Tips to Prevent Pickpockets in Costa Rica

Posted by Moraya Iacono on March 27th, 2017

Travelling to exotic locations is typically a dream shared by both the young and the mature. While there are several exciting opportunities when travelling to beautiful islands like Costa Rica there are also some concerns shared by a large population of travelers. Even experienced renegades can be caught off guard by local scams such as pick pocketing. This is certainly nothing to be ashamed of because the offenders are quite smooth with their approach and have mastered the technique of stealing from preoccupied and trusting tourists. There are a few easy ways to protect yourself during travel so feel free to sign up for those great Costa Rica honeymoon packages knowing that the area is completely safe for savvy travelers.

Travel Light
Many of Costa Rica’s beach hotels and resorts have safes inside the room so travelers can leave many items behind when they head out sightseeing for the day. By taking only items that are absolutely necessary tourists have two advantages. They have less stuff to keep track of, which is more convenient, and they also reduce their risk of having a bag or purse snatched by a pickpocket.

Anything that can be stored in a pocket should be placed in the front pockets, and as far down as possible. When a bag or purse must be carried, it should contain travel safe locks and short straps that can be comfortably secured to the body.

Pro tip: small combination locks that can keep zippers locked up while you’re out and about can not only prevent anyone from accessing your belongings while you’re not looking, they are statistically proven to lower your odds of anybody trying anything on you at all!

Wear It Smart
In general, things are easier to keep track of when they are in front, not behind. A backpack is fine most of the time but when in crowds, it’s smart to swing that pack around to the front. Same goes for purses or anything else that hangs off shoulders.

Pro tip: a traveller's belt wallet hugs the front of the body closely and stays hidden beneath all clothing -- this is much safer than using the pockets on your outer garments.

Pay Attention
Tourists should always be aware of their surroundings and pay attention to groups of people creating a disturbance because this can be a distraction so that pick pockets can swoop in on unsuspecting travelers. Lone individuals may also approach tourists in town or even in the lobby of their own Costa Rica beach resort to start a conversation, ask questions, or accidentally spill food or a drink on them. These can actually be decoys devised to steal personal belongings during the interaction.

A little caution goes a long way – so have no fear and start planning your visit to Costa Rica today!

About the Company:
Ylang Ylang Beach Resort is one of the most renowned and affordable beach resorts in Montezuma, Costa Rica. We are a sister resort of El Sano Banano Village Hotel and offer an array of tours and activities including curú wildlife refuge, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding and more. We also offer yoga retreats and peaceful spa treatments inspired by the most natural of ingredients found in Costa Rica.