Question 1

What is the "Airport Taxi Meter Scam" scam in San José?

Accepted Answer

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. 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.

Question 2

What is the "Express Kidnapping via Fake Taxi" scam in San José?

Accepted Answer

Criminals operating fake or stolen taxis — including some painted to resemble official red taxis — have targeted tourists in the San José metropolitan area, forcing them to make ATM withdrawals at gunpoint before releasing them. These incidents are documented by the US Embassy and OIJ (Costa Rican investigative police) and occur most frequently in the Alajuela–San José corridor and around the downtown bus terminals at night. Unlike a simple overcharge, victims in these cases are driven to multiple ATMs and forced to withdraw their daily withdrawal limit. Never get into an unmarked or unofficial vehicle, especially at night or when alone. Use only taxis hailed through the official TAXILOGIC app, called from your hotel, or taken from a designated queue. Uber is a safer alternative for solo travelers. Do not accept rides from drivers who approach you proactively on the street or near bus terminals.

Taxi & Transport Scams in San José

Airport Taxi Meter Scam

Express Kidnapping via Fake Taxi

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