Just like any other country, scams in Costa Rica experience its share of scams targeting both tourists and locals. While the situation may change over time, as of my last update in September 2021, here are some popular scams that have been reported in Costa Rica. To avoid falling victim to scams in Costa Rica (or anywhere else), here are some practical steps you can take.
Before you travel, research your destination thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the local customs, common scams, and areas to avoid. This will help you make informed decisions and recognize potentially risky situations.
When booking accommodations, tours, or activities, use reputable travel websites, apps, or agencies with positive reviews. Check for official websites or physical addresses when booking services.
Stick to official taxis, rideshare services, or pre-arranged transportation from reputable companies. Avoid accepting rides from strangers or unlicensed drivers. Make sure if you use a taxi, you get the price before you get into the car.
Refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks for online banking, shopping, or any activities involving sensitive personal information. If necessary, use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection.
Be cautious of individuals who approach you with unsolicited offers, especially if they seem too good to be true. Politely decline and walk away if you’re uncomfortable.
Don’t share personal or financial information with strangers. Be cautious about displaying expensive items like jewelry or electronics, as this might attract unwanted attention. You should guard your passport and cash. I recommend that you make a copy of your passport and carry it with you. You should leave your passport in the safe where you are staying.
If renting a car, thoroughly inspect it for existing damage before driving off. Take photos and document any scratches or issues to avoid disputes later.
Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas, such as banks or shopping centers. Cover your PIN while entering it, and be cautious if the ATM looks suspicious or tampered with.
While it’s okay to accept help from genuine locals, be cautious if someone insists on guiding you or offering unsolicited assistance. Politely decline if you’re not comfortable.
Familiarize yourself with the local currency and exchange rates to avoid being tricked into unfair deals. Use official currency exchange centers or banks.
If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts and err on the side of caution.
Save the local embassy or consulate’s contact information in case you encounter legal or safety issues. They can provide assistance if needed.
Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can help you communicate and build rapport with locals, making it less likely for scammers to target you.
Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places or tourist areas. Use anti-theft bags or money belts to protect your valuables.
Stay informed and keep up with local news and updates to be aware of any new scams or safety concerns that might arise during your stay.
Remember that being cautious doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trip. It’s about being aware of your surroundings and making informed decisions to have a safe and pleasant experience.
Like most of the losses we suffer when traveling are due to not having all the information. The best way to avoid rental car scams in Costa Rica is having sufficient information. Recently, I read a very good article written by Nikki Solano outlying the ins and outs of renting a car here. There are several things that you as a tourist need to be aware of when renting a car here. My time here went from tourist, to resident to citizen. I have firsthand knowledge of the pitfalls of renting a car in Costa Rica. Probably the largest issue is the one of insurance. Do not get economical when selecting collision coverage for your rental. If you do you may have the shock of your life at the bill you could receive.
The law of Costa Rica requires that all cars have liability insurance. It is mandatory. What is not mandatory is collision damage and uninsured motorist coverage. Although the mandatory liability rates are somewhat reasonable, the collision damage is not. I am not saying that the insurance is a scam. However, I am saying if you don’t know the rules it can wound up costing you thousands of dollars.
When you reserve a rental car here bear in mind that there may be hidden cost and fees that are not disclosed until you are at the counter. I know of some car rental rules that require a $2500 hold on you credit card just to rent the car. What is not disclosed to you if you decline the collision damage, is, the additional expense of repairing the car. If you have an accident the rental company has the right to the whole $2500 plus charging the estimated damage cost to your card, regardless of fault.
You can buy the collision coverage and select the deductible you want to be responsible for which is based on a sliding scale. (The higher the deductible the lower the premium) But remember you deductible will be charged to your credit card. Another option, Is your credit cards. if you have VISA or an American Express card, is that prior to coming to Costa Rica, you contact the credit card company and activate your rental auto insurance.This eliminates the need to take the rental car company’s coverage and leave it to your credit card coverage to work it out. The caveat is that the rental car company will charge your credit car for the full amount of the damage. Once the credit card insurance pays the invoice the amount will be credited back to your account.
Costa Rica culturally is competitive by nature. All one has to do is drive here just to see first hand how dangerous and how easily an auto accident can occur. The rental car companies are not deliberately be deceptive, but the bottom line is profit. If that means you have to pay more, then, so be it. Additionally, one would have to be terribly naive not to conclude that the car rental car profits for selling you their insurance. Any marketing device that one car rental company can use to promote and position its company over another they will do it. If you want me to look at the car reservation before you book it and point out things you need to know, contact me at codygear@gmail.com.
Playa Samara
Costa Rica is a beautiful and generally a safe place to visit. I have prepared a few Costa Rica travel tips from to help you. Planning and travelling to Costa Rica will go smoother. First don’t leave your belongings unguarded. This is especially important when you are on the beach or in a crowded place. Keep your passport, money, and other valuables close at hand. Beware of scams. There are many scams targeting tourists in Costa Rica. Be aware of schemes such as people offering to help you carry your luggage or sell you drugs. Stay alert when driving. Many roads in Costa Rica are narrow and winding, and there is a lot of traffic. Be especially careful when driving at night.
Keep an eye out for pickpockets. Also, be careful when using ATMs. Keep your money in your pockets or inside your backpack. It is common for thieves to target visitors. Since stealing is a crime of opportunity don’t make it easy for the bad guys. I am offering Travel tips from a Costa Rica Private investigator for free. If you want a detail evaluation of your trip, let me know and I will prepare a customized report.
Costa Rica is a very safe country, but it does have its rules and regulations. Do your best to learn them before your trip. Keep in mind that you are no longer in the United States. The laws here are different than those you are accustomed to.
Costa Rica is a great place to visit, but it’s not a cheap place to travel. If you’re planning to visit the country, make sure you have enough money for decent lodging, meals, and souvenirs. Also, you may experience holds on your credit cards for things such as car rentals and hotels. Many of the hotels have very restrictive refund and cancellation rules.7. Know your rights.
Here are a few more travel tips from a Costa Rica private investigator. While you’re in Costa Rica, remember to be polite and friendly. Try to be as pleasant as possible to everyone you meet. I know this seems to be trite. Unfortunately, many of the “grigos” that come here are less than courteous. Costa Rican people are pacifist culturally and are sensitive to rude people.
It’s a shame to waste a trip to a beautiful country. You have gone to a lot of expense and planning to come here. Take advantages of the things that you have never experienced before. Anything from visiting an active volcano to zip lining Costa Rica has it all. Unparalleled beaches with incredible sunsets.
Costa Rica is a safe country, but there are many risks, so be careful when traveling. Keep in mind that emergency services are not what you are accustomed to in the United States. Be sure to check the availability of places that you may need to call upon if you need to.
As a tenured professional private investigator in Costa Rica, I have witnessed the unnecessary loss of money and emotions. Therefore, I have prepared a list of five mistakes to avoid in Costa Rica.
The law is an amazing preventive, but can also be a devastating curative medicine. So, please let me try and help you avoid mistakes made by those who came to Costa Rica before you, and try and keep you out of ‘hot water.’
1. Do not do anything you would not do in your own hometown: Many foreigners seem to believe they can outsmart the system when they come to a less developed country. Perhaps. the kind manner most Costa Ricans behave with ex-pats. Which in turning them into wishful thinkers. Always bear in mind that the legal system in Costa Rica is Napoleonic, not Common Law. Consequently, things are handled very differently than in the US or Canada.
Because of that, the best place to begin your investment plan is in an attorney’s office. It is best not to try the Do it yourself method! Some people, in trying to save some dollars in legal fees, avoid finding a good attorney. Subsequently, their issue is not resolved and they lack guidance through their problems. Do not do that! Do your homework. Find an attorney you feel comfortable with and stay with him for as long as he does a good job.
If you are thinking of investing in Costa Rica; like it or not hiring a local attorney is a must for you. It does not matter if you are just buying a car, a home, or planning to set up a million-dollar business. You will need an attorney. You may not like the idea of paying legal fees, but who does? But accept it and live with it. The idea is to have your lawyer working for you as ‘preventive medicine’, as a kind of insurance against what ‘might happen.’
Consider the legal fees as your insurance premium, because that’s really what it is. Today, you will pay a fraction of what it will probably cost to try and fix that problem later on if you do not have an honest attorney to guide you.
In Costa Rica, real estate brokers are not licensed in the same way they are in the United States. Some of them are real professionals, but a lot of them are just ‘enthusiastic’ salespeople. Many more are con people trying to make a quick dollar.
In either buying or selling real estate, you will probably have a need for a broker’s services. But if your Costa Rica real estate agent is first class, have your attorney on board to supervise the process. Remember no real estate can be transferred here without a Notary. All Notaries here must be licensed Costa Rican Attorneys. Never use the Notary or attorney of the buyer. This is not only a conflict of interest, it’s a sure way to fall victim to fraud.
Just because they have been here more time than you have. I have seen US citizens being conned by US people and, Canadians by Canadians and so forth. Be careful! There are a whole lot of strange people in this country, some of them fleeing from the FBI, Interpol, ex-wives, and even from mental institutions.
5. Gentlemen! Please remember that you do not, I repeat, do NOT need to marry the first beautiful ‘Tica’ (Costa Rican woman) that you meet! You will find yourself in the middle of the biggest financial and emotional nightmare imaginable.
Equally important is getting romantically involved with a woman you have only recently met. Ask yourself this simple question, “if she were in the United States, would she be this interested in me?’ This is particularly true if you are 55 and she is 23. Chances are she is using you as a sponsor. Women will sleep with you after talking to you for 10 minutes. It is a business and she is doing her job. You are paying her for a service that she is doing. If she tells you she loves you she is only doing her job and you are paying her to lie to you. Prior to making and romantic or financial commitment, get her checked out.
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