Anyone Been To Costa Rica?

Hey All,

after my last adventure abroad and all the crap i had to go through, i'd figure id' ask here. Have any you been to Costa Rica? I'm going in July and want to see how you guys felt about being there with photographic equipment. I've read the crime reports online about petty theft, but I figured it'd be better to get a view from a real person. Quite honestly, i'm pretty scared of getting held up again like I did in Amsterdam. So, have any of you been to San Jose? I'm flying in there and staying one night there. That's my biggest concern. Then I guess we're going outside the city to see some sites. Have you walked around teh streets with a camera without being accosted? Please let me know your views and please convince me that i'm just being paranoid! Thanks!

I lived in Costa Rica for a few months. Costa Rica is a relatively safe country. In fact, I feel more safe walking around in San Jose, Costa Rica at 2am than in Queens, NY or Los Angeles.

If you are walking around the streets in day light you should be fine. As with all cities, just make sure you don't walk alone and you're camera is not susceptible to being snagged by a passing thief.

Why are you only staying there for 1 night? Layover?

There is a really good Italian restaurant in San Jose that I can't remember the name of. It was the best Italian food I've ever had. It was owned by an Italian family. It is supposedly the Costa Rican president's favorite restaurant. I will find out for you if you're interested (I know someone who knows the name).

If you decide to stay in Costa Rica longer, I can provide you with some recommendations for some exotic and exciting destinations. Tabacón Hot Springs being one!

JaceTheAce wrote in post #7532188
I lived in Costa Rica for a few months. Costa Rica is a relatively safe country. In fact, I feel more safe walking around in San Jose, Costa Rica at 2am than in Queens, NY or Los Angeles.

If you are walking around the streets in day light you should be fine. As with all cities, just make sure you don't walk alone and you're camera is not susceptible to being snagged by a passing thief.

Why are you only staying there for 1 night? Layover?

There is a really good Italian restaurant in San Jose that I can't remember the name of. It was the best Italian food I've ever had. It was owned by an Italian family. It is supposedly the Costa Rican president's favorite restaurant. I will find out for you if you're interested (I know someone who knows the name).

If you decide to stay in Costa Rica longer, I can provide you with some recommendations for some exotic and exciting destinations. Tabacón Hot Springs being one!

Thanks. We're only staying in San Jose that night cause that's when we land in Costa Rica. Then we're going to other parts of the city (places TBD) for 8 days. so any suggestions will be great. I'm more concerned traveling in the jungle with my new 500mm F/4L IS. Hope no one wants to take that from me!

I was in Costa Rica last October. We flew into San Jose and then traveled out to some other smaller towns. I never felt an element of danger while I was there. I would say that my biggest concern was the humidity and rain.

spent 6 months there

got held up at knife point once but he just wanted some cash

I was by myself, laden down and not paying attention, which is most unlike me

looked like an easy target and at that point I had made myself one, apart form that no problem along those lines

bar fights over girls though, different story ;]

at night san jose can be a bit risky, I wouldn't carry a big cam around then, I wouldn't say its any more dangerous than other big city though

don't wave your stuff around and draw attention to yourself and you should be fine
insure your gear as well if you are that worried

Grumbledook wrote in post #7535386
spent 6 months there

got held up at knife point once but he just wanted some cash

I was by myself, laden down and not paying attention, which is most unlike me

looked like an easy target and at that point I had made myself one, apart form that no problem along those lines

bar fights over girls though, different story ;]

at night san jose can be a bit risky, I wouldn't carry a big cam around then, I wouldn't say its any more dangerous than other big city though

don't wave your stuff around and draw attention to yourself and you should be fine
insure your gear as well if you are that worried

good to hear. less paranoid now. =]

The prospects of being robbed face to face in Costa Rica is rare. There are no guarantees in life though. However, keep an eye on your equipment. If you set your bag down and look the other way "IT'S GONE"

If you leave your equipment in a vehicle all covered and run into a store for a second "IT'S GONE".

The people in Costa Rica are good but there are opportunists that will take advantage of the situation if you give it to them.

That said, have fun and take a lot of pictures. The only protection you will need is from the rain.

BTW my wife says that the bananas are the sweetest in the world. When ever we tell our friends about Costa Rica she never fails to mention the bananas.

Further you need to learn to say "Pura Vida". (Pure Life). They say that all the time.

Be safe, come back and post a lot of photos.

Pura Vida

Denny G wrote in post #7538416
The prospects of being robbed face to face in Costa Rica is rare. There are no guarantees in life though. However, keep an eye on your equipment. If you set your bag down and look the other way "IT'S GONE"

If you leave your equipment in a vehicle all covered and run into a store for a second "IT'S GONE".

The people in Costa Rica are good but there are opportunists that will take advantage of the situation if you give it to them.

That said, have fun and take a lot of pictures. The only protection you will need is from the rain.

BTW my wife says that the bananas are the sweetest in the world. When ever we tell our friends about Costa Rica she never fails to mention the bananas.

Further you need to learn to say "Pura Vida". (Pure Life). They say that all the time.

Be safe, come back and post a lot of photos.

Pura Vida

Thanks for the info. I speak spanish fluently, so i'll be okay! haha. So basically don't leave a thing in the car. even in the trunk?

Not even the trunk. Definitely have protection for the rain though. It will give you the most trouble.

Jeff81 wrote in post #7539387
Not even the trunk. Definitely have protection for the rain though. It will give you the most trouble.

Damn, theft is THAT bad? We're going to have a nice car too. What do you do about stuff in your hotel room. I can't travel everywhere with my laptop, camera bag, and 500L.. ?

Slow down. I said these are good people and they are. Just be aware. If you think that your camera etc in the trunk is safe, think again. Any place that you can hide your gear has already been thought of. I said these people are good, I didn't say they were stupid. The word is
opportunists.

Anyway, glad you are "fluent" in spanish. Just be advised that Costa Rican spanish has some twist and turns. Since you are fluent you will understand.

Pura Vida

Denny G wrote in post #7542851
Slow down. I said these are good people and they are. Just be aware. If you think that your camera etc in the trunk is safe, think again. Any place that you can hide your gear has already been thought of. I said these people are good, I didn't say they were stupid. The word is
opportunists.

Anyway, glad you are "fluent" in spanish. Just be advised that Costa Rican spanish has some twist and turns. Since you are fluent you will understand.

Pura Vida

Sweet. Thanks. What do you suggest about keeping stuff in the hotel room? put up the "do not disturb" sign just in case?

We spent two weeks in Costa Rica and never had any trouble - people were very friendly. We did follow common sense rules and did not leave anything in the car. My camera gear was always with me and I did not bring a laptop.

Hotel room? I can't help you, but hang the "Do Not Disturb" on your nice car.

Pura Vida

Denny G wrote in post #7544231
Hotel room? I can't help you, but hang the "Do Not Disturb" on your nice car.

Pura Vida

=] yep. will do. haha