Costa Rica

San José travel guide

What to watch out for, what to see, what to eat, and how to get around — written for people arriving for the first time.

Last updated 2026-08-30

Common scams in San José

15 reported scam patterns travellers run into in San José, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.

6 places worth your time in San José, with what each is actually like and when to go.

6 dishes to eat in San José, what is in them, and where they belong.

5 customs and traditions in San José — what they are, and how to take part without causing offence.

How to travel around San José — 5 options, what they cost, and which booking apps fix the fare before you go.

2 laws, restrictions, and customs in San José that travellers often break without knowing — and the fines or consequences that follow.

2 emergency services in San José you may need as a traveller — tourist police, ambulance, fire brigade and more. Save these before you go out.

4 markets, malls and shopping districts in San José — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.

Scam entries describe patterns reported in an area. They are not findings of fact, and they do not allege wrongdoing by any named business.