Beware of Pirate Taxis

Beware of Pirate Taxis in Costa Rica

When traveling in Costa Rica it is always safest to go with a licensed taxi driver. In Costa Rica all licensed taxi drivers drive red taxis with a yellow triangle with an official taxi number on the door. All taxis are required to have a working meter which charges you a standard amount. Taxis coming from the airport in San Jose do tack on an extra surcharge.

Everywhere in Costa Rica there are pirate taxis. We are not saying that these are all automatically unsafe, but you never know what you are going to get when you take one of them. Their car may not be in good condition, the driver himself may not even have a driver's license. Additionally, unless you know exactly how much the fare should be to where you are going, a pirate taxi has no meter and may even be charging you more than the appropriate fare. Although it is rare in Costa Rica, there have been instances of pirate taxis taking clients to isolated spots in order to rob them, etc.

A licensed taxi driver is in contact with other taxi drivers. People know him and he is part of a community which he pays taxes and licensing fees to be a part of. Licensed taxi drivers are much less likely to be thieves or to treat you dishonestly. It is much safer to take licensed taxis as a tourist in Costa Rica.