One of our usual group of 4 women who travel together says she cannot go with us to C.R. as her family has heard it is dangerous. I have not heard of any issues. Have any of you? Thanks

My wife and I toured CR for 2 weeks in February/March 2001. We never had any concern for safety. I have heard/read about some problems in San Jose around the bus terminal but that is it. I did not meet anyone who had any concerns or experienced difficulties. Encourage her to go, she will have a great time.

I've read that petty crime is up in San Jose. Use common sense and don't flash a bunch of cash and things will be fine. People are also advised to leave nothing in their rental cars when they stop anywhere. None of this is violent crime, and I certainly wouldn't hesitate to return.

Others are right. I've been to CR 8 times in the last 10 years. The only thing that's happend to me was having a pair of flip-flops taken off the beach on one trip.
However, I too have heard that petty crime is up in San Jose, and that you certainly want to be careful around the bus station. That's never a concern for us, as we only stayed in San Jose on our first trip. After that, we've always stayed in Alajuela for our first and last nights at the Orquideas Inn. It's very safe there.
And, of course, I would not leave any valubles in my car in any country I visit, including USA. Tell her not to worry, large cities in the US can be much more 'dangerous' than CR.
I'd like to know just what her family has heard about CR being dangerous, as quite frankly you're more in danger of getting a sunburn that being involved in crime!

I would avoid Puerto Limon.

we just got back from 10 days in cr. while we didn't go into san jose, where petty crime may be a bit higher, i'd say i've not felt as safe in any other country - the ticos are super-friendly. the main crime is theft, so just use common sense - don't leave anything of value in your car in particular.
convince your friend she's been misinformed and enjoy - its a wonderful country.
st.

Been traveling to CR since 1991 and have seen an increase in petty crime. I go for several weeks every year and have never had any problem. My husband is with me for a couple of weeks and then I go off on my own.
Traveling in a group will make you all that much safer. Most Costa Ricans are wonderful people. Try not to carry a lot of cash on you. Leave it in the hotel safe. Leave jewelry home. Only people you are impressing with it are the bad guys. Most people never see any of these problems and those that do usually have left things in their cars even though they have been warned not to. Things like Tevas left on the beach while swimming will disappear also.

Have to agree with the others. Been to CR 5 times, last year for 5 weeks. Had our room broken in to in Playa Hermosa, but I would have to admit it was probably our own fault, we got pretty relaxed about leaving stuff laying about in the room. Go and enjoy your selves, just remember every country has thieves.
Greg