General Info

[CultureShock]

I read about how Internet escorts are so out of control in the United States now that people might stop coming to Costa Rica. I'm not sure that is true depending on where you live in the United States.

http://crexpertise.info/online-hookers-sex-tourism/

The report is above. I lived in Houston for a years and admit stopped bothering to go to Mexico because it was just easier to pick up a chica for under $100 on the weekends. I would alternate between the bars, "modeling" studios, and now Internet escorts. Now its like the town is like Tijuana.

I'm not sure if this holds water, but what do you think? Why come to Costa Rica and not chase the ho's in the U.S. I am willing to admit that not the entire United States is like So. Florida or Texas.

[Stevewxly]

Bill at Sportsman's Lodge has about 3 big screen color TV always going.....more than likely they will have your game up and running when you get there.

Or you can probably catch the game on the TV's in the bar at the Del Rey Hotel...but it is some what noisey with all the action going on there...don't know how good it would be to try to concentrate your attention on the game....but plenty of attractive gals around to divert your attention....in a good way.

Quick question heading down To SJ on friday. I will want to catch the US vs England game while down there. Can anyone recommend a good bar to watch it from? I don't know if Sportsman Lodge will have the game since I have never been and this is my first trip. Would ideally like to be able to watch the game and have the attention of some women at the same time.

Thanks

[Inchfury]

Quick question heading down To SJ on friday. I will want to catch the US vs England game while down there. Can anyone recommend a good bar to watch it from? I don't know if Sportsman Lodge will have the game since I have never been and this is my first trip. Would ideally like to be able to watch the game and have the attention of some women at the same time.

Thanks

[Soft Bob]

If you have luggage or if it is not day time a good compromise is to take the shuttle bus for around $10. Go to:

www.shuttlebus.co.cr

I plan to take it on my next trip. I have read good reports about it on other boards.

Also since many of us arrive with lots of cash, laptops, cameras and cell phones it could be prudent to bite the bullet and pay for a taxi to get to your hotel fast and store your goodies away.

[Stevewxly]

When I am not loaded down when I arrive I take the bus, Walk to the left when you exit and then turn right at the road on the back side of parking garage. Look for the red and white bus R.A.S.C.A going into San Jose. The other bus's are older and stop more along the autopista into SJ. The cost is 450 colones try to have the correct change or a bill no bigger then 1 mil.

These bus's have a luggage compartment just like the Gray Hounds do. The bus stops at the end of Pasao Colon and the beginning of Ave Secundo across from the Nica Park. Every taxi in SJ goes by this station and you can get a taxi to DR, SL or HCH for no more then 1000 / $2.00 depending on the time of day and traffic.
I haven't taken a taxi back to the airpot in years. If you dont have many bags its only a 15 - 20 min. stroll down Ave Central to the bus station.

Pura Vida and remember NO CIEN

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Take The Bus - Save Some Money For Eatin, Drinkin, and Mongerin.........

Why pay a taxista (sp) $ 20-25.00 to have him take you from the International Airport in San Jose to downtown San Jose....when you can walk down the hill (about 75 yards) and hop onto a bus for about $ 1.00 to downtown SJ.

You can ride the bus to within 2 blocks of the Presidente Hotel and within 4 blocks of the Hotel Del Rey.....then walk it or take a taxi then the last few blocks for about $ 1.50-2.00....saving you about $ 22.00

Ask the bus driver by saying, " El Presidente Hotel"....as in a question.....and he will tell you exactly where to get off the bus on 2nd Ave.....before he turns around and goes back towards the airport for the return trip....matter of fact just ride it as far as the driver will let you ride from the airport...they will always tell you to get off or pay another fare...that is you clue that you have arrived at the end of your fare and the trip...then walk or grab a taxi on up to your hotel.

And it should go without saying....that you need to keep a close eye on your bags and belongings anywhere on a bus in Central America.......

I quit taking those long taxi rides long ago and now take buses everywhere in San Jose....just much smarter, and way less expensive.

With a little practice and travel time - you will be able to navigate your way around San Jose...almost anywhere via regular bus.

[Member #2964]

When I am not loaded down when I arrive I take the bus, Walk to the left when you exit and then turn right at the road on the back side of parking garage. Look for the red and white bus R.A.S.C.A going into San Jose. The other bus's are older and stop more along the autopista into SJ. The cost is 450 colones try to have the correct change or a bill no bigger then 1 mil.

These bus's have a luggage compartment just like the Gray Hounds do. The bus stops at the end of Pasao Colon and the beginning of Ave Secundo across from the Nica Park. Every taxi in SJ goes by this station and you can get a taxi to DR, SL or HCH for no more then 1000 / $2.00 depending on the time of day and traffic.
I haven't taken a taxi back to the airpot in years. If you dont have many bags its only a 15 - 20 min. stroll down Ave Central to the bus station.

Pura Vida and remember NO CIEN

[Norman Stormin]

How much for a ride in to downtown from the airport these days?

Thanks in advance

9,500 colones to Del Rey about 9 PM with light traffic. 9,000 about noon on Sunday with very light traffic. Rush hour would be considerably more. Try the bus for 450 colones. Every 10 minutes. Bus stop on other side of parking garage.

Hope this helps

[Phase6]

How much for a ride in to downtown from the airport these days?

Thanks in advance

[Stevewxly]

Had a fellow monger ask me about how I took and was successful in selling some electronic items in Central America.

...........................................................

He asked..............


Hey, read your post about selling computers and stuff down in Central America. Where do you sell the stuff? I keep hearing people talk about this, but have no idea where to sell the stuff.

Thanks
.............................................................

I sent him a private message with the following...but also thought I would share it with anyone else wanting to do the same:
..........................................................

My response:


I usually take a couple of cell phones and small computers with me to CR, Nicaragua, or Panama....and before I go on the trip I put a couple of free ads on Cragislist....for Central America.

That way the locals can see what I have, when I will be there, and how to get in touch with me....at my hotel and such - to look at them and buy them.

Be careful though...there are lots of hustlers and crooks down there,

When you get a prospective customer...always meet him in a very public place like the lobby of your hotel, or a big restaurant, .....if not and you let them get close to you otherwise -----they will just steal your stuff.

On going thru customs from your airplane...just pack the electronic gear in your checked luggage...they very rarely ever check any of that stuff in Central America.

Your bags will get checked in the US...before leaving by TSA....but not in Cen. America.

I have a buddy who just got back from San Jose CR. He took a couple of Iphones and an Ipad or two...and sold all of it for a real good profit.
Perhaps double what you could make off them here in the States........

He hooked up with the manager of his hotel....and that guy got the customers for the electronics and brought them in.

There are locals down who have plenty of money for that type of stuff....and stuff like laptops are about triple the price there as they would be here...so they are glad to get it at a bargain price.

For example....a new small Netbook here would cost you perhaps $ 200.00....you can get $ 350.00 or more for them in San Jose CR.....if you can find the right customer for it.

If you don't have some advertisement or local guy to help you....you will not be able to find good customers who have the money to buy the stuff.

The average CR Tico will only earn about $ 5.00 a day at their jobs....so they won't be a viable customer to buy a $ 350.00 Netbook or Iphone.

So you have to find locals who have some big money....and again they are there....but you won't find them unless you do some homework before you go down there.

Do not overload yourself trying to bring laptops with 15" or 19" screens...just too big to lug around...take the small expensive items like the Iphones, Ipads, and small Netbooks.

Cell phones....leave them home...everyone down there can buy a cell phone...they are reasonable cheap...but laptops are very expensive in Cen. America....even nice color flat screen TV's and refrigerators, freezers, washers/dryers and such are very expensive in Central America - because they have to import all that type of stuff from other countries like the US or from Asia....but of course you won't want to bring anything like with you. Just a few small high end - electronic items that you can carry & conceal in your luggage.

Good Luck, Steve

[Dlhead01]

If this is your first time in Costa Rica, or you are like my Friend A and require aesthetically pleasing surroundings to feel comfortable or look at things only on face value you will totally misunderstand this country and its people. Costa Rica IS NOT and I repeat IS NOT a third world country. You could classify it as a second tier developed country. They have a good dependable public transportation system which is actually run by several privately owned bus companies (www.tuasa.com) based in Spain. The Government regulates development and purposely makes development difficult to protect the environment. The country gets 100% of its electricity from Hydro power. Costa Rican culture is not really concerned with aesthetics and it shows. Other than old government buildings built by the Spanish, Churches, and homes built by the wealthy building are designed to be functional and efficient. Cosmetics are not very important. Even to dressing and appearance, comfortable and casual is the norm. When going to work, out on the town, or special occasions Costa Rican are casually dressed. Unless their job requires a uniform to clearly identify their position or function. Since most of you will be at the HDR the casino dealer have their uniform, the casino servers wear black, security wears all black suits and management wears blue or white shirts (most do not wear ties). Even at the banks, other than the Manager most employees dress business casual everyday. The reason I get into this is to get readers to understand that the chicas here are NOT backwards uneducated people. This country has a literacy rate higher than USA. Costa Rican Government places a high value on education and it is reflected in their budget and the fact that most Costa Ricans are college educated. In RTFF I notice many comments in regards to the level of income the average Tico would have in relation to what tourist would have. DO NOT think this way. Tourist are budget conscience but are also on time constraint and want to avoid the hassles of getting lost especially if they do not speak Spanish, Travel the route of least resistance. A local simply would not spend at the level we would because it does not make sense for them. Just like you do not spend as much on meals at home as you do when you travel. About 2% of the population is considered wealthy by American and European standards and about 6% are extreme poor or homeless (less than in the USA) the rest of Costa Rican would be considered working class they are by no means poor, Some of the chicas I spoke to make between $100 - $175 on a slow night and $300 to $500 on a good night. I only made $600 a week working at a bank in the US for 40 -55 hours a week and was told win to come in and when to leave and had to ask permission for a day off. These chicas work when they want for how long the want and do not have to worry about FICA. The next time any of you guys are in the HDR. KL, HLH or SL do not just look at how pretty or ugly the girls are. Actually watch the girls. Check out their body language. Try to imagine what they are talking about. Well I can tell you, other than their kids, monthly visitor and boyfriend/baby daddy they talk about us MONGERS! About a quarter of the chicas, especially the Ticas and Colombianas speak very good English and go back and tell their friends about how much they got paid, scams they ran, and how to judge if a guy is going to be an easy payday or if she is going to get worked over. Ever wonder why some of the hottest chicas run over to the old, fat bald guy? Also, some of you guy have informed the chicas about the forum (besides its media exposure back in 2003 2004) so they have gotten on and keep up to date just like we do. They know what we know, “knowledge is power.”

I have a friend that used to work at the consulate office here in town. He now works for Costa Rican Immigration. I always let him know when I am going to be in country and he gives me a heads up of what’s going on if he can. I have RTFF especially recently in planning this trip. I can tell you that a few of the measures in the new immigration law are aimed at perpetual tourist to encourage them to become residents since they spend so much time in country. The raids and crack downs are similar to what is happening in Arizona. Illegal immigrants, mostly Nicos, are the primary target. The Nico street gangs in San Jose are blamed by the Government to be the largest contributor of crimes against tourist and citizens. They are also heavily scrutinized as drug traffickers and distributors. Dominicans get work and school visas. The Colombians can easily get refugee visas or they live in Panama for a while first then come to Costa Rica. The lower number of Nicas IMHO is part of the reason why service has gone down and prices have gone up to ridiculous levels and negotiations have become much more difficult. In Jaco we were offered access to whatever herbs and enhancements we want to engage in. I could not say either way if the offers came from Nicos, Ticos or any other Nationality. When my friend A was arranging his TLN and needed to borrow some colones (negotiating tactic) the chica I was talking to got upset and yelled at her because she lowered “the price.”

[Stevewxly]

Hola fellow mongers. New guy here. I have RTFF for some time now, but will soon be in a position to contribute as well. This fall I intend to spend a month or more south of the US, most likely in a Spanish immersion class whilst partaking of the local culture (heh). What I am looking for is a place where the cost of living is low(ish), the monger scene is prolific and the amateur scene is fair to good and good diving water is not too far away. Just a couple quick questions for those who know.

- Does anyone have a good recommendation regarding a particular Spanish immersion course? There are plenty online, and plenty that are given by reputable universities. What I am looking for are any personal experiences, bad or good, that will give me further information.

- From what I understand, the cost of living in CR is about medium for Central America, the monger scene is very good and the amateur scene is bad to non-existent. Is this about right?

You will perhaps like it in Costa Rica....lots of gals.....and if you pick them correctly and at the correct venue....you will not have to pay them $ 100.00 an hour.

The non-pro's are there too....but you need to have "game"...be sort of young, and attractive, and most of all need to be more or less conversant in Spanish.

Take your Spanish courses before going...then you will be all set for things in Central America.

Also be careful about taking Spanish courses once you get there....especially the ones from small private firms.........perhaps from a university would be lots better........there are some good ones, and some that are just plain rip-offs for gringos.....ie....they are more interested in taking your money than teaching you anything.

But they will teach you to be more cautious ..... for the future.

[Strangeman]

Hola fellow mongers. New guy here. I have RTFF for some time now, but will soon be in a position to contribute as well. This fall I intend to spend a month or more south of the US, most likely in a Spanish immersion class whilst partaking of the local culture (heh). What I am looking for is a place where the cost of living is low(ish), the monger scene is prolific and the amateur scene is fair to good and good diving water is not too far away. Just a couple quick questions for those who know.

- Does anyone have a good recommendation regarding a particular Spanish immersion course? There are plenty online, and plenty that are given by reputable universities. What I am looking for are any personal experiences, bad or good, that will give me further information.

- From what I understand, the cost of living in CR is about medium for Central America, the monger scene is very good and the amateur scene is bad to non-existent. Is this about right?

[Mr Jetsetter]

Sorry first of all if this is redone, but me and my friend are traveling down there for the first time and plan on visiting all the regular places. My other question is though we wish to visit a strip club and I know that they are not the best place for your dollar but 2 have come to mind. The first is D'pleufeos and the other is Tango India.

From what I have read is that d'pleufeos is more bang for your buck and that Tango India is a rip off. Though in the pictures TI looks very upscale and the women seem to be more classy but is it worth it. Any reviews or other strip clubs your think would be better would be appreciated. Also I need a atm that will allow me to draw out more then 100 dollars daily.

Thanks

Re strip clubs: Tango India is a rip-off! AVOID AT ALL COSTS! What you have read is true. If you actually want to get laid on site without getting gouged and have a decent time, I'd check out Pantera Rosa or Le Grillon. Haven't been to either in over a year (strip clubs ain't my scene), but some friends of mine go there occasionally and generally enjoy themselves. You have a decent chance of encountering some attractive ladies.

Re ATMS, good info was just provided by Artisttyp. The ATM at the Casino Colonial (next to the Del Rey) is indeed fair and reliable, as are the 2 ATMS at the DR. The amount you can draw out is determined by your bank, not the ATM, up to a point. I have drawn out $500 a pop from both locations.

[Inchfury]

Sorry first of all if this is redone, but me and my friend are traveling down there for the first time and plan on visiting all the regular places. My other question is though we wish to visit a strip club and I know that they are not the best place for your dollar but 2 have come to mind. The first is D'pleufeos and the other is Tango India.

From what I have read is that d'pleufeos is more bang for your buck and that Tango India is a rip off. Though in the pictures TI looks very upscale and the women seem to be more classy but is it worth it. Any reviews or other strip clubs your think would be better would be appreciated. Also I need a atm that will allow me to draw out more then 100 dollars daily.

Thanks

[Inchfury]

My friend and I would like to check the usual spots but want to hit a strip club up for his birthday. He is very picky and likes 8-10's, so no fat chix. We saw TANGO INDIA's website, they look official and D'Pleufo, i think that is how you spell it. Any word on these of recent activity. Or can someone point us in the right direction. It will be our first time in CR, and we don't want it to be our last!