Security Tips

Here and anywhere else in the world, enjoy your stay by following these simple recommendations:

  • Always carry with you a certified photocopy of your passport. Keep the original in a safe-box at your hotel.
  • Always keep an eye on your luggage.
  • Never exchange money on the street, use banks, exchange offices or your hotel.
  • Know where you are going and have a detailed map.
  • Always stay alert on what is going on around you.
  • If your car gets hot from behind, don't stop on the side of the road. Drive to the nearest public area and call the police for help.
  • If someone suspicious approaches your car while you are on a red light, just honk.
  • Don't stop for just any siren. Emergency and police cars all have red and blue flashing lights.
  • If you are lost, look for a public place, for example a service station, in order to consult your map or ask for directions.
  • Keep your windows up and doors locked at all times, even while driving.
  • Valuables should be in the trunk or glove compartment or out of sight at all times, especially when parked.
  • Always park in a well lit place, and never under a coconut tree.
  • Look around and inside you car before entering it.
  • Don't pick-up anybody hitchhiking.
  • If you use an automatic teller machine, make sure you are safe. Count your money in your car with the windows rolled up and the doors locked. Be discreet.
  • Never leave the keys in the car, or the motor running even if you are out for just a minute.
  • If you feel you are being followed, drive to a public area and call the police.
  • If you have a purse or carry-on bag, wear it in front of you, always in sight. Be sure it is properly closed.
  • If you are attacked, do not resist. Give the hostile what he wants; it is not worth getting maimed or killed.
  • Drug trafficking is subject to severe jail sentences.
  • Sexual exploitation of children and teenagers will get you jail time.
  • In case of emergency, dial 911 from any phone.
  • Pay your exit tax ($26 per person) only at the airport, or in authorized places.
Important phone numbers
Emergency 911
Costa Rican Red Cross
 128
Victim Awareness Bureau 295-3271 / 295-3565
Telephone Information 113
Eco Aventura 822-0226 / 203-6773
Canada Direct 0-800-015-1161
North American Representation
Richard Vinet
219 Chemin Park, Hudson, Québec, J0P 1H0, Canada
Telephone: (450) 807-0824
E-mail: richard@ecoaventura.co.cr

Mesoamerica
Olivier Chassot
PO Box 228-6150 Santa Ana, Costa Rica, CA
Ph./fax: (506) 203-6773; Mobile: (506) 822-0226
E-mail: olivier@ecoaventura.co.cr