One should never leave valuables in the vehicle, and park in paid lots whenever possible. Criminals reportedly have used skeleton keys to break into cars, particularly rental cars. Incidents of crime commonly occur in downtown San Jose, at beaches, at the airport, bus stations and on buses, and at national parks and other tourist attractions. There have been assaults on tourist buses in recent years. Travelers who keep valuables out of sight, who do not wear jewelry, and who travel in groups during daylight hours lessen their risk.
Money exchangers on the street pass off counterfeit U.S. dollars and local currency.
Credit card fraud is growing. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Travelers should carry a copy of their passport data page and leave the passport itself in the hotel safe or other secure location. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State s pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad , for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.