Common scams in Costa Rica

The scams you'll actually run into

1. Slashed tyre at the airport

   Near San José (SJO) airport, someone punctures a rental-car tyre or points out a 'flat'; when you stop to change it a short way down the road, an accomplice takes bags from the car.

   H.A.C.K. · Hurry

   The move — If you get a flat just after leaving the airport, drive on the rim to a busy petrol station or back to the rental office. Don't stop on a quiet stretch.

2. Smash-and-grab from rental cars

   Rental cars are targeted at trailheads, beaches, waterfalls and viewpoints — windows broken and bags taken in seconds while you're away, or even at a red light.

   H.A.C.K. · Kill-Switch

   The move — Never leave anything visible in the car, ever. Take valuables with you or don't bring them. Use guarded parking where it exists.

3. 'Helpful' distraction at ATMs and gas stations

   A stranger offers help at an ATM or points at your tyre or a 'spill' on you at a gas station while a partner takes something from the car or your bag.

   H.A.C.K. · Comfort

   The move — Decline all help at ATMs and pumps. Keep the car locked while fuelling and pay attention to anyone approaching.

4. Unofficial taxis ('piratas')

   Unlicensed taxis, especially at the airport and bus terminals, overcharge and occasionally rob. Official taxis are red with a yellow triangle (orange at the airport).

   H.A.C.K. · Authority

   The move — Use Uber (works in the San José area) or an official red taxi with a working meter ('la maría'). At SJO, use the official orange airport taxis or a pre-booked transfer.

5. 'Environmental fee' and parking add-ons at beaches

   At some beaches and waterfalls, informal 'attendants' demand a parking or entry fee that isn't official, or 'watch your car' for a fee then do nothing.

   H.A.C.K. · Authority

   The move — Pay official, signed entry fees only. A small tip to a genuine guarded lot is fine; ignore anyone freelancing.

What these scams have in common

Most Costa Rica scams lean on Authority. Whatever the trick, the way out is the same three moves — Pause · Assess · Talk: stop before you pay, hand over a document or follow someone; ask what the request really wants; then say it out loud to someone you trust, or your bank on the number from your card.

Costa Rica travel-scam FAQ

Official travel advisories for Costa Rica

Fraud and scam wording pulled from the official Canadian and New Zealand travel advisories. Use the government sources for current travel decisions.

Scam guides for nearby destinations

H.A.C.K. — the four pressure tactics

Every scam on this page is tagged with the tactic it uses. Recognise the tactic, not the trick.

H Hurry

Urgency. A deadline, a countdown or a “right now” that leaves no time to check.

A Authority

Officialdom. A badge, a title, a uniform or an official-sounding request you feel you can't question.

C Comfort

Familiarity. A friendly local, a routine or an emotion that makes the request feel safer than it is.

K Kill-Switch

The cut-off. The moment you're pushed to pay, click, hand over a document or follow someone — before you can verify.

The way out of all four: Pause · Assess · Talk.