While Costa Rica is widely considered one of the safest countries in Latin America and is famous for its "Pura Vida" lifestyle, it is certainly not crime-free. The most common issues facing tourists are "crimes of opportunity," specifically petty theft and "smash-and-grab" robberies from rental cars. Thieves often target popular tourist beaches, national park parking lots, and busy urban areas in San José. To stay safe, travelers are advised never to leave valuables in their vehicle—even for a "quick" photo stop—and to use hotel safes for passports and extra cash. While violent crime against tourists is relatively rare, there have been increasing reports in recent years of incidents in isolated areas or late at night in nightlife hubs. The government has responded by increasing the presence of "Policía Turística" in high-traffic zones. As long as you maintain a standard level of situational awareness, avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, and don't display expensive jewelry or electronics, you are likely to have a safe and trouble-free experience in the country.