There is absolutely NO crime or violence in Costa Rica. You can ride unicorns down the beach at sunset and everybody who lives here is perfect!
Of course there is crime in Costa Rica, just like there’s crime in Iowa, Texas and California.
We get this question a lot from tourists and first time visitors to Costa Rica.
If you’ve ever lived for any amount of time ANYWHERE in the world you know that there is crime in every part of the world. Even Antarctica!
For the most part, Costa Rica is an extremely safe place to live and travel to.
Costa Rica ranks 49th on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime homicide ranking list.
Popular tourist destinations like the U.S. Virgin Islands (4th), Belize (7th), Bahamas (11th), and Puerto Rico (19th) rank much higher than Costa Rica on the homicide list!
Just because Costa Rica is a safer place than some other popular vacation spots you’ve visited in the past doesn’t mean you can let your guard down.
Avoid the rougher areas of town, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t leave valuables in your car.
Also, leave the expensive jewelry, sunglasses, and accessories at home.