I’m re-printing this article exactly as it appeared in AM Costa Rica. It was written by Jo Stuart. I’d have asked her permission, but she doesn’t answer my emails. But I think it has good, acurate information about the safey of being here in Costa Rica.
Many people planning a vacation in Costa Rica, or thinking about living here are worried about safety. Some of them write to me about their concerns. Perhaps it is time for a column discussing how safe is Costa Rica.
Recently in the news it was reported that violent crime in the U.S. has gone up some 4 percent — most notably in the Midwest. I have seen no statistics about Costa Rica recently, but my own observation is that violent crime has gone up here, too. I do see more stores that sell firearms than I saw when I moved here. Violent and non-violent crimes that involve foreigners, of course, are the concern of those who write to me.
Pickpockets, thieves and robbers concentrate on tourists and foreigners for the same reason Willy Sutton robbed banks — because they think that is where the money is. Most thieves are opportunists, and so you just don’t give them the opportunity to steal from you. If I am an example to anyone, the message would be, double lock your doors when you go out, stow your money in your shoe and keep track of your belongings at all times. Pay attention as well to your surroundings and don’t wear expensive jewelry on the street. I have been pick pocketed three times and had a gold necklace ripped from my neck. My laptop and passport were stolen from my apartment.
John writes that he can’t seem to get a realistic appraisal from tourist agencies because they want the business and thus paint a rosy picture. In fact, you are probably safer being part of an arranged tour with a group than going it alone. People renting cars at the airport (a logical thing to do) might find themselves with a flat tire, and the friendly people who stop to help, instead taking everything they have. If you do rent a car, do so in the city and get one with a trunk rather than a hatchback. Park only in parking lots with guards, and put your valuables in hotel safes.
If you have brought your laptop, camouflage it if you take it out on the street. Carry it in a basket rather than its smart case. My editor tells me that in the past year 1,000 U.S. passports have been reported lost or stolen to the American Embassy It is one big nuisance and expense to lose your passport.
Kidnapping and murder are usually not random, but rather business or revenge related. Car jacking, as in other countries is aimed at the most desirable cars – usually four by fours here.
In my opinion Costa Rica is one of the safest places to be at this time in history. It certainly is less stressful than much of the rest of the world. I never think about terrorists attacking here. I don’t worry about food poisoning or dysentery from polluted water. But I don’t take chances. I drink the tap water where I am told it is safe. I don’t in places where the sanitation is not up to par.
Most of the dangers that visitors and those new to Costa Rica face are those brought on by their own attitude and behavior. They are in a safety bubble of their own naivete or ignorance. (Most of the crimes of which I was a victim occurred in my first years here.) It is an attitude that many tourists have world over, that, hey they are on vacation, ready to enjoy themselves and the world is going to cooperate.
Just recently there was the story of the sad, sad avoidable tragedy of the students and their brave teacher killed in the undertow of a dangerous beach. Neither rain and impending darkness, nor lack of knowledge about tide conditions deterred their desire to go into the ocean as soon as possible. On a less serious note, I recall the visitor who was trying to get change from a fellow in a newspaper stall. He waved his 5,000 colon note in the air over the people in front of him.
Someone snatched it out of his hand and made off with it. If you are young and having a good time in a local bar, you still don’t go off with someone who seems so friendly to another place. You keep your wits about you. And if you engage in questionable or downright illegal activities, you have a greater chance of getting into trouble — just like every place else in the world.
Costa Ricans are among the kindest most considerate people I have ever known, but they are not here to make my life, as a tourist or a resident, safe and wonderful. Not even Costa Ricans have your best interests at heart — especially when they are behind the wheel of a car. Traffic accidents are probably the greatest danger here whether you are a pedestrian, driver, or rider. That is one reason I take the bus as often as possible. Buses are big. But even they have accidents on these dangerous roads.
I hope I have not frightened away people. The vast majority of visitors leave Costa Rica having experienced only a wonderful time. Those of us who live here wouldn’t be anywhere else.