Is San José Safe in January 2026?

Unlicensed taxis (piratas) outside Juan Santamaría Airport quote flat rates far above the official metered fare, targeting tourists unfamiliar with typical Costa Rican fares. Some official-looking orange taxis are also unmetered pirate cabs.

How to avoid: Use only orange official TAXI (with the official Ministry of Public Works logo) or pre-booked hotel shuttles. Ask for the meter to be running.

Unofficial taxi drivers outside Juan Santamaría Airport offer flat rates 3x above the official metered orange taxi rate. The official meter rate from the airport to San José center should be approximately ₡8,000–12,000.

How to avoid: Use only official orange TAXI AEROPUERTO (airport taxis) from the authorized rank outside arrivals. These use meters. Alternatively, book a reputable shuttle service from the many hotel desks inside the terminal.

The Mercado Central and surrounding blocks in downtown San José are hotspots for pickpockets who work in groups, using distraction or the crowded environment to steal phones and wallets.

How to avoid: Use a money belt in markets and keep phones in a zippered front pocket. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

In San José, scammers posing as plainclothes police officers approach tourists and claim they are conducting a counterfeit currency investigation. They ask to inspect the victim's wallet and cash "to verify authenticity," then either swap genuine bills for counterfeits or pocket money while returning the wallet. This scam is well-documented in Costa Rica and specifically targets visitors on Avenida Central and in tourist-dense areas of downtown. Legitimate Costa Rican police never ask to handle a civilian's money.

How to avoid: Real police officers in Costa Rica never ask to inspect your cash or wallet on the street. If approached by anyone claiming to be a police officer demanding to see your money, firmly decline and ask to go to the nearest police station (OIJ or Fuerza Pública office). Request to see official credentials and write down the badge number. Contact the actual police (911) if pressured.

Independent tour sellers position themselves in hotel lobbies or directly outside claiming to be affiliated with the hotel. Tours sold are often overpriced relative to booking directly with the operator.

How to avoid: Book tours directly through the hotel's official concierge or through well-reviewed agencies with a physical office address.