San Jose Country Council

San Jose, Costa Rica Country Council

Welcome

This Country Council web site has been established as a means to facilitate communication between US Businesses and the US Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica. 

OSAC Administration 

Costa Rica 2010 Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at U.S. Embassy San Jose.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Costa Rican police and media sources report there is an indication that crime is continuing to escalate in the country. The continued increase in criminal activity can be attributed to the lack of a coordinated policing effort by the host government, combined with a complex judicial system, in which few reported crimes are taken through to a judicial conclusion. This combination has created an environment in which criminals freely commit crimes with little fear of arrest or prosecution. 

Crime

Crimes of opportunity, such as robberies, purse snatchings, and burglaries, are the most common crimes  committed in Costa Rica and are increasing. Violent home invasions and express kidnapping are also prevalent in certain areas of Costa Rica, but not rampant.  U.S. Embassy San Jose routinely deals with U.S. citizens who are victims of criminal activities. Criminals frequently prey on tourists through street scams, ATM thefts, robbery of their effects while transiting from the airport to their lodging, and, increasingly, credit card theft, to include card skimming.  Rental vehicles continue to be a favorite target for thieves.  U.S. Embassy San Jose receives more reports of passport theft than any other embassy in the world.  The majority of cases involve the theft of bags from rental vehicles or tour buses.  Additionally, the embassy has seen an increase in smash and grab robberies of personal effects in unattended vehicles near tourist areas such as the crocodile bridge over the Tarcoles river near Jaco Beach or when awaiting the ferry in Puntarenas.

There are numerous crimes associated with rental vehicles. The most common is to puncture a tire on the victim's rental car and follow the car until the driver pulls to the side of the road.  At this point the criminals, posing as good Samaritans, approach the vehicle to replace the tire, and in the process steal the personal effects of the tourist. Tourists who rent vehicles have been victims of carjacking, thefts, and assault.

Costa Rica is increasingly becoming a battle ground in the control for the drug shipment routes to North America.  Reports indicate that several of the drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) are paying the couriers in drugs instead of money.  Increasingly these drugs are ending up on the streets of Costa Rica where there has been an escalation of violence over control of the local drug trade.  Additionally the increased of drug abuse has led to more violent attacks by criminals looking for money to feed their drug addiction.  For this reason all criminals should be considered armed.  The criminals, if challenged or threatened, will not hesitate to use their weapons.  No neighborhood is exempt from the violence.  Late in 2008, three women were violently raped and two were murdered execution style after they left the White House Hotel in the hills of Escazu just north of where a large population of American citizens live.  Additionally, in June of 2009, twelve U.S. citizen guests of the Best Western Paradise in Escazu were robbed at gunpoint in their hotel rooms by masked men with assault rifles and forced to handover all of their belonging, including U.S. passports.

Credit card fraud and numbers skimming occurs in Costa Rica, but is not rampant. All travelers and long-term visitors should practice the same precautions they should practice in the U.S. Travelers should carefully monitor their credit cards, and frequently check their credit card accounts.  Travelers should avoid use of debit cards for point-of- sale purchases.

Road Safety

Traffic congestion in the San Jose area is widespread; however, new construction projects and toll roads continue to improve the metro area roadways.  Additionally, to ease traffic congestion in the San Jose area, Costa Rica has imposed a law restricting cars in the downtown area depending on the last number of a vehicle’s license plate.  Local police officials report traffic congestion does provide crimes of opportunity and it is common for pedestrians or motorcyclists to smash a window of a car stuck in traffic and steal a purse or backpack from the passenger seat.  In the past year, U.S. Embassy San Jose has received reports from locally employed staff and others that their belongings were stolen from their vehicle in this manner while idling in traffic.

Drivers in San Jose tend to be aggressive due to the lax enforcement of traffic laws and the weakness of the driving laws.  Highway fatalities (from vehicle or pedestrian accidents) are one of the leading causes of death in the country.  Roads are often overcrowded, narrow, and poorly-marked; drivers should be on the lookout for large potholes, road washouts, and mudslides during the rainy season (May-November).  Even the most experienced drivers are challenged by the disregard for traffic laws and driving safety.  Speed limits and red lights are often ignored.  Government traffic statistics cite speed, aggressive driving (especially when passing), and alcohol as major contributors to road fatalities.  It is very common for vehicles to cross multiple lanes of traffic without regard to other drivers. Pedestrians are not given the right of way, and extreme caution should be used whenever walking on the streets.  It is not uncommon to see motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic, as well as disobeying all traffic signals. 

Driving outside of San Jose at night can be dangerous.  In many regions of the country roads lack adequate lighting, guardrails, and street signs.  Additionally, roads wash out with no warning and some of the mountainous stretches have little or no visibility due to their altitudes and rapidly changing weather conditions. The main roads are also used by pedestrians, cyclists, and farm animals, all of which compound the driving difficulty.  Drivers must also be cautious when coming to bridges, which may be older, narrow, and one-way, even if the road approach is two-way. 

Political Violence

Costa Rica is a stable, well-developed democracy which abolished its military nearly 50 years ago. Labor strikes and protests are fairly common in Costa Rica. While normally peaceful, all protests and demonstrations should be avoided.  In July 2009, there was one peaceful protest outside of U.S. Embassy San Jose that numbered no more than 30 participants.

Terrorism

Indigenous terrorist organizations are not present in Costa Rica. There are no known organizations targeting U.S. citizens or U.S. interests in Costa Rica.  However, U.S. citizens should always exercise caution and regularly consult the U.S. Department of State's website for the latest information about the security situation in any country. 

There is a low threat of international terrorism, and there have been no major terrorist attacks in Costa Rica for many years; however, due to the porous borders and relaxed immigration, the possibility exists. 

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental

Costa Rica lies within an active earthquake zone, and, periodically, experiences significant tremors. The last earthquake to cause significant damage to Costa Rica's infrastructure occurred in 1993. An earthquake that measured at the 6.2 level on the Richter scale about 19 miles north of San Jose claimed at least 40 lives and left hundreds more displaced. Additionally, in late 2004, a 6.2 earthquake shook Costa Rica and, in December 2005, another earthquake measured 5.1 on the Richter scale.

Long-term visitors to Costa Rica may want to check with the Federal Emergency Management Agency's website for guidance on earthquake preparedness.   Visitors can also contact the Costa Rican National Emergency Office, known as the Comision Nacional de Prevencion de Riesgos y Atencion de Emergencias (C.N.E), via email at Communicaciones@cne.go.cr or via phone at 506-210-2828 for information on earthquakes or other natural hazard information.

Costa Rica has several active and dormant volcanoes that are part of the geographic Pacific Rim of Fire that spreads throughout the Pacific Coast of America.  In 2009, the park surrounding Arenal volcano was closed several times due to volcanic activity, and, in January 2010, Turrialba volcano spewed ash for the first time in more than a century which forced the evacuation of people living in the nearby community.

Costa Rica also has numerous micro-climates, and travelers to Costa Rica should check the projected rainfall amounts for the area in Costa Rica they intend to visit. Flooding may occur around the port city of Limon or other lower elevation areas of Costa Rica at any time, regardless of time of year and projected rainfall amount in a particular region.  Although not common due to its geographic location, Costa Rica is susceptible to the occasional hurricane or tropical depression.

Industrial and Transportation Accidents

In October 2009, a narrow bridge collapsed over the Tarcoles River near Turrubares, killing five people and injuring dozens because the bus was over the bridge’s allowable weight limit. Costa Rica's Minister of Transportation, Karla Gonzalez, resigned immediately following the collapse of the bridge.  It has been reported in the media that many of the country's bridges need repair to prevent other tragic accidents. There were no major air civilian air accidents in Costa Rica during 2009.

Kidnappings

Kidnappings in Costa Rica tend to be "express" kidnappings. In most cases, criminals will kidnap an individual for a short period of time and try to extract as much money from the victim as they can through forced credit card or ATM transactions.

Drugs and Narcoterrorism

Recent reports indicate an increase of Colombian and Mexican organized crime elements battling for control of the drug and human smuggling routes through Costa Rica. Police reports strengthen these reports, indicating that Costa Rican police officers seized 93 tons of cocaine between 2006 and 2009, nearly twice the amount Costa Rican police seized in the previous decade.

As stated earlier, Costa Rica is increasingly becoming a transit route for smugglers of narcotics and humans into North America.  Two high profile drug seizures in 2009 that were widely reported in the media include a helicopter that crashed in a remote area of Costa Rica with 395 kilograms of cocaine, and the theft of 320 kilos of cocaine that had been seized by police and were being stored in a prosecutor's office in the Golfito court building.

Police Response

Costa Rica does employ a 911 emergency assistance system. However, response time varies widely. Crime discovered after the fact must be reported in person at the nearest Organization of Judicial Investigation (OIJ) Office. OIJ is also responsible for investigating major crimes are injuries. 

As of December 2006, Costa Rica deployed it’s first group of tourist police, focused on tourist crime and assistance to the nearly two million visitors to Costa Rica each year. The deployments of these officers, who wear a white uniform shirt with Tourist Police clearly printed on the back, is currently around 140 officers, with more planned deployments in the future. Some of the initial Tourist Police areas of deployment are: San Jose, the Guanacaste beaches, Jaco, Monteverde, Arenal, Los Chiles (border with Nicaragua), and Quepos, the location of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Americans who are detained by the police should cooperate, identify themselves as American citizens, and request to make contact with the embassy immediately.  Harassment of Americans is rarely directed at the Americans for their nationality. Visitors should not attempt to bribe local police officers.

Police emergency: 911

Ambulance: 911 or 128

Fire:  911 or 118

OIJ:911, (506) 2222-1365m or (506) 2221-5337

Tourist Police: (506) 2286-1473

Medical Emergencies

Medical care in San Jose is adequate. Areas outside of San Jose have more limited medical services, and road conditions increase driving times to hospitals for routine or critical medical care. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash or credit card payment for medical services.  Local Cruz Roja (Red Cross) ambulances, usually the first responders to accidents, are minimally-equipped to handle emergencies.

U.S. medical insurance is not always valid in Costa Rica. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including a provision for medical evacuation, has been useful in many emergencies.

Local Hospitals and Clinics in San Jose

CIMA Hospital: (506) 2208-1000 (this hospital is the primary hospital for embassy personnel)

Hospital Mexico: (506) 2422-6700

Clinica Biblica Hospital: (506) 2522-1000 ext. 9

Hospital Calderon Guardia: (506) 2257-7922

National Children's Hospital: (506) 2222-0122

Hospital Clínica Católica ( private ) San Antonio de Guadalupe, San Jose: 2246-3000

CIMA and Clinica Biblica are private facilities, and will require payment up-front for non-emergency care.

Puntarenas

Hospital Monsenor Sanabria: (506) 2630-8000

Limon

Tony Facio Hospital: (506)  2758-2222

Guanacaste

Enrique Baltodano Hospital: (506) 2666-0011

Ciudad Nelly (Near Panama)

Hospital Ciudad Nelly: (506)  2783-4111

Nicoya

Hospital Anexion: (506) 2685-8400

Los Chiles

Hospital Los Chiles: (506) 2471-2000

San Carlos

Hospital de San Carlos: (506) 2460-1176

Cartago

Hospital Max Peralta:  (506) 2550-1999

Perez Zeledon

Hospital Escalante Padilla: (506) 2785-0700

Alajuela

Hospital San Rafael de Alajuela:  (506) 2436-1001

Heredia

Hospital San Vicente de Paul: (506) 2261-0091

Red Cross Ambulance: (506) 2233-7033

Air Ambulance Services

Visitors should consider purchasing private air medical insurance before traveling to Costa Rica, which will provide medical information and assistance to overseas travelers.

Costa Rica Medical Response

Monteverde: (506)2645-7778

San Jose: (506) 2286-1818

Papagayo: (506) 2670-0047

Limon: (506) 8841-8404

Web page - www.costaricaemergencias.com

Travel Precautions

When planning your travel, remember that Costa Rica receives about 12 hours of sunlight a day, year round (5am-5pm).

Street Crime

One should leave expensive jewelry at home or put it in the hotel safety deposit box. Take only the amount of money you need with you and do not carry it all in one pocket.   Do not change money on the street as money changers cheat clients and pass counterfeit currency. Do not flash a lot of money when making purchases.  Pay particular attention to your belongings when transiting airports and bus stations. Teams of thieves are known to work these locations; one will distract an individual while the other will steal anything left unattended. Have recorded and safely stored the account numbers of your credit cards, and the contact numbers for each card, in case they are stolen. Although relatively safe during the daylight hours, downtown San Jose is dangerous at night.  Walking around downtown San Jose is not recommended at night and travelers who must go downtown should use taxis to travel to and from the downtown San Jose area.

Laptop computers are an attractive target for thieves in Costa Rica. Pedestrians should not carry a laptop computer while walking anywhere in Costa Rica. Most electronic items are more expensive in Costa Rica than the U.S., with laptop computers, personal data assistants, or digital cameras attractive targets for theft in any location in Costa Rica.

Post recommends visitors be aware of their surroundings when visiting downtown central San Jose after dark.  High rates of crime tend to occur in an area locals refer to as the "Gringo Gulch", a six block area that consists mainly of casinos, bars and brothels mostly catering to foreign visitors.

Car Break-in/Theft

Travelers should purchase an adequate level of locally valid car theft insurance.  It is rumored that thieves have master keys to many of the popular models of rental cars so do not leave anything visible in the car. Never leave luggage in a parked vehicle.

Park in paid lots whenever possible; if unavailable, park in well-traveled and lighted areas.  Always lock vehicle doors and use the anti-theft device and alarm system if the car is so equipped.

To minimize the risk of smash-and-grab robberies from vehicles, keep valuable items hidden and if possible, within reach. Valuables left in plain view on the passenger or back seats are easier targets.

Visitors using local taxicabs should be made aware of "unofficial" cabs. The "unofficial" cabs do not have a company logo or identifying roof mount and generally do not have a meter, which is called a "Maria" in Costa Rica.

Visitors should not use non-metered vehicles, as there have been reports of extreme overcharges to customers.

When traveling by bus, avoid putting bags or other personal belongings in the storage bins. Thieves will take property from the bins when the bus makes its periodic stops.  Never allow your belongings out of your sight.

Hotel Security

The quality of hotel security varies greatly in Costa Rica. When making reservations for hotel stays, travelers to Costa Rica should question hotel personnel for specific security information regarding the accommodations and be wary of hotels without access/compound control procedures, room safes, or hotels lacking a 24 hour front desk presence. 

Passport Theft 

Government of Costa Rica’s (GOCR) immigration service conducts random inspections throughout the country.  Travelers should be prepared to present their passports upon entry into Costa Rica, due to a recent change in Costa Rican Immigration regulations, photocopies of passports, with the biographical and entry stamp page, can be carried while in Costa Rica. Tourists are encouraged to leave passports in hotel safes or other secure locations while enjoying Costa Rica.  You will be required to present the original passport and valid license when renting a car and/or driving. Your U.S. passport is the single most important document that you will bring with you.

While the vast majority of passport theft involves the taking of a bag or purse, criminals looking to illegally enter the United States may target U.S. passports for theft. According to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy San Jose replaces more lost/stolen passports than any other U.S. embassy, worldwide.  In 2009, the embassy received 1,569 reports of lost or stolen U.S. passports.  Passports have been reported stolen from inside the airport, as well as other locations throughout Costa Rica, but principally from rental cars.  The consular section can issue an emergency passport to accommodate urgent travel.  Lost or stolen passports can only be replaced during the embassy's regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday.

Further Information

U.S. Embassy San Jose Contact Numbers

Embassy:                                 (506) 2519-2000

Emergency After Hours:                        (506) 2519-3127

RSO Office:                              (506) 2519-2313

Marine Post One:                      (506) 2519-2280

U.S. Embassy San Jose maintains a website, and the consular section can be reached by email at consularsanjose@state.gov . In the event of an emergency involving an American citizen, the consular section can be reached at (506) 2519-2188 during working hours.  Street address for U.S. Embassy San Jose: U.S. Embassy in Pavas.

Note:  American-style street addresses do not exist.  An address will start with a common landmark, and then give the meters and direction (i.e. Hospital CIMA, 300 mts. Este).  Since the US Embassy in the Pavas neighborhood is a landmark, any taxi should be able to take you there.

OSAC Country Council

San Jose has an active OSAC Country Council which is operated in coordination with the American Chamber of Commerce in Costa Rica. Please contact RSO San Jose at (506) 2519-2317 for details.

The contents of this (U) report in no way represent the policies, views, or attitudes of the United States Department of State, or the United States Government, except as otherwise noted (e.g., travel advisories, public statements). The report was compiled from various open sources and (U) embassy reporting.

Please note that all OSAC products are for internal U.S. private sector security purposes only. Publishing or otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support.