suzanne

Visiting Costa Rica in January..<BR>Would you say it is a safe place to travel these days? I read conflicting information<BR><BR>Thanks!

Iza

We travelled to Costa Rica in 2000 and 2001 and had absolutely no problems. Felt safe at all times (although took the usual precautions: no flashy jewelry, don't leave valuables in the car, keep money/documents in the hotel safe when not in use etc.).<BR>

Tess

I felt safe when I was there a couple months ago (Sept-2002). We followed usual precautions (Iza's already cited the routine) and had no problems.<BR>

Dave

My wife, another couple and myself toured CR for tour weeks. Never had a problem, in fact, never perceived a problem. Totally safe with above stated precautions.

KennAnn

From NYC. Went there in September, drove everywhere, never a problem. The people are lovely , very laid back and naturally friendly, nothing forced. They all seem genuinely happy and free of stress. Make sure and visit the volcanic springs in Arenal, that was amazing. Also we drove up to Manuel Antonio Nature Park, the area up there is lovely. Stop along the way at any rest with a view - gorgeous. Also, its really easy there to stop in a town and do a little food shopping in the supermarkets. Just use the usual caution you would anywhere. Have fun, its great, hope you get to see the crocks!

john

San Jose has a lot of petty crime. I was there a few years ago. My rental car agreement made it clear that if the car was stolen in San Jose you owned it. Cars are twice as expensive because of import duties. I would not recommend driving in san Jose, it is very chaotic.<BR>The rest of C.R. was glorious.

Ally

I agree with John about the petty theft issues in San Jose, but have never heard of problems anywhere else in the country. Not that crime can't happen anywhere, I just have not experienced anything firsthand while there...with the exception of a pair of flip-flops that a tourist took off the beach. I KNOW it was a tourist because I saw the woman wearing my shoes later that day at the hotel I was staying at. No big deal. I just went into town (I was in Nosara at the time) and purchased another pair, cheap!<BR>I've been to Costa Rica 7 times since 1993 (going my 8th time for New Years!) and have always felt safe, but I have not stayed in San Jose since my first two trips. I now stay at Orquideas Inn in Alajuela. It's a lovely place and closer to the airport than San Jose.

Chris

I travelled solo in Costa Rica two years ago and it was a wonderful experience. No problems whatsoever.<BR><BR>Yes, you need to go to Manuel Areno, and to the springs.<BR><BR>I stayed at Jaco Beach and took day trips from there.<BR><BR>It's a great country to visit.

btowle

we were in Costa Rica in Nov. for 10 days, had no problems.. from the info<BR>I received from the B &amp; B petty theft is<BR>more wide spead than it was several years ago. But overall, you will not<BR>find a more wonderful place to visit.<BR>Just treat it as you would any other place.<BR>You will love it, the people are wonderful.<BR>