Safety Advices

Costa Rica still is the safest country to travel in Central America. Nevertheless, take the following safety precautions in order not have any bad surprises:

General Safety Advices

• When traveling, always carry your most valuable documents (passport, credit card etc.) on your body.
  
  
• Watch your luggage in busy places (bus stations, restaurants etc..).
  
  
• Watch your luggage in the overhead compartments in public busses.
  
  
• Try to avoid walking around, showing items such as expensive cameras, laptops or jewelry.
  
  
• Use the hotel safe wherever possible. If leaving valuable items in your hotel room, check for safety (door-locks, windows).
  
  
• Do not leave personal items on the beach unattended.
  
  

When Driving

• Road conditions are bad. Expect anything on the road, anytime (potholes, mudslides, flooding, persons and animals on the street etc.). Therefore, never drive in the dark!
  
  
• Expect sudden turns by other drivers without using their turn signals.
  
  
• On long downhill sections, use the engine break by shifting down and always keep a large distance to the car in front of you.
  
  
• Never exceed the speed limit and do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  
  
• Police officers are not allowed to accept any cash. In case you have violated traffic rules, they must give you a traffic ticket, which you can pay within 3 days at any branch of a state bank (Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica).
  
  
• For your own safety, lock all doors when you drive in the San Jose area.
  
  
• If you drive longer distances, check on the oil level, cooling liquid and tire pressure regularly.
  
  

River Crossings, driving on beaches

• It is not allowed to drive cars on any beach in Costa Rica!
  
  
• Sea water (salt water) can cause major damages to the vehicle within a few hours! If the vehicle gets in contact with salt water (i.e. on a ferry), have it washed as soon as possible (including the engine and the downside of the car).
  
  
• Many river-crossings can not be passed by car during most months of the year, even in a 4x4! Always check the depth before crossing a river. Best advice is, to wait until another car passes before you. If in doubt, take an alternate route! If crossing a river, drive slowly and use a low gear!!
  
  

Parking the car

• Always leave the car in first gear when you park it!
  
  
• Always park the car in an illuminated and safe place. If possible, use enclosed parking areas.
  
  
• For overnight parking, always ask the staff at the hotel which is the safest place to park the car. Never park the car unattended on the street.
  
  
• Do not leave your personal belongings in the car when you park it. When you stop for lunch, you can always park the car in a way, so that you see it from your table. Most National Parks will offer guarded parking.
  
  

In case of an accident

• Call our office 258-4604 / 844-6568 / 394-3637.
  
  
• Call the traffic police (Tel.: 911) and the Insurance Inspector (INS, Tel.: 800-800-8000)
  
  
• Do not move vehicle (even if you block the road) until police and the insurance inspector have come.
  
  

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