www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I've been coming to CR for about 12 years. I like to think I know my way around SJ and the scams associated with being in the Gulch. I know some Spanish and can clearly give directions, etc.

Last night I walked out of the Del Ray. Walked about halfway to Morazon, to avoid the DR Pirate Taxis and hailed a cab. The Taxi was red and had a "maria" "meter" on the dashboard.

I clearly told the driver I wanted to go to Moravia. After a few blocks and a few turns I noticed the maria/meter was not working. The fare was stuck on 530. I mentioned it to the driver and he said "is broke, no problem...no worry...ya da ya da ya da". I said "how much to go to Moravia"? He would not answer my question. Would only say..."No Worry". "I told him to stop so I could get out". By this time we were somewhere in the Barrio Mexico area and clearly not headed to Moravia. He would not stop and continued making turns in BM.

At the next red light I jumped out of the taxi and rapidly walked in the doorway of a locals bar. I was shaking in my shoes.

I HAVE NO DOUBT THE DRIVER WAS TAKING ME INTO BARRIO MEXICO TO ROB ME.

The taxi looked like any other Red Taxi. I am not sure if he was a pirate taxi or a regular taxi. I always look for the yellow plaque on the side and the meter inside. The taxi had both. As for the "broken meter". Who knows.

My advice.....at night look for the yellow plaques, meter inside, liscense plate starting with "SJT" indicates "San Jose Taxi"....and....pick a older mature looking driver.

Economic times are tough all over the world and CR is no different.

Be careful out there.

Rascal.

good move...you did the right thing

Thanks for the great advice. Once I move there I will be gathering intel from people I trust down there to build up a list of trustworthy taxi drivers I can contact by cel phone. I don't like playing Russian roulette with taxis.

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Man I'm living life like a great white shark swimming with minnows! It's all about panocha, great scotch, fine cigars, loud-ass rock music and speed, speed, speed - plus spending as much time as possible in paradise on earth, Costa Rica!

So typical, real classic....."the maria is not working." I play along [providing, of course, he is headed in the right direction]; when we get to the destination, I first exit the cab, then give him what I think the proper fare should be. If he doesn't accept it, I drop it in his lap or the passenger seat and walk away. This same thing has happened to me several times, usually with the driver saying something to me like "muy malo." It's always a good idea to have small colone bills and coins with you to give the driver the right amount so he does not need to give you change.

Good feedback. As a newb I would be unlikely to catch the wrong turns.

I am bringing an iPhone with iGo for Costa Rica. Even with data turned off it will still GPS through the entire country. I'll be driving all week so it
Will come in handy.

At least this way I will be able to keep track of direction.