Capital city, Costa Rica
Is San José safe?
Petty theft is the main problem and the center is rough after dark.
Is San José safe?
Petty theft is the main problem and the center is rough after dark. Violent crime against visitors is uncommon but happens; use Uber at night and keep valuables out of sight.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-04-01.
- Homicide rate in Costa Rica: 17.7 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Costa Rica: 14.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
Safety in San José at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone snatching, bag theft on buses and in the Central Market area, car break-ins, and occasional armed muggings in the downtown core after dark. |
| At night | Use Uber, DiDi or a red taxi after dark, even for short hops. Barrio Escalante and Escazú are fine in the evening; downtown streets empty out early. |
| Solo women | Catcalling is common but usually verbal. Solo women do fine in Escalante and Escazú; avoid walking downtown late and use ride apps at night. |
| Other risks | Rip currents and rough sea on day trips to Pacific beaches; Heavy afternoon rain and landslides on mountain roads, May–Nov; Aggressive drivers and potholes |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Strangers 'helping' at ATMs, then swapping or copying the card
- Unlicensed taxis near the airport quoting inflated flat fares
- Staged distractions on busy pedestrian streets while a partner takes your bag
Take care
- Downtown after dark, especially around Coca-Cola bus terminal
- Leaving bags visible in parked cars
- Walking with a phone in hand on Avenida Central
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy with the entry stamp; police check documents.
- Feeding wild animals is illegal and fined.
- Drug offences carry a minimum eight-year prison sentence.
How San José compares in Costa Rica
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| La Fortuna | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Manuel Antonio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Santa Teresa | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Monteverde | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nosara | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Uvita | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San José | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tamarindo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Viejo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Jacó | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is San José safe for solo female travelers?
Catcalling is common but usually verbal. Solo women do fine in Escalante and Escazú; avoid walking downtown late and use ride apps at night.
Is San José safe at night?
Use Uber, DiDi or a red taxi after dark, even for short hops. Barrio Escalante and Escazú are fine in the evening; downtown streets empty out early.
What is the crime rate in San José?
Phone snatching, bag theft on buses and in the Central Market area, car break-ins, and occasional armed muggings in the downtown core after dark. Nationally, Costa Rica records 17.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in San José?
All emergencies 911.
More about San José
Going to San José solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Juan Santamaría International Airport
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- Costa Rica Social Security (CCSS)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.