Discovering Costa Rica

Security – Don’ts + Tell strangers what company you or your partner work for

+ Have both hands occupied + Wear valuable, flashy jewelry + Leave the house or car unlocked + Go to flea markets or agricultural markets until you have some mastery of the language + Flash money when paying in supermarkets or stores + Resist if you are being robbed. Hand over your money and whatever else they want + Leave children unattended in the car. Thieves have been known to take vehicles, children and all, then call police with instructions on where to find them + Let strangers into your house unless you specifically called them. This includes police and service men + Drive with windows down and arms hanging out of the window + Exchange dollars for local currency on the street + Hire household help without recommendations or if they come soliciting at your door + Bargain if you do not have a serious intention to buy. This applies to all things from the street vendor to a possible future landlord + Never leave valuables in your car (laptops, cameras, video recorders, bag, etc.) + If your car has a radio with a removable case, always remove it if you are getting out of the car + In general, use common sense and don’t do anything you wouldn’t do in your home country Emergency Numbers The main emergency number in Costa Rica is 911 with the following numbers providing a direct line to certain services. + Main Emergency Line – 911 + Police – 1117 + Fire Fighters – 1118 The following sections provide you with more detailed information on various services provided through the 911 Emergency Line: + Bomberos (Fire Station) + Cruz Roja (Red Cross) + Policía (Police Department) + Tránsito (Traffic Police) + OIJ Organismo de Investigación Judicial (Judicial Investigation Department)

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Discovering Costa Rica