www.CostaRicaTicas.com

2 steps closer to the dream now. applied for passport and got my CRT card today

Keep reading the board, and you will be ready. We also want to read of you exploits when in CR.

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Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

I have some issues with the above advice.
I have over twice the travel experience as stated above and believe that Costa Rice is NOT a safe country. Common sense is not enough.

I agree with the wingman advice. And
I agree travelers checks are not generally accepted today.

PS. In America I carry a Walther P99AS, loaded with hollow points, in a Sidearmor holster, (now discontinued). I have a custom BarSto 357 Sig barrel. Look that up. All fully licensed for concealed carry.

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PacoLoco: "You pay for it one way or another."
Ace: "Rent everything, do not buy in Costa Rica"

Neither is America so...

I'm all about safety, but what a buzz kill most of these threads are. Act right and you will be ok..

Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

Follow common sense and security is not much of an issue. By that I mean, use the same level of caution that is necessary in any urban environment.

Guys, you don't need to be afraid of Costa Rica. You just need to be alert and aware. Don't play the victim by doing the things victims do and you shouldn't have any problems. (Wearing expensive looking jewelry, being obviously intoxicated in public, walking at night alone, carrying more money than you will need for that trip, etc).

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"Your love gives me such a thrill
but your love don't pay my bills,
I NEED THE MONEY!" - John Lee Hooker

Disclaimer: The above is merely the opinion of the author unless specific scientific data is included.
Your mileage may vary. https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewto ... 978#206978

while I cant say that I have read every post in the newbie section,I can say that I have read several post on every page of the newbie section.
and several post in all sections.

As soon as I receive my passport then I will book plans for mid september.

Wow, this thread is great for newbies like me. I've been to Costa Rica twice, 6 and 9 years ago, and safety was never a problem. I do speak Spanish which helps, so does being 6'6" and 300 lbs. But I like to think my common sense has the most to do with it.

So, the consensus now a days seems to be the SL for lodging. What is the going rate for chicas at the bar? Is $60-80 pretty much what the veterans pay? I know the chicas will all ask cien plus, but I figure that I can do without at that price.

Also, there is a lot of conflicting opinions about where to exchange dinero. Departure area of airport or casino or bank? What is the best spot?

Damn, 3 bills? Yea, safety isn't too big an issue so long as you act right. I would say that's about the average price at SL. But I wouldn't shy away from the cien girls particularly if you get a few pops and a couple of hours..
When I go to CR I exchange money at the SL, maybe $100 every 2 days. Pretty fast and easy..

Cujo

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"Pain is the fuel that fans the flames of my pyre. A battle plan is only as good as the general carrying it out on the field. This is my war son, and I have the biggest bombs and the smallest conscience"...

And I have some issues with your comments

"Costa Rica is not a safe country". As conpared to what (or where) You obviously do not feel safe in the states if you feel the need to carry concealed weapons

"common sense is not enough" May not be enough here nor anywhere in the world n this day and time, BUT it sure beats the hell out of being stupid. Here or anywhere else, it is seldom the guy using common sense that get mugged, robbed, or murdered; it is the guy doing stupid things that attract attention.

I know many people in the states that, like you, seem to feel the need to carry a weapon on the streets of "good ole Mayberry USA" for protection--you use that weapon and YOU are the one that is likely to end up dead or in prision ! Just how safe is the USA if you feel this need . I know very very few Ticos that feel the need to carry a weapon for protection. Sure there are areas here where it can be dangerous just as in any major city in the world. BUT,after comming here for many years and living here for 3 years, and having been in several other major cities in other countries (including the USA); I do not feel that it is any more dangerous here--just more stupid gringo drunks in cargo shorts, loud shirts, and flip flops, being loud and flashing money. 99% of the time this is the guy who has a problem here, not the guy using "common sense"

Just the opinions of a "senile old fart"

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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!

To add to the above from a guy that have work on the Security business on software as well as physical security my whole career, it always comes does to avoidance and prevention. There is no magic bullet, tool or weapon that can avoid a robbery or assault on your person. Why you think so many Americans soldiers die in Iraq with the best weapons, body armor and training that money can buy?

Avoidance – Why do so many of you feel the need to get drunk and become a target? Why the morbid attraction to go to a Tico bar late at night alone? Carry little cash, carry only a copy of your passport. I have seeing so many guys carrying their passport around is just plan stupid. I’m all for exploring but life preservation is Numero Uno.

Prevention – Why the need to call attention to yourself? Do you really have to wear any jewelry? Do you really have to make that phone call in the middle of the street, where everyone sees your new shiny phone? If you only speak English, STAY on the English side/familiar of Costa Rica. Do you really have to stay at a Tico hotel when you do not speak Spanish? Something as simple as renting a car can be a dark hole for those of you without the Spanish speaking skills necessary to navigate CR. Get a Taxi. The differences in cost will more than cover the security risks and conveniences/inconveniences involved.

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Hit them fast, Hit them hard and NEXT!
A good chica is like a good carpenter - No wood gets wasted!!!

BB57,

I won't quote you, but IMO - your post is spot on! Same with Josie - avoidance and prevention. Well put, both of you!

And Ace? You talk about carrying a concealed weapon at home. What does that mean ? To me, it almost seems like a contradiction to what you're saying about CR being so "un-safe". Myself, along with many many other guys I know carry a piece on a daily basis, and we all have the proper licence(s) to carry concealed. But big deal!

I've been carrying for years, and have never garnished the gun, ever. And I pray to God that I am never in a situation where I have to make that decision. Brandishing a firearm should be the very very LAST LINE OF DEFENSE. BTW... it's a Ruger LCP .380 with Arma-Laser sights, loaded with Federal Premium Hydra-Shock 90 Grain Low-Recoil Hollow Points. Look it up.

MG

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Gusto: When carrying a .380, I would recommed a speedier round with more expansion than a Hydra-Shock. At 90 grains, you aren't going to get a lot of kinetic energy transfer to the target anyway. IMHO.
CH