Bali vs. Costa Rica – Comparing Surf Destinations
CR Surf Travel Wishes Quepolandia a Happy 25th!
Generally, yes. But know what to do just in case.
To continue the theme from the last article, I am sharing my experiences of being robbed in Costa Rica so other travelers will not have the same misfortune. These are the times I had things stolen from my vehicles, both my own and rentals. Crime in Costa Rica isn’t a huge problem – It has happened to me only four times in the last 28 years. I am not trying to scare anyone, but want to ensure that every traveler has a great experience in Costa Rica so they want to come back.
The first time was in Jaco back in 1999. I had been living in Dominical for about a year and had a friend come visit from the United States. He worked in the surf industry and brought down a bunch of gear – sunglasses, t-shirts, surf trunks, fins, and packed them in two brand new travel backpacks. I took the bus to San Jose and we rented a Toyota Rav4 for the ride back to Dominical.
We stopped for lunch in Jaco at Soda Marea Alta. Since we had boardbags on the roof we parked the rental car right in front of the restaurant so we could keep an eye on the vehicle. However, while we could see the roof, we were not looking into the locked vehicle. Someone used a butter knife to pry out the rubber seal around the back panel of the back seat window on the far side of the car (in the middle of the street) and reached in to unlock the door.
They were able to open the door and slide out both backpacks without us seeing anything. We were shocked when we approached the car. Sadly my friend had his passport inside one of the packs so we decided to drive back to San Jose to get a replacement. We still got to surf Boca Barranca and Ollies Point, but the theft left a bad taste in my mouth about Jaco.
The second time was in my truck in San Jose in 2002. I was staying at a hotel downtown and arrived late. Their lot was full so I had to park in the street. I locked up the 1992 Toyota, thinking I had nothing of value inside so nothing would happen to it. When I came back in the morning I saw that the rear side window was broken out. They had stolen my $30 tool kit from behind the front seat as there was nothing else to steal.
Third Crime Was Not a Charm
The third time I was visiting Costa Rica on a two week trip. I had rented another SUV and was back in Jaco. I parked it inside a secured lot at my friend’s house who had lived there for 20 years. We took his rental car down to Esterillos Oeste and parked it in front of a busy elementary school right off the beach. I knew that area was known for car break ins, but with surf looking so good and all the kids and teachers walking around I was not cautious enough.
We surfed for two hours and when we came in, we saw the passenger window was broken and they had taken my beach bag. I had just left it along with my shorts in the front seat, too easy to see and snag. In that bag was my wallet and the rental key, which cost $450 to replace. There was not one person around to ask if they witnessed anything. I filed a report at the police department in Jaco and then filed a claim through my travel insurance, which after a few months reimbursed me for my loss. It still sucked, especially after that epic surf session.
How to Avoid Petty Theft in Costa Rica
The lesson is simple. If at all possible, do not leave valuables in your vehicle. I know that sometimes it has to be done, like when you paddle out and have to hide your keys and phone. What I do is find a dried out coconut shell and hide the keys inside, and then hide it amongst other beach driftwood or up in the dunes. Be sure it stays above any rising ocean tide. And for the phone, I try to hide it inside the vehicle as far as possible from any windows, like back where the spare tire is. At least this way the thief needs to take some time to find it. Keep in mind that the thief may be watching where you hide things, so try to be inconspicuous. The longer it takes a thief to steal something, the less likely they will attempt to break in.
If you own a vehicle you could cut a small hole in the floorboard rug and slide a phone or money into that. Or you could install a small safe with bolts or welding just for your phone/wallet/purse under the seat. Those combo locks that hold keys seem to be too visible and easy for a good thief to break open.
If you are renting a vehicle, first try to park where there is a paid security guard. Even if they look like they just showed up for the job and put on an orange strap, they still will take your money and tell you where it is safe to park. At least that is one less person who may steal your belongings and for a few dollars offers a little piece of mind. Of course never leave your luggage in the vehicle, or backpacks, cameras, computers, or passports. If you stop to eat and there is no guard, then park in a spot so you can easily see all the doors and the trunk. You could also put a surf sticker on the back of the vehicle or a Saprissa flag under the rear view mirror so your vehicle looks more local. And if you get it dirty it will look less flashy. If you are on an empty beach and someone walks by offering a pipa or some pastry or a copa, buy it. They may actually be the thief and if you are nice to them they will not break into your car when you go into the water. But also be aware they may be checking to see where you keep your money and what valuables you have so stay vigilant.
One final tip, new technology allows thieves to block the electrical signal from your key to the vehicle. You think you locked the car when you heard the beep, but you really didn’t. So every time, double check it is locked by pulling on the driver’s side handle.
