Posted in Costa Rica forum
Theft Warning!
This is not a subject the travel agents or tour operators like to discuss, but I feel it is necessary. If you are traveling to a country where there is poverty, there is theft. This is not limited to any particular country, it can happen anywhere. Travelers who are informed and aware can make wiser choices.
I live on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Robberies have increased so we have formed citizens groups who work with the police and the public for prevention of crime and help for the victims. Private guards have been hired to patrol the beaches and the streets. Fortunately physical harm is rare, but often valued possessions left vulnerable are nabbed. There are things you can do to protect yourself:
RULES FOR DAY OUTINGS:
1. DO NOT CARRY ANYTHING YOU DO NOT IMMEDIATELY NEED!
I cannot emphasize this enough. When you are on an outing, whether it be the beach or a bike ride:
a. Take only the money you may need to spend - no more.
b. Do not carry your passport. It is legal and wise to carry a copy which shows your entry stamp.
c. Do not carry a backpack or purse, it attracts criminals as they imagine what valuables you might have inside. Use clothes with pockets and take a pocket sized camera.
d. When you go to the beach, take no more than a towel, water bottle, sunscreen and a book. I use a crappy looking beach bag to carry it all.
Do your picture taking on a different occasion and return the camera to your hotel before you go to swim.
2. Avoid isolated areas at night. I never walk the beach alone at night but I am comfortable going anywhere on the beach in the day time - because I do not bring valuables.
3. Don’t leave anything of value in sight, in your unoccupied car. A rental car with a trunk is preferable.
4. Always lock doors, shutters, windows, do not leave anything vulnerable - even for a few minutes.
If you follow these simple rules when on an outing, you can forget about theft and just have fun.
Get help!
posted by Lisa Valencia in Costa Rica forum
On your first trip to Costa Rica it is good to use a guide service like mine. I can show you the ropes, tell you what to do, what to look out for and teach you how to take care of yourself so you can do well on your own and avoid these kinds of problems.
Safety in Costa Rica
posted by Mona Chromatica in Costa Rica forum
I agree. I had varied experiences while there. I usually had on a mini back-pack. I was warned against this because if they yank it, you will fall backwards and not be able to protect yourself. So, if you must carry one, put it on your front. Weird looking, but safer.
One day I was walking in San Jose, near the bus terminals. I felt something and turned around....nada. Then a young woman caught up to me and told me that someone was trying to open the zippers. I heeded her warning, by using little pad-locks I had with me.
When I was down at the beach area on the Carribean, I was robbed in my room while sleeping! I was stupid. First off, I bought a bottle of wine. The store had no bag, so it was in plain sight.
Next I went to a small restaurant near my beach front room, and managed to score some bud. Again, I was probably seen walking back to my second-story room. Then, I fell asleep on my bed. Of course, I had the window and door open.
The owner of the place never told me that the keys to the balcony door were in the door on the outside! So, even if I had closed it, I probably would not have known they were there because the outside of the door wasn't visible unless I closed it from the outside. Why would I close it when I was outside?
I heard a crash like glass breaking on my tile floor and I woke up. A man was climbing over the balcony railing and he jumped to the ground and ran away. Don't ask me why, but for some reason I took everything out of my little pack/purse. Luckily, he only took the cash, about $90. He left the camera and credit cards. I had left my luggage, traveler's checks & passport locked away in my hotel in San Jose.
When I informed the owner, she acted like it was all my fault, saying her dog would've barked. It did not bark untill he hit the ground! I tried to get $ on my credit card, but since I never do that, I had no idea of my passcode. Finally, she gave me my money back and I was able to buy a bus ticket back to S.J.
I believe she was in cahoots with the thieif. She had left for the evening to spend time with friends....the dog didn't bark....how did he get up there? The empty room next door! At first she didn't want to give me my money back, but I think she was afraid of her reputation with the police!
Anyway, don't be dumb like I was. I just wanted to relax. Forget it! Lock the doors, close the windows....even though you want to listen to the surf, feel the breeze. Or stay in a more secure place. I was stressed because I had just had surgery and had complications. I was released from the doctor and I was ready to "let go". Well, I did let go....of $90. I was lucky that was all they got. Oh, the next day, while waiting for the bus, I was sitting on the balcony and "felt" a presence. A man was only a few feet behind me, on the connected balcony of the room next door. He was painting....and watching me. I didn't see the theif....it was dark. But I did see his profile. Sure looked the same to me! I went inside till it was time to leave. I had just been out taking photos and when I came back, there were a bunch of vultures in the coconut tree next to the guest house.....hmmm