General situation
Costa Rica may be considered a stable country.
.
Crime
.
The crime is widespread. The criminals often operate in gangs, specializing in pick-pocketing and snatch and burglary in the car, especially in tourist centers: Caribbean coast between Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, banks of Rio Tárcoles, on buses and at the center and the bus terminal in San Jose. It is recommended to observe the following precautions:
.
* Do not wear valuable items on you (watch, jewelry, etc..) Or large sums of money.
* Put your passport in the hotel safe, but keep a photocopy with you.
* Never leave your vehicle unattended and park yourself if possible in parking areas. Be extremely careful if a stranger offers assistance in case of failure, because it arrived at multiple times of motorists are victims of thieves as well.
* Avoid walking at night in downtown San José or in remote areas ( See costa rica road maps )
.
Transport and infrastructure
.
The condition of roads is often poor. The unpredictable behavior of many road users is an additional risk factor. Renounce intercity travel at night due to increased risk of assault and traffic accident. Rental cars are often poorly maintained, check brakes, lights, etc.. upon receipt of the vehicle. Check it here on free costa rica maps.
.
The quality of safety measures and equipment used varies widely in the field of sports at risk (eg rafting). Speak only to companies licensed by the Costa Rican authorities.
.
Legal provisions
Violations of the Law on narcotic drugs, including possession of small quantities of drugs whatsoever, were severely repressed (8 to 20 years). Prison conditions are often precarious: overcrowded cells, poor hygiene and inadequate nutrition, etc..
.
Natural Hazards
Costa Rica is located in the area of seismic activity, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can occur at any time. From May to October / November, hurricanes (violent cyclones) are to be feared, which can cause floods, landslides and tsunamis.
# World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
.
If a natural disaster should occur during your stay, please immediately contact your family and follow the instructions of the authorities. In case of interruption of communications with foreign countries, put you in conjunction with the Embassy of Switzerland in San Jose.
.
During trips in the jungle or volcanoes, are you accompanied by a guide who knows the scene and expect good equipment. Follow all warnings and instructions of the authorities, p. ex. areas around active volcanoes, evacuation orders.
.
Health
.
Outside San Jose, medical care is not always provided.
If you take regular medication, take in a sufficient amount with you. Remember however that the importation of drugs containing narcotic drugs (eg. Methadone) or substances used to treat mental disorders is subject to special requirements in many countries. If necessary, ask about this, before departure, with the competent foreign representation (embassy or consulate) and see links travel, where you will find, among other things, further information on this topic as well as travel medicine in general.
Top of page Top of page
Useful Addresses
Emergency number: 911
.
Swiss representations abroad: In the event of an emergency abroad, please contact the Swiss embassy nearest you.
# Swiss representations abroad
.
Foreign Representations in Switzerland: For information about entry requirements (identity documents admitted, visa, etc..), Please contact foreign embassies and consulates concerned. They can also get information on customs regulations for import and export of animals and goods: electronics, souvenirs, medicines, etc..
# Foreign Representations in Switzerland
.
Liability
Please also see the information, of general application, they are an integral part of travel tips.
The Travel Advisory of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) based on information obtained from sources deemed reliable. Their goal is to help travelers to make their decision wisely travel and provide useful information to enable them to prepare their trip carefully. The DFA, however, can not decide for them or for them to assume responsibility for the preparation and implementation of travel.
Dangerous situations are often impossible to predict and difficult to identify, and they can change quickly. The DFA does not guarantee the completeness of travel tips and disclaims all liability for damages. Any request relating to a trip cancellation must be sent directly to the travel agency or the travel insurance company. For more complete look check detailed costa rica maps.
Costa Rica may be considered a stable country.
.
Crime
.
The crime is widespread. The criminals often operate in gangs, specializing in pick-pocketing and snatch and burglary in the car, especially in tourist centers: Caribbean coast between Puerto Limón and Puerto Viejo, Manuel Antonio, Jaco, banks of Rio Tárcoles, on buses and at the center and the bus terminal in San Jose. It is recommended to observe the following precautions:
.
* Do not wear valuable items on you (watch, jewelry, etc..) Or large sums of money.
* Put your passport in the hotel safe, but keep a photocopy with you.
* Never leave your vehicle unattended and park yourself if possible in parking areas. Be extremely careful if a stranger offers assistance in case of failure, because it arrived at multiple times of motorists are victims of thieves as well.
* Avoid walking at night in downtown San José or in remote areas ( See costa rica road maps )
.
Transport and infrastructure
.
The condition of roads is often poor. The unpredictable behavior of many road users is an additional risk factor. Renounce intercity travel at night due to increased risk of assault and traffic accident. Rental cars are often poorly maintained, check brakes, lights, etc.. upon receipt of the vehicle. Check it here on free costa rica maps.
.
The quality of safety measures and equipment used varies widely in the field of sports at risk (eg rafting). Speak only to companies licensed by the Costa Rican authorities.
.
Legal provisions
Violations of the Law on narcotic drugs, including possession of small quantities of drugs whatsoever, were severely repressed (8 to 20 years). Prison conditions are often precarious: overcrowded cells, poor hygiene and inadequate nutrition, etc..
.
Natural Hazards
Costa Rica is located in the area of seismic activity, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can occur at any time. From May to October / November, hurricanes (violent cyclones) are to be feared, which can cause floods, landslides and tsunamis.
# World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
.
If a natural disaster should occur during your stay, please immediately contact your family and follow the instructions of the authorities. In case of interruption of communications with foreign countries, put you in conjunction with the Embassy of Switzerland in San Jose.
.
During trips in the jungle or volcanoes, are you accompanied by a guide who knows the scene and expect good equipment. Follow all warnings and instructions of the authorities, p. ex. areas around active volcanoes, evacuation orders.
.
Health
.
Outside San Jose, medical care is not always provided.
If you take regular medication, take in a sufficient amount with you. Remember however that the importation of drugs containing narcotic drugs (eg. Methadone) or substances used to treat mental disorders is subject to special requirements in many countries. If necessary, ask about this, before departure, with the competent foreign representation (embassy or consulate) and see links travel, where you will find, among other things, further information on this topic as well as travel medicine in general.
Top of page Top of page
Useful Addresses
Emergency number: 911
.
Swiss representations abroad: In the event of an emergency abroad, please contact the Swiss embassy nearest you.
# Swiss representations abroad
.
Foreign Representations in Switzerland: For information about entry requirements (identity documents admitted, visa, etc..), Please contact foreign embassies and consulates concerned. They can also get information on customs regulations for import and export of animals and goods: electronics, souvenirs, medicines, etc..
# Foreign Representations in Switzerland
.
Liability
Please also see the information, of general application, they are an integral part of travel tips.
The Travel Advisory of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) based on information obtained from sources deemed reliable. Their goal is to help travelers to make their decision wisely travel and provide useful information to enable them to prepare their trip carefully. The DFA, however, can not decide for them or for them to assume responsibility for the preparation and implementation of travel.
Dangerous situations are often impossible to predict and difficult to identify, and they can change quickly. The DFA does not guarantee the completeness of travel tips and disclaims all liability for damages. Any request relating to a trip cancellation must be sent directly to the travel agency or the travel insurance company. For more complete look check detailed costa rica maps.