Overview - TEST TEXT

It has been said, Costa Ricans are so polite even the thieves say "please" and "thank you"; and "if you don't mind may I have your watch too?".  But crime is a fact of life in all countries and we want to make you aware of what can happen, although violent crime is rare.

Costa Rica is a much safer destination than most.  Violent crime, such as murder or rape, are not common but do occur, especially to the unwary.  Unfortunately, there has been an increase in violent crime over the past few years, mainly due to an influx of foreign criminal elements that have influenced the criminal population of Costa Rica in a negative way.  It is important visitors keep on guard and stay away from areas where they face increased risk.

Please remember!  Although the following may make Costa Rica look like a haven of crime, it is not.  If you take the same precautions you would take in any unfamiliar place you should enjoy a trouble-free vacation.

Opportunists can steal almost anywhere in Costa Rica, however you will find a higher concentration of thieves in San Jose and the major tourist destinations along the coast (near beaches).  The following is an overview of the highest risk areas:

Areas where crime has increased over the past few years:

Downtown San Jose - all areas, especially at night.  Pickpockets and petty thieves are common around the National Theatre and in the Clubbing District near the Holiday Inn Aurola as these tend to be frequented by tourists.  El Pueblo is a popular night club and shopping area and one should take extra precautions in the area.

Quepos - sadly, what used to be a great beach town is becoming a haven for thieves and even some violent crime.  Some tourists have been held up at gun point.  Again - where you walk and at what time you are out has much to do with your safety.

Jaco Beach - the large influx of foreigners into the Jaco Beach area has resulted in an increase in crime.  They have increased police patrols but one must be cautious none-the-less.

Escazu - Escazu is one of the most upmarket suburbs in San Jose with great restaurants, shopping and hotels.  It's affuence has resulted in an increase in crime - even some violent crimes such as carjackings and home invasions.  Having said that we at Try Costa Rica commonly visit Escazu and enjoy the advantages of their great shopping and dining establishments.  Just like any city in the world - keep your eyes open and avoid dangerous situations and you should have little trouble.

Some "grab and release" kidnappings are taking place.  The victim is taken at gunpoint to an ATM where they withdraw enough funds to pay their "ransom" and then released.  These are rare but be careful when you are in poorly lit areas or in places where you can be caught alone.

Beach Areas:  If you leave anything unattended for even a few minutes, it will be stolen.  It seems every month we hear a story of a bag being stolen with the usual "I just took my eyes of it for a second".  Be vigilant and use the room safe for your valuables.

Hotels:  Most larger hotels are pretty safe.  Be careful what you leave exposed in your room, at the pool, in a Casino - anywhere.  You must assume there is always someone waiting for you to stop watching your belongings.

Driving/Parking:  NEVER leave valuables exposed in your car when parked.  The window will be broken and the goods gone in a flash.  One couple we know parked their car with their baggage exposed for only a few minutes in what they thought was a safe area and lost $38,000 in jewelry stored in one of the suitcases.  Always try to park in a paid parking lot where a guard will watch your car.  The cost in minimal and well worth the peace of mind.

Some highly creative thieves will cut the tire of your car and then offer to help you change it.  One thief changes the tire and keeps you distracted while the other makes off with the goods in the car.  Another gang of thieves was putting small leaks in tires outside of banks.  When the tire goes flat a few miles down the road, they assault the victim and take any money withdrawn from the bank.

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Road Safety

Road conditions are generally good on main routes, although potholes caused by heavy rains in the wet season are common.  Another thing you can expect in the rainy season Landslides in the wet season, which block the road between San Jose and Guapiles on the way to Limon are frequent and can cause delays.  However, they are cleared away quickly and there are longer alternative routes.  Drivers should be cautious when approaching bridges as these are often only one-way, even if the road is two-way.  Accidents in Costa Rica are usually caused by speeding or passing irresponsibly.  The standard of driving is lower than in either the UK or US.  You should resist temptation to overtake without clear visibility and adhere to speed limits, as traffic police are strict.  If you have a collision when driving a car you must not move the vehicle, not even to the side of the road, until the traffic police have come to inspect it.  The Traffic Police (Transito) and the Insurance Investigator (INS) must come to the scene of the accident to complete accident reports.

However, you should be aware that there have been instances of deliberate traffic accidents as a means of stopping vehicles in Costa Rica, with the intention of committing robberies or other crimes against the victims.  If you have reason to suspect that the collision was a deliberate act by another driver to make you stop, you might decide it would be safer to drive on until you reach a place e.g. a police station or a garage where it would be safer to stop.  In such circumstances it is essential that you are ready to explain your actions to the traffic authorities mentioned above.

Traffic Police (Transito) – 222-9330 or 222-9245
Insurance Investigator (INS) – 800-800-8000

Sea and River Safety

You should take special care when swimming from all beaches in Costa Rica but especially on the Atlantic coast.  Rip tides are very common.  There are normally no lifeguards.  You should seek reliable local advice.

Safety features on small boats are not always of a high standard.  If you plan white water rafting, you should arrange this with an established company.

Don't be a target!

Don't wear jewelry or carry large amounts of cash.  Avoid moneychangers on the streets - there are a lot of counterfeit bills on the street.

Be vigilant when riding buses and don't store your belongings in the overhead area unless you plan to 'eagle-eye' them through the entire trip.  And remember:  thieves have very simple but effective ways to distract you while someone else steals your belongings.

Don't leave your drink unattended in bars - you may find yourself the victim of a spiked drink.

Only take official taxis.  Avoid using unofficial taxis (taxi pirata) - as several violent incidents involving tourists have been reported.  Official taxis are red with a triangular sticker and plastic box on the roof with the name and number of the taxi company.  Where possible use radio-dispatched taxis.  Be sure they use the meter to calculate the trip fare (here they refer to the meter as "La Maria").  While some taxi drivers may try to charge you a little more than they would a local, usually it's not much and they view you as an opportunity to get a little more income.  They make little money and the difference is usually insignificant when compared with other more alluent countries.

We strongly advise lone visitors never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time.

If you are visiting jungle areas you should be accompanied by experienced local guides.

If visiting volcanoes please pay strict attention to notices prohibiting entry to dangerous areas.  When there is the danger of eruptions the national park is closed to visitors until the danger has passed.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Police Emergency - 911
Ambulance 911 or 128
Fire Service 911 or 118
Police Investigative Service 911 or 221-1365 or 221-5337

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before traveling.  You should check for any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  Please see:  Travel Insurance

Only emergency medical treatment is available without charge for visitors.

Dengue fever exists in Costa Rica and is predominant in the rainy season.  Areas affected include the Central Valley and the Capital, San Jose.  Deaths from second infections have occurred.

Malaria is also endemic close to banana growing areas.  In October and November 2006, there was a significant increase in the number of cases reported in Limon Province.  Before travelling to Costa Rica, you should consult your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication, and on arrival take adequate precautions against mosquito bites.  More than three-quarters of British travellers who contracted malaria in 2005 did not take preventive measures, such as malaria prevention tablets.  However, malaria can occur despite appropriate prevention, and therefore you should promptly seek medical care in the event of a fever or flu-like illness in the first year following your return from travelling to a malaria risk country.  Before travelling you should seek medical advice about the malaria risk in Costa Rica.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.