Is theft a problem in La Fortuna and Quepos, Costa Rica?

Question

I'm planning a trip to La Fortuna and Quepos in late March. I spent over $1000 on camera gear and I don't want to get it stolen. Is theft a problem in these areas? How about gun/knife point robberies? Thanks!!!

Answer 1

My husband and I were just there last fall. We were really nervous the whole time that something was going to get stolen, because all anybody ever told us was, "Never carry anything. Never have anything with you. Don't drive at night." We had heard that Costa Rica was the safest country in Central America, but I've never been anywhere before where I couldn't function as a normal human being and atleast carry a purse with me tightly.

We actually had 2500 dollars stolen from us, from Payless Car Rental. They gave us a broken car, and then charged our Visa for damages. We have never been able to get the money back.

Sorry for the negativity. It was a great trip despite these things.

I think La Fortuna is way safer than San Jose.

Answer 2

No it's not a big problem.  Just use a little common sense and as I advise all travelers, 'Don't take anything you can't afford to lose'.  I see others with those expensive cameras but I don't advise it.  You can take it, just make it your most important thing to keep up with.

Answer 3

The odds are better of it being stolen then not, especially at Quepos.  Reported crimes are skyrocketing in Costa Rica, unreported crimes are much higher (There is  middle category.  Crimes that start to be reported and then dropped because of the huge hassle reporting a crime causes- these are uncounted but also huge.)

Sneak thievery used to be the only socially acceptable way to steal but knife/gun point robberies are now socially acceptable.  AT least they go unpunished.  Don't forget just being outnumbered is enough for most crimes.

Answer 4

A $1000.00 camera is likely to be stolen ANYWHERE and focefully so. Get yourself a cheap digi that you can afford to lose. A 14 Mp Digi is overkill and will make you a target.

Answer 5

To answer your question:  NO, it is not a problem.  If it does occur, it is less than in other places.  

Just use common sense, don't flaunt the gear, and don't be careless!  But you also don't have to be paranoid about it!

And as far as gun/knife point robberies, I can almost guarantee that will not occur, especially out of San Jose or Limon areas.  As in any of the bigger cities around the world, denser population areas make for more problems.

You'll do fine.  Enjoy.

I was sad to read about Rebeca S, and I hope she can resolve the conflict.  (But that was with a rental company, not the population at large.)  I wish her the best of luck and I hope she doesn't hold it against CR on principle.

Answer 6

Maybe if you put some insurance on it?