What To Do in Case of an Emergency

The first thing you should do in case of an emergency is reach out to CIS On-site Staff. If you're unable to reach them, please contact the CIS emergency number.

Medical Emergencies

The most common medical emergency in Costa Rica is stomach issues. If you feel like your stomach hurts, if you experience vomiting or diarrhea it's important to deal with it sooner rather than later. 

In case of a medical emergency, reach out to CIS Staff as soon as possible. 

• Avoid street food, particularly fruit that has already been cut open. 
• Avoid drinking the faucet water, especially outside of San José. 
• When eating out, make sure you check out the cleanliness of the restaurant to avoid any issues.  

Crime

Costa Rica, like many South American countries, is generally considered safe. Visitors will only encounter police officers carrying firearms, and instances of violent crime against tourists are rare. However, theft and pickpocketing is a prevalent issue and tourists should remain vigilant in order to prevent it. Pickpockets, who often work in teams, are skilled at their craft and can quickly steal your phone or wallet without you even noticing. To protect yourself, it's important to watch out for pickpocketing techniques. 

In case of an emergency involving crime, reach out to CIS Staff as soon as possible. 

• Avoid sketchy areas at night (Downtown San José, Alajuelita, Desamparados, and other neighborhoods on the outskirts of San José)  
• Be careful when drinking. Be aware of your level of inebriation, and do not let yourself become heavily intoxicated to the point of being unable to keep yourself safe. Don't leave your drinks unattended. If drinking with a group, make sure you all leave together, and do not let a drunk friend go off on their own. 
• Know the common scams. This typically involves a "friendly" stranger offering you a free gift or asking for a small favor. They can be pushy, so know that it is not rude to decline. If you accept, they will either ask you to pay for it, or another person will attempt to pick pocket while you are distracted. 
• Keep a low profile to deter pickpockets. Don't show off expensive jewelry. Consider switching from a purse to a more secure crossbody bag. (Fanny packs are not only fashionably "in" here in Costa Rica but are also incredibly practical!) If you carry a bag or backpack, place it on your lap on public transportation. Do not carry your passport on your person unless necessary. 

Your intuition is usually accurate: if you feel that the situation you are in is unsafe, retreat to a well-lit and populated area. Please take these precautions when out:

• Leave your passport at home (make a photocopy of the front page to carry out).

• Don’t carry large sums of cash on you.

• Wear your bag and camera across your chest.

• Put your wallet and anything else of value in your front pockets.

• Keep your belongings in your lap when sitting on a terraza or at the bar/restaurant not on the floor or slung over the back of the chair.

• Be careful who you ask to take a picture with your camera (you may not see it again!).

• Use Ubers to get home late at night. Walking in dark or lonely areas can make you a target. 

Major Incidents 

In the event of a major incident happening in Costa Rica, it is important to take the following steps to ensure your safety:

1. 1. Stay away from the incident area and avoid any unnecessary travel in the immediate vicinity.
   2. Find a safe location to take refuge, such as a friend's house, hotel, or restaurant.
   3. Notify the staff immediately and contact your family and friends to inform them of your situation.
   4. If you need assistance, reach out to the CIS Abroad US Emergency Phone: +1 413 210 7091 for help. It is crucial to remain calm and follow these steps to ensure your safety and well-being during a crisis.

Calling For Help

Key Phrases: 

1. Ayuda (help)
2. Ayúdame, por favor (Help me, please)
3. Socorro (help, emergency)
4. Necesito ayuda (I need help)
5. ¿Puede ayudarme? (Can you help me?)
6. Emergencia (emergency)
7. ¿Dónde está la policía? (Where is the police?)
8. ¿Dónde está el hospital? (Where is the hospital?)
9. ¡Llame a una ambulancia! (Call an ambulance!)
10. ¿Cómo se llega a...? (How do I get to...?)

STEP Program

The US government provides a free service known as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to all US citizens. Enrolling in this program registers your trip with the U.S. Embassy. In the case of an emergency, this allows the Embassy to contact you with important safety information, and can help put you in touch with friends and family. 

US Embassy in San José, Costa Rica