Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [44]
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Travel Agencies
For a list of tour companies, Click here.
OTEC (Map; 2523-0500; www.turismojoven.com; Calle 3 btwn Avs 1 & 3; 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat) Local branch of the international agency specializing in youth travel; can issue student discount cards.
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DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Though Costa Rica has the lowest crime rate of any Central American country, crime in urban centers such as San José is a problem. Within Costa Rica, reported robberies have skyrocketed by more than 50% since 1998 and the rate of homicides in San José has grown by almost two-thirds, according to a report issued by the UN in 2009. It is worth noting, however, that despite this trend, the country still retains one of the lowest homicide rates in the Americas. Not surprisingly, in a city where one in five people live below the poverty line, the most common offense is theft. Readers have reported pickpockets, snatch-and-grab theft and muggings.
In the event that something of this nature were to happen, it is not likely that you would be physically hurt, but it is nonetheless best to keep a streetwise attitude. Do not wear flashy jewelry, keep your camera in your bag when you are not using it and only carry as much cash as you’ll need for the day. And, unless you think you’ll need it for official business, leave your passport in the hotel safe; a photocopy will do. Be wary at crowded events and the areas around bus stops since these bring out pickpockets. Carry your day pack in front of you and never put it in the overhead racks on a bus. At night, it is preferable to take taxis. If you are renting a car, always park it in a secure, guarded lot – and do not leave anything in it.
The establishment of a tourism police (policía turística) in 2007 has alleviated petty crimes against foreigners somewhat, but it remains a small force: 400 officers scattered around the entire country (you’ll see them in the major tourist gathering spots in San José, wearing white polo shirts). These officers can be helpful in the event of an emergency since most of them speak at least some English. But, if you find yourself the victim of a crime, you’ll have to file a report in person at the Organismo de Investigacíon Judicial (Map; 2222-1365, 2221-5337; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri) in the Supreme Court of Justice building on the south side of downtown.
Neighborhoods reviewed in this book are generally safe during the day, though you should be especially careful around the Coca-Cola bus terminal and the red-light district south of Parque Central, particularly at night. The following districts are dodgy during the day and unsafe at night: León XIII, 15 de Septiembre, Cuba, Cristo Rey, Sagrada Familia, México, Bajo Piuses, Los Cuadros, Torremolinos, Desamparados, Pavas and La Carpio. Be advised that, like in most major cities, adjacent neighborhoods can vary greatly in terms of safety; inquire locally before setting out.
Like anywhere else in the world, women traveling alone should take extra precautions. Do not walk around alone at night and stick to licensed taxis (further information is available Click here). In addition, men should be aware that prostitutes are known for their abilities to take more than their customers bargained for – namely their wallets. Needless to say, if having sex with a prostitute, use condoms: AIDS is on the rise in Central America, and although prostitution is legal in Costa Rica, it is not regulated.
Other factors affecting quality of life include the city’s gridlocked traffic and its pit-sized gutters and potholes. Noise and smog are unavoidable components of the San José experience – and most central hotels are victim to a considerable amount of street noise, no matter how nice they are. Most significantly, be skeptical of unaffiliated touts and taxi drivers who try to sell you tours or tell