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- Be cautious with people you meet on dating apps. Meet in public places and tell a friend where you are going [4].
- Watch for scams and extortion aimed at travellers [4].
- Carry copies of important documents. If you travel with children who do not share your surname, bring custody or parentage papers [4].
- Read the room on public displays of affection outside the main tourist areas [5].
- Emergency number in Costa Rica: 911.
For general safety advice (theft, swimming, road safety), read the current U.S. State Department travel advisory for Costa Rica [3] or your own government’s equivalent.
Sources (checked October 29, 2026):
- Presidencia de la República de Costa Rica, 25 May 2020: equal civil marriage takes effect on 26 May 2020
- Reuters, 26 May 2020: Costa Rica allows same-sex marriages, a first for Central America
- U.S. Department of State: Costa Rica travel advisory (Local laws: gay and lesbian travelers)
- U.S. Department of State: Gay and lesbian travelers, general guidance
- IGLTA: Costa Rica destination guide