The bus from La Fortuna to San José was packed- pretty typical. She (a gringa from Tennessee) didn’t know she got her backpack stolen until we reached San José… actually, EVERYONE on the bus learned she got her backpack stolen… she was hysterical to say the least. Everything was in it- EVERYTHING meaning- passport, money, credit cards, family pictures, laptop, digital camera etc. What she was wearing, is what she had left. Video: Backing Up Your Travel Documents.
From what she told (everyone), her backpack was pretty big, so she didn’t want to lug it to the back of the bus and risk hitting others in the head (her words, not mine), so she opted to put it in the above rack at the front of the bus, but decided to sit in the back of the bus. You know the rest of the story. For the record, her dad sent her money via Western Union.
I won’t hammer… too much anyway, but I gotta admit, I often wonder why people don’t do a little more homework when visiting a country they’ve never been to before. Even we have numerous articles on this particular subject.
Many of the Travel Books will tell you to sit by a window in order to keep an eye on anything (oversized backpacks etc) that is placed in the underbelly of the bus since that is where most of the theft occurs, me personally, I don’t know anyone who has been ripped off in this manner, but do I have a ton of stories from people who have been ripped off from the overhead inside the bus, usually not a few feet from where they are sitting. Costa Rica Crime- it's YOUR Fault. And just a few weeks ago I wrote about a similar experience: La Fortuna to San Jose- Crime on the Bus.
Check this OUT to Remind youself of things you may have forgotten you know: Theft and You in Costa Rica.
Here's a quick VIDEO about the Do's and Don't of riding the buses around Costa Rica:
We have ALL your Costa Rica Travel Information at Travel Costa Rica NOW. and don't forget our Costa Rica Travel Tip Videos posted on YouTube. Hope it HELPS!
what a picture!!!!!!!! however, i have to say, getting robbed on a bus in costa rica, is becoming a norm nowadays. i had stuff taken from me 9 years ago when i first traveled around here. then a bunch of other times. although, i don't think i looked like that:)
ReplyDeletesince i've been living here for 6 years, costa rica has changed- dramatically.
The Travel Expert(a) and an Expat with a Twist
Yeah, you're right, it is becoming the NORM, but I'm thinking it doesn't have to be quite so bad with just a little more education and vigilance from the tourists who come here. I understand that sometimes it just doesn't matter what you do- shit happens... but I just think the percentage could be cut down considerably. As always- appreciate the comments.
ReplyDeletehey, i've learned about the crime here, just dont' bring anythign of value and don't ever leave anything out of yoru site!!!!!
ReplyDeletealso, to comment about what you wrote on the other site for driving here. don't even get me started. the pot holes, and the flipping trucks are bad enough, but when you add the mix of their directions. i truly have no idea how anyone goes anywhere here!
with all that said, i absolutely love costa rica and am sooooo blessed to have been able to live here for the past 6 years and raise my son here. the people are innocent and wonderful. and i hope that doesn't get taken away from them with the tlc coming full speed ahead.
The Travel Expert(a) and an Expat with a Twist