Crime in Costa Rica?

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soleluna

Costa Rica is a beautiful place and I know you will have a great time. However you must be careful specially in down town San Jose, where there is a lot of robbery going on (pick pockets), specially to tourists, but don't be scared, just follow simple rules so you can feel safe: don't walk on the streets showing jewelry, big backpacks or other valuables, or late at night. Carry your wallet on your front pocket. If you plan to rent a car, always travel with your windows closed and lock your car wherever you park it. The roads are safe, only a few pot holes, and the beaches are also safe. Besides the bad things you've heard, Costa Rica is a friendly country with amazing places to discover, and its people is more than happy to help tourists, just be careful like you would be in any other country.
Ah, and don't worry for the hot weather, november is still the green season, so it will be raining, if you are lucky, you can enjoy the beginning of the dry season, the most beautiful weather in CR (from december to march)

tocar.elcielo

crime here is much less than what the report makes it seem like. sure, we have some crime, as does everywhere else. as like everywhere else, be careful near the major cities, especially san jose due to pickpockets. ticos tend to be very friendly in general. there is much to discover here and i'm sure you will have an amazing vacation.

trix

i have gone i would recomend driving the driving is crazzy and very confusing there arent many signs that say one way street for instance and no street signs and the crime is reported but dont be scared you may get pick pocketed but that about the extent i heard about go to touristy places and you will be fine and make sure you stay in a hotel that is recommened and always check how much change you get back in stores that is how i got riped off good luck

Alegator

San Jose is probably the main place you could encounter crime. Since you are renting a car always leave it in an authorized parking lot. NEVER park your car in San Jose center on the street. That is a sure call for someone to rob you. NEVER leave valuables on the car. That includes backpacks, passports, etc. If you do hide it under the seats. The main thing robbers will try to get to is the radio in the car. Be ready for lots of traffic in San Jose, narrow roads and people walking very close to your car. A very typical thing to find is people trying to "watch your car" around the streets. They will ask you for money to do that. They will be pretty persistant. Carry some change on hand just in case. I am costa rican, and it is relatively safe. Just keep your eyes open and normal security measures when travelling.

eeeeeeeeclipse

I was in Costa Rica in March. Everyone I met was very nice. IF you plan to drive around a lot be warned... when I was there the roads were mostly washed away from the big hurricanes (they don't get hurricanes but they got the tropical storms before they turned into hurricanes). The roads were so bad that lots of people got flat tires (not us thank god). I had a migraine from all of the rough roads, also we couldn't go see the volcanoe because the roads were not passable. Maybe they have fixed them up some by now but I doubt it; they were that bad. We kept our traveling to a minimum. Other than that, be careful where you park, always lock your doors and stay on lit streets. Watch your pockets etc. We had no problems at all; in fact when we passed by the locals houses most people waived at us. Have fun; it's beautiful but VERY hot. Make sure you bring sun screen and plenty of water where ever you go.

truth is...

I am going to Costa Rica for the first time next month, so I can't speak from actual experience.

But, I have traveled internationally quite a bit and can tell you that there is always going to be crime against tourists no matter where you travel to. However, if you do simple things to protect yourself, you will be safe and have a fun trip.

Just make sure to keep travellers cheques, never flaunt yourself or wear big fancy jewelery, and always keep your possessions close to you.

Belindita

Although crime is high, you should be fine. Just don't drive in remote areas at night. Try to drive only in daylight. Always keep your belongings close to you and don't leave your cameras, etc. on the beach unattended. Enjoy your trip!

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