Costa Rica
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AlcoholCosta Rica

What travelers need to know about alcohol in Costa Rica. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.

Short answer

Alcohol in Costa Rica: prohibited — what is legal at home can be a serious crime here.

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PROHIBITED

Driving while drunk or on drugs is illegal in Costa Rica.

Heavy fines and jail time.

§ US State Dept
RESTRICTED

Reports of tainted or unregulated alcohol have caused serious illness and deaths in Costa Rica; if you feel sick after drinking, call 911 and report suspect alcohol to the Investigative Police (OIJ).

Health hazard — methanol poisoning can be fatal; report tainted or unregulated alcohol to the OIJ at 800-8000-645.

§ US State Dept — Costa Rica
LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.