Is Costa Rica a dangerous place to visit?

Question

Armed robbery ,theft.

Specially in tourist areas like Tamarindo.

Places to avoid & general tips on safety.

Recommendations welcome.Thanks.

Answer 1

Costa Rica is safer than the majority of any place in America that you could possible travel to.

And for those people who knock San Jose - I can only say that I have been going there every year for the last thriteen years and enjoy it alot - and I never felt safer in my life!

Tamarindo is as safe as you can get!

But - Naturally - like in the states -  you do not want to stay out late at night in any unknown locations and always be alert as to your surroundings at all times!

Good Luck

VIVA LA PURA VIDA

Answer 2

Only if your a skinny puny white guy that looks like a skate boarder you can get robbed in San Jose City, you should avoid walking alone at night. Make sure the taxi driver turns o the meter if you get in a taxi and know that $1 is worth 516 colones, the CR currency is called Colones and $1 is worth 516. Dont get fooled by taxis and only exchange money at the bank.

Answer 3

Stay out of San Jose.

Dont flash your money.

Avoid clubs.

Avoid Hookers.

In tourest areas, I would not be going out late at night. Bring a deck of cards to play with friends.

It's generally safe... just dont be stupid, and exersize caution.

Answer 4

I agree with dih >>>>  Get out of San Jose.

There is petty theft all over. But it's just that PETTY.   I suggest not carrying a lot of cash, but rather use an ATM card.  LOts of ATM machines around.  Don't flaunt cash.   Keep walking around money in an accessible pocket and the rest in a deeper pocket. Use common sense and you will be fine.  Touristy places like Tamarindo are safe enough.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country.  I hope you enjoy your visit.

Answer 5

Danger is a relative term to many.  There is some element of danger everywhere and it is not at a high level in Costa Rica.  Yeah, petty crime is evident in crowded, touristy type places like a raging, noisy disco filled to the seam with fun-loving latins.  I've been to plenty of places in the U.S. that I considered way more scary than even San Jose (Costa Rica's largest and capitol city).  Use the time tested travel rules that apply almost anywhere in the world.

1.  Increase your awareness level of your surroundings and act accordingly.

2.  Maintain a low profile-try to imagine yourself as the criminal sizing you up.

3.  Much of petty crime doesn't involve you seeing who takes your property so think in terms of the security of all your property at all times.

4.  If you can't afford to do without it, don't take it (Property).

5.  Get the 'Lonely Planet' book titled "Costa Rica".  very good information

Answer 6

I stayed at two different hostels in San Jose for two weeks and I had no problems.  crime happens every where, just be cautious, but there really is nothing to be paranoid about. If you have the chance to spend a few days in the capital, I reccomend it.  Go to el teatro nacional, el museo de jade, have lunch at the park, visit the butterfly garden at one of the only mini rainforests in the city (it's not on the map, but it's adjacent to the zoo). It is absolutely beautiful to see before going into the reserves.  I highly recommend visiting Monteverde and staying at a hostel called pension santa elena.  Visit the reserves, the orchid garden, the bat house ect, ect.. Before Monteverde, try and see Mt. Arenal.        

Best of luck.  no worries.  Have fun.

Pura Vida!

Answer 7

Be always alert and aware of you surroundings at all times.

Dont be too trusting and oh dont forget to include sunblock in  all your packing.

Have a nice trip!!!!

Answer 8

as in any place you visit you hv to be careful and be alert of your stuff. dont go out with many things, specially in san jose. depending on the zone of san jose you visit it may be a bit dangerous but its not that bad. a great tip i can tell you to avoid been robbed is to be discrete, dont wear big backpacks or excessive jewlery, robbers point a lot to that. u better go to the beaches or national parks. good luck and hope you enjoy your trip!

Answer 9

san jose is the place where is the most things all that is happening. but still its safe. is like any other big city. outside is better and safer but still, be careful. just watch your belongings and don't mis-place them

Answer 10

I always tell people this: AVOID SAN JOSE

Do not go to San Jose. Go to the beaches where it's nice, especially in Guanacaste.

The thing with San Jose is that there are a lot of people begging for money (mostly to get drugs, not food) There is armed robbery in certain places of San Jose (downtown) I just hate it there. If you want to go to the province itself, go west by Escazú and Santa Ana.