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John Hall · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2007 12:39 am Post subject:

As I recall, one of them said, "Tengo hambre," and then something else that was interrupted by the first blow to my face and the sound of the gun going off. It happened that fast.

CostaRicaOH · Joined: 15 Jul 2007 Posts: 7

SO....

with all that said....

My Girlfriend and I are landing at Juan Santamaria on Monday. Any advice for newcommers on how to stay safe in and around San Jose (we plan to stay in HEredia at first), without becomming Paranoid to the point that it taints the entire experience?

nineisone · Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Posts: 187

I'm probably not the best person to offer a reply as I have not lived in Costa Rica, only traveled through on 4 seperate occasions on treks through C.A.

My general impression was that Heredia was not too much of a problem. I would not be overly paranoid. All the basic rules apply here. Don't wear flashy jewelry, take out large portions of money in public, wear a money belt or at the minimum keep money in your front pockets, walk with purpose, dress appropriately(preferably no shorts/tourist garb), don't walk alone at night. Try not to walk around San Jose at night period, don't take pirated taxis, etc... The tourist police are generally polite and not very corrupt, but usually are of little help in solving any crime committed against you.

Even if you take all the precautions in the world, you can still not control everything that happens, so don't worry at length and ruin your experience.

OleLarssen · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 337

The post above gives excellent advice. It's a matter of reducing probablity, and dressing down and not looking rich (except for your white skin) is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do. Then you avoid obvious danger zones - certain areas, moving around at night... all in all you can reduce the probability of something happening to you drastically, but never completely, especially in a city like San Jose, which is not a very forgiving place.

I see people moving around the streets - tourists, especially - that I look at and think "I want to rob that guy just for the principle of it". Dressed in shorts, Hawaii shirts and with a fancy watch, he's just ASKING for it.

On the other hand, and this is in my mind incredibly important, you gotta seperate between caution and paranoia. Leaning towards the latter, you might as well stay home for all travelling will give you. Be cautious and keep your mind open, and I believe you'll have a good experience in most cases.

CostaRicaOH · Joined: 15 Jul 2007 Posts: 7

Thanks for the advice....your right it is good!

We are now in Heredia at a homestay and learning poco a poco.

Has been a great experience so far, and I�m looking forward to seeing the rest of the country!

whosear · Joined: 21 Jul 2006 Posts: 16 Location: Indiana

Disturbing news to hear, John, particularly in San Pedro. Those guys sounded like pros.

In 1995, I was a student at UCR and frequented the downtown area. I became friendly with ex-pats. My roommate overindulged one night and took a stroll through a park at midnight. Needless to say, he was relieved of his money at knifepoint.

Back then, he wasn't scared that his life would be taken. He knew he was ok if he cooperated. But it seems with the infusion of meth, coke, crack, and the drug trade, violent crime has worsened. On the surface, it appears that the Costa Rican police are more professional, but from your account, they are not. What does a competent thief have to fear, if the police do not at least take a through report of the crime?

I have strolled the dangerous parts of San Jose and noticed some differences. But as a friend warned me, you never know what a meth-head is going to do. I have to agree. I will recommend the following:

Travel with others.
Walk rapidly. Downtown, most people could not keep up with me.
Always have an escape route. Don't let yourself get in a position where someone in a car could trap you, or you could be trapped on the street.
Take time to survey your surroundings. Practice differentuating people (Beware, if they are dressed like gangbangers, they most likely are some doppy teenagers)
Don't imbibe alone.

David

jprimm · Joined: 03 Aug 2007 Posts: 91

Costa Rica, especially San Jose at night, can be dangerous. If you use common sense and are aware, you most likely will not have problems. I carry pepper spray with me all the time. You can get it at an armoria.(sp?or gun store for 10 dollars...Never carry valuables in you backpack and always make sure it is zipped...In a year and a half I have lost 1 digital camera and a wallet..(taken by a taxi driver no less) . Carry your wallet in your front pocket and never carry a lot of cash or credit cards unless you are going to use them and don't flash jewelry or watches etc...If you walk around at night drunk from the bars you are a great target...but the same is probably true in the U.S. I do not mean to scare anyone but you do need to be aware and not do anything stupid or be controntational.

rockclammin · Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Dayton, OH

Hi John,
I am sorry and upset to hear about this incident. I am coming to San Pedro in 3 weeks and was planning on working for Pro- English. I have a couple of questions. What was your interview and first observed class like? I don't have certification but I have taught ESL for the Red Cross for 9 months. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish. I am not so fluent anymore, though. I spoke with Dawn and she said to come in for an interview when I arrive. I am hoping to get hired by them. But, being a female, now I am quite freaked by your story. Anyway, do you think I have a decent shot at being hired there? Do you think it's a better idea to stay in a hostel at first, rather than a homestay? I ask because I will need to find a roommate or 2.