The crime rate in Costa Rica is low compared to more developed countries and the lowest in Central America.

The areas of Costa Rica which have the greatest concentration of criminal activity are those within the largest cites and metropolitan areas. The cities of San Jose, parts of Cartago, Heredia, and Alajuela, which are densely populated, have a greater percentage of total crime than a outlying rural area like the Guancaste provence.

Even with robbery, if you take these proactive steps, you will avoid becoming a crime victim. You should not walk, hike or exercise alone, and should bear in mind that crowded tourist attractions and resort areas popular with foreign tourists are common venues for criminal activity. Avoid carrying your passport, large amounts of cash, jewelry or expensive photographic equipment.

Tourists should carry photocopies of their passport data page and the Costa Rican entry stamps on their persons, and leave the original passport in a hotel safe or other secure place. Costa Rican immigration authorities conduct routine immigration checks at locations, such as bars in downtown San Jose and beach communities. U.S. citizens detained during one of these checks who have only a copy of the passport may be required to provide the original passport with appropriate stamps.

Travelers renting vehicles should purchase an adequate level of locally valid theft insurance, park in secure lots whenever possible, and never leave valuables in their vehicles. Thefts from parked cars occur in cities, at beaches, at the airport, in front of restaurants and hotels, and at national parks and other tourist attractions.

Travelers should use only licensed taxis, which are red with medallions (yellow triangles containing numbers) painted on the side. Licensed taxis at the airport are painted orange. All licensed taxis should have working door handles, locks, seat-belts and meters (called "marias");
When traveling by bus, avoid putting bags or other personal belongings in the storage bins.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.