General Info

[Monger X]

Do the girls at HDR or Sportsmans accept US Dollars or should I prepare to pay in Colones? I saw a previous post that basically said dollars are accepted everywhere but was wondering if it was true of the P4P scene.

[Robby Burns]

Robby,

I would highly recommend you check out Dr. Sergio Chen in San Jose. I had two porcelian crowns done there 2 years ago and they were $ 100. 00 each. He can do the work in one to two days as he has his own dental labortory where they make the crowns, implants, etc. On the top floor of his clinic.

He of course can and does implants, and root canals also.

Dr Chen is the son of the original Dr Chen (a Chinaman who married a Tica woman) , so the new Dr Chen. Aged about 50 now is second generation.

He is a very nice gentleman, very courteous and polite, unlike many US doctors. And his prices and the quality of his work can not be beat.

He has a website, and he speaks fluent English. Give him a call or email him and then go there for your work.

His clinic is very clean, and up to US standards. And he is located in the center of San Jose.

Thanks, Steve. I sent you a PM asking for his contact info. $500 sounds too cheap. This is an implant that I am talking about. With a crown. But, if you say so.

[Mr Gogo]

I'll be making my first trip to San Jose on Feb 9. In researching the weather, it appears the weather is mild during the day with a high around 80 generally.

I'll be staying at the Dunn Inn and am trying to figure out what kind of "sleeping clothing" to bring (when I don't have a Tica to keep me warm). Will it be so chilly in the room at night so a's to require warm sleeping clothes?

Thanks for any info.

Red

I've been doing my intel and the weather appears to be 80 degrees during the day and about 60 at night. I would take a jacket for night time. Your comment about "sleeping clothes " is funny to me because it never crossed my mind. Are you bringing your Spider man" pajamas? LOL. If it gets chilly just ask the hotel for a blanket. I always keep my room cold because I like the air to be fresh (ac).

[Redfield10]

I'll be making my first trip to San Jose on Feb 9. In researching the weather, it appears the weather is mild during the day with a high around 80 generally.

I'll be staying at the Dunn Inn and am trying to figure out what kind of "sleeping clothing" to bring (when I don't have a Tica to keep me warm). Will it be so chilly in the room at night so a's to require warm sleeping clothes?

Thanks for any info.

Red

[Mr Gogo]

The dress code in San Jose and Jaco is very casual. Even shorts, t-shirts and flip flops if thats what you like.

When it San Jose you can go and check out DePulifo's Strip Club. Very close to San Pedro Mall (about a $ 5. 00 taxi ride from downtown San Jose. Don't go until about 11 PM as they do not open until then.

Last time I was there about a year ago, it was a very good show with some imported talent from South America, and cost about $ 5. 00. To 6. 00 USD for the cover charge but that included two drinks from the bar. The crowd was split between some locals and gringos. But it is a safe place to go.

Much appreciated, I owe you one.

[Stevewxly]

I'm headed down next week. Staying at SL hitting Jaco and checking out the clubs and casino. Been reading the forum the past week and have one simple question. Is the dress code more for comfort (tennis shoes, polo shirt, jeans) of is it more for style (loafers, dress slacks, stylish shirt)? I usually over pack and take a variety of clothes, but this trip I'm packing lite because I'm on the move (SL then Marazon then Jaco). Also any hole in the wall strip joints (nude) where I can sit back have a drink and enjoy the show?

The dress code in San Jose and Jaco is very casual. Even shorts, t-shirts and flip flops if thats what you like.

When it San Jose you can go and check out DePulifo's Strip Club. Very close to San Pedro Mall (about a $ 5. 00 taxi ride from downtown San Jose. Don't go until about 11 PM as they do not open until then.
Last time I was there about a year ago, it was a very good show with some imported talent from South America, and cost about $ 5. 00. to 6.00 USD for the cover charge but that included two drinks from the bar. The crowd was split between some locals and gringos. But it is a safe place to go.

[Stevewxly]

I have been quoted "about $5, 000" here in the USA for a dental implant and a crown.

My friend lives 30 minutes outside of Jaco Beach. His dentist is in Jaco Beach, and the dentist says he can do all the work for "under $2, 000."

Has anybody gone to CR for dental work? Not just cavities and cleaning, but something along the lines of root canals, crowns and implants?

I would appreciate any info on this subject. Especially as regarding quality of work.

Robby,

I would highly recommend you check out Dr. Sergio Chen in San Jose. I had two porcelian crowns done there 2 years ago and they were $ 100. 00 each. He can do the work in one to two days as he has his own dental labortory where they make the crowns, implants, etc. On the top floor of his clinic.

I took a friend there also (buddy from Atlanta) and he had about 8 crowns done for all 8 of his front teeth. He had previously had veneers but did not like them that well (those done in the US) , so he wanted to upgrade to full crowns for his front teeth. They looked great, were done in two days, and I believe his cost was about $ 800. 00 for all of them. That was a year ago, and I know he is very happy with them. As I was with my work.

The only thing I have found that was not up to US standards was that I had a couple of fillings made with epoxy instead of amalagam fillings (the old school way). And those epoxy fillings have come out now after about 1 year. So when I go back I am going to have them refilled with the amalagam by Dr Chen.

He of course can and does implants, and root canals also.

Dr Chen is the son of the original Dr Chen (a Chinaman who married a Tica woman) , so the new Dr Chen. Aged about 50 now is second generation.

He is a very nice gentleman, very courteous and polite, unlike many US doctors. And his prices and the quality of his work can not be beat.

He has a website, and he speaks fluent English. Give him a call or email him and then go there for your work.

His clinic is very clean, and up to US standards. And he is located in the center of San Jose.

It sounds like he could do what you need for a lot less than $ 2, 000. 00. More like around $ 500. 00 I would say.

The porcelain crowns have gone up to about $ 150. 00 now. But that is still dirt cheap compared to what most US dentists charge.

You can search some of my old forum posts for more info on Dr Chen.

If you choose to go to your dentist in Jaco Beach...there is a very good possibility that he will have to send your implants, crowns, etc. to the labs in San Jose...which will take from 5 to 7 days....and you will need to go back to have the work completed after that time.

Doc Chen can get it all done in a couple of days, and he will fit you in around his other local patients so you do not have to hang around and wait for the lab work to be completed those extra days.

Get your dental work done in SJ...then after 2-3 days you can go to Jaco and just chill out and relax at the beach.

[Robby Burns]

I have been quoted "about $5, 000" here in the USA for a dental implant and a crown.

My friend lives 30 minutes outside of Jaco Beach. His dentist is in Jaco Beach, and the dentist says he can do all the work for "under $2, 000."

Has anybody gone to CR for dental work? Not just cavities and cleaning, but something along the lines of root canals, crowns and implants?

I would appreciate any info on this subject. Especially as regarding quality of work.

[Mr Gogo]

I'm headed down next week. Staying at SL hitting Jaco and checking out the clubs and casino. Been reading the forum the past week and have one simple question. Is the dress code more for comfort (tennis shoes, polo shirt, jeans) of is it more for style (loafers, dress slacks, stylish shirt)? I usually over pack and take a variety of clothes, but this trip I'm packing lite because I'm on the move (SL then Marazon then Jaco). Also any hole in the wall strip joints (nude) where I can sit back have a drink and enjoy the show?

[Mr Jetsetter]

I have never paid more than $20 for a taxi into San Jose. I simply walk up to the departure level and offer the first taxista I see $20 for the ride. I have never been turned down.

[Soft Bob]

Do NOT change money in the US for a fee. You can use dollars form the airport to the hotel. The hotel or any bank will exchange your money with out any fees.

Do NOT exchange your money in the baggage claim area at CR. They have the worst rate in the world.

If you absolutely must change money at the airport then after you get your bags come out and go upstairs to the departure lobby where there is a bank that gives you a fair rate without any fees.

Taxi fare to your hotel should be around $25. Bring plenty of $20, $10, $5 and $1. $50 and $100 notes can only be changed or acceped at the hotel or bank.

[Kitie Carson]

I can have Costa Rica Colons sent to my house through Wells Fargo or US Bank. Looks like I'll take a 10 to 15% hit. Should I purchase Colons here or wait and purchase them in Costa Rica?

You should wait til you get to CR. US dollars are accepted in CR and exchange banks are plentiful in CR. In fact there is an OK 1 upstairs in departure area in SJO if you have to use 1.

[Weebles]

I can have Costa Rica Colons sent to my house through Wells Fargo or US Bank. Looks like I'll take a 10 to 15% hit. Should I purchase Colons here or wait and purchase them in Costa Rica?

[Stevewxly]

How much does a drink cost at a bar in San Jose (a mixed drink)?

Going there in Feb and planning out my expenses for the week.

A mixed drink with house liquor will run you about $ 2. 50 to $ 3. 00 and up for call brands. At the bars in the Del Rey Hotel (the most famous mongering destination in San Jose). And perhaps a little less at some of the smaller bars around town.

Coca Cola and other soft drinks were about $ 2.00 - the last time I was at the Del Rey.....but you can get a Coke for 50 cents in other SJ locals.

If you get out into the country maybe around $ 1. 50 for a mixed drink in some of the smaller bars.

[NewMoondog]

Can anyone offer any suggestions re: prospects around the Montezuma area or around the southern / western portion of the Nicoya penninsula?

Thanks for any ideas.