Health and Safety

San José is safer than other Latin American capitals. Violent crime is rare; the greatest threat you're likely to face is petty theft. Standard big-city precautions apply.

Use only licensed red taxis with yellow triangles on the front doors. The license plate of an official taxi begins with TSJ (Taxi San José).

Park in guarded, well-lighted lots ($2 an hour). If you must park on the street, make sure informal guachimen (watchmen) are present. Usually this is someone with a big stick who will expect payment of about $2 per hour. Never leave anything valuable in your parked vehicle.

Medical Assistance

Clínica Bíblica. Avda. 14, Cs. Ctl.–1, Barrio El Pacífico, San José, San José, 10104. 2522–1000; www.clinicabiblica.com.

Hospital La Católica. C. Esquivel Bonilla, Guadalupe, San José, San José, 10801. 2246–3000; www.hospitallacatolica.com.