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Alcohol — Costa 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
Driving in the U.S. too?The free LawLert iPhone app alerts you when you cross into a U.S. state where a law you track differs. It doesn't cover other countries yet.Get the free appAlcohol in Costa Rica: prohibited — what is legal at home can be a serious crime here.
PROHIBITED
Driving while drunk or on drugs is illegal in Costa Rica.
Heavy fines and jail time.
§ US State DeptVerified Jul 13, 2026
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 RicaVerified Jul 13, 2026
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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.