www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hey so I am new to the site and have been reading a lot but a lot of information seems a little old especially the sticky threads so if I ask a question that's been answered that's probably why. I am 27 and this is my first trip alone out of the country I'm staying in a Jr suite at the Cocal from 6/27-7/8 and it ended up being about $90 a night which is way cheaper than advertised on their site which was a pleasant surprise.

So what I have gathered so far is to buy all my stuff such as booze and sun screen and what not at the airport and to maybe exchange money there as well, what about at the cocal anyone know if the exchange rate there is on par? How much should I expect to need in colones for a 10 day trip?, assuming this will be for food and anything local at most 60$ a day? including drinks? Hopefully I can find plenty to get from the market.

I am expecting a lot of trial by fire and I'll have plenty time for it, I am expecting to pay between 100 and 150 for a date while trying my best to remain firm at 100, but it seems the girls may work harder for a better price?. How should the scene be like during this time? I read maybe good as schools getting out? And it seems maybe it is always good at cocal?

I am also looking forward to the jungle and atv’s, if anyone has suggestions on hiking, fishing, Should I find a local to take me out for cheap or just stick with touristy/company stuff? I still have some research to do on all that. I am looking forward to going to places like the orange bar and seeing how the locals do it though I don't speak a lick of Spanish.

From pictures the beach doesn't look dirty but I have read people saying the place is a shit hole, I am not picky so I think I should be fine, can't be worse than walking around Baltimore or Philly.. well I guess it can. Can anyone give me clarification on talking about drugs on this website I have seen some discussion and it's not acceptable here? I'm assuming I will be asked by locals anyway.

I still have a lot more reading to do but this forum seems to be more focused towards SJ. From what I have read about the weather I am expecting most of it to be at night leaving time during the day for any outside activities. Anyway thought I would get a post going, again expecting a lot of trial and error.

Any information on safety is always appreciated!

DO NOT EXCHANGE MONEY AT THE AIRPORT.

Tell your bank you are going to CR and use ATMs to take out colones.

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Any opinion or observation in the post above is purely presented for entertainment purposes and does not promote "sexual tourism" or "human trafficking". The laws of Costa Rica apply to all activities in Costa Rica. No warranty is expressed or implied. Void where prohibited by law. Your experience, observations or perspective may be different.

In exile in pu*sy prison

You will be there during the "green" or rainy season when tourism is down.

The Cocal is busy on weekends, not so much during the week. Girls come into Jaco Friday and leave Sunday.

EDITED:. During the "green" or rainy season on the Pacific side tourism slows. Fewer rich gringos go to Los Sueños (the natural prey of the Cocal shark). Less prey, less sharks.

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Any opinion or observation in the post above is purely presented for entertainment purposes and does not promote "sexual tourism" or "human trafficking". The laws of Costa Rica apply to all activities in Costa Rica. No warranty is expressed or implied. Void where prohibited by law. Your experience, observations or perspective may be different.

In exile in pu*sy prison

Take your sunscreen with you as it is expensive in CR, put it in your checked bag though as it will not make it in your carry-on if over 3.5 ounces, TSA will take it. Only buy booze at the airport and they do take credit cards but I prefer to pay in Dollars.

Don't K*D yourself girls will not work harder for more money. They will give you what you allow them to give you. do not be afraid to tell them no, stay away from 3-somes as that is setting yourself up for being taken advantage of. Not speaking spanish is going to limit you somewhat, but it can be worked around. Think of everyone you meet there as trying to figure out a way to seperate you from your money. Keep yours eyes open and be hesitant to trust anyone, even gringos. Look for the places the locals are eating at to save money on food as the tourist places can be expensive. In january we were in Jaco for a day and stopped to eat at a resturaunt on the beach, nice place with cushy chairs, dressed up wait staff, impressive menus. Left after looking at prices as for 2 adults and 2 K*ds would have easily been 150.00 for lunch. Went down the street to a mexican place and spent about 50.00 for 4. As for the illegal substances they are there, and you will be able to find it, but seriously do you want to spend time in a foreign prison or jail on vacation. Not to mention the person you get them from gives you something other than what you are expecting that leaves you incapacitated, robbed, raped, killed, ???? is it really worth it?

fiatfen,

Welcome to the site! And congrats on your journey to CR.

Jaco gets a lot of hate from the San Jose fan base. But I think you'll like it better here. There is a ton more to do outside picking up girls.

Definitely DO NO get money at the airport. They rip you off. Bring about $200 in "US cash to start. You'll be able to get to Jaco easily on that. And you can use the ATM for the rest of the time.

Most of the girls want US dollars. So you'll want to pull US cash from the atms for them. No problem. But for the rest of the stuff like food, taxis, etc, it is easier to have colones. So you can get that at any ATM too.

How much you spend per day depends entirely on your eating and entertainment habits. You could easily spend $200 a day and run out of money without the girls. Or you could get by on $10 a day without the girls if you are frugal. But on average, figure meals are about $20 each and beer $3.00 each. And calculate from there.

I never pay more than $100 for a girl. The younger, prettier girls won't play for less than $150. But I always pass on them and they aren't the best lays anyways. Pretty, but poor participation. Stick to $100 USD for each girl and you'll be fine.

And girls perform better if they like you. Paying more doesn't really make them perform better. They might do something they wouldn't normally, like anal, if you throw a lot of money at them. But they won't like it and you'll be able to tell. Stick to $100 and with the girls and seem into you.

There is definitely a lot of activities from atv to tours. Most of pricey, but enjoyable. I'd recommend picking or or two activities that you want and not worry about the price. You won't really get a special deal by knowing a local unless they give the tour to you.

The beach is not a bad as people complain. Mostly it is rocking and not nice to walk on barefoot. Stay to the south end of the beach. Far less people. And much sandier.

As far as drugs, I'm not sure the sites official policy. But being a gringo in town, you'll get propositioned every ten feet on the main drag. I don't partake myself, so I've never done a deal. But I would guess that it is best to not go too far off the main strip for a deal. Too far away from a lot of people and it would be easier for trouble.

And if you want drugs, buy it early. Not late at night. Before midnight, you should be fine. Things get more sketchy after midnight.

I live in Jaco. Been here a little over a year. If you're looking for a wingman or just someone to grab a few beers shoot me a PM.

Good luck!

Try Los Amigos for lunch

Not sure I could handle just Jaco for that long, there are many other places you could visit in a trip of that length, Quepos/ Manuel Antonio for a better beach experience and something related to volcanoes / rain forest. But if you go to these places the chances of p4p are extremely limited.

In regards to your budget, much of depends on your tastes, you get a free breakfast at the Cocal, you can hit the nearby grocery store and stock up on food and drink, eat at some of the non tourist places and local food if you are trying to cut costs or you can splurge and eat at higher end places every day. There are some US fast food places in town as well if that is what you are looking for. One of m favorite spots is Taco bar, not far from the Cocal.

Plenty of places sell day tours, usually 4-6 hours per tour, usually one in the morning and one early afternoon.

Not going to comment on Jaco since only good days I know there is Fri/Saturday nights at Cocal if your girl hunting.
Don't change money at airport. Call debit card company and let them know your traveling to costa rica.
Scotiabank atm at the airport let you take out 250000 colones roughly $444 US at the current exchange rate right now. 1500 colones atm fee(under $3 US)
Bring sunblock in check luggage it's expensive there.

Girls you will pay what you pay, Jaco will be like you said $100-150. Some won't budge off $150 but if you really want her its only money don't let the $50 come between you and a dream Phuck.
You won't get worst service because you negotiate lower. It's just what they do, its a negotiation nation.
Drugs you will be offered all the time. It's your decision if you want to partake. Police take 2 things very serious - und***ge girls and drugs - will get the book thrown at you.