Curacao car break-ins?

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rkru

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I will be going to Curacao in a few weeks. We would like to do some exploring and diving on our own, and I am wondering how bad the issue is with diving out of a rental car. Do I need to worry about the vehicle being broken in to while I am diving, or is this issue overblown?
 
The issue is a little overblown. I've lived here 6 years, diving out of the way spots every third weekend or so. I've never had a problem. Best thing you can do is make sure nothing of interest is visible inside the car (wallets, phones etc.). Some people recommend leaving the windows rolled down. I can't say I've ever done this, but I see it a lot at different dive sites.

Happy diving while you are here!

Jeff
 
Before the other wise guys get to this.....
If you keep driving it won't be broken into....
Seriously,
There are some problems at the remote dive sites. Directors Bay and the Superior Producer are two of them. We suggest that you do not leave anything in your car. Your license and some cash can get wet. There is a lot of debate on whether to lock or not, we lock but most visiting divers do not.
 
Hi rkru,

Your question is easy enough to answer:

Diving out of your rental car is no problem on Curacao - just be aware that a few locals might be interested in what you leave behind in your car... So take some simple precautions:

1. Ask your car rental company if it is ok to leave the car unlocked. If so, even leave the windows open while you go diving. Like that anybody who wants to have a look inside your car doesn't need to break anything to do so.

2. Don't leave any valuables inside the car when you leave it, valuables including

a) cash money - use a small waterproof container you can take with you on your dive to take money and car keys with you
b) passports, driver's licence, and credit cards (leave them in the safe at your hotel or apartment)
c) iPods or cellphones (see b)
d) take only underwater cameras with you when you plan to go diving, so they won't be left behind in the car

3. Don't rely on trying to hide anything in the trunk - potential thieves might already be observing you, so they will notice.

Believe me, this sounds more scary than it is in reality; evil is not hiding behind every corner on Curacao, but some precautions help avoid disappointment.

Enjoy your trip, and don't let anybody catch your bubbles ;)

Greetings
Andreas
 
When I rented a car in Curacao I had to sign a paper that listed some specific areas and that if I parked there I would not be covered by insurance.
 
I'm just back from 10 days in Westpunt.
We didn't lock our pickup once during the 10 days and we left the windows partly down during the day when we were diving.
Our pickup was not broken into or tampered with at all during our trip.
Do the same as we did...
 
Hi Jeff, Hi Andreas! It was actually a visual Freudian slip. My mind read "while driving" LOL
Question.... since it's a bigger brighter full moon, what do you think? The coral might be tricked into feeling a little amorous in another few days? There's a group going out on Wednesday night, I might mention this new little "theory" to them.
 
I thought the coral got amorous in the fall? Or is this just a spring fling - no commitment required? ;)

Sunshine - we will see you in September (when the serious coral romances occur). - will need a couple of loaves of Banana Bread. :D
 

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