Leave your expensive jewelry and a backup for your laptop at home. Also, make a copy of your passport so you can take that around with you rather than the original.
At the airport, do not leave your luggage unattended or with a stranger and do not carry any stranger's luggage through customs or immigration.
Always, take care of your belongings; even on buses or taxis.
Remember, credit cards and traveler checks are good tools when you travel. Do not carry large amounts of cash.
Learn the currency exchange rate from a reliable source (online or at a local bank) and try to exchange at official banks whenever possible.
Whenever possible, leave your passport and valuable items in your hotel’s safety box.
Beware of the sun! In Costa Rica you are closer to the equator; hence, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are much more direct and stronger. Use sunscreen whenever possible.
Please, make an effort to minimize your impact on our national parks. Do not liter or feed any animals.
Avoid crowds as well as dark and empty places. Watch out for pickpockets.
Do not give money to people in the streets.
Use official taxi’s; they are painted red or orange.
In Costa Rica, we are not good drivers. Cars do not yield to other cars or pedestrians! Be careful whenever you cross a street.
Avoid driving at night. If someone asks you to pull over, do not do so until you are in a well-lit and safe place.
If your tire burst, be wary of "friendly" people stopping to help… and rob you!
Do not leave your luggage in the car, especially if it's visible.
Tips to enjoy a more sustainable trip
