Scam in Costa RicaTheft
Theft from overhead bus luggage in Costa Rica
How it works
A bag stored above the seats is harder to watch and control, leaving it exposed to theft.
Warning signs
- Your bag is above the seats and outside your direct control.
- Your valuables are in luggage you cannot easily watch.
How to avoid it
- Keep your rucksack between your knees.
- Keep valuables in a closed bag close to your body.
- Check your belongings before leaving the bus.
If it happens to you
Tell the driver when safe and report the theft. Note the route, time and items taken.
- Get to a safe, busy place. Call 911 if you face immediate danger. Do not chase a thief or fight over belongings.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, messages, vehicle numbers and the time and place.
- Freeze or block missing cards through your card issuer. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for insurance.
- Contact the relevant hotel, transport provider or seller. For a stolen rental vehicle, contact the rental company.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/CostaRicaTravel2024Warning about theft on the Tracopa bus from San Jose to Quepos/Dominical/UvitaA passenger reports a tourist's laptop being stolen from an overhead bin during a rest stop, with the suspected thieves leaving in a waiting car.Read on Reddit
- News2013Luggage Thefts on the Bus Between Samara and San JoseThe article reports a tourism chamber warning against overhead-bin storage after thefts including a German couple's bag containing passports, money and electronics.Read on News
Questions
What is the theft from overhead bus luggage scam in Costa Rica?
A bag stored above the seats is harder to watch and control, leaving it exposed to theft.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag is above the seats and outside your direct control. Your valuables are in luggage you cannot easily watch.
How do I avoid theft from overhead bus luggage in Costa Rica?
Keep your rucksack between your knees. Keep valuables in a closed bag close to your body. Check your belongings before leaving the bus.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Tell the driver when safe and report the theft. Note the route, time and items taken.
Where in Costa Rica does this happen?
Inner-city buses It has been reported in San José.
How common is this scam in Costa Rica?
Occasional. Tourists can face taxi overcharging, unlicensed drivers, false offers of help and petty theft in Costa Rica. Be especially careful at airport exits, around bus terminals and with unattended bags or parked cars. Some tourist shops and airport food outlets also charge very high prices.
Are there similar scams in Costa Rica?
Yes: flat-tire help used to steal, street and nightlife theft, theft by valet parking staff.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for immediate danger or an emergency. Police: report theft or fraud. Bring the time, location, evidence and any vehicle details. Ask for a written record or report reference. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a missing card and dispute unauthorized charges. Hotel management, transport provider or seller: report the incident promptly. Provide receipts, booking details or the taxi number, and ask for a written response. Rental company: contact the company promptly if a rental vehicle is stolen or damaged. Follow its reporting instructions. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep receipts and police records to support a claim. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in Costa Rica?
Emergency services: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck