Havana vs San José
Which destination has more documented tourist scam activity? Side-by-side comparison based on verified reports.
Overall Risk Assessment
Havana has higher documented scam activity than San José
Based on weighted frequency scoring across 20 documented reports. Both destinations are safe with preparation.
Havana
Higher riskCuba · Central America & Caribbean
Total documented scams10
Severity
High risk
3
Medium risk
5
Low risk
2
Scam types
Top scams
- Fake "Cigar Factory" Bargain Cigars
- Paladar Menu Price Inflation
- Currency Exchange Shortchanging at Informal Bureaux
- Fake Cigar Sellers
San José
Lower riskCosta Rica · Central America & Caribbean
Total documented scams10
Severity
High risk
4
Medium risk
4
Low risk
2
Top scams
- Airport Red Zone Taxi Overcharge
- Pickpockets in Central Market
- Express Kidnapping by Taxi
- Fake Police Officer Currency Check Scam
Scam Types Found in Both Destinations
These categories appear in both Havana and San José. If you're visiting both on the same trip, these are the patterns to study first.
Havana vs San José — Common Questions
Is Havana or San José safer for tourists?
Based on documented scam data, San José has a lower overall risk score. Havana has 10 documented warnings (3 high severity) vs 10 in San José (4 high severity). Both are popular tourist destinations visited safely by millions each year — preparation matters more than the destination itself.
What scams should I watch for in both Havana and San José?
Both cities have documented activity in: Taxi & Transport, Street Scams, Tour & Activities, Money & ATM Scams, Other Scams. If you're visiting both, these are the scam types to review first since the same tactics are used in each city.
Which city has more high-severity tourist scams?
Havana has 3 high-severity documented scams vs 4 in San José. High-severity scams carry significant financial or safety risk and should be reviewed carefully before travel regardless of which destination you choose.