State Department Warning to US Citizens about Costa Rica
Here is a email sent from the State Department to US citizens wanting information about Costa Rica. There are some really good points in this and people really need to pay attention. Here are some of the good suggestions:
- use common sense – it is amazing how travelers leave this at home
- do not be flashy with money or jewelry – leave the gold and diamonds home
- stay in tourist areas and keep a low profile – do not make a spectacle of yourself and draw attention
If you follow these suggestions, you will have a fun and enjoyable vacation in this beautiful country. Just remember, you need to adapt, it does not need to adapt to you. Costa Rica is a proud country and filled with quality people and are willing to share their homes with strangers as long as common courtesy and respect is shown. It is really such a shame that during the high season, we see the tourists who acts like they are in a circus side show and that they are better than “these people.” When I see this, it really angers me because ticos will pay attention to the rude tourist and not much to the sweet tourists that make the majority of the visits and represents the majority of their originating country.
is costa rica safe for americans,is costa rica safe for americans 2011,state department logo,costa rica safety 2011,safety in costa rica for americans,costa rica safe for americans,how safe is costa rica for americans,is it safe to travel to costa rica 2011,US Passport logoCosta Rica – Crime and Safety
December 17, 2010
The U.S. Embassy has issued this message to remind U.S. citizens
traveling to and living in Costa Rica that criminal activity in the
country has been steadily increasing over the past few years and to urge
visitors to be vigilant, especially during the busy holiday season.
While approximately one million U.S. citizens safely visit Costa Rica
each year, tourists and expatriates are frequently targeted by thieves
looking for cash, jewelry, credit cards, electronic items and passports.It is imperative that travelers understand the potential risks of travel
to Costa Rica, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to
contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as
visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight
hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might
occur, can help ensure that travel to Costa Rica is safe and enjoyable.
U.S. citizens traveling throughout the country should exercise extreme
caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all
times. Many areas of the country are without any law enforcement
presence and emergency response is not reliable. In some beach areas
there is limited police presence in the day and none at night. Travelers
should leave their itinerary with friends and family members not
traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and check with their
cellular provider prior to departure to determine whether their cell
phone service is capable of roaming on the Costa Rican network (most
will not). Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of
money, or other valuable items. Leave your U.S. passport in your hotel
safe or another secure place and carry photocopies of the passport data
page and Costa Rican entry stamp on your person.
For additional information and guidance please read the Country Specific
Information Sheet for Costa Rica
.
American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to
register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
. For the latest security
information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the
Department of State’s website , where
current Worldwide Caution
, Travel
Warnings ,
and Travel Alerts
can be
found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or,
for callers from Costa Rica, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Costa Rica, please
contact the U.S. Embassy which is located in San Jose in Pavas, San
Jose, telephone from the United States: 011-506-2519-2000 ext. 2188.
For emergencies arising outside normal business hours, U.S. citizens may
call (506) 2220-3127 and ask for the duty officer. For non-emergencies,
you may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ACSSanJose@state.gov .
The Embassy’s internet address is http://sanjose.usembassy.gov.
Related posts:
My posting here
Theft Warning!
This is not a subject the travel agents or tour operators like to discuss, but I feel it is necessary. If you are traveling to a country where there is poverty, there is theft. This is not limited to any particular country, it can happen anywhere. Travelers who are informed and aware can make wiser choices.
I live on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Robberies have increased so we have formed citizens groups who work with the police and the public for prevention of crime and help for the victims. Private guards have been hired to patrol the beaches and the streets. Fortunately physical harm is rare, but often valued possessions left vulnerable are nabbed. There are things you can do to protect yourself:
RULES FOR DAY OUTINGS:
1. DO NOT CARRY ANYTHING YOU DO NOT IMMEDIATELY NEED!
I cannot emphasize this enough. When you are on an outing, whether it be the beach or a bike ride:
a. Take only the money you may need to spend – no more.
b. Do not carry your passport. It is legal and wise to carry a copy which shows your entry stamp.
c. Do not carry a backpack or purse, it attracts criminals as they imagine what valuables you might have inside. Use clothes with pockets and take a pocket sized camera.
d. When you go to the beach, take no more than a towel, water bottle, sunscreen and a book. I use a crappy looking beach bag to carry it all.
Do your picture taking on a different occasion and return the camera to your hotel before you go to swim.
2. Avoid isolated areas at night. I never walk the beach alone at night but I am comfortable going anywhere on the beach in the day time – because I do not bring valuables.
3. Don’t leave anything of value in sight, in your unoccupied car. A rental car with a trunk is preferable.
4. Always lock doors, shutters, windows, do not leave anything vulnerable – even for a few minutes.
If you follow these simple rules when on an outing, you can forget about theft and just have fun
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