Is it safe to take a child to Costa Rica?

Hi. I lived in COsta RIca for 2 years. My children then were 13 and 6. They were never kidnapped where we lived. In the big cities like San Jose you will need to keep an eye on them but you would do the same if you went to New YOrk City. There will not be people looking to steal your son so dont worry. If you do go to Costa Rica I recommend traveling light (no obvious money, purses etc in the open). Keep everything close. Go to the Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste. The places you will visit like Samara, Carrillo, San Miguel are spectacular. Also, go with someone who speaks a little Spanish for a more enjoyable time. I traveled around with my children by myself ALL THE TIME. I do speak spanish but the locals are always willing to help. Don't forget, they have kidnappings all over the world. You and your son will have a great time. If you need more info leave an email address and I can write you again.

Costa Rica is way safer than México even a lot of Mexicans don't want to go to México because of the way it is. It is better to study Spanish in Costa Rica. be careful in Costa Rica too

San Jose is a major city, and has a crime level that would be on par with many major cities. Jaco is a small city, and while it is fairly common (as with any beach town) to find people smoking weed of the beach, or (as with any tourist destination) petty theft, it is perfectly safe for a family to visit. Follow common sense (don't bring big fancy jewelery and flash around lots of cash) and you'll be safe just about anywhere in Costa Rica. Keep valuable items such as laptops and cameras locked up. Stay only in hotels that have adequate safes in the rooms. It's generally an easy, friendly, and amazingly beautiful country.

From the U.S. Department of State:

"U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise the same level of caution they would in major cities or tourist areas throughout the world."

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1...

- Paul R Dillinger

http://www.seejaco.com/

http://paul.dillinger.us/

Yes, Costa Rica is a good place to visit or move to. A lot of Americans and Canadians live there. It's one of the most popular vacation spots in Central America.

You should have no problems. Just be careful, the same as if you were visiting Disneyland or Washington D.C.

Enjoy your trip!

Your Real Estate Professionals

Move to Latin America Corp.

Costa Rica is VERY safe. Some other Central American countries aren't as safe, but CR is fine. You are probably just as safe as whereever you live now, seriously.

yes, no problems outside of San Jose and Jaco!

Yes it is safe. There are SOOOOO many children here, kidnapping is VERY VERY unlikely

No comments. I give up.