I believe its pretty stable, we have "Spikes" of car theft and various other types of crimes, specially when its related to "bands" of criminals, example would be bank robbers
You must NOT leave valuables in cars, say expensive computers, video/photographic cameras, if your stereo has a detachable top take it with you when you park your car, try to use parking lots whenever they are available, medium/high-end neighborhoods typically have private guards paid by the neighbors
You must NOT wear expensive jewelry when walking downtown (which is pretty beat up, typically locals are the only ones there, that is, I would recommend any foreigner to avoid downtown except for specific spots they want to visit)
Most houses (if not ALL) have bars on the windows and some other sorts of extra security measures to prevent break ins.
Police response ranges from good to non-existent, it depends on the area
You must NOT leave valuables in cars, say expensive computers, video/photographic cameras, if your stereo has a detachable top take it with you when you park your car, try to use parking lots whenever they are available, medium/high-end neighborhoods typically have private guards paid by the neighbors
You must NOT wear expensive jewelry when walking downtown (which is pretty beat up, typically locals are the only ones there, that is, I would recommend any foreigner to avoid downtown except for specific spots they want to visit)
Most houses (if not ALL) have bars on the windows and some other sorts of extra security measures to prevent break ins.
Police response ranges from good to non-existent, it depends on the area
"it is the bars that bother me. i will not live in an area with bars and actually looking for a place you could almost leave doors unlocked and walk safely at midnight."
Not likely anywhere south of the States and obviously many places in the States do NOT fall into that category either, your only choice here would be a gated community with private security
Not likely anywhere south of the States and obviously many places in the States do NOT fall into that category either, your only choice here would be a gated community with private security
Don't have stuff to steal and they won't steal it. Use ATMs when you get down there during daytime hours a few times, but leave all your ATM cards and passport and some emergency US dollars in a hotel safe as much as possible. When walking around town have about $50 in local currency and one visa card (mastercard doesn't always work south of the border I have noticed), $20 or less of small bills in local currency in a different stash away from your main roll such in a sock (and hope you never need to use them), and a drivers license and copy of your passport on you. Don't wear a watch; if you can't live without knowing the time buy a $5 watch, bust off the armbands, and carry what is left in your pocket. Minimal jewelry and keep any maps you must carry discrete. Dress like a local which means modest button up shirt or polo shirt, jeans and tennis shoes or casual black shoes. Locals in most areas of Latin America don't wear shorts except in the resort beach towns. If all else fails, just look around day one and go do some modest shopping day two. Yes I know, can't go to the Del Rey like this, but use common sense there if you go because everyone says working girls are the best at not just "relieving" you, but also your money.
Not meant to scare you, but just guidance. If you look like a broke tourist, or even better yet, a modest local, no one bothers you and your chances of robbery are almost none. Sometimes you can't help it because of your appearance, but lots of light skinned people in CR so anyone can blend in somewhat. You will know you are doing it right when people start asking you questions in Spanish like you are a local. I have made 10 trips to Mexico City, what everyone calls the most dangerous city around without one problem. I have been in Colombia twice, once again no problems. San Jose is a cakewalk compared to those two in terms of crime and ease of looking like you belong since light skinned locals aren't uncommon, just do a little thinking about it beforehand and you shouldn't even have to worry.
Not meant to scare you, but just guidance. If you look like a broke tourist, or even better yet, a modest local, no one bothers you and your chances of robbery are almost none. Sometimes you can't help it because of your appearance, but lots of light skinned people in CR so anyone can blend in somewhat. You will know you are doing it right when people start asking you questions in Spanish like you are a local. I have made 10 trips to Mexico City, what everyone calls the most dangerous city around without one problem. I have been in Colombia twice, once again no problems. San Jose is a cakewalk compared to those two in terms of crime and ease of looking like you belong since light skinned locals aren't uncommon, just do a little thinking about it beforehand and you shouldn't even have to worry.
wolfie_cr said:
I have a house in Fort Myers and on many occasions left it unlocked and went away without any problems. Also, almost all the time I leave my car unlocked.
In Costa Rica, it's a different story. I have had my car stolen last year, house broken into twice, my Rotweiller posioned by robbers trying to get in etc.
In the U.S you have certain areas where these types of things happen. In CR it's all over.
"In the U.S you have certain areas where these types of things happen. In CR it's all over."
that's exactly what I said.............try leaving a car unlocked in Detroit or New York..........or Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Brazil, etc etc
Of course leaving a car unlocked is just plain idiotic no matter where you are
that's exactly what I said.............try leaving a car unlocked in Detroit or New York..........or Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Brazil, etc etc
Of course leaving a car unlocked is just plain idiotic no matter where you are
Judge Wapner said:
Not really, I always left my car unlocked in Seattle. Soft-top convertible (Mazda Miata), I'd rather someone use the door than cut the top, but nobody ever did either. I also left the top down all summer.
I can't imagine having a soft-top convertible here.
Trick is to leave absolutely *nothing* in your car. I had to replace a window on my Jeep, they smashed just to steal a flashlight and car vac I left in back.
I lived north of Toronto and in Vancouver, I would never have considered leaving my car doors unlocked or anything visible. Common sense works well as a prevenative measure. I have been lucky and not had any bad experiences in CR. The difference between the crime here and the crime in Canada is here people are stealing because they are hungry. Prevention is the best thing you can do, be aware of your surroundings and you'll be ok in SJ. That being said I would never take a walk downtown late at night.
"I can't blame you for saying that since you are from a crime ridden country. If you are from CR it's hard to imagine you can leave your car unlocked."
which is exactly why foreigners are considered completely naive and vulnerable (not just here but also apply for big cities anywhere in the world, the small town mentality doesn't work in the big metropolis)...........
"SURE.......let's leave the 1000 dollars camcorder and 2000 dollars laptop in the unlocked car............that sounds like a great idea!"
which is exactly why foreigners are considered completely naive and vulnerable (not just here but also apply for big cities anywhere in the world, the small town mentality doesn't work in the big metropolis)...........
"SURE.......let's leave the 1000 dollars camcorder and 2000 dollars laptop in the unlocked car............that sounds like a great idea!"
