Traveling Safely In Costa Rica And Abroad

Costa Rica is the only country in Central America that abolished its army, which happened back in the late 1940’s. To this day this spectacular place brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to its beautiful beaches and countryside’s with little or no incident. Why not come and see what all the fuss is about?

Traveling to a foreign country can be an amazing experience. However, there are standard safety rules you should always follow. Remember these straightforward rules you can head out with confidence that you are taking all the measures to make your vacation a stress free one.

Costa Rica accepts American dollars and their currency, colones. Many establishments frown upon traveler’s checks because they take a long time to collect from the bank. There are stories from many business owners who will tell you that they have been burned with Traveler’s check either by the bank or patrons therefore, they are leery to accept them.

If you want to travel with traveler’s checks, it’s best to make a stop at the bank when you arrive in Costa Rica, wherever you destination is, and exchange them for dollars or colones. Do not ever exchange money on the street and write all the numbers of your traveler’s checks down and keep them separate from your checks.

In Costa Rica, it is acceptable if you carry a copy of your passport and stamp page. It’s better to leave your passport in the safe with all your other important documents like plane tickets and such. When you rent a car in Costa Rica, you are required to carry your license and passport copy with you as well as the rental contract.

When traveling through populated areas like San Jose, we suggest you keep your doors locked and the windows up. Valuables left on the seat in the car can be fair game for petty thieves; so don’t risk loosing your valuables. There are many hitchhikers on the roads and we recommend that you do not pick them up.

My Uncle has visited Costa Rica many times and always says, “Costa Rica is the only place I know where you can pick up a hitchhiker carrying a machete and not feel threatened.” Costa Rican’s use these uncharacteristic tools to cut the grass and overhanging tree branches from the roadways. So don’t freak out when you see them traveling down the road brandishing their gardening tools.

During my two years here in Costa Rica, I have learned that the local Tico’s as they are called, are peaceful and amazing people. They are polite and soft-spoken as well as welcoming of strangers to their country. They will be warm and generous of their time and home to visitors who come their way.

The locals are hard working and on average, their monthly income is around $400 to $500. They will give you their last meal with love in their heart. Be respectful of them and their country and remember that as a guest in their country, we must respect their culture.

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