September 25th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) The oft-cited travel magazine, Travel & Leisure, is still “hot” on Costa Rica. The publication said that Costa Rica is one of its top five “hot” destinations, along with Hawaii, Paris, New York and…
September 27th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) Four armed and masked men burst into a church where family members were mourning the death of a loved one, stealing cash, cellular phones and credit cards. The incident took place during a wake on Tuesday…
SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELING IN COSTA RICA FROM A TAXI DRIVER
If you are traveling to Costa Rica or any other country in Central America, you might hear people telling you things like:
- It's not safe, Are you sure you want to go ?
- I heard that there is a lot of crime.
- There is a lot of tourist being robbed.
Let me start by saying that I have driven a Taxi in Costa Rica since 2006. That's right I'm a Taxi Driver, my area is Jaco Beach, Herradura, Playa Hermosa and where ever a customer wants to go. I've Traveled just about all of Costa Rica, from the Nicaraguan border to the north and have driven down to Panama City, Panama.
Well the truth is that Costa Rica is just like most other countries in the world. There are very nice and safe places and also dangerous places
I have worked for all kind of tourists and the local population in Costa Rica, having worked in the tourism industry for over 7 years, I have seen people do all sorts of smart and a bunch of stupid not smart things.
I have seen tourists carrying lots of cash in their pockets, taking it out and showing it to everyone whenever they need to pay for something. I have also seen tourists leave their belongings in the back seats of taxis, then get upset when their new iPhone 5 or their $600 camera is gone. The truth is most taxi drivers never see the items left in the back seat, we don't check the back seats every time a passenger gets out, we look for another client or respond to a call form dispatch, the next person that gets into the taxi usually is the new owner of your iPhone 5, it is what it is.
I have personally returned more cellphones than I can remember, most of the time getting a tip for being honest. Most cellphones never come back to you especially if it's a smart phone.
I love Costa Rica and the people, Having said that, keep an eye on anything of value you bring with you. I have to be honest, it is very likely you will be a victim of theft, weather you know it or not, with a smile on there faces Costa Ricans feel you are in their country and they have the right to your belongings, money, and anything else of value they can steal from you.
I have been going there since 1998, I have lived there and worked in Costa Rica since 2006. I'm not your average tourist, I worked the night shift in a legal RED Taxi sometimes from 3pm to 3am, I loved it. It's probably the best way to meet people from all walks of life. The night life is jumping in the pacific beach town of Jaco, there is lots of restaurants to chose from, there is casinos and clubs/bars. The Cocal Casino is where you can pick up company for hire. Prostitution is 100% legal in Costa Rica. This is my advice for those who are traveling to Costa Rica to participate in this activity. You can hire a professional from any one of many places, (ask any taxi driver) or you can try to meet a regular non professional that will charge you to have sex with her, either way your going to pay. Make sure the person is over 18 years of age, Very important, I never condone any kind of underage exploitation of minors and neither does the Costa Rican government.
Costa Ricans say ( Pura Vida) it means Pure Life, you should visit Costa Rica at least once in your life, I have lost count, it's been over 50 times for me, Have a great time just be prepared to come back broke with lots of good memories after all that's the most important thing. Have fun.
This is a good way to save money when your traveling and just want to get some sleep
Basically it means that you park your vehicle someplace where it will blend in and you sleep there.
If you Google “Vandwelling” or “Stealth Camping” you can find many sites devoted to this type of lifestyle.
Some states are more tolerant of urban campers than others and it helps to know the regulations for wherever you plan to try this.
For instance, if you were in a state that allowed overnight parking in their rest areas you could just go park there, for the rest of the night.
Or you could find a truck stop or Walmart.
Important tips I’ve learned from searching some of the websites and personal experience
1) Be sure that your vehicle blends in. If you’re driving a beat up old van and park on a street with lots of nice cars— you’re going to draw attention. If you have suitcases bungee corded to your roof rack— you’re going to be noticed. If you get in and out of your van lots of times or turn the lights on, inside, or use your laptop or television with large screen you might get unwanted attention.
2) When you’re ready to sleep for the night, drive to your spot, keep the lights out and got right to bed. Don’t put your tent on the back of your van or your window screen over the passenger window. You want your vehicle to look just like everyone else’s. Provide yourself with whatever ventilation you can without compromising your safety.
3) A plastic 5 gallon bucket with some kitty liter will take care of middle-of-the-night bathroom requirements. I like to park near a 24hr place, like a gas station, diner, and use their bathroom, if needed.
4) Don’t sleep nude, If law enforcement officer/security gaurd knocks on your window with his baton it would be nice if you were wearing something that allowed you to jump straight into the driver’s seat allowing you to get out of there.
5) Curtains on the windows are pretty much a requirement. Black out curtain for the back seperating the cab/front seats works best. Reflextix cut to the shape of each window and affixed with velcro works great or cut to fit.
The most important thing to remember is BE SAFE! If a place doesn't feel safe, if your gut tells you this is not a good place, move and find a better place.
Happy Trails, there is so many beautiful places to see.
Travel & Leisure ranks Costa Rica one of top destinations (via http://insidecostarica.com)
Robbers stick up mourners during wake at church (via http://insidecostarica.com)