www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Wow, I realize that there is crime, but reading these post would change a mans mind in a hurry. Everything form catching dieases, Corupted Police, can walk outside at night for mougers, beggers, and pick-pockets.
This is some good travel advice for Newbies. I am goin to SJ on the 17th for dental work. I sure hope the dentist are up and above board. I guess it would be best to leave the women along, and stay inside. I am 61 years old and would of iked to spent some time with a really nice Tica, but according to you guys it might not be worth the trouble. Does anyone with lots of experience have any suggestions?

sure thats easy.
take taxis
stay at or near the SL
talk to the guys you meet there and you will be fine
the paranoia you have is not warranted unless you are an out of control drunken fool.

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting



READ !!!!!!!! Your questions will be MUCH more received with a little research !!!!!!


https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=16357


Also, the dental work in CR is excellent if you have done your homework. I have had Dental Implant surgery there and after almost 2 years, I could not be happier.

I don't trust dentists in CR or the states. The good thing about CR is that 2nd opinions on dental work are cheap.
Don't be put off by the dangers- just read about what to avoid, be careful and have fun. For me it's always been "worth the trouble".

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

Don't try and read into the future, and focus on your fears. Instead choose the positive, what you think is what you attract.

I'm also 61 and it can work to your advantage. Many women think that your session will be "muy rapido". After you've had their eyes rolled back into their heads for a while, they change their minds, and want another session for another reason.

I may be one of the lucky CRT members, but in eight trips I have not yet had one of the encounters that you mention.

I used to be a pro at trying to predict the future. For the most part it was trying to predict fear, and failure, to prevent it from happening. It was really just my ego wanting to "save" me again. In reality, very little, if nothing, ever really happened the way that I imagined it.

Read more on the board, and focus on the now.

Health & happiness....

Steve - Santas Bro

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It's not the size of the wand that put the rabbit in the hat, it's the magic in it!!!

Hell.... after reading the OP's comments - now even I'm scared to go!

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

That's what the Del Rey is for, a place that the "scared" types don't ever have to leave.

Hello Zor47.

I've written this elsewhere, but I'll repeat it. I am 51, overweight and blind. Do I feel safe in C.R.? Yes, around 99% of the time.

Here are a few security tips. The list isn't exhaustive, so please read/absorb as much as you can on the Forum here.

1. At night in particular, take legal, licensed metered taxis everywhere, even for short trips. Taxis in San Jose are very inexpensive. The licensed cabs will all be painted red, have a yellow operator's license decal prominently displayed, and will have a taximeter, called a "maria" by the locals. Do not walk anywhere alone, especially at night.

2. Find a wingman or wingmen to explore with. It's amazingly easy to connect with wing men; just visit the Sportsmen's for Happy Hour, also the Hotel del Rey/Blue Marlin Bar around the same time. Depending on where you're staying, you'll probably meet other CRT'ers at breakfast; the Amistad, Castillo, News Cafe (Hotel Presidente) and the Sportsmen's are all good spots to meet other hobbyists for breakfast.

3. Know the "Gringo Gulch" area. A copy of the map (available to paid members) will be a huge help in this regard.

4. Do you speak Spanish? No? Well, many of us do. Don't be afraid to ask a brother for help!

5. NEVER (shouting intentional) wear flashy jewelry or watches, designer sunglasses or any other obvious outward sign of wealth. NEVER carry more cash than you'll need for an outing; leave the chica's salary locked safely in your hotel room lockbox. For most outings, $20.00 - $40.00 is a good amount; food and cocktails are not terribly expensive, taxis are inexpensive etc.

6. Most chicas are fairly honest if you don't tempt them by stupidly leaving money out, etc. but there are of course a few bad apples. Use your instincts here; if you're observant, you can spot trouble signs before even taking the chica back to your room. About chicas: I have NEVER had trouble with any girl I've pulled rom the freelancers at the SL and certainly never in massage parlors.

7. Beggars can be repelled simply by a firm "no." Simply walking with purpose and looking straight ahead as you pass them will often immunize you against their advances. Under no circumstances get violent or aggressive with these beggars, but be firm and keep walking if they confront you.

8. Pickpockets: Carry your wallet in a front pocket, carry only as much cash as you'll need, don't flash your bankroll. Don't allow anyone to get close to you on the sidewalks. Keep moving. Leave your passport original, your credit cards and other important documents locked in your room safe. A photocopy of your passport I.D. page and most recent entry stamp, along with the boarding pass from your flight into C.R. is legal proof of your identity and tourist status. Don't let any cop tell you otherwise. It's the law.

Most importantly, don't be afraid. Be circumspect, observant, cautious...but don't be afraid. And BTW, 9-1-1 works the same in C.R. as it does in the U.S.A. Spanish is helpful here as well, but some of the 9-1-1 operators are reported (Fodor's) to speak English.

Have fun! And, again... read the forum to learn as much as you can before your trip. Buena suerte!

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Great advice! It is the voice of experience. You cannot say it any better.

My favorite quote from El Ciego is “don't be afraid. Be circumspect, observant, cautious...but don't be afraid.”

I only thing I would add, carry a photocopy of your passport with the visa-stamp at all times. Leave your passport locked in your hotel.

I believe I did say that above. I would add (thanks to Irish Drifter for this one), also carry your boarding pass stub from your flight into C.R. Sometimes dishonest cops will claim that your entry stamp is unreadable and will try to extort a bribe because of this. If you have your boarding pass as corroborating evidence, so to speak, they'll have less leverage. Also, if you encounter a dishonest policia, simply offer to accompany him back to your hotel to produce the original. Always be polite and respectful, but be firm. The photocopy of your identity page and entry stamp, along with the boarding pass is enough to prove your legal visa status. And Panadero is absolutely correct: Don't go anywhere without this documentary evidence, not even for a quick walk to the store. Keep it with you at all times.

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

Oh, don't let all this scare you. Fact is, Costa Rica (and in particular, San Jose) is really no more dangerous than your average urban area. But, unlike in the states, the police are less likely to be of any help.

Just use common sense. Don't make yourself a target. And follow the advice given. If you do that, you will have very little chance of problems.

The only thing I would change about what El Ciego said concerns "carry wallet in front pocket". Since I was pickpocketed several months ago, I have never even bought a new wallet. THERE IS NO REASON TO CARRY ONE HERE .

As I have said before all you need when on the streets or even in the REY, SL, etc. is:
1: room key (and if staying in a hotel, why not just leave it at the desk?)

2: photo copy of your passport and entry stamp-leave your passport in the safe.

3: a SMALL amount of cash for food, taxi, dranks (NO you do not need money for the chicas unless you are going to a MP--other wise you will pay her in the room and ONLY AFTER THE DEED)

Carrying your wallet in your front pocket will be of little deterant to a professional pickpocket--I had my camera in my front pocket and they got it and I never felt a thing. And they can see slight bulges (like a small wallet) that most would never think they would see.

I carry a small "black book' that I put my passport copy, CRT card, and, if going to the bank, my debit card in and this is in my shirt pocket. Even when I am leaving for the day out walking and going to MPs, I almost never carry more than c40000 (about $75) and I put part of this in my front pants pocket and the rest in a "hidden place".

As has been said, do not take any crap off the cops; and do not let them intimadate you. If you are "in the right", just tell them to take you in and you are not going to give them ANY money--I hear "OH, well, I did not want to waste the time". Hey your here on vacation; what have you got more of than 'time'? Giving in to them and paying an unnecessary bribe will only add fuel to the fire, and make the problem worse.

As has been said many times, the vast majority of people who have a problem here are the ones who are doing something to attract attention. LOUD CLOTHS, LOUD VOICE, LOUD JEWERLY, DRUNK, FLASHING MONEY-- these are the people who have a problem in most cases. Guys often say "well I am on vacation and I am going to dress and act as I wish" . That is fine; just do not blame anyone but yourself if you have a problem because you were doing something to attract attention.. Few if any gringos have spent more time walking the streets of SJ (day or night) than me. I have never had a problem so far except for being pickpocketed on the bus (yes it could happen just as it could happen on the streets of any city in the states).

Just use common sense, try to blend in, pay attention to your surroundings and the vast majority of the time you will be just fine. And do the things LaDiablo said and you should be fine. As for it sounding like it is extremely dangerous here; that is mostly because many of us want others to be aware of the potiential dangers here; we want everyone to have a good time, have fun , AND BE SAFE, while here. And as a result a lot gets posted sometimes making it seem worse than it really is. Many thousands of guys come here and never have a problem

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

I am very appreciative of people like BanBang57, El Ciego, Pacifica55 and many others that post great information time after time. These guys are experienced and knowledgeable on one hand, generous and helpful on the other. I have learned so much from them (and I have been in CR numerous times). I don’t have the pleasure of knowing them personally, but I have respect and admiration for them.

Most importantly, these guys have ‘great attitudes’. In an environment that is often difficult to keep it ‘real’ and not taking the ‘bragging’ too far, these guys are ‘authentic’ and down to earth.

Proceed with caution.

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I want thank all of you mougers and whoever else for the valuable information you have shared with me. I would have been robbed, raped, kidnapped, and kill if I had not came to this forum. Now I have a thousand questions. How many times have you guys been harassed by the police? Is the an everyday thing Do you think wearing a belt with a slit on the backside for hiding money would be safe? I also saw a little cloth bag that hangs around your neck, would this work? Thanks to the guy who suggested paying the ticas after receiving the services. One final question. What is consider modest acceptable, low key, clothing in San Jose?