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I was just telling someone tonight how I suffered culture shock at MIA Int’l airport after returning from spending a glorious year in CR in 1983. I was barely 20 then, but I was painfully obvious that I had landed in the “no help zone” and that in CR more than one person would have assisted me. Don’t underestimate the synergistic effects you will reap by showing your humanity and treating them with respect and dignity regardless of their economic status. Now, I’m not saying that every Tico(a) is an angel–that would be naive, just that the majority are really wonderful people and have a culture of helping one another. I’m not exaggerating and neither is the info on this site when it states that the CR people are beautiful (inside and out)–they really are! You’d be surprised how much at “home” you feel once you actually become part of the community. Pura Vida Sprite & best of luck with your move…Rebeca

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If security is not an issue in CR, then why does everyone have so many bars on the windows, walls around their property, caretakers, guards and a bunch of keys just to get to the front door? Of course things are worse in SJ–it’s usually worse in the cities and I don’t think anyone in the forum wants to create a panic—what’s to be gained by that? I’m the first one to defend Puerto Viejo when a problem arises there so that people know that it’s not typical and the victims were walking alone at 2 am and drunk when they were attacked. Heck, I wouldn’t do that in Boonton Tw, but I would just hope that if you’re taking notice, then something will be done so that things do not get worse! Right now CR is by no means anywhere near El Salvador’s criminal situation, but it’s certainly having trouble curbing crime and it needs to be addressed or Costa Rica will never be the same. For ten years I took university student to CR on an 8 week language & cultural exchange program and they were witness & victims of just how things changed. First we had to find “safer” neighborhoods for them to stay at, then they were mugged at gunpoint near UCR in the middle of the day, and finally we had some guys chase our bus one night while leaving Tabacon and heading back to Arenal Observatory Lodge, I was very grateful to see the armed guard at the gate and to watch the car full of men turn around & speed away. This has also happened to tour buses going to Tortuguero. Frankly, our group never had trouble in most places we visited (Tamarindo, Limon, Monteverde, Osa nor Manuel Antonio), but these few incidents made the university reconsider their venue even though it was the most liked program of its kind on campus. …Frankly, it’s not good when when a top guy at the OIJ in Heredia (F. Vargas) gets carjacked at gunpoint and yes, he had a flashy car, but I can tell you of 3 people that I know personally that have had their car’s “removed” and they had older, very non-flashy cars. When I lived in Guadalupe, almost every house on my block was broken into (the guard was involved and since we kept very irregular hours, he had trouble finding a “good time” for his buddies to break in). One of the thieves was caught with the TV on his shoulder and although they arrested him, he was out that same day and was never convicted! This man had robbed a whole neighborhood and nothing happened to him. When we had the bicycle stolen in Barva, we got the whole neighborhood organized and the robberies stopped. Neighbors get together because the laws aren’t very useful right now. These laws need to be re-addressed so that there are punishments for those that infringe on the rights of others & most certainly when they have actually caused physical harm. No one lives in a vacuum, You don’t know how glad I am that it hasn’t happened to you and many, many others, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not happening and in the end, it will impact your life one way or another.

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Like I’ve said before, the causes for crime are typically much more than one aspect…Right now, building tall walls and adding wire are necessary, but it’s not going to be the answer–they will just lean bigger ladders–not to mention how unpleasant it is for the neighborhood cats—my cat was starting to look like a baseball from stitches just for trying to climb my walls in CR :-(. I don’t want Giuliani type “gestapo” policing in my laid back Puerto Viejo or anywhere else in CR. As far as not being welcomed by locals, no one welcomes being told what to do by others, but they sure do appreciate your support because this is not just an expat issue, it’s an every Tico’s issue too…just a thought…Be well my friends, I’m heading for NYC, in a Harlem area that I also love–Columbia University. Pura Vida amigos/as.

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This issue definitely needs to be addressed, but I think much would be gained if it was resolved in a typical Costa Rican way, thinking alternatively & non-violently. No doubt that Giuliani changed NYC in good ways, but in doing so, he also threatened things that were part of the flavor of that city not to mention the disparity in treatment that minorities received during his tenure. The police force in Costa Rica has come a long way and although they could always improve, they do catch many of the accused. Unfortunately, the courts cannot keep them because the standing laws were meant for another historical time in Costa Rica. On this issue, all expats that love CR need to work with locals to get the laws changed so that there can be a penalty for a crime committed (whether adult or juvi). However, I would hate for CR to become so intolerant that every minor incident is punished by jail time. The people that cherish that country need to come up with Costa Rican ways to better the situation and not adopt solutions that may have worked elsewhere–they can be a starting point for discussions, but like I said before, my bet is on Costa Ricans and the people who love that beautiful country to come up with creative solutions (excluding Harlon’s acid vats) to this problem. Pura Vida! (—A saying that says so much about the the Costa Rican people!)

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Good for you Harlon, I like your community plan much better than the alternative! ;- ) I would like you all to know that I have no monetary gain to make by commenting 1) not currently living in CR, 2) don’t sell anything there (although I legally have sold : – )), but I certainly have a lot to gain by them. My sister and her family is there and so are a good portion of my dearest friends. I left CR in 2001 after living there for 8 yrs due to a family crisis and I can’t wait to go back! Yes, the crime rate has risen since 1982 when I spent 364 days there and it wasn’t longer because my parents needed me home. Although some things don’t change, In 1982 my wallet was stolen and I ran after them with a guy that was waiting for the bus with me. In 2000 they jumped over the wall to my gardens & stole an expensive bicycle and I ran after them with my dog (well, just a little different…). Unfortunately, somethings have changed, what’s more upsetting is the quality of those crimes since then are much more violent (CR to CR comparison). And it’s true that the crime rate is twice as much in Jersey City, NJ. Good thing I don’t live there! Anyway, I live in Boonton Twp, NJ and you can look it up–there was 1 homicide in the last 5 or so years (it was within a family & not product of a home invasion)! The rest of the crime rate is minuscule and we all joke that the police stop us if we’re going 1 mile over the speed limit because they have nothing else to do. However, I go into NYC (with a much, much higher crime rate) every week for education and entertainment. I would give anything to be able to live in Costa Rica and I plan on going back as soon as I can! There are a lot of factors that go into why we feel at “home” somewhere and why we move somewhere, security is surely on the top ten hit parade, but it’s not the only reason. There are many reasons why you’re all there, right? What do I have to gain? I still visit once or twice a year, my family and friends live there, you guys are there (I’ve grown fond of you ;–)) and I will be returning within the next few yrs so I think it’s imperative that we become part of what solves this problem! It’s not about scaring people here or anywhere–heck I would have really hated to have been the one and only person murdered in my town….No matter what the stats are, high or low, who wants to be one of them? Although I’ve never met any of you or Scott in person, I really think that he and certainly those of you that live there or want to live there–love that country for many more reasons than just because you might have a business there. I make my living in the US and I don’t love living here…although I do love the people and many ideals produced by people who have lived in the “Great Monster of the North”–including everything Jose Marti wrote while he lived here (Can you tell I’m a product of Cuban exile?;-) Anyway, I think the admin is trying to do more than spin, he’s contextualizing the situation so that when speaking of HIGH crime rate, that’s defined. I cannot speak for anyone else, but he seems to be pretty fair presenting his information and allowing you access to the same. He handles some difficult issues with pretty balanced assessments although he’s clearly opinionated–aren’t we all? Now this doesn’t mean that I have agreed with him on everything…Just my humble thoughts….I don’t know what I could offer from here that would help the situation there, but I’m here to be supportive of any effort that comes from this forum to help Costa Rica change this rising trend so that we can all love AND enjoy Costa Rica. Pura Vida Amigos/as!

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Thank you for the link…Marti’s words are always worth listening to…
Just when you get most discouraged about what the younger generation may not be grasping, you will always find young people everywhere that are questioning the socio-economic, environmental, political and plain old ethical structures in place–it’s their job and no one makes a better rebel than a young adult with ideals. You will find it in the Universities and I recently found it in Puerto Viejo when a young man from Iowa came over to my table at Bread and Chocolate (highly recommend the Queen of Sheba chocolate cake!)because he heard me talking about Cuba. He was questioning the political situation we’re living in and it was refreshing to hear that much candor and idealism from his generation.

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I just love Jose Marti and since you mentioned him, here are two of his quotes (forgive my humble translation): “Whomever assists in silence, before a crime, is his accomplice…” and “A just principle, from the bottom of a cave, is more powerful than an army..”
Wealth disparity is surely a source of the current crime rate in CR and there are other sources. We can’t just stand by and complain if we choose not to be part of the solution, but I assure you that it will not get better unless people get organized and find solutions to the sources of this problem. If you feel that the polarization of wealth is the main issue, then get organized in your community to help the less fortunate get a better education, access jobs/training, it’s not just about charity–it’s about getting involved. Imagine what that would mean if other people followed suit? When going thru some of the most economically depressed areas of CR (Los Cuadros, parts of Desamparados, Barrio Mejico and Pavas), the community found ways to protect those that brought them real and palpable hope. I wasn’t hassled and I should have been an easy target being a woman and who is barely 5’3″. Don’t loose hope in what a single person can accomplish–no matter how small that change is, it will have synergistic effects–I’m sure…Rebeca

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Costa Rica has a wonderful sense of magic realism, and just like in literature & art, the most incredible things can and have happened there. Where have you ever heard of a little no name groups of people taking on economically & politically powerful entities? I can quickly name a few instances in CR and there’s plenty more: Stone Container Corp in the Golfo Dulce area vs. small/remote rural communities and Harken Corp vs. indigenous people in Limon. In spite of probabilities, the little guy beat out an international goliath. I really believe that communities can and are taking action. Costa Rica should be for those who want to be part of the construction of her dreams and not those who are part of this nightmare; consequently, be aware for your own sakes, but I would hope that those that choose to live there, also choose to make it a better place to liveMy bet is on Costa Rica and the people that love to live there!
…PS. I have a good Tico friend living in NZ and he misses Costa Rica tremendously!

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Harlon, I agree that crime is on the rise and that can’t be ignored (as I said previously), but to be fair, it also depends on the area of Costa Rica you’re in. Most city areas anywhere have higher crime rates, in CR and everywhere else. As much as people talk about the lack of safety in Limon, although I don’t care to venture too long in the city of Limon, I’ve never felt safer than when I’m in Puerto Viejo thru to Manzanillo–Most people only have screens as their windows, minor locks on their doors and the locals couldn’t be friendlier, but I also wouldn’t walk the streets alone late at night, there or again, anywhere else! As far as the acid goes…well I hope you never resort to that for your own peace of mind. By the way, this is how I’ve seen the law handle home intrusion cases in CR, if you catch a criminal inside your house–he’s fair game (you can stop him to defend yourself), if he’s in your driveway–then you better have a really good lawyer if you hurt him in any permanent way. I agree that the laws need to be re-addressed, but I also think that this is possible in CR because I’ve seen them revamp other laws (i.e. traffic/driving laws) and have that make a huge difference. Stay well, Rebeca

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You sound like a great guy Jerry and plenty capable of calculating a defense or an ofense on your own behalf and that’s just the point, snakes do not share much of our human motivation when expressing aggression, they just want to survive and reproduce…Unfortunately, our bias against them has caused them great harm. Enjoy the lovely area you live in and have a blessed day, Pura Vida, Rebeca…

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Unfortunately, I have seen Costa Rican crime rate change for the worse in the last few decades and sometimes it’s not a matter of flashiness, as lower and middle income neighborhoods can attest to, but I can tell you that you have to be aware of your surroundings and still be grateful to be in a country where the people generously come to your aid if anything should happen. In context, I’m sure the crime rate is much worse in many US cities and you wouldn’t find the solidarity that your Tico neighbors and friends will surely offer you in a time of need.

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Hi Jerry, glad to see that your previous experience didn’t leave you with any fears and you obviously continue to face snakes. I’m a biologist trained in Costa Rica and have been through much of the CR landscape, including Talamanca, Caño Negro, La Selva & Corcovado National Park which have plenty of venemous & non-venemous snakes around, but I worry when people call an animal “vicious” because of the human behavior that follows. You have just entered their territory and some will warn by snapping you with their tails, hissing, etc and others will just react to anything/anyone that could be a danger to them. Sure, some are faster to react than others, but that doesn’t make them vicious.In order to be vicious, they would have to be going out of their way to attack us and that just doesn’t happen–we just stumble upon them and they react instinctively. You’re absolutely right, it’s a matter of watching where you go, touch or step. As someone else suggested, carrying a machete could never hurt. If you ask a Tico why he carries his machete thru the countryside they will tell you that they use it to make a path, to move the vegetation in front of them which will alert whatever animal may be there (they don’t typically care to encounter snakes either), cut something of interest (fruit/plant) along the way and for protection should they need it & not just from snakes. A true “campesino” will never leave home without it when walking through his lands. Pura Vida (and remember, life includes snakes…)

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Under the right circumstances, anyone can pick up a phobia and I’m sorry you are particularly upset by this fear of snakes. Although fears can limit our enjoyment of life, if we let them, I hope you consider the following thoughts and proceed with your plans to visit and maybe even live in Costa Rica, you will not regret it.

Please consider that there are about +/-8,000 reported snake bites in the US (out of an estimate of actually 45,000 bites/year) and Costa Rica only has about +/-600 bites reported per year. The snake that causes most of these troubles (almost 50%) is the Terciopelo (Bothrups asper) and in all of my years walking thru most of CR since 1982, including cocoa fields & jungle areas, I have never been biten by one. You just want to wear boots when exploring, follow your guide’s step, stay on paths (except right after a heavy rain and the sun is blazing because they have been known to come out to “sun”), watch where you place your hands when leaning on a trees while walking around within paths, avoid tall grassy areas or anyplace where you can’t really see the ground due to leaf debris, etc and that the Clodomiro Picado Institute which is one of the only anti-venom providers for Central America is in Costa Rica. Most of the fatalities that occur in CR (less than a dozen) are because the victims couldn’t reach a medical facility in time (locals that live in very remote places where transportaion is very difficult to come by). I’m sure that would not be your case and so you can be cautious, but know, the odds are, you will not be hurt by any snakes there. That said, you might see one, but are really not likely to since they prefer to hide & get out of our way pretty quickly. Most snakes will certainly avoid us because humans are much more dangerous to snakes, than snakes could ever be to us. If you go to CR, I’m sure you will enjoy all it has to offer and you will feel wonderful about yourself because you didn’t let this fear take away your ability to enjoy life.

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The Osa peninsula is certainly a most beautiful & magical place and I hope you find the real estate property you’re looking for–clear title and all since much of the land there is not titled. Follow Scott’s website advice & get title work done. Please know that some pretty intense gold & real estate scams have been hatched out there against Canadians & other expats. As far as the gold mining goes, most of the gold was obtained from inside Corcovado National Park and the CR gov’t paid a sort of “relocation fee” to many miners years ago (when there were actually mining communities working & living there) so that they would leave the Park. It is illegal to mine within the Park area now and although it may not be illegal to pan for gold in the adjacent rivers, I hope that no one is enticed to contaminate those life-rich rivers for a bounty that is just not there.

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