Is Costa Rica Safe for Women? Crime Rate in Costa Rica
Safety rating
Women living in Costa Rica consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 3.2 out of 5.
Crime rating
Women living in Costa Rica consider the crime rate to be relatively low, with an overall crime rating of 2.2 out of 5.
Violence rating
On average 3% percentage of women in Costa Rica have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.
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Crime & Safety Statistics
Based on 7 experiences
Safety rating: | 3.2/5 | Moderate |
Safety walking alone after dark: | 2/5 | Unsafe |
Safety using public transport: | 3.3/5 | Moderate |
Crime rate: | 2.2/5 | Low |
Worries of being sexually harassed: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped: | 1.5/5 | A Bit Worried |
Worries of being physically attacked: | 1.5/5 | A Bit Worried |
Worries of home broken and things stolen: | 1.4/5 | Not at all worried |
Worries of being mugged or robbed: | 2/5 | A Bit Worried |
Worries of being kidnapped or murdered: | 1.1/5 | Not at all worried |
Is Costa Rica safe for women?
Isabel
Tamarindo
Tamarindo is generally safe just make sure to be careful if you go party at night. Like any place try not to be alone late and don’t leave your drink alone. Also watch out for the surfer dudes 😅 they always look to flirt with tourists
Posted: November 8, 2024
Katie
Piedades
It's overall safe, but I would not reccomend coming to this part of town to walk around and enjoy. It's much better to go to a different area like Ciudad Colón, or Santa Ana cento. It is a smaller neighborhood of the area and is not particularly tourism ready. It has s beautiful park there though and I do enjoy it.
Posted: November 7, 2024Heredia
I’ve always felt safe walking here, the locals normally say to avoid dark lonely places at night, walk with a companion whenever possible. Don’t approach strange motorcycles specially if they walk indoors and don’t remove their helmet
Posted: October 27, 2024San José
I would not recommend walking around alone in the dark, just take care of your private things… Although most of the people are nice, most of them dont speak english. So it is good to know the basics in spanish
Posted: October 20, 2024Costa Rica
Just don’t walk alone in the dark. Most people are friendly and would give you advice. Avoid drinks that you didn’t purchase. Downtown San Jose is not super clean, so tourist areas are much better, safer, and more affordable.
Posted: August 9, 2024Cartago
It's generally very safe; however, there will always be bad people who want to cause harm or people who harm others to satisfy their own needs. You need to take good care of yourself and be attentive to your surroundings at all times, especially when you're with children.
Posted: July 12, 2024
Johnna
Costa Rica
It is safe as long as you do not visit uncrowded places or walk at night, but tourist places usually have many police officers always watching. The part that I least recommend is the capital San Jose, there is not much to see and it is more unsafe.
Posted: June 2, 2024
Lilly
Colorado Tortuguero Pococí
The Tortuguero National Park is a very quiet and very safe place. We can walk through its streets on foot or on bicycles since there are no cars or motor vehicles.It is a place where we all know each other. We are a united community
Posted: June 2, 2024Tamarindo Santa Cruz
Fairly safe, but lately I am hearing some stories about violent attacks/robbings on strangers but also friends of mine. I know that the local taxis at night are not super safe, but the bus is. Catcalling happens daily to me but personally I never been involved in something. Women should take extra care and not walk alone/without male companion in the night.
Posted: April 6, 2024Heredia
I have lived here since I was born. fortunately, I have never been a victim of assaults or robbers, still, be careful with your stuff... I have to say that I have always hated guys in the streets that always let out a "Good Morning" with this gross accent.. or worse.. they are not respectful at all, I don't know why they do what they do, but they do.. a lot... so be aware! Is not all the time, not all men do, mostly older, disrespectful men or homeless, but yes..
Posted: March 15, 2024Is Costa Rica worth visiting?
Travel rating
based on 74 experiences from female travelers
Costa Rica, Group travel
Costa Rica was a pleasant surprise for me. Full with increadible landscapes, specially the sunsets. It is a place for nature connection and introspective thoughts. People we're super nice but it is not a cheap place. Although, in my opinion, it is worth the money.
Posted: November 20, 2024Experienced: March, 2024Costa Rica, Solo travel
Felt very safe and everyone was so friendly, helped ti speak spanish but not essential. Great places all over the country, felt safe travelling and going to different places. People were always helpful and kind
Posted: October 21, 2024Meet locals in Costa Rica
Isabel
About Me
Hi there! My name is Isa and I’m from Tamarindo, Costa Rica, I am now traveling Europe and love meeting new people 😊
Speaking
Zulay
About Me
Hi ♥️ I’m Zu, an artist and latina from Costa Rica. 🇨🇷 I’m a folkloric dancer and yoga instructor and I have 7 month’s traveling around the world to share our culture and art. 🌎 I can offer talking of art, culture, bring dance classes, promote events, good experiences, my laughs and my heart to listen all your experience. Cooking a “Gallo Pinto” 💖 I’m here because it's an opportunity to meet people from all over the world, connecting hearts and sharing cultures and experiences, and of course safe for womanhood. 💜 I’ve already give dance and yoga clases in Europe and Asia and I’m a traveler like a volunteer in rural zones for democratizing the art, for that reason maybe I’m going to need a place for sleep and move to other city’s for the projects ✨. I have a farm in Costa Rica that my father left us when he died. and I’m learning around the world about sustainability and business to develop a project with my sister and brother and you are welcome also. If you want to look this is my ig: 🎨💃🏽💕 https://www.instagram.com/zunavas?igsh=MTB2aXVtM3B0YWJlNw==
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Safety in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions
Is Costa Rica safe?
Is Costa Rica safe to walk alone at night?
Is public transport safe in Costa Rica?
What is the crime rate in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of being sexually harassed in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of being physically attacked in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of burglary in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in Costa Rica?
What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in Costa Rica?
