Theft and Crime in Costa Rica

Who's responsible for the majority of theft problems in Costa Rica. Is it as bad as they say, or do the tourists need to wake up and smell the coffee, or maybe just watch their stuff a little better? Check out this video to find out.

The Costa Rica Travel Channel and Travel Costa Rica Now does not wish to scare you. We are merely reminding you of things you forgot you knew when traveling abroad. The majority of crime as it pertains to travelers (petty theft) in Costa Rica, can pretty much be avoided if you just follow of few simple rules. You will notice that these rules pretty much apply to any tourist destination in the world.

Where ever you are at any given time i.e., your surroundings be- attentive, watchful, aware, vigilant, ready to act, observant, on the alert, and on the ball.

So, a guy that makes about a buck an hour sees this video camera sitting on the passenger seat of this car Never leave valuables in plain sight while in your car, even for an minute.

Pickpockets are mostly found in San Jose and they love to use distraction to relieve you of your valuables. Scam- Someone accidentally spills something on you, and someone else playing the good Samaritan quickly arrives to help. Always keep your wallet and passport in your front pockets if you do have to carry your passport.

If a sketchy person approaches your vehicle while you are stopped at a traffic light or sign, sound the car horn and start foaming at the mouth as its all about perception.

When you can avoid it, never carry your passport with you. Instead, make a copy of the front page AND the page that has your entry stamp from immigration on it. This will usually suffice in a pinch.

Just because a person can speak English does not mean they are your friend.

For more helpful travel information on Costa Rica make sure you check out our website and our blog.

Our Travel Tip Website- http://www.TravelCostaRicaNow.com

michael alan's blog - http://www.DoingCostaRica.blogspot.com/

Our pictures from around Costa Rica - http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelcostaricanow_com/

Our Gay Travel Tip Webpage - http://travelcostaricanow.com/index.php/Gay

michael alan's gay blog - http://www.DoinGayCostaRica.blogspot.com

Lots more travel tips on video by us - http://www.youtube.com/user/iCostaRica24




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[tdtsb695]

I lived in CR for over a year , speak Spanish, and it is a beautiful country, but there actually is a lot of petty crime and sketchy areas. Plus the (men at least) tend to be super macho, arrogant, and yes, do hate non Ticos. For what it's worth, I've spent a lot of time in Brazil, Mexico, and Cuba with no problems and lots of local friends. Plus due, to its proximity to Colombia, there is a huge coke/crack problem which exacerbates the crime problem. It's a weird place for sure. Pura Vida?

[iCostaRica24]

@tdtsb695 Living in Costa RIca is much different than traveling in Costa Rica.... traveling here is quite safe if you use common sense....living here is a little different and yes, petty theft is a problem.......

[cynic71]

On a positive note - while at a bar on Playa Hermosa 5 years ago, I stupidly forgot a bag with our passports, a camera and a few hundred dolloars. We drove all the way to Tamarindo before I realized it. I called the place, they said they had the bag but didn't know about contents. I drove back in the dark (adventure!) and they had the bad and everything in it. Nobody took a thing. Nobody even looked inside, they just put it aside for safe keeping.

[iCostaRica24]

@cynic71 I wish people would do more of what you just did..... the positive stuff,,,,, it does happen here, a LOT,,,but you never get to hear about it..... THANX.

[aquelmarihuano]

Anglo and Dutch Americans always see the bad things in other countries forgeting that the same shit happens right in the same city where they live. Just use common sence regardless if you are visiting an industralize nation or a little island in the pacific. To think that there is a country in this planet free of crime is like believing in Santa Claus.

[iCostaRica24]

@aquelmarihuano Couldn't AGREE with you more.

[iCostaRica24]

@Lambeestaca This video is accurate. I'm sorry if you're offended... but really, we pass along INFO to people who want to travel here so they can have the best time ever....... and we're not going anywhere, and really, be careful what you wish for,,,,,

[iCostaRica24]

@mealc84 Dude, can't let this pass. WTF? Costa Rica is ALL that and MORE,,,,just use common sense when traveling like you would in any other country and you will have NO problems..... why you trying to scare people?

[jimhebert]

@Lambeestaca I was wrong it was $163,000.00. He's not the only one complaining. This place is full of thieves, corrupt, you name it!!!!

See: inside no space costa no space rica dot com/dailynews/2011/.../06/cost­arica11110607.htm

Reader Write of Problems With Banco Nacional

[jimhebert]

Go to inside no space costa no space rica dot com and search the following:

Reader Write of Problems With Banco Nacional

This country is the most crooked i've ever seen.

[thameizing]

if you do not want problems,not go into dangerous neighborhoods looking fucking crack,motherfucker...

[77musica]

fuck costa pinga fags