www.CostaRicaTicas.com

If I had the OP's situation - no financial constraints, few or no family obligations in the US, and presumably lots of free time -- I'd do the following:

1) Research short term apartments / aparthotels / furnished apartments in San Pedro, Escazu, Los Yoses or Barrio Dent... you know, the expensive 'hoods. Preferably with security and within walking distance of markets and bus stops.
2) Lease said apartment month-to-month for, say, 3 months.
3) Research and sign up for a intensive / immersive beginner's Spanish class (at least 4 hours per day, every day) in that language school in Barrio Dent (Costa Rica Language Academy) or equivalent.
4) Pack 2 suitcases, no more.
5) Take my ass down to San Jose and move in to my furnished apartment.
6) Go to the Sportmen's Lodge every night for the first two weeks I'm in town -- not to chase working girls but to meet and befriend fellow expats who can give a newbie some tips on how to go about living in CR.
7) Walk around the city, talk to people, go to my Spanish class, maybe get a tutor on the side to practice some more after class.
8 ) Sign up for salsa dancing classes at CRLA.
9) Go somewhere different around the country every other weekend.
10) Try to learn as much as I can in the 3 months so I can decide if I like CR enough to stay more time.

But that's just me.

mh

_________________
mh

Some advice from someone who went that route-me.I threw it around this chick when i first inherited money from my mom and it took less than 6 months before i got cleaned out and afterwards found she had a boyfriend.If not for that i could have taken early retirement and moved to CR by now.Now i just stay with working girls keeping it as much to business as posssible,no shopping etc,perhaps dinner once in awhile.

Since i started that way,no chick has tried to use me and i still get along .,that,s how i,m able to make my forthcoming CR trip.

If you do meet a genuine girl in CR, it can work out quite well. You do have to recognize the differences in culture, and, of course, any person in any country can be a "bad egg". The girls in the gulch, with very few exceptions, have been heavily exposed to the p4p lifestyle and can generally be counted upon to milk you. The following applies to "real" girls and "real" families based on my experience -- not the typical girl that works in the gulch and her boyfriend/husband (usually an unsavory character at best).

I have been seeing a girl regularly for a couple of months that does not frequent the working girl areas, and so far so good. I have 2 good friends (including the friend that convinced me to move to CR) that have steady girlfriends, one of them a live-in. I say once again that when you let a Tica or most other Latinas move in with you, you are at least to some extent adopting their entire immediate family.

The CR culture is that the family is a bit closer-knit, and since you will most likely have the deepest pockets by far, you will be expected to provide to a large extent for the family that you have just adopted. This is not as bad as in many Pacific Island nations, but it does exist. If you only wish to provide for your new girlfriend or wife and not do anything for her family, it will clash with her culture and may not work out as well as it might in the USA. This is not a greed or money-grubbing thing, it is simply the culture. You will have to judge if your girl is after you for your money or simply being a Tica (or girl from another similar Latin culture).

The CR family units that I have run into have been matriarchal. Grandma and the girls run the show, and the men provide the labor, cash, and goods. The good thing is that this does work both ways. You will have to decide for yourself how much of this you can take. The family will throw some awesome parties, and you will be part of the family when you show up. You will be exposed to some excellent deals on household goods, low-cost or free transportation, carpentry and other work around the house, etc. You will learn the Tico way of shopping and doing other things that will not only save you money, but also really allow you to enjoy the country to its fullest. The family will step up when you need assistance and will be there when you need it.

Most Ticas are quite mothering, in a strong, matriarchal way. My friend's live-in girlfriend cleans the apartment thoroughly every day, and will cook whenever she can get him to eat. You have to be careful mentioning that you need something, as she will usually start phoning her family trying to find it for you immediately. She is strong-willed, temperamental, and quick to turn fiery or angry if you bring up a hot topic or piss her off. Money is primarily for the needs of the apartment (cleaning supplies, food, etc.), which she goes to get by herself at cheap CR prices. He generally lets her run the house, but he calls the shots on going out. I have noticed that if she disagrees with him on something, it is either a fiery argument or he has to really strongly put his foot down. The problem with that is that Latinas do not always back down -- so it is often quite the blow up. His advice to me has been not to let the fact that your friends (like me) are present in your home to be used by her as leverage to get you to back down to avoid your friends being embarrassed. Stick to your guns if you really feel that you need to win that particular argument. His favorite phrase is to say in a loud voice (not yell), "I'm the man, I've made my decision, the discussion is over, now shut the F*** up!" It does get a reaction, not necessarily a positive one initially, but in the end it does work well. The girls are fiery and used to making decisions for weak men. You have to establish the attitude of being tough but fair. It's not fun, but it will work if you persist. And the reward is worth it. If you can convince a Tica that you are a good guy who can provide for her and her family, and that you can project authority, you should be good to go.

I have seen him give her money (other than for shopping for the apartment). Some months there is no money, some months her mom needs $100 to make the rent, etc. He does buy her gifts, and he does give her $50 to shopping every few weeks or so, or if she needs something. She is not afraid to ask and he usually says no for ridiculous requests or every once in a blue moon, to hopefully avoid being an ATM. He takes her on some pretty awesome vacations for birthdays, anniversary, and valentines day. He is sappy in love for sure, but he at least tries to separate that from the practicality of life. Latinas like a guy who can take charge without treating them like crap or a punching bag. I have heard dozens of times things like, "Baby I appreciate the dinner, but these pots look and feel like you just ran them under cold water for 5 seconds. They are still greasy and nasty. Wash them again... now. Te amo, mi amor, but these have to be washed correctly.

ahh... the infamous CRT double post. my first!

First off thanks to everyone who replied back as I am getting exactly what I needed to hear so thank you.

Im in no way telling any of these girls about me being wealthy or anything in regards to money. I am just asking questions on here so that I don't have to ask them but will know what to be on the look out for. I was directed to this site by some members who I know here where I live. They know some people who are in similar situations as me and they are also members. So I was told to post on this forum and In hopes some would stumble upon my ads and give me some feedback.

Yeah im keeping a storage here along with my car and I have a room setup at my friends house so that I can come back whenever I want. Im sure if I met a cool Tica I would bring her over and take her to Busch Gardens or somewhere around here. Im only bringing two suite cases which will consist of clothes nothing else fancy. I went out and bought some clothes with no logos on them and will leave the nice stuff here. I plan to play the part that's for sure. Looking at two bdrm apts one for my massage therapy equipment which I will need since I am going to do some courses in Costa as well.

Im going to keep busy for sure im looking to meet that girl that I can work out with and go travel around Costa on the weekends. I want to see these amazing waterfalls and other places I love animals so im sure if I meet someone they could lead me around. I don't need a girl around all the time I need my space as well but I would prefer to share my life with someone have feelings for someone eventually a K*D. Im staying away from the girls with K*ds if I can avoid it I have already been through that drama here in the states. It is a nightmare omg what a pain in the ass not worth it. I love K*ds and can't stand dead beat dads for anything. It would be nice to find that girl who will shop for me as I hate shopping for food and not knowing spanish it will be hard. But I love to cook so I would probably be in the kitchen more then her regardless. Im going to be going to school so my time is going to be used up I like staying really busy it's good for me.

I am planning my trip now and will also go see a family lawyer while im over there just to get into details so that when I come back to the states I can review everything before I move. Im very much into the sex scene as well as the next guy. I have just pretty much done everything and even porn in Germany on a number of occasions. I just find sex to be so much better when you have feelings for that person I don't know I think doing porn just ruined it for me. However I am still up for meeting the presidential status women on my trip so if anyone can lead me in the right direction let me know. Once again thanks for all the feedback it's cool to see how you guys also stick up for these girls. I can see that some of you genuinely care about your Ticas awesome.

Nik - good luck - some random comments on your post:

I may be misinterpreting - you do know "tica" simply means female Costa Rican, right (its not a catch all term for working girl)

I think it all depends on where you look - guys meet a whore <sorry to be so blunt> in the Gulch, there is a 40 year age difference, neither really speaks the others language, they have little in common, so is it any wonder it does not work out?

I would not plan on booking Hollowscream at Bush Gardens just yet - its not easy for many Costa Ricans to get tourist visa to the USA - we as Americans sometimes forget how easy we have entry to much of the world.

Its like guys who post their whole life on line - if you don't reveal a lot of personal stuff probably best left unposted, no one will know - unless you blab your status and info to a girl, she is not going to know - some guys (for reasons beyond me ) choose to do so and it never seems to ends well.

I get the impression you are looking for a normal, straight, non sex worker lady - even in this situation, there is no need to open up your whole life until the relationship is well beyond the beginning stages.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but doing porn wherever puts you in a category well different "from the next guy" but I really doubt porn in any way ruined anything (assuming no animals were involved ) Like just about everyone, you are looking for a decent relationship, and I wish you the best in finding it.

(Sorry - I had to get up to puke - the thought of looking at some of the old, fat, droopy balled, smelly, Hotel Del Rey denizens doing porn just turned my stomach )

Oh....by all means travel as much as you can and see Costa Rica - its a beautiful country, well worth taking the time to really explore.

OK I feel compelled to interject here.

1. The first question was whether you can find a regular girl like you would in FL - Yes you can. But please read through this post. You say you are "very good looking" and are learning Spanish. Both are absolute pluses. You will still want to find a girl who speaks English though because I doubt your Spanish will get to the point that you dream in it. That has happened for *ONE* guy I know who moved down here. Other than that, all guys who settled down with regular girls did so with English speaking girls.

For one, you will want to stay away from the HDR/Gringo Gulch COMPLETELY. Never even visit if ALL you're interested in is a "regular girl". There aren't any at the HDR or within a 5 mile radius of it

2. You say you are researching 2 bedroom apartments. What area? You have *3* choices as to where to look considering your criteria - Escazu (#1 choice STILL), Santa Ana & Ciudad Colon. Los Yoses is a total maybe and you claim to have "unlimited money" or something like that so you shouldn't need to even consider it. In fact, if you just want an apartment your choices in CR can be counted on one hand. I highly recommend this building - http://cortijoloslaureles.com/

It is smack dab in the middle of Escazu ("Beverly Hills of Costa Rica" - No, it can't be compared to the real Beverly Hills but it's the best you'll find) with many fine restaurants, gyms, malls, IMAX, Golf Course etc etc. all around it. The door man building has its own concierge where you can ask for any info you like, has nice pools, a private bar for tenants and even the snazziest cigar bar in CR as part of the small strip mall out front (name is 9N). And yes they do rent for short terms (2 months and up). I could recommend a couple others but none would meet your needs as much as this so you really shouldn't look any further.

3. You say you are refusing to bring any name brand clothes etc. Just like in FL, you are aiming to impress the girl aren't you? If you get off your red cab wearing a polo shirt with a Movado wristwatch or whatever don't expect the gorgeous hottie in Escazu to be too impressed. In fact, you'll look smack dab out of place wearing clothes from the Gap in Escazu or whatever. If you're trying to go this route feel free to bring all the expensive clothes you want.

And that brings me back to the "route" you're planning on taking. What is it exactly? Are you looking to meet a poor good looking girl? She will most likely either not speak English or she will be hooking on the side no matter how benign she seems. The absolute only kinda good looking English speaking girl you'll meet in CR that is not a hooker is either a girl with a "high" paying job ($3K/month+) or a girl from a rich family. Neither of which will be impressed by a plainly dressed guy. Also, the only way to find such a girl would be either a chance meeting in a bank/supermarket etc. or if you make friends they MAY introduce you to one.

One of my employees (who also happens to be a friend) moved to CR a year ago to come work for us and did this same search as you. He is in his 20's and is currently engaged to an English schoolteacher. Guaranteed not a hooker family girl but he'll be the first to admit, not a looker either. Her sister looks slightly better and she engages in "questionable" afternoons with married men as far as he knows (most likely for cash). And this is the most benign CR family I've ever seen among the lower classes.

PS : You keep talking about your massage therapy training. I can tell you right now you will get nowhere with that vocation in CR even if you're doing it only for fun. A male masseuse means one thing in CR - A gay sexual encounter for men on the down low and on rare occasions a sexual encounter for 40-50 something bored/usually butt ugly housewives . If you don't believe me put an ad in the CR craigslist and glean through the responses to get an idea of the market. Already had a friend go through this. Don't waste your time. Doing nothing will be less aggravating than going through that.

stlribs, HOF posts there man

I have only 1 question. What is the country where the father ended up handing out his 2 daughters to you? If I had to guess it HAS to be in Eastern Europe. Ukraine or something like that. I can't imagine any other culture where it would be considered acceptable for a father to pimp out his daughters and be proud of it.

I wish you would post more, CG - you have boots on the ground experience, and are intelegent ($600 hookers aside ) and articulate.

Having this same trait, you also express it as you see it, and don't mince words.

(What the board needs is more thoughtful, well written posts, a little more back and forth between members, and fewer "drive by" posts. Also fewer dopey questions about being out in the middle of nowhere and asking "Wheres all the pu*sy" )

Also for Bangbang57 to start posting again, but you can't have everything! )

I appreciate that but I think my reality check may have scared the OP straight outta Costa Rica (he wouldn't be the first)



Bangbang and I fundamentally disagree about everything. You have esoteric tastes

Nah.....your pu*sy budget for one night is his for 3 months!

That might be an issue

You're right about the posting with the clue. Not a lot of that lately.

Damn,

I was hoping to sign on and read something worth reading again like the last few times. Of course what do I see Americans talking shit what's new lol. Scare me away? Reality Check? Really???

Okay well sorry to burst your bubble but in no way did you scare me away or slap me in the face about Costa Rica. All you did was have me call up those apts which I did and I am waiting to hear back word now on if I can get in or not. I do have a dog and cat which go with me wherever I go so they come first. I have already booked my flight and will be in Costa as of this weekend. I am meeting up with some girls who I met off of other websites. They seem really cool and I am excited to go see Costa for sure. Probably working girls but I don't care they speak english and I am sure I will have a good time which is all I want anyways.

I don't stay on the computer I am very active and I have a ton of stuff going on around here as I have mentioned before in some of my post. I was in no way talking about doing massage as a profession in Costa. I just enjoy doing it and I love working on women so that trade would be more for the girls that I am seeing. Im looking to move to Costa because I don't have to rely on another source of income ie a job. I am at the stage in my life where that will never be in the cards for me or my girl or wife and never my K*ds if I have them. I don't think im better then anyone because of this it's just my life big deal. This is also why I hate America somebody always has to be the bigger guy lol. This is also why I never even mentioned who I was because it doesn't matter my days of showing off are long gone I grew out of all of that. I don't have to be the center of attention anymore.

You gave me some good advice I just had to think more about what im looking for that's it. To me I can see that I probably would end up with a working girl coming there. But in the end who cares after taking sometime to sit back and think about it. I think I just want to meet a really cool down to earth girl that I can have fun with. Go to the gym with and travel around Costa for a bit and see who she is as a person. Maybe I do find that girl that would be cool. Either way I plan to have a blast while im over there and that's what counts im very pleased and happy that I am fortunate enough to be able to do this. I super excited for this week to hurry up and be over that's for sure. I would have already had a place in Costa but I promised my dad I would stay with my mom until she moved and I will.

Hi Nikkobob26,

The "scared him straight" comment is basically an inside joke here on the forums about newbies. We were not "talking shit" or having fun at your expense in any way. Cortijo is an excellent option although I'm not sure if they allow pets (never checked, they might). That would be an issue at most high end buildings but I'm sure some allow. If they don't take pets the place to look for more apartments would be http://www.encuentra24.com/costa-rica-e ... apartments

Regarding "ending up" with a working girl. If you've arrived at the decision of picking working girls (as I expected you had to at some point, no point in coming here for girls otherwise, same situation as the States) do yourself a big favor and don't end up even quasi-living with one of them. Don't let any of them move in or even temporarily live with you in any shape or form. You can have them spend the night in most cases but if you let them move their stuff in in any way, shape or form you will almost certainly regret it. Why? Let me explain how CR law works. Usually, the Costa Rican police are baton wielding officer friendly types when it comes to someone stealing something from your house. You can report the theft of anything including say a firearm, take them to meet the guy who stole the stuff and he can confess to the crime and he will still walk away scot free (this is a REAL story). However, where they are very strict when it comes to law enforcement is so-called "domestic disturbances". If a girl is in your house with say a tooth brush in your bathroom or a single witness who says yeah "she MAY live there sorta" all she has to do is call 911 and say she lives there and you have physically abused her (being accused of slapping her once is sufficient). She has to show no marks of any kind or demonstrate in ANY way that this actually happened EVER. Her simply saying it means the cops have to remove you from the premises immediately and issue a restraining order. You can then either stop paying the rent or if you happen to own the place (oh yes, this works even if you own the deed to the property!) you have to fight in court for months to evict her from YOUR property. Of course, in either case expect the place to be completely cleaned out of all valuables by the time you get back in (if ever). Every single working girl in Costa Rica knows this and will not hesitate to use it as a "tactic" whenever that is the most viable way forward. So if you know what's good for you DO NOT let a girl move into your apartment even for like 2 days.

Having said all that, all we're doing is trying to help you out here. You are obviously free to follow or not follow any advice given here. We are just re-telling stories/first hand accounts we have heard down here over the years. Everything I have stated is fact. Which is not to say your experiences will be the same, better or worse. But best to know the worst case scenarios going in

PS : Have you checked the regulations about bringing your pets down here? As far as I know, it is not a straightforward process. Paperwork needs to be filed and vaccinations need to be done all in advance. I'm sure you already know all this but just in case :

http://costarica.usembassy.gov/catsdogs.html

I brought down one cat and one dog when I moved and it was a piece of cake. It barely took longer than throwing your bags in tbat x-ray machine they have at Juan Santamaria airport. However, before I left USA, I consulted with a customs official in Costa Rica and faxed him the documents. I also took photos of my critters showing their distinguishing features (color splotches, yada yada) to make sure they matched the vet reports. No notaries, but plenty of info on my USA vet and how to contact him. I also paid the customs guy (lets just say cash was involved) to meet me at the airport and make sure things went smoothly. At no point did we do anything illegal, not even bending the rules. He simply made sure that I had exactly what the officers on duty needed to see, for less than the price of a nice meal. 15 minutes after walking into baggage claim, I am jumping into a taxi.