Is San José Safe in May 2026?
May is wet season / lower tourist volume in San José. Wet season brings fewer tourists — scam operators are still active but encounter fewer targets, which can mean more aggressive tactics on remaining visitors.
Lower
May risk
13
Scams documented
Lower
Crowd level
Season
Low Season
Crowd level
Lower
May scam risk
Lower
Year-round scams
13
Safety tips for San José in May
Season-specific guidance based on wet season / lower tourist volume conditions and how they interact with documented scam patterns.
May is low season in San José — you will encounter fewer tourists, but scam operators who work year-round may use more aggressive approaches with fewer targets.
Lower demand means better accommodation deals, but verify listings carefully — low-season closures and bait-and-switch tactics increase when competition drops.
Transport operators have fewer customers in May. Negotiate fares in advance or use app-based services to avoid inflated pricing on quiet routes.
Some attractions and services reduce hours or close entirely during low season. Verify operating schedules before travelling to avoid finding closed sites.
Regardless of season, the documented scams for San José remain the same — review the full list of 13 warnings before you travel.
Travel insurance is recommended for any trip to San José. Policies covering theft, medical emergencies, and trip disruption are essential regardless of when you visit.
Top scams in San José (active in May)
These scams operate year-round and remain active during May. Lower tourist numbers may reduce frequency but operators remain active.
Airport Red Zone Taxi Overcharge
mediumUnlicensed 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.
Airport Taxi Overcharge from Juan Santamaría
mediumUnofficial 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.
Pickpockets in Central Market
mediumThe 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.
Fake Police Officer Currency Check Scam
highIn 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.
Fake Tour Desk at Hotel Lobby
mediumIndependent 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.
What types of scams occur in San José?
Taxi & Transport
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.
3
Street Scams
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.
2
Tour & Activities
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.
2
Money & ATM Scams
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.
2
Restaurant Scams
Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.
1
Is San José safe in other months?
San José in May — answered
Is San José safe to visit in May?
San José is lower risk for tourists in May. This is wet season / lower tourist volume for the Central America region. Our database documents 13 scams year-round — during May, wet season brings fewer tourists — scam operators are still active but encounter fewer targets, which can mean more aggressive tactics on remaining visitors. The most common risks are taxi & transport, street scams, tour & activities.
Is May a good time to visit San José?
May is the quietest period for tourists in San José. Fewer tourists mean lower prices and shorter queues, but some services may be reduced. Scam operators remain active year-round.
What scams are most common in San José during May?
The documented scam types in San José are consistent year-round: Taxi & Transport, Street Scams, Tour & Activities, Money & ATM Scams. During May (wet season / lower tourist volume), frequency drops but remaining operators may be more persistent. The specific scams and their locations remain the same regardless of season.
Is it crowded in San José in May?
Tourist crowd levels in San José during May are lower. You will have more space at attractions and easier access to accommodation and transport. Some services may operate on reduced schedules.
Should I get travel insurance for San José in May?
Travel insurance is recommended for San José regardless of when you visit. Low season brings weather-related risks and potential service disruptions from closures. Look for policies covering medical emergencies, theft/mugging, trip cancellation, and 24/7 emergency assistance.
What should I pack for San José in May?
Beyond weather-appropriate clothing for May in Central America, pack with scam prevention in mind: a cross-body bag with RFID-blocking (pickpocketing is documented in San José), photocopies of your passport stored separately from the original, a phone case with a wrist strap (phone theft is reported), and a portable charger to maintain access to transport apps and maps. Avoid visibly expensive jewelry or electronics in high-risk areas.
Editorial note: Seasonal risk assessments for San José are based on 13 year-round scam reports cross-referenced with regional travel patterns. Scam data is compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Conditions change — always check current advisories before travel. Read our methodology →
May summary
Lower Risk
Wet season / lower tourist volume
Quick stats
Also in Central America