Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Emergency info for guests in Costa Rica (rental template)

Costa Rica uses 911 for every emergency, and the Red Cross (128) and fire service (118) also have their own numbers. Many beaches have strong rip currents and no lifeguards, so a short beach note matters more than almost anything else on this page.

We checked these numbers in November 2026, but services change, so please confirm them locally before you print or share the page.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

En caso de emergencia, llame al 911. If anyone is hurt or in danger, please call 911 first, then let us know.

Emergency numbers

911: police, fire and ambulance
128: Red Cross ambulance
118: fire service
Poison centre: [Poison centre number]
Tourist police: through 911

This property

Address to read out: [Address to read out]
Directions from a landmark: [Directions, e.g. 200 m north of the church]
GPS: [GPS coordinates]
Nearest hospital with an emergency department: [Nearest hospital]
After-hours clinic: [After-hours clinic]
Pharmacy: [Pharmacy]
Host: [Host name], [Host phone]

If something happens

Fire: get everyone out, close doors behind you and call 911 from outside. Please don't go back in for belongings.
Gas smell: don't switch lights or appliances on or off and don't light a flame. Open doors and windows if it's safe, close the valve on the gas tank at [Gas tank location] if you can, leave, then call 911 from outside.
Carbon monoxide alarm: get everyone into fresh air straight away and call 911. Don't go back in until you're told it's safe.
Water leak: turn off the water at [Water shut-off location]. If water is near outlets or appliances, stay clear of them and call us.
Power out: check whether neighbours are dark too, then check the breaker panel at [Breaker panel location]. Flashlight: [Flashlight location]. Please avoid candles.
Lost keys or locked out: call [Host phone], or [Backup contact name and phone]. Please don't climb in through a window.

At the beach and rivers

Rip currents are strong on many beaches, and most beaches have no lifeguards. Please ask us before swimming somewhere new.
Crocodiles live in some rivers and river mouths. Please don't swim in them.

Tips

Write directions the local way, from a landmark (like '200 m north of the church'), and add GPS.
Name your nearest safe swimming beach and any beach to avoid.
Add the nearest hospital and the nearest EBAIS or private clinic, with driving time.
Show where the gas tank valve is if you cook on bottled gas.

Put it on one guest page instead of a binder

Keegix turns your welcome book into one link and a QR sign by the door. Upload the binder you already have and AI drafts the page in about a minute, or paste this template in. Free forever for one property.

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Questions

What is the emergency number in Costa Rica?

911 for police, fire and ambulance. The Red Cross is also on 128 and the fire service on 118.

Are Costa Rica's beaches safe for swimming?

Many have strong rip currents and no lifeguards. Ask locally before swimming, and never swim alone or after drinking.

How do addresses work in Costa Rica?

Many addresses are given as directions from a landmark rather than a street number. Add GPS coordinates so emergency services can find you.

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https://keegix.com/emergency-info/costa-rica/