Don't keep much of either in your house. Your bank security box is the best place to keep valuables including important documents not frequently filed. Security boxes are available for yearly rentals at any of the state and private banks. For your convenience and the safety of your money, open a checking account in a bank near your residence.
Most suburban city blocks are patrolled on foot or bicycle by private watchmen paid by neighbours. Some areas of San José are patrolled by municipal police. The municipality charges property owners a tax paid quarterly for this service. Car thefts exist in Costa Rica as they do all over the world. According a report, an average of 7 cars are stolen daily in the San José Metropolitan area. But don't dismay. Some are recovered by the police and turned over to their legitimate owners. By taking the proper precautionary measures you'll feel safe and will be unless the unexpected happens. When you leave your car parked either on the street or even in a guarded parking lot, try not to leave in sight clothing, cameras, packages or anything that will attract attention. If you must leave anything, put it on the floor of the car where it will be out of the sight of passers-by.
A broken window glass can be much more expensive than a package with goods from the supermarket. Don't park in a lonely, isolated area. Although in Costa Rica the local population is not too keen on insuring things, it's a good idea to have your car insured
against robbery If you like to walk at night in the larger cities, try not to be alone, nor at too late hours especially in areas not too well lit.
One thing you'll readily notice especially in San José is that almost on the any street where you park your car, some man will immediately come up from nowhere to say he'll keep an eye on it for you. They're a nuisance, but it's best to tell them yes, and when you leave, pay them two or three hundred colons for having "guarded" it. Even if your car may not have been 100% safe, at least by paying the man you'll feel you've been charitable.
Watch Your Wallet or Purse
When riding a bus, be watchful of your wallet. Don't put it in your back pocket, and if you're not seated but standing, be especially attentive if a fellow passenger leans or brushes against you. Tourists and persons deemed to be foreigners (shorts and shirt tails
out) are usually greater targets. Also be wide-awake at a bus stop especially if you're carrying packages. Try not to get into big crowds because you might lose your wallet. These are customary precautions to watch your money or personal belongings.
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