Is San José Safe in March 2026?

At Juan Santamaría Airport, unofficial drivers and some licensed red taxi (colectivo) drivers solicit passengers before the official taxi stand and either cover the meter, claim it is broken, or negotiate a flat rate far above the legal fare. The legal metered fare from SJO to central San José runs CRC 20,000–30,000 (approximately $35–55 USD), while unofficial drivers routinely demand $60–100 or more. This is one of the most consistently reported scams against arriving tourists in Costa Rica.

How to avoid: Exit the terminal and walk to the official TAXILOGIC red taxi queue at the designated stand — do not accept rides from anyone approaching you inside the terminal or on the curb. Insist on the meter (called "la maría") being activated before moving. Alternatively, book Uber from the arrivals hall using the airport Wi-Fi, which typically costs $15–25 to the city center.

The Mercado Central (Central Market) on Avenida Central between Calles 6 and 8 is San José's most visited indoor market and one of its highest-risk areas for pickpocketing and bag snatching. The narrow, crowded corridors create ideal conditions for distraction theft — one person bumps or engages you while another removes your phone, wallet, or camera from a bag or pocket. Incidents are also common in the surrounding streets, particularly on Calle 6 approaching the market.

How to avoid: Carry only the cash you need for the visit in a front pocket, and leave passports, extra cards, and valuables at your hotel. Use a crossbody bag worn in front of your body. Be alert to anyone who bumps into you or creates a distraction. Avoid displaying phones or cameras openly while navigating the market corridors.

Street money changers known as cambistas operate illegally around Avenida Central, Parque Central, and near the central post office (Correos de Costa Rica) on Calle 2, offering USD-to-colones exchange rates slightly above the official bank rate to attract tourists. Common techniques include short-counting the colones handed over, switching bills for lower denominations during the count, or passing counterfeit colones mixed in with legitimate bills. The transaction happens quickly and in public, making it difficult for tourists to recount accurately.

How to avoid: Never exchange currency with street vendors — it is illegal and systematically exploitative. Use Banco Nacional, BAC Credomatic, or Scotiabank branches on Avenida Central for official exchange, or simply withdraw colones from an ATM at the interbank rate. USD are accepted at most tourist businesses at a fair rate anyway, making street exchange unnecessary.

Unlicensed tour operators in downtown San José — particularly around the Museo Nacional on Calle 17 and along Avenida Central — sell multi-day packages to Manuel Antonio, Arenal volcano, Tortuguero, or the Osa Peninsula at below-market prices and collect deposits or full payment in cash. The company either does not exist at a verifiable address, fails to show up on departure day, or delivers a completely different service than promised. Some use legitimate-sounding agency names and printed brochures.

How to avoid: Book tours only through ICT-licensed operators (look for the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo license number displayed in the office or on the website). Use hotel concierge recommendations or well-reviewed agencies on TripAdvisor. Never pay the full amount in cash upfront — use a credit card where possible for chargeback protection. Verify the physical office address on Google Maps before paying.

Card skimming devices have been repeatedly documented on ATMs along Avenida Central pedestrian zone and in the downtown banking district, particularly at standalone ATMs in convenience stores and near tourist-facing businesses. Criminals install overlay devices on the card slot and a small camera or PIN pad overlay to capture card data, which is then used to clone cards. Victims typically do not realize the theft until unauthorized charges appear days later.

How to avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours rather than standalone street ATMs — Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic branches on Avenida Central and Paseo Colón are most reliable. Always cover the PIN pad with your hand when entering your code. Check the card slot for any looseness or unusual attachments before inserting your card. Notify your bank of travel before departure and enable transaction alerts.