www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I have never been hassled in Miami. I even have put down I bought cigars. The agent only tells me welcome back. I have been 4 times in 2 years.

Atlanta has never been a very friendly airport for international travelers. Even though its such a big airport and the traffic is incredible, the international side is still quite small when compared to the likes of MIA, JFK, ORD, etc. And don't forget that good ol southern hospitality

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"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" - Maybe Shakespeare was a CRT member?

In one of the years that I have traveled, I made 11 trips to CR and 3 to Rio. My points of entry were Miami airport and Dallas (DFW). I had never once been hassled by immigration and customs at either airports. I try not to give them any reason to "profile" me as a suspicious person that would require further questioning or interrogation. Obviously, the immigration officers saw all the stamps in my passport and knew that I have been traveling alot but they have never question why I was making so many trips to CR and Brazil. (knock on wood!!!)

Some times you draw the short straw and get hassled by immigration while others never get hassle at all. Just the luck of the draw.

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Live today as it was your last day, for tomorrow may never come.

What is a non suspicious reason to travel and what should a person have as backup info in case they ask?

Last time I was asked why I went, who with, etc.. I was eventually searched. Don't know why still.

Yo all,

I found that stating that you are visiting "FAMILY" was most effective and heartfelt by the official mutants of the Police State in US.

Cyg

I like to brighten their day with a bit of levity by proclaiming, "I'm here to smuggle heroine and Cuban cigars at the RNC to raise money for the 'Democratic' Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Please don't check my luggage, and PULEEZ don't give me any full body cavity searches!!!"

That always gets the boys rolling.

And if that doesn't fly so well, I usually fall back on, "Underground railroad conductor, and Jesus is my copilot."

Trust me on this-- the immigration guys aren't quite the tight-wads everybody thinks they are. Just say it with a big smile-- the same way you flash your grin when you walk into the Del Rey.

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You can check out any time you like,
But you can never leave.

One time when returning to SFO at about 1:00am, the customs officer asked me if I had more that $10,000 on me. I just replied, " Phuck, I wish". I was pretty groggy and it just popped out.

I've had my bags searched a few times, no big deal as there was nothing to find. I usually joke with them a bit and then I'm gone.

last time I was search at MIA. happen to have some coins in a pack of cigarrets in my luggage. When the guy found it, laughed his ass off and even told me he was gonna show it to his superior, apparently never had that case before.

Mente

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Tico and Panama, let me know if you need any help down here.
Panamaexplorers.com

*** Breaking update from said author if this thread***

Here you go boys, I am tagged for life. I just got back from CR (3 day trip) and Sgt. Unibrow put a big red "T" on my immigration form after clickety clicking on his computer. (Wonder how much info they keep on us under the patriot act?)

And they did ask me if I was carrying over $10,000. I laughed & said I had $50 bucks. Chicas have the rest of my cash - but I did not tell them that. A little legit business was involved and they questioned me quite seriously on that.

They searched my one bag (actually I travel with another bag, but my sore balls are in that one.) Opened it up, and guess what brainiac did? I left the big bottle of massage oil and motion lotion in a glad bag right on top. Garnered big a smile from both Barney Fifes. I guess next time I should (a) session with more chicas and use it up or (b) just leave it in CR.


Based on all the posts and my observation, these must be the warning signs:

1)Solo male traveler
2)Short stay
3)Recent and frequent trips without working for a particular company with operations in said country (third trip in 14 weeks)
4)Looks like a sexy bitch


hmmm.....

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Eu gosto de brasileiras...

Postupright,
First I admire you being such a good father & letting your Ch*ldren evaluate the situation on their own. Smart way to do it. I think this woman may have a reason she was a bitch though. Maybe she is in a position to see other desirable men frequenting these Latin countries & coming back with these permanent grins on their faces that just will not go away no matter how much she bitches at them.

She may be like the other Gringas & not getting enough since guys are starting to become aware they don't have to do it on her terms since we have broadened our playgrounds. This is one reason when I return from overseas or out of the country I choose the line with a man not a women in the booth. As we have seen in life women have huge mood swings & I don't like to be on the recieving end of their bad moods .

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"Run silent, run deep"
Spunk glazed Chicas are the building blocks of the universe!

The last time I came back to the states throught Atlanta they were giveing me the third degree.. Why did you travel down there alone? What were you doing? Why did I bring back so much coffee? I was tired and told the inspector, I was hitting the chicas and he laughed then let me go. Remember it's not illegal to monger, make the guys day and give a trip report and the directions to Zona Blue..

My a typical reply is " Wine women and song " with a BIG smile !

and sometimes I'll add " really it's beer, broads and booze "

I've been to Colombia 6 times the the last year and 4 times to Panama.

The last time ( 3 weeks ago ) they asked me how long I was in Colombia and I said 11 day's he then directed me to secondary and all that happened was I had to put my bags through a machine and I was on my way.


Hey I'm at 420 posts. That must mean something ?????

Ya Nucknfuts

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Throughout the history of mankind there has never been one shred of evidence that supports that life is serious..........
Don't believe everything you think ............

Hey brother its 4:20 somewhere

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Sparky
Get in line to ride the lightning!!!


Almost legally single again! Voy a Colombia otra vece!!

Interesting. I have been living here for 7 years and I come and go about three or four times a year and I've never even been questioned. Even though I have long hair, I dress very conservatively when I go back and always look the people right in the eye and cooperate with everything I'm supposed to do. Probably jinxed myself by saying this.

They don't care if you are down her for girls, they are harassing every one because of the sportsbooks, boiler rooms and online pharmacys.

Uncle Sam wants his tax money. They've been busting my chops for years.