5 questions and answers about Tourist Safety in Costa Rica

Your trip to Costa Rica is coming up, but you still wonder about tourist safety in the country. Maybe you’re wondering, what are the most common crimes and how can I prevent them? In this article we will answer five of the most frequently asked questions by tourists that are visiting the ‘pura vida’ (pure life) country.

These tips are just a peek of the information that you’ll get from the eBook: ‘Questions and Answers about Tourist Safety’ that Adobe Rent a Car offers to his clients as an exclusive gift when renting a car online at www.adobecar.com.

How to get it? A few days after booking your reservation online, you’ll get an email with steps so you can get access to this product.

This eBook compiles the knowledge of experts, and the best information that is offered by official organizations such as Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (Costa Rican Tourism Institute), Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservación (SINAC) (National System of Conservation Areas) and other organizations specialized in sea currents.
Is Costa Rica a safe country? Yes, but just like the rest of the world, there are crimes, assaults and fraud. We invite you to read the below tips and get our “Q&A about Tourist Safety in Costa Rica” eBook so you can travel safely.

1. Are there any crimes that travelers suffer more frequently?

Yes, one of the four most common crimes in Costa Rica is ‘theft for distraction’. It occurs when the offender takes advantage of the tourist’s distraction or provokes it through specific methods. For example: the thief stains the traveler’s clothes with some product. When the tourist is attempting to clean themselves, the thief steals their belongings.
The tourist leaves their bag hanging on the chair of a restaurant. During a moment of distraction, it gets stolen.

How can this be avoided?

1. During check-in, do not leave your luggage unattended in public.
2. Never lose sight of your luggage, especially in a public venue.
3. Always use the hotel safety deposit box to store your valuables, such as your passport and bank cards, or ask at the hotel reception desk for a safety deposit box.
4. Don’t rely on appearance. Many times, the offender may wear the same outfit as a tourist, an executive or even a restaurant server.

2. Can I find a variety of medication in Costa Rica?

Include in your luggage all required medicine if you have a specific medical condition. Some medication requires a certified prescription by a doctor. You can find drugstores in most destinations in the country that offer a wide variety of drugs. However, there are very few places where there are no pharmacies available.

3. Should I always carry my passport with me, or should I keep it in the hotel?

If you are going to move to areas far away from your hotel, you should take your passport with you and carry it in a safe place, preferably apart from your luggage.
If you are going to stay close to your hotel, it is suggested to keep the documents in the safe box and carry a copy of your passport with your personal information and the entry visa to the country in case it’s required.

4. What should I keep in mind before getting in the water?

If you don’t know how to swim, be cautious when entering the water.
If you have ingested food or alcoholic beverages, wait at least two hours before swimming.
Ask hotel staff, lifeguards, or locals about sea conditions.
Locate signs, flags, or other types of markings that warn about the water conditions. If flags are placed, the red ones indicate danger.
Always be accompanied by an adult who is capable of helping you or can look for help in case of danger or an emergency.
If you haven’t received first aid training, do not have enough swimming skills, or physical condition, do not attempt to rescue a person who is drowning on your own.
If you want to practice a water sport such as surfing, jet skiing or others, you must know how to swim.
If you travel with friends, don’t play games or make jokes that could endanger your life or that of your friends.
Ask about tides or any natural phenomena that may change the water conditions.
If you travel to the beach with children, people with special needs or seniors, stay close to them, and for no reason let them out of your sight.

5. Is it safe to park the vehicle on the street?

If possible, use public parking. Do not leave the vehicle on the street. Even if there are people who seem to take care of it. In case of theft or robbery, they will be held responsible. If you must leave it in the street to visit an unspoiled beach, it is preferable that you do not leave valuable belongings in the car.
Ask for information at the hotel about the safest routes and transportation, especially at night.