U.S. Embassy Issues Warning for Costa Rica
The U.S. Embassy in San Jose has raised an alert regarding safety concerns in Costa Rica. This warning, released on November 25, details a rise in property crimes, financial fraud, and robberies.
Reported incidents include break-ins and armed robberies at various rental properties, including Airbnbs. In fact, the embassy noted that travelers are experiencing pressure from criminal groups to withdraw significant amounts of cash from ATMs or through bank transfers.
Travel Safety Tips
The advisory also cautions visitors against displaying signs of wealth, advising them to avoid wearing expensive jewelry or flashy watches. It recommends that tourists travel in groups rather than alone and exercise caution when engaging with banks and ATMs. Leaving valuables in vehicles is strongly discouraged.
When renting a car, travelers should double-check their security measures. The advisory warns that “thieves often use signal blockers” which can cause vehicles not to lock properly via their key fobs.
As for managing finances, the embassy suggests setting daily withdrawal limits from bank accounts and keeping minimal funds in one place. Also, it’s wise to discuss financial security strategies with banks prior to traveling.
This beautiful country, famous for its lush rainforests and beautiful coastlines, attracted almost 3 million visitors in 2024 alone. While resorts are popular, various rental options are available.
The warning emphasizes the need for travelers to conduct thorough research on rental properties and accommodations to ensure safety during their stay.
“It’s important to make sure the places you stay have robust security measures in place,” the advisory states, also advising against choosing properties that have reviews mentioning security problems.
On December 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of State will implement a Level 2 travel advisory for Costa Rica. This reflects ongoing concerns about common misdemeanors, as well as incidents of more severe crimes, including robbery and assaults that can impact tourists.
