Comments on: Common Sense Travel – How Not to Get Robbed in Costa Rica

By: Gringo Mike

Gringo Mike — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:17:30 +0000

You have to remember that the average Tico only makes about 10 bucks a day so stealing from tourists can be a profitable enterprise. You also have the occasional gang of robbers who make their way to heavy tourist areas during the dry season to prey on visitors. I live in CR and I recommend not flashing wads of cash, wearing jewelry or a nice watch and only using ATMs during the day when the bank guards are on duty. I dont carry a big fat wallet either, I only carry enough cash to get me through the day. The drink thing is simple to avoid: Take it with you to the washroom or have your friends hold it for you. The tipping thing is not a guarantee but it doesn’t hurt to tip a couple extra bucks especially if you plan on returning to that bar. Also use caution when visiting secluded spots, beaches etc. park your car where you can see it and if possible go in a group to the more remote spots. Other than that a little common sense and being aware of your surroundings can make your visit to CR a pleasant and safe experience.

By: Jose Perez

Jose Perez — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:04:52 +0000

What other websites offer free travel tips in South America?”~;

By: admin

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:15:56 +0000

I have been going to CR since early 1970, CR is like any country, including America, when one fails to take precaution, one will get stung, sooner or later.

“The man with the most common sense, is the man with the most sense” … Benjamin Franklin

By: Erik

Erik — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 20:37:57 +0000

Some of your comments are ridiculous. I mean you say that if I go to a bar, when I leave to go to the bathroom and someone drugs my drink, then it’s my fault because I didn’t put a napkin on top of the glass and when I come back carefully check to see if it was moved!

You need to get real. If this happens consistently at various places it means that the bartender and/or bar owner is part of the criminal scheme, looking the other way when it happens, and getting paid for it..

The police should be investigating these bar druggings and robberies for patterns and arrest those in the conspiracies to drug and rob people.

Also, you keep saying that I must tip everyone generously, well that in itself makes me a mark for thieves. Of all the people I tip generously, yes, some of them may help me later, but some of them will also tell their friends who may be career criminals, “See that gringo there, he must have a lot of money, he always tips everyone so much” and then I can become targeted for robbery.