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Traveling to Jaco Costa Rica can be a thrilling experience full of fun and adventure. Like anywhere you might travel, however, safety should be a consideration. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of our top safety tips for travelers visiting Jaco Beach. Read on to learn how to play it safe and make the most of your upcoming vacation!
1: Situational Awareness 👀🧐👨👩👧👧
When you’re in a new place, be it Jaco or elsewhere, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t venture off alone at night or take unnecessary risks by cutting through dark alleys or unfamiliar neighborhoods. Try to stay on the beaten path by sticking to well-lit and populated areas. Whenever possible, travel with groups of other tourists, friends or family. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, you should always trust your instincts and leave the area immediately.
2: Be a Pack Animal 🐒🐵🤝🏼
While Jaco Costa Rica is one of the few destinations that can easily accommodate solo travelers, it is always better to avoid going it alone at night if possible. A simple and fun way to avoid being alone is to be social while you're out with groups doing tours or enjoying the amenities at your hotel. Making friends with other travelers provides you with the ability to organize your outings together. You will not only stay safer, you may end up with new friends that last a lifetime. If you prefer solitude while walking around town at night, attach yourself loosely to other groups and benefit from their safety in numbers without sacrificing your preferences.
3: Don’t Swim or Hike Alone at Night 🐾🦈🐍🙅
While the beaches and rainforests during the day are stunning, they can both be dangerous at night. Night swimming can leave you vulnerable to strong currents, rip tides and other dangers, while hiking in the rainforests at night could expose you to serious risks from wildlife. If you want to enjoy Costa Rica’s incredible nocturnal wildlife, do so as a part of an organized, guided night hike with trained and professional naturalist guides.
4: Keep Track of Your Valuables💰💍👜
The majority of safety incidents that happen in Jaco are easily avoidable crimes of opportunity. An example of this type of crime would be the theft of a backpack or cell phone that was left temporarily unattended in a public place. Jaco Beach has such a laid back, casual attitude, it can be easy to forget to stay vigilant about your belongings. To avoid incidents, we advise that you keep your personal belongings close at hand.
5: Use the Personal Safe 🔐🔑
When you’re traveling to Jaco Beach, it’s important to lock up your valuables when you’re out and about. The vast majority of hotels, condos, resorts and vacation rentals offer guests access to a personal safe during their stay. Snap a high resolution photograph of your passport and lock the real document away in the safe. We recommend using your personal safe for all items of value that you may have with you including cash, documents, electronics and expensive jewelry.
6: Don’t Carry A Lot of Cash 🤑💸💲💲
A good rule of thumb when traveling is not to carry too much cash on you. While using credit cards in Costa Rica is expensive due to the 13% credit card fees affixed to credit card transactions, it is easy to access the cash you need by using one of the many ATMs that can be found in Jaco Beach. ATMs in Costa Rica allow you to select your language and currency preferences, so travelers are able to withdrawal US Dollars or Costa Rican Colones from the same machine. Don’t forget to inform your bank of your travel plans prior to your arrival in Costa Rica to avoid any inconveniences that might prevent you from accessing your funds. You should also be aware that ATMs close nationally at 10:00pm in Costa Rica, so make sure you plan ahead for your big night out.
7: Know Emergency Contacts 👮🚔📞
Before traveling, you should make sure to research local emergency contact information. Most hotels and tour providers will have access to those numbers or provide a means to contact them in the case of an emergency. If you are traveling with friends or family members, make sure you all have a way to keep in touch with each other should you separate for tours or other activities during your stay. Forming a contact or meet up plan can come in handy if needed, so play it safe and plan ahead.
By following these safety tips, you can ensure an enjoyable and safe experience when traveling to Jaco Beach Costa Rica. Have fun!
