what to expect. Is Costa Rica safe to live in for expats? Collectivos are mainly safe but can be quite old and usually crowded. If you’re going more long-distance, be careful of people at bus stations and terminals who offer help. It’s important to know that security in Costa Rica is still developing. Plus, the bus driver isn’t a currency exchange. Thanks to this guide, you’ll now have some great travel tips to know exactly how to stay safe while traveling in Costa Rica. Many of those activities are suitable for children of all ages, like walking the trails of national parks, visiting animal sanctuaries … Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you’re immune to danger. Every year an average of three million tourists including families, couples, backpackers, surfers and yogis explore Costa Rica. It isn’t difficult to travel to Costa Rica by yourself, but there are a few things you can bear in mind to make sure you optimize having fun on your trip. Whether you are zipping through the leafy canopy or spying a lazy sloth, this little dynamo of a country offers a plethora of fun experiences that every family member can enjoy. Is it safe to drive a car or motorbike in Costa Rica? If you are traveling you should ALWAYS have emergency cash hidden on you! That being said, more rural and undeveloped portions of the country may not have the same benefits that the cities have, so you may want to avoid tap water out in the sticks. And have you thought about getting Travel Insurance for your trip? Price estimates were calculated on October 17, 2020. But it’s stable, it’s prosperous, respects freedom of the press, and the rights to expression. Do you need Travel Insurance for your trip? Local crime certainly doesn’t people from traveling to these countries and, in the grand scheme of things, Costa Rica isn’t nearly as bad as these. Petty theft (pickpocketing around tourist areas/on public transport) definitely happens. Is Costa Rica safe for solo female travelers? Having the right travel insurance will also give you peace of mind! But are taxis safe in Costa Rica? It’s especially great to use from SJO Airport to your accommodation. If you’re traveling with kids this is a great chance to unplug from technology and get out into nature. The whole train network in Costa Rica was shut down in 1991 following a bad earthquake. means funding goes to better things – like amazing healthcare. Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit? So, for the most part, you can drink the tap water in Costa Rica, which means you should bring your own water bottle. What are the Best Cities in Costa Rica to Live In for Expats. However, though once a common sight, they are becoming more and more scarce. Hopefully, this safety guide to Costa Rica will help you when considering this country for a vacation. It’s not what you want when you’re on vacation and would rather be spending money on cool stuff than having it stolen! The food in Costa Rica is, unlike what you may be thinking about Latin American food, actually quite mild. Key things: do your research, as this will give you some good grounding before you even arrive; be flexible, as your plans won’t always work out; make friends with and ask the advice of fellow female travellers. Solo travel is great, but it’s very easy to get lonely, so meeting people in hostels and guesthouses will put you in good stead for keeping sane and maybe making some lasting friendships. To help you out with everything else, we have some advice for you…. But that fit a theme, too: Costa Rica is wild and exotic, but at the same time safe, accessible and perfect for children. Many of the more popular Latin countries, like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, are among the most dangerous countries in the world too! There are, however, some dangers to watch out for. The food in Costa Rica is ok to eat, definitely, but it’s important for you to not get sick during your trip, so we thought we’d help you out…. Traveling with a Baby in Costa Rica – We’ve had two kids here so have done this twice now. Costa Rica can be risky for women, of course. Once upon a time, they were old school buses, but today they have upgraded into former coaches. The belt itself is made from a super durable nylon material that can take the inevitable beating traveling brings. It is actually much quicker than getting around by public transport. There is much less violent crime in Costa Rica than in the US. You’ll be one of those people out there actually doing things instead of saying you’re going to do things – and all whilst travelling solo. Emergency care is provided free of charge to all residents. Both the jungles and the incredible beaches in Costa Rica draw tourists in, and these can be great fun for you and your kids. In terms of quality, it’s good, ranking higher than the United States’ healthcare system, according to WHO. Get ready for an absolute feast. Heading to Costa Rica? Giselle is a NYC mom of 2. Over the last several years, criminal offences have been on the rise. You don’t want to be sharing a bus for hours with a potential thief who thinks you’ve got loads of US dollars. If neither of those options appeals to your refined fashion sense, don’t compromise! Petty crime is most frequent in the capital city of San Jose, where pick pocketing, mugging, and purse snatching occur. Is Costa Rica safe to travel for families? Enjoy your travels! Being vigilant and listening to your gut is a good way to avoid danger. Don’t expect anything fancy when it comes to the public transport here. If your hotel has water filters for guests to use, we’d recommend you use a refillable travel bottle instead. First of all, and always the most obvious thing: A good rule (for anywhere in the world) is to, The fruit here is so good and it’s not usually the fruit itself that will make you ill – it’s the amount you’re going to be eating! You won’t want your children to be covered in bites as it will ruin their (and your) fun. Overall, it’s helping to reduce poverty in the country. Though everybody in the world gets a taxi at some point, they’re not always the safest way to get around. Always make sure you are using a reputable service. We love it and so should you. There are moments where you may feel threatened but we believe that most of the time and most areas in Costa Rica are safe. Close, Airbnb's Most Unique Properties Worldwide. Incidents like this happen everywhere, even in your own home country. Good for a local experience, however. An avid football-fanatic, Aiden eats his way through Europe while catching every football he can manage! That is why we have put together this list of safety tips for travelling to Costa Rica. So don’t slam the doors or make a mess and they’ll be happy with you! And it goes without saying, but learning Spanish would be helpful. I am guessing that being robbed or dying isn’t top of your itinerary for Costa Rica right? Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. So if a bus says it’s going to Guadalupe, that’s where it’s going. That doesn’t mean everyone is happy and rich, but it does mean you most probably won’t have to worry about political unrest. You have to read our Costa Rica packing list! That’s pretty popular if you ask us. Catcalls do happen. But don’t worry. Check out our favorite travel belt! Like we said before, food and water are safe in Costa Rica because there is a collective consciousness of the importance of public health, reinforced by government authorities. Costa Rica is amazing! You can also buy bottled water everywhere. Particularly, the public healthcare system, Caja, is universal. Is Costa Rica Safe for a Family Spring Break? Always watch your children when they’re splashing in the sea. Often they want your money, or to steal your things outright. It’s also important to cover up and protect against mosquito bites; mosquito-born diseases do exist in Costa Rica, but usually, they’re just pesky. Common sense suggests you can minimize your own vulnerability by not putting yourself in situations where you’re an easy target. Basic dental care is also provided for. It’s all geared up for tourists here, plus there are tons of guesthouses and backpacker hostels in Costa Rica so you can meet other solo travelers, too. Your money is 100% hidden and nobody will know it is there except for you. Collectivos can be found in smaller towns. It’s safe to drive a car here, but in general, it’s not safe to drive a motorbike in Costa Rica. Food is a source of national pride and will offer you an insight into local culture, too. Yes, and as usual there are tips to travel even more safely, whether you come with your family, a significant other, a group of friends, or by yourself. These are like public buses but run between different towns and cities. UV pens or a Grayl Geopress are also very effective and, if you drink a lot of tap water, can be very wise investments. When he is not chasing matches around the continent, Aiden lives in Birmingham, UK. Even though there’s some level of crime and natural disaster issues, Costa Rica is safe to travel alone in general. [Honest Guide]. It’s a 100% yes! The World Health Organisation ranks Costa Rica high when it comes to life expectancy; in 2000 a WHO survey ranked Costa Rica higher than the US when it comes to their healthcare system! Though it might not seem like something that’s serious in the grand scheme of things, having your money stolen whilst on holiday or travelling abroad is still probably one of the worst, most annoying things that can happen to you. That’s your hard-earned cash, and now someone else has it. ], Is Your Costa Rica Packing List Ready? Though it may be one of the safest countries in Central America, having Central America – a typically unsafe region marked by years of conflict and drug trafficking – as a benchmark doesn’t single it out all that much. Click here to get a quote for your trip to Costa Rica! How safe is backpacking in Costa Rica? But, there are some very scary stories going round which may make you wonder whether it’s worth it? Foreigners have been traveling to Costa Rica since the 1990s and the country had a record-breaking year in 2015, with over 2 million tourists visiting the country. Living in Costa Rica is safe but you need to be aware of certain issues. Whilst not known for being a resort-filled, family-friendly part of the world, Costa Rica is nevertheless a world of incredible adventures, amazing wildlife and very friendly people. Is Costa Rica safe for families; Recent Posts. Is Costa Rica a safe country to live in? Otherwise make sure you bring all the usual medical supplies (just in case), sun protection, and get ready to have a blast in Costa Rica. In these instances, it’s best to drink water that’s been boiled vigorously for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at higher altitude). Given the quality of the system, the private healthcare makes Costa Rica a pretty popular destination for medical tourism. This belt is versatile and can be used at home or abroad. Security belts are great because they are affordable and can fit a ton of stuff in them (great for peace of mind!). Following a particularly bad earthquake in 1991, the entire rail network shut down across Costa Rica. In fact, property ownership is protected by the Costa Rican constitution. If you are looking for a practical, stylish money travel belt that will protect your cash on any given backpacking adventure, look no further than the Active Roots security belt. However Costa Rica is safe solo female travellers; there are issues in some areas, but we’re here to help out. Save the world, one backpack at a time. Costa Rica is safe to travel alone in but don’t forget that anything can happen anywhere. And that’s not even mentioning its stunning beaches, which are as popular for sunbathers as they are for surfers. Leaving aside the grizzly and frightening details of the many cases, it’s important to be aware that there is a succession of and a rise in violent crime targeting tourists; this in a country where the murder rate, in general, has also been increasing. They are cheap though and fairly reliable. There’s also a relaxed atmosphere, the people are very friendly, and for the most part, yes, Costa Rica is a safe place to live for expats. There are a whole lot of interesting adventures to be had here, from ziplining across jungle canopies to guided walks in the jungle, even spotting underwater sealife with a snorkel. Sure, it may be easy but that doesn’t mean it’s a breeze. Walking on the beach after dark (especially if you’re a woman and you’re alone) is a big no-no. and more. Do be sure to read the terms and conditions to make sure that the policy covers your needs. wouldn’t want to visit this real … Expect plenty of hearty portions of totally fresh ingredients that will have you asking for seconds every time. The good thing about the Active Roots Security Belt, however, is that it is a belt – just with a secret pocket. Being a confident driver, and with experience of driving in a country with under-developed roads, is definitely a plus. Whether they’re forums or Facebook groups, do your research, make sure you do the groundwork before you arrive, and things will go a lot more smoothly than if you rock up without a plan. Pay attention to your belongings on these, however, and stash them in a secure place; theft from the overhead compartments is common, so it may be best to keep your bag on your lap. Don’t let this spook you – crime is often a case of wrong place, wrong time. It is such a useful language to know! Road conditions vary from spotless highways to bumpy dirt tracks and spontaneous river crossings. Is Costa Rica safe to visit? Traveling with insurance is a must for any area of the world, and is the best way to keep you and your belongings safe (and not to mention jus give you some peace of mind!). All in all, it depends on the size and age of your family; younger children may be best suited to something a little more all-inclusive, whilst older ones may love the idea of freedom at a hostel. For the most up-to-date safety information and what you should be doing to help, please consult the WHO and your local government. Refreshingly with no standing army (it was abolished in 1948), Costa Rica could be poised as the soft power leader of Central America. In some respects it’s actually a bit of an undiscovered gem: many more statistically unsafe countries of Latin America, Mexico for example, get many times the visitors than Costa Rica does. The cars themselves are decent and the drivers tend to be pretty good. There are many well-stocked pharmacies around towns and in tourist hubs such as La Fortuna. There’s venomous wildlife. If you want beach living, the Southern Zone is a good shout. If they’re too full, they won’t pick you up. Operating mainly in San Jose, Puntarnas, Golfito, Puerto Limon, San Isidro de el General are the public buses. It’s an adventure alright. Use a big bill and you may be greeted with the old ‘no change’ line. Burglary is one of the most common crimes, as are vehicle crimes, so you may want to invest in security and, obviously, insurance. From social hostels where you can eat dinner around the table with staff and other guests, to more chilled guesthouses and even homestays, choosing the right place for you is the best place to start your solo travel adventure. There are earthquakes, with the last major one occurring in 2017. This amazing money belt is great not just because it’s affordable and sturdy, but also because it’s very, very simple. Opt for an infinity scarf with a hidden zipper pocket. Make sure you ask locals about where is the safest to swim: riptides can be deadly. It’s most popular around San Jose, but Uber also covers Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia. (Must be all that volcanic soil). For female travellers, sitting in the back seat is best. Costa Rica has lifted stay at home orders and resumed some transportation options and business operations. That being said, Costa Rica is still pretty safe when compared to some of its more violent neighbors. Pharmacists will refer you to a hospital if they feel you need further treatment. So unless you’re totally into your own company, then head to destinations where other travelers congregate. So even though it’s “dangerous” people are still going, which makes us wonder exactly how dangerous it is. Crime has been steadily on the rise including violent crime. The cars they drive are old, they often have no insurance, and they charge whatever they want. So when it comes to keeping your money safe in Costa Rica, whilst you can be as careful as possible in avoiding crime, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry, so wearing a money belt is key. We mentioned this earlier, but no one can get to your bag down there. 17 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica. Like anywhere in the world, Costa Rica has its problems. 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