Petty Theft Is So Common in This Popular Central American Country That You Shouldn’t Leave a Towel on the Beach

When sparkling coastlines and luxuriant, green jungles in Costa Rica call your name, you answer … and probably make the most iconic itinerary to boot. From surfing to rainforest tours and beach bummin’, there are so many incredible things to do in Costa Rica, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation. The country has seen a record-breaking influx of tourists, 2.5 million people in 2023 (via Cronkite News), but this tropical wonderland can easily turn sour with a few bad apples roaming around. With any top travel destination, the rise in popularity has come with a few downsides. Unfortunately, the surge in visitors has led to a noticeable uptick in petty crime, particularly theft, which many travelers have flagged as a growing concern. Some creators online even say it’s happened to them as soon as they’ve stepped foot outside of the airport.

Usually, there’s a silent agreement among beachgoers that if you have a towel sprawled out on the sand with your valuables (i.e. a purse, shoes, phones, anything you don’t want to get wet), and you take a dip in the ocean, generally it’ll be there when you get back. Though, a Reddit thread has proven that, within minutes, not only could your important belongings quickly be stolen in Costa Rica, but also your towel! After all, it’s called petty theft for a reason.

According to Costa Rica Dive and Surf, the most common crimes in Costa Rica are theft and scams. As per the Reddit thread (mentioned above) one commenter wrote that it’s as bad as leaving a tank top on the sand and getting it stolen minutes later. While this shouldn’t deter you from visiting such a beautiful country, there are clever techniques you can try to keep your valuables safe on the beach or while walking through the streets.

Of course, when traveling, you need to keep some items close, like a cell phone and maybe emergency cash. If you’re going to hang out by the ocean or head to a soggy rainforest, travelers recommend buying a waterproof pouch that you can keep on your person. Speaking of emergency cash, or money in general, be careful when sorting out money in public or near ATMs. Another place to be wary about, as well, is in a taxi. There have been reports of people scamming tourists in taxis and robbing and assaulting them.