Safety and Security in Costa Rica

In an era of global unrest and uncertainty, finding a haven of safety and peace is an aspiration for many. One country that often finds its name in discussions about such havens is Costa Rica, for which it was recognized this week as “the most peaceful country in Central America and the Caribbean” in the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI) report. 

Costa Rica is increasingly being recognized as a safe and desirable destination for travel and investment due to its high-quality and affordable healthcare, as well as its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and hospitable culture. Furthermore, Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability, excellence, and authenticity in its tourist offerings has earned its recognition as the ‘best Latin America travel destination’ in the National Geographic Travel Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023. Despite facing competition from other countries such as Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico, Costa Rica’s remarkable natural beauty and conservation efforts have set it apart as a leading travel and investment destination. Added to this, the narrative of safety and security in Costa Rica is an equally compelling draw, especially for those considering relocation or investment. 

Present Statistics on Crime Rates and Safety in Costa Rica

In this week’s release of the 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI) report, Costa Rica was lauded as the most peaceful country in Central America and the Caribbean. The report documented substantial improvements in indicators such as violent demonstrations, incarceration rates, and perceptions of criminality. Additionally, the Militarisation and Safety and Security domains in the country saw marked improvements. Costa Rica’s progress is particularly noteworthy considering the GPI reported a 0.42% deterioration in overall global peacefulness levels. These statistics reflect the resilience and efforts of Costa Rica to maintain peace and safety in a world of escalating conflicts.

Comparisons with Home Countries and Other Popular Tourism Destinations

When juxtaposed with other nations, Costa Rica’s safety situation paints an encouraging picture. It surpasses several popular tourist and second-home destinations in peace and safety indices. For instance, Mexico, another significant tourism hotspot, faced challenges with internal conflict and violence linked to government-criminal organization disputes. On the contrary, Costa Rica exhibited a positive trend in peace and safety, outpacing countries such as Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, and others in the region.

In comparison to the United States, Canada, and several European countries, Costa Rica’s low poverty rate has contributed to lower levels of social unrest. Political stability in Costa Rica stands in stark contrast to many other nations, with the GPI report citing political instability worsening in 59 countries worldwide.

From the report:
“Costa Rica remains the most peaceful country in the region and
is ranked 39th overall in the 2023 GPI. Costa Rica also recorded
the largest improvement in peacefulness of any country in the
region over the past year, owing to improvements in the violent
demonstrations, incarceration rate, and perceptions of
criminality indicators. Both the Militarisation and Safety and
Security domains improved, while the Ongoing Conflict domain
experienced no change. Political stability improved in Costa
Rica towards the end of 2022. Costa Rica also has one of the
lowest poverty rates in Central America and the Caribbean,
which in part explains the low levels of social unrest in 2022.”
(Global Peace Institute, 2023, p. 17)

Popular Safe Areas in Costa Ballena and Around Costa Rica

With its spectacular coastlines, Costa Ballena is often referred to as the ‘Gem of the South Pacific.’ Notable for its safety and tranquility, it has attracted an international community seeking a serene lifestyle amid natural beauty. When compared to other popular destinations within Costa Rica, the region of Costa Ballena (Uvita, Ojochal, and Dominical) offers low crime rates and strong community ties.

Across Costa Rica, places such as the Central Valley, Arenal, the Gold Coast, and Southern Zone are popular among expatriates for their perceived safety and charm. These areas are particularly attractive for their robust infrastructure (gated communities, private schools, shopping districts), strong expatriate communities, and enchanting natural surroundings.

Realtor Experiences and Benefits of Living in Costa Rica

The positive experiences of those who have made the move to Costa Rica only reinforce its reputation as a safe haven. Let’s consider two realtors within the Osa Tropical Properties office – Richard and Kevin – who relocated to Costa Rica a decade ago and 20 years ago respectively.

Kevin Champagne, the owner of Osa Tropical Properties moved from Canada to the Costa Ballena in 1995 with his father who was drawn by its sun-kissed beaches and the appeal of a safer, more relaxed lifestyle. Today, Kevin proudly attests to the warm climate, vibrant culture, and the enveloping sense of community that makes him feel secure and at home alongside his young family.

Richard Owens, a realtor originally from the United States, was attracted by the peaceful reputation of the Costa Ballena. He quickly found that beyond the natural beauty and climate, the local community’s welcoming nature made his transition seamless and enjoyable. For him, the decision to move was a rewarding life-change that has seen him married to a Costa Rican and planning for a vibrant future.

Precautions and Safety Tips

As is the case anywhere in the world, adopting a proactive approach to personal safety can significantly enhance one’s experience in Costa Rica. The U.S. Embassy and U.K. government offer several practical safety recommendations for residents and visitors.

These include maintaining a keen sense of situational awareness, avoiding the display of wealth, securing homes and vehicles, and promptly reporting incidents to local authorities. It’s also recommended to stay cautious in parking lots, to walk in groups in well-lit areas at night, and to avoid unofficial taxis. These simple yet effective measures can contribute to a safer living and travel experience in Costa Rica.

Here are six safety tips from experts when traveling within Costa Rica:

1. Download the OIJ CR Safe App: The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) in Costa Rica has a free app, OIJ CR Safe, available in Spanish and English, providing safety tips and emergency contacts for residents and tourists. It alerts users to areas with high theft rates and advises against leaving belongings unattended.
2. Avoid Bringing Valuables to the Beach: Popular beach spots often attract thieves. Valuables should be left at home rather than being hidden at the beach. Also, avoiding beach areas after dark is recommended.
3. Maintain Awareness of Surroundings: It’s advised to keep personal belongings in front of you to prevent theft, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious of where you store your valuables when in public places like restaurants to avoid losing them.
4. Stay Alert on Public Transportation: Public transport users should purchase tickets from authorized outlets only, and remain vigilant about their belongings. Keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding falling asleep on transit can help prevent theft. Be especially careful with phones when the bus stops, as thieves may snatch them.
5. Keep Valuables Hidden in Cars: When using a rental car, it’s crucial to keep the car appearing empty and to stow away belongings out of sight before reaching your destination. Also, ensure to close all windows and lock the doors to prevent smash-and-grab incidents.
6. Reject Unsolicited Help: It’s best to be wary of excessively friendly strangers offering assistance, whether it’s with luggage or taking a group photo, as these can be tactics to steal your belongings.

Costa Rica’s Government Efforts for Increasing Safety and Security

In light of rising public security concerns, the Costa Rican government has shown commitment to enhancing safety and security around the country. The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) plans to invest ¢650 million (nearly $1.2 million) to construct police stations in popular tourist towns such as Santa Teresa and Cahuita. In Costa Ballena, there have been recent meetings between the U.S. Embassy, the Costa Rican police, and the people to discuss increased police presence in each of the towns in this region. These strategic moves aim to safeguard both locals and tourists against the rising tide of “crimes of opportunity” (petty theft, burglary, breaking and entering, etc) that increase alongside rates of tourism.

Addressing Property Investment Concerns in Costa Rica

Investors can find reassurance in Costa Rica’s steady political climate and proactive governance. The continued focus on maintaining peace and stability enhances the nation’s appeal for property investment. However, like any investment, due diligence and careful research are critical to navigating the market safely.

Consulting experienced expat groups, real estate experts, and legal professionals specializing in Costa Rican property laws can offer valuable insights for potential movers and investors. Leaning on this local expertise can help mitigate potential risks and ensure a smooth transition to life in Costa Rica.

While Costa Rica faces challenges common to many nations, its commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring safety is palpable. A deeper look at the statistics, coupled with positive testimonials from those who have made the move, highlights the potential for a secure and fulfilling life in this tropical haven. With a balanced approach to personal safety and a willingness to immerse oneself in the welcoming culture, Costa Rica offers a compelling blend of peace, safety, and natural splendor.