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© 2015 Dwellworks, LLC
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Discovering Costa Rica
Security – Don’ts
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Tell strangers what company you or your partner work for
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Have both hands occupied
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Wear valuable, flashy jewelry
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Leave the house or car unlocked
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Go to flea markets or agricultural markets until you have some mastery of the language
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Flash money when paying in supermarkets or stores
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Resist if you are being robbed. Hand over your money and whatever else they want
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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
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Let strangers into your house unless you specifically called them. This includes police
and service men
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Drive with windows down and arms hanging out of the window
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Exchange dollars for local currency on the street
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Hire household help without recommendations or if they come soliciting at your door
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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
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Never leave valuables in your car (laptops, cameras, video recorders, bag, etc.)
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If your car has a radio with a removable case, always remove it if you are getting out of
the car
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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.
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Main Emergency Line
– 911
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Police
– 1117
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Fire Fighters
– 1118
The following sections provide you with more detailed information on various services provided
through the 911 Emergency Line:
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Bomberos (Fire Station)
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Cruz Roja (Red Cross)
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Policía (Police Department)
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Tránsito (Traffic Police)
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OIJ Organismo de Investigación Judicial (Judicial Investigation Department)