koa

I agree Jgold. I think some people are missing the mark. There are risks in anything one does in day to day life. But some activities increase the percentage of something bad happening. I think based on the crime statistics, walking alone on a beach in Costa Rica increases the odds of being victimized. Yes, you could get mugged on Maui, but the odds are very low. Being from Hawaii, I know that violent crime against tourists( outside of Oahu) is very low. You have a better chance of being killed in an auto wreck. On a surf trip I did to CR a few years ago, I almost got jacked in Tamarindo. I stopped to ask for directions and that almost turned out to be a bad mistake. Several drugged out young adults approached my car. I picked up on the body language and drove off. That being said, I would love to go back to CR again for a vacation and would recommend the country to others. Just use COMMON SENSE PEOPLE!

koa

Since this has become a passionate debate here, check out todays front page story in AM COSTA RICA. They have results of a survey on how Costa Rican residents feel about security. Crime and personal security is the #1 issue in CR. The murder statistics were unbelievable! 2005 saw over 800 murders! I did a comparison online. The city of Los Angeles, with a population about the same size as the Country of Costa Rica, had a little over 400 murders in 2005. I hope the goverment of CR can get a handle on this problem or the countries reputation will be damaged.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

I've never bought the argument that "this can happen anywhere." It can, but it's all relative. I think a vacationer is more vulnerable in Costa Rica than in Hawaii. Costa Rica's level of poverty makes crime a bigger problem. The police might have good intentions, but they are of a lot less help when you've been a victim of a crime than would be the case in Hawaii too. There are places that are so much worse, granted, but no one should assume that Costa Rica will be "just like home."

That's the point I think the writer of the article is trying to make. He admits that he put himself in some situations that seemed harmless at the time, but weren't.

Travelers can afford to be fickle. If a destination gets too much negative publicity, people will flock elsewhere. I think security is one of the top requirements vacationers expect. If they don't get it, or if they merely perceive they aren't going to get it, they're gone, and they tell people they know about the problems, who in turn tell others. That type of publicity spreads far more quickly than the good kind. So it is a problem Costa Rica needs to address for its own sake, and on another level, for the well-being of its own population.

I'll still always sing Costa Rica's praises. I think it's a fantastic travel destination, but no one should ever expect that it will be like Hawaii.

soloadventurer

I wasn't "blaming the victim" simply stating he didn't use common sense. I wouldn't walk alone on a beach after midnight anywhere but maybe that's because I'm a female solo traveler so I have to use extra caution everywhere I travel. I do agree the risks are higher in some places and you need to take extra caution. I don't think London is a dangerous place but there is a higher risk of pickpockets so I wear a money belt. In my trip to Costa Rica next Feb. I will use extra caution because the risks are higher for crimes of opportunity. I just don't care for articles like this that make a place seem dangerous because a traveler didn't use good judgement. It scares potential travelers from visiting a place that can be safe if you know the risks, take extra caution and use good judgement. If I was a less experienced traveler this article might scare me into chosing another destination over Costa Rica and trade the amazing beauty, wildlife and culture for some boring beach vacation in a "safer" area. Research the areas you're traveling to, know the risks, use caution and good judgement and you'll be safe.

tully

solotraveler, I agree, same here. I make decisions when traveling based on where I am and common sense. I have to make certain choices when traveling alone - I wouldn't mind maybe going down to a bar and having a few drinks but I know on my own it's also putting a target on my back.

Zorbathegeek

Sadly the problem is increasing across Central America and the Caribbean.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle4449372.ece


Last time I was in CR ('06) we discussed crime in general with some Costa Rican friends, they are not happy with the rise in crime either, attributing most to the drift of Nicaraguan and Panamanian criminal elements across a porous border.

The main attraction is the easy pickings from the rich gringos, and a certain laissez faire attitude, sympathy, and occasional corruption amongst the police.

It pays to be vigilant no matter where you are, and Costa Rica is no exception.

Jeff_Costa_Rica

Costa Ricans will always tell you that the crime is due to Nicaraguans, Panamanians and Colombians. In reality, most of the crime is home-grown. While the foreign community and tourists make tempting targets, most of the victims of crime are Costa Ricans.

SiteC_er

If this story is true, I have some doubts, I feel sorry for the guy. However, walking on the beach at midnight is not safe.....even in the US. I did not feel any less safe in CR than Hawaii (where I used to live) or California (also lived). Like the poster I have been to Africa. However, unlike the poster, I did not feel particularly safe in several areas (Nairobi being one).

The key to any travel, regardless of country, is to travel in numbers & pay attention to your surroundings.

papagayo

The area the victim was walking is a known area for prostitutes and crack heads. Every town has their "areas to avoid after dark". A simple question to the front desk staff or owner of the hotel where he was staying would have resulted in a warning. Walking in a group would of improved the odds but walking alone……..never. I know this is the first question I ask when staying in Panamanian , Nicaraguan or Costa Rican towns I am unfamiliar with. Where are the areas to avoid?

Pat_Hewitt

Something else to consider. The most common reason for murder in Costa Rica is domestic violence. This is very sad, and something that needs to be addressed as a culture. But not something that is going to affect foreign tourists.

Also in the overwhelming majority of all homicides (anywhere), the victim and the perpetrator know each other. Local on local. So take these out of the mix as well.

I am not disparaging the original contributor to this thread. It may not have been wise to be walking alone on the beach late at night. But he was not in a particularly dangerous area.

More often than not, a tourist murder occurs when the victim was in a bad area (drugs, prostitution) and knowingly put themselves in danger. Hang out in any city in the US looking for similar activities, and it would be at least as dangerous. Probably more. If I was in LA, I wouldn't go to Watts looking for crack at 2:00 AM and expect to receive warm and fuzzy treatment. Not that I ever look for crack, but you get my drift.

I don't want to minimize the dangers. But Costa Rica is a much safer destination than most Latin American countries. San Jose is a safer city than most US cities of a similar size. If you use basic common sense, you should be just fine.

Also, just for the record. I have been to Costa Rica at least 100 times, and I have sent at least 10,000 clients there since 1992. I am not bragging or exaggerating, it is just a fact. We talk about personal security with every first time traveler. While there have been a couple of dozen thefts over the last 16 years, not a single client has ever been subject to personal violence. Not a single one.

Hope this helps! Let me know if I can offer any more advice.

Warm Regards,
Pat Hewitt
Travel Professional

gwbushjr

I thought people weren't allowed to sell their services on this forum?

shillmac

Was there an attempt to sell something? I missed it!

Pat Hewitt is very helpful on the forum with his advice and recommendations. He is knowledgeable on all areas of the country and with his frequent visits, knows the latest in terms of just about everything. He has never asked anyone to use his services.

flycatcher06

Just a note about the medical care - my daughter had an ear infection which was being treated before we left. When the doctor gave me the prescription it cots $110. to fill.

When we got to Arenal my daughter had a relapse so we went to the farmacia and they gave her the same prescription after asking questions and examining her and guess how much it cost in Costa Rica - $28.

It really makes you wonder - it was THE EXACT same medicine by the exact same company!!!!!

shillmac

Tells us all something, I think. We've run into the same thing, as I'm sure many others have as well.

We ALWAYS buy a couple of Z-packs when in Mexico or Costa Rica. The 3 tablet kind.