General Info

Should I bring any nice clothes or are blue jeans fine? I don't plan to go to any fancy restaurants or any place nice. I'm sure the MPs couldn't care less, but what about the gringo places like Del Ray, Sportsman, or New Fantasy? I'd like to pack light, so I'd rather not bring dress clothes unless it makes a difference.

Also, has anyone taken a Spanish language class in CR? I am trying to learn Spanish (very difficult for me) and I'm thinking about taking a one week Spanish class while I'm there.

YB

Black tie / TUX only

No one wears dress clothes there. most dress like high schoolers.it is tropical wet/or dry season and is hot. shorts are exceptable there, thankfully unlike colombia or panama city. my friend a tico had a wedding and one friend showed up in t shirt and sandals. shorts shirts sneakers hat all is good.

[QUOTE=Yardbird123]Should I bring any nice clothes or are blue jeans fine? I don't plan to go to any fancy restaurants or any place nice. I'm sure the MPs couldn't care less, but what about the gringo places like Del Ray, Sportsman, or New Fantasy? I'd like to pack light, so I'd rather not bring dress clothes unless it makes a difference.

Also, has anyone taken a Spanish language class in CR? I am trying to learn Spanish (very difficult for me) and I'm thinking about taking a one week Spanish class while I'm there.

YB[/QUOTE]

Permanent residents/expats or anyone else who wishes to respond!

[url]http://www.insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2010/april/20/costarica10042010.htm[/url]

I believe the numbers of Australian visitors to CR, compared to those from the US/Canada/all of Europe, is probably insignificant so this has me particulary curious!

Thank you!

Which is the better of two options? Should I bring US currency or convert my money here in the states before hand?

[QUOTE=Inchfury]Which is the better of two options? Should I bring US currency or convert my money here in the states before hand?[/QUOTE]Bring us currrency and convert in Costa Rica, I also use the ATM in the Blue Marlin pull out dollars to avoid 3% currency conversion and only pay the $3.00 non branch ATM fee. Then I convert at my Hotel.

[QUOTE=Inchfury]Which is the better of two options? Should I bring US currency or convert my money here in the states before hand?[/QUOTE]


Just bring your US currency and then convert to Colones once you get to CR.

You will probably have to "take a real bath"....getting fleeced if you try to convert to Colones before leaving the US.

Better yet....load up your checking account at home with cash, and then have a debit card for it...tell your bank beforehand that you will be going to Central America and they should expect withdrawls for you there....just so they know you card has not been stolen or comprimised....they have to know this before you leave.........that way you only take out as much as you need for that one day from any ATM machine in CR....and they are all over the place.......then get more the next day from the ATM.

ATM typically charge only $ 1.00 for a withdrawal.......I've done this for 8 years...and the debit card is the best way to go.

Pick pockets and thieves are fairly common in Cen. America....many people are dirt poor and will do anything to make ends meet.

If you take a lot of cash and lose it....then your trip is pretty much ruined....at least it would be for me.
Steve

Take US currency with you. Most places accept US dollars. The exchange rate is 500+ colones to the dollar. Take a small calculator if you want to be exact or just divide by 500 or tell the guy behind the counter you want to pay in US dollars and let hm do the math ( I would double check his math skills).

Originally Posted by Inchfury
Which is the better of two options? Should I bring US currency or convert my money here in the states before hand?

Inchfury, Listen to Stevewxly, he knows what he's talking about. Always pay in local currency, I strongly advise against using USD in Costa Rica. You will get fleeced if converting to CRC in the states and at the airport in SJO. Best is to use a debit card from your local bank and notify them, before you leave, of the exact dates and location you will be out of the country. Also, go to [url]www.oanda.com[/url] and print an Fx Cheat Sheet for Travelers, laminate it and keep in your pocket. There are a few good ATM and cambio locations in the gulch that are safe and offer good conversion rates. The Colonial next to the Del Rey, Hotel Presidente and the Kiosk past McDonald's on Ave Centrale. Also, remember, you will need $26 US for departure tax.

Pura Vida,

Max

[QUOTE=Max Mojo]Originally Posted by Inchfury
Which is the better of two options? Should I bring US currency or convert my money here in the states before hand?

Inchfury, Listen to Stevewxly, he knows what he's talking about. Always pay in local currency, I strongly advise against using USD in Costa Rica. You will get fleeced if converting to CRC in the states and at the airport in SJO. Best is to use a debit card from your local bank and notify them, before you leave, of the exact dates and location you will be out of the country. Also, go to [url]www.oanda.com[/url] and print an Fx Cheat Sheet for Travelers, laminate it and keep in your pocket. There are a few good ATM and cambio locations in the gulch that are safe and offer good conversion rates. The Colonial next to the Del Rey, Hotel Presidente and the Kiosk past McDonald's on Ave Centrale. Also, remember, you will need $26 US for departure tax.

Pura Vida,

Max[/QUOTE]


Casino Colonial is a great fast place to change dollars into colones. They even give a better rate than the bank with zero waiting time...$100 limit per day.

I disagree that paying in dollars is a bad idea. Just state the going rate or don't buy the item if they quote you a bad rate. Colones would probably be more convenient though.

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!

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

[QUOTE=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[/QUOTE]

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.

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?

[QUOTE=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?[/QUOTE]

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.