Vacationers can really feel moderately secure in Costa Rica. The International Peace Index lists it because the most secure vacation spot in Latin America.
Despite the fact that Costa Rica is among the many most secure locations in Central America to go to, it is best to nonetheless must train warning. The first problem that faces vacationers is petty theft, so it is best to at all times pay attention to your environment and possessions.
LATEST NEWS from COSTA RICA:
February 20 – Costa Rica has recognized 36 locations in Costa Rica the place vacationers usually tend to be in danger
The dangerous areas include the coastal cities and seashores of Jacó, Tamarindo, Quepos, Dominicalito, and Manuel Antonio.
Based mostly on an evaluation, Costa Rican safety companies stated that vacationer locations like Garabito, Cahuita, Montezuma, Mal País, Santa Teresa, La Fortuna, Samara, and the Osa Peninsula require nearer monitoring to stop crimes.
Enhanced measures are being taken to cut back the excessive charges of crime that have an effect on the nation’s most visited vacationer areas. Lately, the Costa Rican authorities has been repeatedly urged by the Nationwide Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) to prioritize customer safety.
February 19 – Consultants issued a warning about rising temperatures and elevated UV radiation in Costa Rica
Consultants from the Nationwide Meteorological Institute (IMN) of Costa Rica have raised alarms over the anticipated rise in temperatures and a rise in ultraviolet (UV) radiation ranges within the coming months. Daniel Poleo, a climatologist at IMN, attributes this forecast to the Zenithal Solar phenomenon, which can trigger the solar’s rays to fall extra straight on Costa Rica throughout March and April, resulting in increased temperatures and a extra intense sensation of warmth. This era will notably expertise a peak in UV radiation, particularly between March 15 and April 15, with probably the most important threat of publicity occurring from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Areas to Keep away from
Quepos, the gateway city instantly outdoors Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park is changing into harmful. Train warning there. The identical is true for Tamarindo and Jaco due to felony actions (largely robberies) geared toward vacationers.
The Desamparados neighborhood in San Rafael, Santa Rosa de Pocosol, San Carlos, a rural space bordering Nicaragua, Matina, a small rural neighborhood alongside the Matina River in Limón province, Limón, Liberia, Pococí, Talamanca, and the district of Barranca, on the Pacific coast within the province of Puntarenas, are further high-risk areas with violent crime charges significantly better than the nationwide common.
U.S. Journey Advisory
The U.S. State Division urges American nationals to exercise increased caution in Costa Rica resulting from crime.
Whereas violent crime, equivalent to armed robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults, is uncommon in Costa Rica, minor crime is the primary risk to vacationers visiting the nation. In tourist-heavy areas, the Costa Rican authorities has strengthened safety sources.
Canada Travel Advisory
Pickpocketing and purse snatching are examples of frequent petty crimes. As a result of they’re regarded as rich, vacationers are incessantly the targets of housebreaking.
Property-related crimes are additionally frequent, together with automotive theft, burglary, and car theft. Moreover, passport theft is a quite common downside that will get worse from November to Might and from July to August, when traveler move is at its highest.
Widespread Scams
The Unauthorized Taxi Scheme: Upon disembarking from a bus at a station, you might encounter quite a few people posing as taxi drivers, providing their providers. These taxis are sometimes unlawful and should cost fares 4 to 5 occasions increased than the usual charge. It’s necessary to notice that authorized taxis in Costa Rica are identifiable by their orange or crimson shade (orange for airport taxis and crimson for official ones).
The Bogus Tour Information Rip-off: At in style vacationer spots, you might encounter people providing their providers as tour guides. They could even present up sporting apparel from acknowledged tour firms. Nevertheless, after receiving cost, they vanish with out offering the promised service. To keep away from falling sufferer to this rip-off, guide tour guides by official and respected firms.
The Drink Spillage Ruse: Perpetrators of this rip-off will purposely spill a drink on you, then supply help in cleansing the stain. When you are distracted, their confederate adeptly pickpockets you. Politely decline any provides of assist to thwart this rip-off.
The ATM Fraud: Keep away from utilizing ATMs located in secluded areas and as a substitute go for these in well-populated areas. In the event you discover something suspicious about an ATM, search out another machine.
On-line Journey Fraud: Be cautious of on-line journey firms working with out authorized authorization. Previous to reserving, confirm the corporate’s rankings with organizations such because the Higher Enterprise Bureau (BBB), Canatur, and ICT.
Taxi Meter Deception: Authentic taxis in Costa Rica are outfitted with meters. Nevertheless, some drivers could fail to activate or reset the meter from the earlier journey. Think about using Uber as a safer and extra economical different to taxis.
Forex Change Swindles: Resulting from fluctuations within the native forex’s worth, vacationers could also be exploited by companies utilizing outdated conversion charges to maximise earnings. To stop this, make sure that the conversion charge used aligns with these printed on banking web sites or in respected newspapers.
Security Ideas for Costa Rica
Comply with these tricks to reduce bother anyplace you go.
- Stay vigilant in crowded settings, notably when using public transportation throughout Costa Rica.
- Train warning in tourist-heavy areas equivalent to seashores, nationwide parks, and downtown San Jose, as these are prime targets for thieves.
- Chorus from extreme alcohol consumption and drug use.
- Resulting from a rise in theft from parked automobiles, go for well-monitored parking areas, maintain doorways locked, home windows rolled up, and keep away from leaving valuables seen.
- Keep away from drawing consideration to your self with flashy belongings or apparel.
- Restrict the amount of money carried whereas outdoors.
- Guarantee valuables are securely saved, even inside your lodge room.
- When touring by bus, chorus from stowing baggage in overhead bins to mitigate theft dangers.
- Within the occasion of a theft, prioritize private security by surrendering money and valuables.
