Costa Rica is a popular destination for expats, particularly US citizens, who are drawn to the country’s affordable cost of living, excellent healthcare options, pleasant weather, and friendly locals. However, when considering whether Costa Rica is a safe place to live, it’s important to evaluate the crime rate and personal safety.
Official crime rates in Costa Rica are not negligible, but the majority of crimes are opportunistic acts of theft. According to the 2020 Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is ranked 32 out of 163 countries in terms of overall peace, making it the safest country to live in Central America. However, it is important to use common sense and personal safety precautions, especially on the Caribbean coast, where crime rates have historically been higher than the Pacific coast. Expats are advised to keep their valuables, including passports, in a safe and make photocopies of important documents. It is also recommended to be vigilant at night, especially in pickpocketing-prone areas.
There are several safe places in Costa Rica for expats to consider, such as Tamarindo, Arenal, Atenas, Heredia, and Escazu. Each of these locations offers unique benefits and attractions while maintaining a relatively high level of safety. Ultimately, connecting with local expat communities is advised to obtain first-hand information about safety and living conditions in specific areas before making the decision to move to Costa Rica.
Key Takeaways
- Costa Rica is generally a safe country to live in for expats.
- The official crime rate is not negligible, but most crimes are opportunistic acts of theft.
- The country is ranked the safest in Central America according to the 2020 Global Peace Index.
- Personal safety precautions are important, particularly on the Caribbean coast, where crime rates have been historically higher than the Pacific coast.
- Several safe places in Costa Rica for expats to consider include Tamarindo, Arenal, Atenas, Heredia, and San Jose – Escazu.
- Connecting with local expat communities is advisable to obtain first-hand information about safety and living conditions in specific areas.
Crime Rate and Overall Peace Index in Costa Rica
While the official crime rate in Costa Rica is not insignificant, the majority of crimes are categorized as “opportunistic acts of theft.” In the 2020 Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is ranked 32 out of 163 countries for overall peace, making it the safest country in Central America. The country’s ranking is due to its lack of military, peaceful relations with neighboring countries, and relatively low crime rate compared to other Central American countries.
The Caribbean coast has historically had more crime than the Pacific coast, but crime rates have decreased in recent years. It is important to practice common sense and personal safety rules, such as keeping valuables in a safe and making copies of important documents. Certain districts in San Jose, such as Los Guido, Desamparados, and Pavas, are considered unsafe.
However, there are also safe places to live in Costa Rica for expats. Tamarindo, Arenal, Atenas, Heredia, and Escazu are listed as some of the safest places, offering tranquil beaches, nature activities, a small-town atmosphere, and access to amenities. While no place is completely immune to crime, these areas have lower crime rates compared to other regions in Costa Rica.
Overall, while there are some disadvantages to living in Costa Rica, such as the poor road conditions and natural disasters, it offers a safe and beautiful environment for expats, with an affordable cost of living and a highly ranked healthcare system.
Personal Safety Tips in Costa Rica
In order to ensure personal safety, it is necessary to exercise common sense and follow personal safety rules. While Costa Rica is considered a safe place for expats, it still has opportunistic acts of theft. It is advised to buy a safe and keep valuables, including passports, secure. Passport theft is a common crime targeting tourists and non-locals. It is also recommended to make photocopies of your passport or local Costa Rica ID card.
Certain areas, such as Los Guido, Desamparados, Pavas, La Carpio, Leon XIII, and the El Infiernillo sector of Alajuela, are considered unsafe at night. Expats should avoid these areas, especially after dark. It is also recommended to travel in pairs or groups, especially at night.
To ensure personal safety in Costa Rica, it is important to have basic Spanish language skills and know how to cry for help if needed. Emergency numbers to remember include 911 for the police and 128 for an ambulance.
Moving to Costa Rica requires caution and common sense. Expats should connect with local expat communities to obtain firsthand information before making the decision to move. Always trust in your instincts, travel with confidence, and know how to react to any situation that may arise.
Safety Tips for Living in Costa Rica
- Secure valuable items, including passports, in a safe.
- Make photocopies of passports or local identification cards.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Avoid walking alone at night and in certain areas considered unsafe.
- Travel in pairs or groups, especially at night.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Learn the basic Spanish language skills.
- Connect with local expat communities before moving.
- Remember emergency numbers: 911 for the police and 128 for an ambulance.
Overall, while Costa Rica offers a beautiful and happy lifestyle, it is essential to prioritize personal safety and take necessary precautions. By exercising common sense and following personal safety rules, expats can enjoy their new home and all that Costa Rica has to offer.
Safe and Desirable Places to Live in Costa Rica
Despite these safety considerations, there are several safe and desirable places to live in Costa Rica. When considering where to live in the country, it’s important to note that although Costa Rica is ranked as the safest country in Central America, there are still areas with higher crime rates. Therefore, it is advised to practice common sense and personal safety rules.
Some of the top safest places to live in Costa Rica include:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Tamarindo | Known for its tranquil beaches and a wide range of daily activities, such as snorkeling, surfing, and sportfishing. |
| Arenal | A mountainous area with a relatively big American-expat community, offering nature and adventure activities like hiking and kayaking. |
| Atenas | A small town located between San Jose and the Pacific Ocean coast, known for its safety, small-town atmosphere, and “perfect temperature” all year round. |
| Heredia | The capital city of the province with green spaces, a slower-paced life, and easy access to hospitals and the airport. It is also home to the American International School. |
| San Jose – Escazu | Although San Jose can have higher rates of pickpocketing, upscale neighborhoods like Escazu offer luxurious and safe living conditions. |
Costa Rica offers a beautiful natural environment, affordable healthcare, and a laid-back lifestyle. However, it is important to consider the slower pace of life, potential natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes, and the need for a car to navigate the country’s roads.
When looking for a place to live, expats should consider these safe neighborhoods in Costa Rica to ensure their personal safety. It’s important to note that while Costa Rica is a safe country, common sense and precautions must still be taken.
Conclusion
In summary, Costa Rica is generally a safe country for expats, especially when compared to its neighboring countries in Central America. The crime rate is low, and the country ranks highly in the Global Peace Index. However, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of potentially unsafe areas, particularly in the larger cities.
Living in Costa Rica offers both pros and cons. On the positive side, the country’s motto of “Pura Vida” reflects a laid-back lifestyle and beautiful natural surroundings. The healthcare system is highly ranked and affordable, and housing and food costs are relatively low. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The pace of life can be slow, and certain creature comforts may be missing. The country’s roads are known for their poor conditions, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis can occur. Despite these challenges, many expats find Costa Rica to be a welcoming and fulfilling place to live.
Overall, personal safety in Costa Rica can be enhanced by following simple tips such as securing valuables, being vigilant at night, and familiarizing oneself with local emergency numbers. Finally, expats looking for a safe and desirable place to live in Costa Rica can consider areas such as Tamarindo, Arenal, Atenas, Heredia, and Escazu.
-Article by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap).
FAQ
Q: Is Costa Rica a safe place to live?
A: Costa Rica is generally a safe country for expats, especially when compared to its neighboring countries in Central America. However, it’s important to exercise caution, follow personal safety rules, and be aware of potentially unsafe areas.
Q: What is the crime rate in Costa Rica?
A: The official crime rate in Costa Rica is not insignificant, but the majority of crimes are categorized as “opportunistic acts of theft.”
Q: How does Costa Rica rank in terms of overall peace?
A: In the 2020 Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is ranked 32 out of 163 countries for overall peace, making it the safest country in Central America.
Q: What are some personal safety tips for living in Costa Rica?
A: Personal safety tips include purchasing a safe for storing valuables, making photocopies of important documents, and being vigilant at night, especially in areas known for crime. It is also advisable to familiarize oneself with local emergency numbers and learn basic Spanish for emergency situations.
Q: Are there any safe and desirable places to live in Costa Rica?
A: Yes, there are several safe and desirable places to live in Costa Rica. Some examples include Tamarindo, Arenal, Atenas, Heredia, and Escazu.
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Article by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap)