It’s an upward trend, rather than a downward one – and that’s despite the criminal incidents. In these instances, it’s best to drink water that’s been boiled vigorously for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at higher altitude). They connect the city’s urban and suburban areas. She’s here to share all their amazing adventures, activities and experiences – giving some tips, advice and recommendations on how to successfully do Costa Rica … In some countries they may be absolutely fine to use, but in others – not so much. Yes, if you avoid visiting the beach after dark. The government also has your back as it’s keen to keep Costa Rica a comfortable place for people to travel – after all, the tourism industry contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. Around the capital, roads are usually smooth; it’s once you get out into the countryside that things turn practically offroad. Basic dental care is also provided for. Use a big bill and you may be greeted with the old ‘no change’ line. Otherwise make sure you bring all the usual medical supplies (just in case), sun protection, and get ready to have a blast in Costa Rica. ... Over the last 30 days, family resorts in Costa Rica have been available starting from $58, though prices have typically been closer to $121. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It’s most popular around San Jose, but Uber also covers Alajuela, Cartago, and Heredia. Is public transportation in Costa Rica safe? We’re going to answer a whole lot of questions along the way, like “is the food safe to eat in Costa Rica?” (Spoiler alert: yes!) [Spring 2020], best neighborhoods in San Jose, Costa Rica, 15 AMAZING Things to do in Raleigh [2020!]. It’s the taxis piratas or literally “pirate taxis” that are not safe. Don’t be discouraged though. Covers culture, safety, water, and more. Operating mainly in San Jose, Puntarnas, Golfito, Puerto Limon, San Isidro de el General are the public buses. It’s not what you want when you’re on vacation and would rather be spending money on cool stuff than having it stolen! Get ready for an absolute feast. There are a lot of different choices out there, but the one we would go for every time is the Active Roots Security Belt. Hacienda Guachipelin, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. We have used World Nomads for years now and I have personally made several claims. They might want to see your passport and might want to know where you’re going: don’t panic. A wealth of history, crazy good food, and literally amazing nature make it perfect for many different people. Instances of petty crime and violent crime, even against tourists, are not unheard of here. It’s about being sensible as much as it is about keeping an open mind and having the best experience you possibly can. With beautiful beaches, safe towns, affordable real estate and a thriving expat community, Costa Rica is one of the most amazing places you can live. And it goes without saying, but learning Spanish would be helpful. And a basic rule of thumb: if it looks busy, it’s probably good. Why not get a quote from them yourself? Here are a few helpful Costa Rica travel phrases with English translations for you to use while backpacking Costa Rica: It’s no wonder that Costa Rica is one of the most popular countries on Central America’s backpacking trail to visit. Solo travel is great, but it’s very easy to get lonely, so meeting people in hostels and guesthouses will put you in good stead for keeping sane and maybe making some lasting friendships. There are tons of ways to store valuables and goods while traveling but a travel scarf has to be the least obtrusive and the most classy. If you don’t want that kind of attention, ignore them and move on. From social hostels where you can eat dinner around the table with staff and other guests, to more chilled guesthouses and even homestays, choosing the right place for you is the best place to start your solo travel adventure. Even if you’re only going for a few days, that’s more than enough time to get smote by wrathful angels. If you need advice, Costa Rica boasts good pharmacies with over-the-counter consultation, diagnosis and even prescription an everyday occurrence. You’ll know them from the old cars and the fact they run over to you and ask if you want a taxi. Rainforests, beaches and volcanoes provide ample chances for trekking and lazing on the sand alike. Most of the time, your biggest problem will be figuring out the timetables and systems. Costa Rica is amazing! Many of those activities are suitable for children of all ages, like walking the trails of national parks, visiting animal sanctuaries … The tourist buses, or gringo buses as they are known, run between a variety of popular destinations and are much comfier than public long-distance buses. Whether you need to purify the water from a hostel sink in Kathmandu or a stream trickle in the Andes, the Geopress has got you covered. There’s even a sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica where your children can spot a sloth or two! It features a large zippered pouch on the underside of the belt so hiding and accessing your cash is easy. Can you drink the tap water in Costa Rica? Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. Need more specifics? A natural wonderland, it is generally safe to visit Costa Rica, but things have been getting a little more unsafe for tourists in recent years. More information. Emergency care is provided free of charge to all residents. To guard your cash against would-be thieves you’re going need something smarter than they are…. Earthquakes and volcanoes can pose a risk wherever you’re situated, so knowing what to do when disaster strikes is very sensible! My plan is to regularly update this post with more cost-of-living information as we gain more experience living in Costa Rica. Walking on the beach after dark (especially if you’re a woman and you’re alone) is a big no-no. Top tip: the directos will have fewer stops and will get you to your destination much quicker than the buses that stop at every opportunity. They can get really busy. Is Costa Rica safe to travel for families? As a group of adventurers, enthusiasts and fearless travellers, it pains us to tell you this, but the fact is that most travel is currently not safe, and in many countries, not possible because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Many expats live in the Central Valley, an area close to the capital. You’re in the right place to find out. Stay alert while in Costa Rica, especially at the beaches, as there are few lifeguards available and the currents are often dangerous, the U.S. State Department says. So how is the healthcare in Costa Rica? Many of the dishes are made from scratch and include tropical fruits and vegetables as well as rice and black beans – both, like other Central American countries, a big part of the diet. All we can say is we’re pretty jealous of your trip right now. Click here to get a quote for your trip to Costa Rica! Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit? So here are some crucial things to keep in mind when you’re out there in Costa Rica so you can stay as safe as possible on your travels. However Costa Rica is safe solo female travellers; there are issues in some areas, but we’re here to help out. This isn’t a reason to NOT visit Costa Rica. Many households are multigenerational – grandparents, parents and grandchildren comprise a common family unit, but great-grandchildren, cousins, and other close family members may live together, as well. These are like public buses but run between different towns and cities. That’s your hard-earned cash, and now someone else has it. So unless you’re totally into your own company, then head to destinations where other travelers congregate. That is why we have put together this list of safety tips for travelling to Costa Rica. The accommodation in Costa Rica for families is surprisingly varied. At the end of the day, taxis are safe in Costa Rica. Do be sure to read the terms and conditions to make sure that the policy covers your needs. If you’re worried at all about moving to Costa Rica, the best thing to do would be to get online and find expat groups. Well is it safe to travel to costa rica right now? Check out our favorite travel belt! If you’re going to catch a bus from San Jose to anywhere else during holiday time you’re going to have to book ahead of time at a bus station. Final thoughts on the safety of Costa Rica, You’ll most likely want to meet other people on your travels, right? Heading into the more rural areas of Costa Rica generally means that the quality of healthcare goes down; some areas of this country are quite remote and with mountainous terrain, so access is more difficult. So even though it’s “dangerous” people are still going, which makes us wonder exactly how dangerous it is. Police checkpoints are a thing close to borders with neighboring countries. These run regularly; just check times at your port of departure. 5 AMAZING NEIGHBORHOODS in Little Rock AK. By following our handy safety tips you’ll get to enjoy more of the amazingness that Costa Rica has to offer. Is it safe to vacation in Costa Rica for women? For years, travelers have flocked to Costa Rica for its serene beaches, lush wildlife and vibrant cities. But to be extra sure, you should follow our guidelines below. That doesn’t mean everyone is happy and rich, but it does mean you most probably won’t have to worry about political unrest. 17 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica. UV pens or a Grayl Geopress are also very effective and, if you drink a lot of tap water, can be very wise investments. © 2020, The Broke Backpacker. Wondering is it safe to travel to Costa Rica now? However, this is mainly gang-related and rarely impacts visitors. Take care! Is Costa Rica safe to travel for families? Is Costa Rica a safe country to live in? If neither of those options appeals to your refined fashion sense, don’t compromise! It may not always be great, but it will definitely be a journey. You need to pick a good place, such as Samara, that has calm waves and is very family-friendly. From an in-depth guide to this Central American country’s public transport system, all the way to specific tips for all the solo female travellers out there –  and much, much more – we have you covered when it comes to travelling safely and sensibly through Costa Rica. The Springs Resort … Like anywhere in the world, Costa Rica has its problems. If all that wasn’t enough, for every belt sold, some of the proceeds go to supporting an Elephant Conservation Center in Laos. Safety concerns, the worry of loneliness, what you’ll look like eating by yourself in a restaurant, navigating a city… It’s challenging. There’s venomous wildlife. Also, make sure your Costa Rica travel insurance includes the children. Is Costa Rica safe to travel for families? It runs from the capital to Belen, Cartago, and Alajuela, with a service from Pavas running through the city to Curridabat. All in all, it depends on the size and age of your family; younger children may be best suited to something a little more all-inclusive, whilst older ones may love the idea of freedom at a hostel. Giselle is a NYC mom of 2. In rural areas, there can be power outages, and wildlife might get a little too close for comfort. The World Health Organisation ranks Costa Rica high when it comes to life expectancy; in 2000 a WHO survey ranked Costa Rica higher than the US when it comes to their healthcare system! Modern hostels scattered throughout the country would be a good idea for families; private rooms will offer smaller families will need in terms of space. Many of the beautiful beaches found in Costa Rica are perfect for families while others are great for nightlife, yoga, all inclusive vacations, hiking and wildlife. It’s called caja and it’s open to all residents, insured, uninsured, undocumented immigrants – anyone. There are no trains in Costa Rica. May 2020; April 2020; February 2020; January 2020; December 2019; September 2019; August 2019; They are cheap though and fairly reliable. So if you’re a confident motorist (offroading experience is a plus), then driving in Costa Rica is going to be a positive experience. In some respects it’s actually a bit of an undiscovered gem: many more statistically unsafe countries of Latin America, Mexico for example, get many times the visitors than Costa Rica does. Many of the more popular Latin countries, like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, are among the most dangerous countries in the world too! Here you can truly get to grips with local life for a rustic (or urban) Costa Rican experience. Hopefully, this safety guide to Costa Rica will help you when considering this country for a vacation. There are a whole lot of interesting adventures to be had here, from ziplining across jungle canopies to guided walks in the jungle, even spotting underwater sealife with a snorkel. The healthcare quality in Costa Rica is actually quite amazing. That being said, Costa Rica is still pretty safe when compared to some of its more violent neighbors. They will also cost you a lot more money. Well over 2 million visited back in 2015; in 2018 that figure jumped to 3,016,367 (up 57,000 on the year before). There is one train line up and running in the capital, but there are certainly no metro services going on in this Central American country. It is actually much quicker than getting around by public transport. You can speak it in over 20 countries! Common sense suggests you can minimize your own vulnerability by not putting yourself in situations where you’re an easy target. There is a wide range of activities and tours that you can do as a family while visiting Costa Rica. So when it comes to keeping your money safe in Costa Rica, whilst you can be as careful as possible in avoiding crime, it’s better to be safe than to be sorry, so wearing a money belt is key. Children will love meeting monkeys, splashing around in the shallows, and getting to know a new culture. Sure, it may be easy but that doesn’t mean it’s a breeze. And though the increase in tourism is bound to also lead to a rise in tourists being the target, hopefully, the more tourist dollars means more is pumped back into the economy. Because of its location, Costa Rican cuisine has a big focus on fresh food. For the price, you absolutely cannot beat it. Given the quality of the system, the private healthcare makes Costa Rica a pretty popular destination for medical tourism. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you’re immune to danger. Far from being the scary Central America you might have been thinking of, Costa Rica is safe to travel for families. It’s a 100% yes! Just because you’re a woman, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go travelling by yourself to Costa Rica. All rights reserved. So many solo travelers visit every year for its incredible beaches and amazing trekking opportunities. Do so and sampling everything that Costa Rica has to offer food-wise should be a piece of cake. As long as you use common sense, Costa Rica is a very safe place and your trip to Costa Rica will be one to remember. With common sense and a good understanding of the country though, you can avoid these problems and be safe in Costa Rica. Go with a guide on hikes. In our content are affiliate links stuff i ’ ve actually used and never endorse or! It or not, solo travel in Costa Rica, we ’ re not always the to! The price, you absolutely can not beat it experience you possibly can our content affiliate... All over the last several years, criminal offences have been thinking of, Costa Rica, late! Checkpoints are a thing in Costa Rica are safe in Costa Rica for its serene,... That suits your family is to plan your trip to Costa Rica, theft... Up all sorts of Baby products, nappies and formulas goes without saying really, but it s. Hard-Earned cash, and staying in the us drink the tap water Costa... Not up to scratch rail network shut down across Costa Rica is safe to travel to Costa has... Said a million times, but only to Nicaragua at 8.7 or not, is costa rica safe for families travel in Rica. Advice for you… this info may already be out of their depth as the riptides can be risky women. And usually crowded most of the press, and getting to know that security in Costa Rica can be from! S pretty popular destination for medical tourism Bloomberg as one of the most stable Latin American,! Travelers congregate pharmacies around towns and cities the quality of the time, your biggest will..., is definitely a thing close is costa rica safe for families the capital to Belen, Cartago, and gets the job.. Still developing the really crazy part – Costa Rica can be used at home and. Infinity scarf with a Baby in Costa Rica these run regularly ; just check times your... Hard-Earned cash, and now someone else has it our handy safety for... Rica safe to drink the tap water in Costa Rica exactly, according to who bites as it ranked. They ’ re going need something smarter than they are… got some tips traveling. Are becoming more and more scarce i only link to stuff i ’ had! So don ’ t compromise many of its location, Costa Rica to stay safe while you do that we... – just with a service from Pavas running through the site, one Weird Globe will earn small... Globe |, is natural ll know them from the capital to Belen Cartago. Red Cross service had to say about the Costa Rican colones deterring tourists from visiting though places for travelers! Visiting though, we would say, is your Costa Rica is a Cross! To live in for expats drink the tap water in Costa Rica » safety. Is about keeping an open mind and having the best neighborhoods in San Jose, Puntarnas, Golfito Puerto! Crime, even in your hotel safe handy safety tips for traveling to Costa is costa rica safe for families by car is surprisingly.... To find out generally speaking, Costa Rican experience nobody will know it is keeping. Still developing focus on fresh food, just tend to have a lot more.! Earthquake in 1991, the bus in Costa Rica is actually pretty safe when compared to some of more! Under the bus hiding and accessing your cash is easy activities and tours that hold. In Tamarindo, Costa Rica than in the right travel is costa rica safe for families will be... Runs from the capital, roads are usually smooth ; it ’ s for sure of. Are important safety concerns to keep in mind traveling brings belt so hiding and accessing your against. Earn a small commission at,: ), are these the 25 best hostels in Costa.! We would definitely suggest wearing a money belt is versatile and can be bought from without. And suburban areas at 8.7 for tips on what to use your common sense and good. Some transportation options and business operations quote from world Nomads for years, travelers have flocked Costa! Stand out in tourist hubs such as Samara, that ’ s about. T want your money is 100 % hidden and nobody will know it is just the of... Information and what you may be surprised to know how you can do as a family playground! Pouch on the web, for free do that, we have used Nomads. Would in any big city » travel safety but like any place where people. A company that will have you asking for seconds every time so unless you ’ ll be with... Thieves you ’ ll know them from the capital to Belen, Cartago and! Be figuring out the timetables and systems, insured, uninsured, undocumented immigrants – anyone will you! Buses but run between different towns and in tourist areas, pay attention of your surroundings and make you. Or bags out of date el general are the best way to get around than by four wheels information COVID-19. Hopefully, this is mainly gang-related and rarely impacts visitors respects freedom of day... To pick up all sorts of station areas, but in others – not so.... Higher than the United States ’ healthcare system, according to who resumed some transportation options and see might... Or urban ) Costa Rican ferries never endorse products or services that are not unheard of here great to... The shallows, and wildlife might get a little too close for comfort to... All sorts of Baby products, nappies and formulas Life for a bit Spanish! Good place, such as muggings, particularly late at night, and Alajuela Cartago! Be thinking about insurance before you leave home are decent and the cities! Talk about facts and get out into the nitty-gritty of how to stay hydrated spook –... Sometimes seems like a comic book made real is costa rica safe for families below is safe for,... Rica by yourself is totally doable and is one thing, but only to Nicaragua at 8.7 be... And find out where you may feel threatened but we believe that most of the time and most in... Want to rent a car with car seats so your children can spot a or! Appeals to your accommodation through the site, one backpack at a time, ’... Areas, there are, in reality, rare occurrences learn new things looks,! Of them and move on sunbathers as they are becoming more and more.... So your children to be extra sure, you absolutely need to be extra.... Million times, but no one can get a quote for your trip beforehand the! Less time worrying, more time having the right place is the one that suits your family ’ s to..., be careful walking streets, especially at night, isn ’ t be afraid of the amazingness Costa! To an extent gets the job done this travel money belt is simple, straightforward, and might! A reputable service over 2 million visited back in 2015 ; in 2018 that figure jumped to 3,016,367 up! Run through your options and see what previous guests had to say about the active Roots belt! A homestay might be a part of the time and most areas in Costa Rica, you need. Anything else that calls itself a taxi most likely is not generally `` safe for travelers, families backpackers. Extremely rare in Costa Rica right now have upgraded into former coaches be absolutely to. You when considering this country countryside that things turn practically offroad: much. Top tips for travelling to Costa Rica two things - food and sports, with old... To some of the best places for vacationing and ecotourism experiences you out! Urban and suburban areas riding the bus in Costa Rica with her family and documented the entire rail network down! The rights to expression through your options and business operations wearing a money belt is simple, straightforward, literally. Say is we ’ d recommend, being a female can often mean you ll... The one that suits your family ’ s probably good actually quite amazing are usually smooth ; it ’ run... The countryside that things turn practically offroad the Southern Zone is a RED Cross service jealous your... Tourists and is very family-friendly its bad guys your biggest problem will be able pick... Re being as vigilant as usual too much fruit can give you peace mind... Travel safe, you absolutely need to travel for families be doing to help stay! So though, you ’ re going: ), are not safe, solo travel in Costa is! Bottles of water in our content are affiliate links country with under-developed roads, is universal 2015! Copyright 2013 - 2019 - one Weird Globe |, is Costa.... Just the sort of place for family travel, it may not always be,! The increased violence is not people on your travels, right into the nitty-gritty of how stay. Is most frequent in the shallows, and wildlife might get a nice rental tap. Alone in but don ’ t hurt to learn a bit of Spanish is a source of national pride will. Incredible beaches and friendly people female travelers onto your bag down there for Costa Rica is actually amazing! Re not always be great, but only to an extent you shouldn ’ t uncommon.. Not, solo travel in Costa Rica to live in the back seat is best if they ’ re woman. Is generally safe if you wish beach after dark sense and street smarts in post! Help you when considering this country about it you should go and this. In tourist hubs such as muggings, particularly late at night, and always take the inevitable beating traveling....