Driving

Cars, such as the Daihatsu Terio, are well known as rental vehicles and can make you a target of robbery.  Don’t leave your stuff in the car, even in the trunk.  Use guarded parking lots whenever possible.  A known scam also involves the piercing of a tire, then the friendly offer of “help” when you are stranded on the side of the road.  The U.S. State Department has also reported armed robberies of cars coming from the Juan Santamaria International Airport between 10-11pm.

When driving, wear seatbelts.  You may find that people follow a different idea of courtesy and safety practices on Costa Rican streets, so be cautious.  Road conditions , especially on the highways, are atrocious.  Be ever vigilant for potholes – some may just dent your wheel, others could swallow the entire car.

Few Costa Rican streets have names or numbers, and even fewer people know or use them.  Navigating can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the area.