Costa Rica Safety Cheat Sheet
2-Page Printable PDF
Travel Safety Guide

COSTA RICA

Essential Emergency Reference • 2025 Edition

Murder Without Borders
murderwithoutborders.com

Emergency Hotline

911Nationwide • 24/7
Ambulance128
Traffic Police1176
Child Welfare1147
Tourist Police2222-1365

Your Details (Fill In)

!Action Plans

If Robbed

  • Do not resist. Hand over valuables.
  • Call 911 immediately.
  • File "denuncia" at OIJ office.
  • Cancel credit cards.

Medical Crisis

  • Call 911 or 128 (Red Cross).
  • Go to private hospital (faster).
  • Contact insurance ASAP.
  • Save all receipts.

Lost Passport

  • File police report (required).
  • Contact Embassy immediately.
  • Get emergency travel doc.
  • Use photocopy in meantime.

Common Scams

1
The "Flat Tire"

Thieves puncture your tire, then "help" you. One distracts, the other steals bags from car. Never stop in isolated areas.

2
Pirate Taxis

Unmarked cars claiming to be taxis. They overcharge or rob you. Only use Red Taxis or Uber.

3
Beach Bag Snatch

Leaving bags unattended while swimming. Take waterproof pouch into water.

Safe Zones

Generally Safe

Arenal, Monteverde, Guanacaste Resorts, Manuel Antonio (Main areas)

Exercise Caution

San José (Downtown/Night), Limón City, Jacó (Nightlife areas)

🚗
Golden Rule

Never leave bags in a car. Not even for 5 mins. Not even in trunk.

Emergency Spanish

¡Ayuda!Help!
¡Ladrón!Thief!
PolicíaPolice
MédicoDoctor
"No hablo español, necesito ayuda" (I don't speak Spanish, I need help)

Trusted Hospitals

  • Hospital CIMAEscazú (San José)
  • Clínica BíblicaDowntown SJ
  • Hospital MetropolitanoVarious Locations
  • *Most accept international insurance
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Wallet Cards

Cut along dotted lines • Fold or Laminate • Keep in Wallet

02
Emergency
Police / Fire / Amb911
Tourist Police2222-1365
US Embassy2519-2000
Ambulance Direct128
Costa Rica Safety Card
Medical ID
Name:
Blood:
Allergy:
Meds:
Contact:
Insurance
Provider:
Policy #:
Phone:
*Call immediately before treatment if possible.
Hotel Info

Write hotel address here to show taxi drivers.

Taxi?"Rojo con Triangulo"

Pre-Departure Checklist

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