www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I had to explain to immigration a couple of years ago while at a hole in the wall gringo bar that was being raided that I didn't have any ID on me that I left the photocopy i made that day in my room and emptied my wallet of drivers licenses, everything except my health insurance card and Red Cross blood donor card. They were polite, explained to me that I should make a photocopy and keep it on my person at all times while out, and stop hanging out with gringos with bad reputations.

Another expat stoked my paranoia feelings by expressed concern that the municipal police would do another check and then create problems for me. I stayed at the back of the bar until they were suddenly occupied with the guys who I paid to create a distraction. While they were busy mediating, I slipped out.

Would they have harassed me. I wasn't sure. All I know was that under the circumstances, I didn't have much wiggle room.

As far as I know, there is an agreement in place that both sides signed that alows photocopies to be presented in place of passports.

Orange is correct. Because the loss/theft of U.S. passports became so endemic in CR the U.S. Embassy approached the Costa Rica government, I believe it was during the administration of Abel Pacheo, and reached an agreement that a photo copy of the information page and entry stamp were sufficient.

That does not mean that a police officer will not try to pressure you into paying a bribe by saying you need to have your original passport and he will take you to jail because you only have a photo copy. When challenged they will normally back down although one CRT brother, I believe it was the Mad German, was threatened with being dropped off in a really bad part of town late at night unless he came forth with some colones.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

They used to have these little cards (one side English, the other Spanish) available for tourists at the airport. You can show this to any policia if they have a problem with you having only a copy.

http://home.roadrunner.com/~orange/passport.jpg

...So you can print out Brother Orange's mentioned card, cut it down to size and have it laminated at the copy shop across from the Hotel Prez, correct?

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

yes, this has been covered ad nauseam

My post was for the Brothers who have joined us since the last time it was and may not have known to look for the mention...not for you Tired Old Things.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED