Crime:
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in Costa Rica because of the risk of serious criminal activity. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Violent crime including armed car-jackings and gang muggings continues to increase in Costa Rica. Foreigners have been the target of armed robberies and drug-related crimes. Areas in the vicinity of tourist attractions or resorts, and airports, bus stations and public transport are a particular target of criminals due to poor security. Security risks are heightened in the capital city of San Jose.
The incidence of petty crime including pick pocketing and bag-snatching continues to increase. Thefts from unattended vehicles in the downtown area of San Jose, near beaches, in national parks and at other areas where tourists may visit occur.
A common ploy used by thieves is to slash car tires and then assist in repairs, while an accomplice steals from the vehicle.
Incidents of sexual harassment and assault of women have occurred. The risk of sexual assault or harassment increases when alone on beaches or traveling alone in taxis. Drink spiking, resulting in theft and assault, occurs in bars and other entertainment venues.
Local Travel :
Driving in Costa Rica can be hazardous due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, local driving practices, and inadequate road lighting. Traffic accidents are common.
Travelers using unofficial taxis have been robbed and assaulted. Prepaid vouchers for licensed (orange) or official airport taxis can be purchased in front of the San Jose airport terminal.
Strong coastal currents, including rip tides on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, can make swimming dangerous. Local authorities can provide advice regarding local conditions.
The safety standards you might expect of tour operators are not always met, especially for adventure sports such as white-water rafting and jungle canopy tours. Sufficient life jackets for rafts and adequate safety equipment for jungle canopy tours may not be provided.
There are concerns about aircraft maintenance, civil aviation standards and private air travel services.
Natural Disasters :
Costa Rica is in an earthquake zone and is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The rainy season is May to November and the hurricane season from June to November. Landslides and flooding may occur. You can find information on hurricanes or other severe weather conditions at the National Hurricane Center and Tropical Prediction Center - www.nhc.noaa.gov or the Humanitarian Early Warning Service – www.hewsweb.org/storms . If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Money and Valuables :
Before you go, organize a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travelers' checks and cash. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
The incidence of credit card fraud continues to increase in Costa Rica. Street money changers often pass counterfeit Costa Rican and US currency.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travelers' checks. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While traveling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewlery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place and use a copy. If your passport is lost or stolen, please contact the Norwegian Consulate General as soon as possible at 283-3070 or 283-8222 or via email at secretariado@andretinoco.com
For Parents :
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments.
Local Laws :
When you are in Costa Rica, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Norwegian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Norwegian Consulate General in San José (506 283-3070) or the Norwegian Embassy in Managua (505 266-4199) should be contacted immediately. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.
Local customs & Practical Information:
Photographing children and women may be met with suspicion and violence. You should seek permission from an adult before taking photographs of, or talking to children.
The electricity is 110 volts. Telephone service is available everywhere.
Entry and Exit Requirements :
Norwegian Citizens do not need a Visa. They can enter Costa Rica and stay for 90 days with a return ticket.
If you are traveling to Costa Rica through the United States of America you will need a machine readable passport or a visa. You should check the visa requirements with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate well in advance of travel.
Norwegian/Costa Rican dual national children (under 18) require the notarized written consent of both parents, and possession of a valid Costa Rican passport to depart the country.
Health Issues :
There are excellent recognized Hospitals in Costa Rica, namely La Clinica Biblica o Clinica Cima. These are private hospitals and tourists can pay with credit cards. Medical facilities outside of urban areas are basic.
Malaria and dengue fever are endemic.
A travel insurance which will cover any overseas medical costs is recomendable. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy.
Where to Get Help :
Teléfonos de emergencia
Provincia Cruz Roja Bomberos OIJ Radio Patr. Rural Tránsito
San José 911 911 ó
223-8055 911 ó
295-3311 911 911 911 ó
(Pérez Zeledón 771-3313)
Alajuela 441-3939 440 6521 443-4646 441-6346 443-8001 441-7411
San Carlos (Alajuela) 460-0101 (Ciudad Quesada)
473-3009 (Pital)
477-7101 (Santa Rosa)
472-2103 (Venecia) 460 0552 (Ciudad Quesada) 460-0922 460-0375, 117 Ciudad Quesada 460-1838 / 460 9841
Cartago 551-0421 551-0513 551-6140 551-0455 551-7858 551-7475
Heredia 237-1115 261 2198 260-7812 237-0011 237-0438 238-1966
Guanacaste 666-0994 666-0279 666-1143 666-9092 666-5659 Cañas 669-0649 Liberia 666-1116
Puntarenas 661-0184 661-0429 661-1539 / 661 3456 661-0640 663-5165 663-1599 (Golfito 775-0409)
Limón 758-0125 758-0229 798-3936 758-0365 758-6019 758-3943 (Guápiles 710-6994)
Comando del Atlántico 754-2150 (GAR)
Averías:
• Eléctricas: 126
• Telefónicas: 119
• Daños A y A: 223-55-55
Farmacias:
• Clínica Católica: 283-66-16
• Clínica Bíblica: 257-52-52
• Del Este: 253-51-21
Denuncias:
• Atención a la Infancia: 221-12-12
• Defensoría de los Habitantes: 800-296-4114
• Procuraduría General de la República: 223-75-33
• Carros robados (O I J): 295-33-12
Emergencias:
• En todo el país:
• 911
• El 911 número atiende las emergencias de las siguientes instituciones:
• Cuerpo de Bomberos
• Cruz Roja Costarricense
• Centro Nacional de Intoxicaciones
• Comisión Nacional de Prevención de Riesgos y Emergencias
• Ministerio de Seguridad Pública
• Instituto Nacional de la Mujer
• Instituto de la Masculinidad
• Patronato Nacional de la Infancia
• Organismo de Investigación Judicial
• Policía de Tránsito.
• Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social.(Activación de las Salas de Emergencia por medio de la Cruz Roja en casos de accidentes y otros).
Taxis: Radiolocalizadores:
• Coopetico: 224-79-79
• Coopeguaria: 226-13-66
• Coopetaxi: 235-99-66
• Unidos: 221-68-65
• Coopeirazú: 254-32-11
• San Jorge: 221-34-34
• Sarchí: 454-40-28
• Radio Taxi Liberia: 666-05-74 • Tele-Biper: 223-30-30 y 257-06-06
• Radiolocalizadores de Costa Rica: 233-33-33
• SkyTEL: 224-90-90
• Alphanet: 297-10-10
• Radiomensajes: 224-24-00 y 225-25-00
• Alfalocalizadores: 257-70-70
• Ticopager: 296-26-26
• BeeperNet: 256-78-90
Hospitales
Alajuela:
• San Rafael: 441-50-11
• Valverde Vega: 445-53-88
• San Francisco de Asís: 444-50-45
• Upala: 447-01-81
• Los Chiles: 447-10-45
• Monte Sinaí, Ciudad Quesada: 460-1080
• San Carlos: 460-1176, 460-0553. Clínicas CCSS de San Carlos: 479-9142 (La Fortuna), 473-3089 (Pital), 477-7075 (Santa Rosa), 472-2044 (Venecia)
Puntarenas:
• Monseñor Sanabria: 663-00-33
• Max Terán: 777-09-22
• Golfito: 775-00-11
• Ciudad Neily: 783-41-11
• San Vito de Coto Brus: 773-3103
• Ciudad Cortés: 788-81-97
Guanacaste:
• Enrique Baltodano: 666-00-11
• Anexión de Nicoya: 685-50-66
Limón:
• Tony Facio: 758-22-22
• Guápiles: 710-68-01
Heredia:
• San Vicente de Paul: 237-59-44
Clínicas privadas
• Cima San José: 208-10-00
• Católica: 283-66-16
• Bíblica: 257-52-52
• Cristiano Jerusalén: 285-02-02
• Santa Catalina: 250-50-59
• Santa Rita: 221-64-33
• Centro Médico Coronado: 229-27-69
• Centro Médico Desamparados: 259-90-14
• Alborada (adicción): 228-51-28
• Emergencias Médicas: 290-44-44
San José:
• Calderón Guardia: 257-79-22
• Clínica del Dolor: 223-39-15
• México: 232-61-22
• San Juan de Dios: 257-62-82
• Nacional de Niños: 222-01-22,
intoxicaciones 223-1028 y
quemaduras 257-0180
• Maternidad Carit: 257-91-11
• Blanco Cervantes: 257-81-22
• Escalante Pradilla: 771-00-22
• Psiquiátrico: 232-21-55
• TELSIDA: 226-19-19
• Drogas y Alcoholismo: 224-50-52
• CON VOZ: 283-25-32
• SIDA, abuso, violencia : 283-33-74
• Rehabilitación (CENARE): 232-82-33
Cartago:
• Max Peralta: 550-19-99
• Chacón Paut: 279-91-92
• Wílliam Allen: 556-43-43