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PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2021 11:47 am 
CR Virgin - Newbie!

Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:00 pm
Posts: 8
Newbie here with an upcoming trip to Jaco, in July for my first trip to CR

For reference, I've been to Southeast Asia several times and spent about 10-12 weeks total in Thailand over the course of 5 trips. Pattaya is my favorite place in the whole world :P ...or used to be anyway. I truly hope it can return to form one day.

The contrast between my first and second (and subsequent trips) was stark, after getting the experience from that first trip. Outside of my first trip, the longest I would ever stay with the same girl would be two nights. Butterfly they call it. Is there a similar term for the chicas?

I've used the term many times to make sure it was clear to the girl I was with that I would be seeing others. I don't put up with drama.

I'm hoping the skills I've learned mongering in the far east will translate to CR as well, at least in terms of managing the girls. I'm sure you guys will correct me if I'm wrong on this.

So, I'll be staying for 10 nights at The Palms Condos on north end of the beach, next to Croc's. I've already confirmed with my host that it is ok to bring guests to my place as long as they have and show their ID. I'll probably tip the security guys, whether it's necessary or not, as I've learned from previous travels that the gesture can go a long way.

I've read enough of the forum to get a general idea of things, although with the current situation it seems to be a bit more of a challenge these days. My flight doesn't get into SJO until around 7:30pm so not sure what my options will be for that first night by the time I get settled. Any thoughts?

One thing I've already noticed that I'll probably need to change is start partying earlier considering the early closings. My routine out east was to go out around 8 or 9:00 and party all night and sleep half the day. I don't see that being an option here, at this time.

I don't have any plans, really other than eating, drinking, and picking up ticas. I'll hang around the pool and beach during the days. I also get full use of Croc's pool and amenities, which looks quite nice.

I'll also probably do a tour or two, ATV and maybe the bioluminescent kayak tour.

I'm really looking forward to the trip and comparing the scene there with my previous travels. I'll certainly do a trip report on my return, if anyone is interested. I've done many detailed TR's on a Thai forum that were well read. I may even consider doing a live TR if I feel like it at the time, since I take detailed notes throughout my journey.

Any additional info or ideas you guys are willing to share would also be appreciated, and I'm glad to have found this forum. Very good and useful info here!

-JDX


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2021 12:43 pm 
PHD From Del Rey University!
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Good luck and go with the flow.

A couple of thoughts.
1. Since you get in at 7:30, don't bother with San Jose your tirst trip. Go directly to Jaco.
2. The first part of July (1-12) there will be increased driving restrictions. This will not effect rental cars or formal transportation (taxis, shuttles, etc) but will impact informal options (Uber, DiDi, private drivers). The restrictions are mainly designed to get locals to stay home. There have been tourist workarounds, anything from informal after hours pool parties to chicas hanging out in front of bars because of occupancy restrictions. These vary deprnding on police enforcement. Just keep your eyes and ears for opportunities when you arrive.
3. Nobody knows how things will be the later part of July, but I would speculate that restrictions will loosen up.

Lastly, CR has pretty specific travel insurance including medical coverage AND housing coverage. Assuming you have been vaccinated, the requirement is a SCAM since you are at negligible risk of needing to file a claim. Since you must have it to join the party, you as well join the SCAM and purchase the cheapest option available. A lot of guys choose insurance from Trawick. Purchasing directly from them has gotten kind of expensive lately. You will be offered the exact same policy if you go through a different broker such as INSBUY. How's that for a SCAM! :lol:

Again, good luck, go with the flow, pu*sy here is pink, just like in LOS. Enjoy your trip and post a report.

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2021 1:20 pm 
CR Virgin - Newbie!

Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:00 pm
Posts: 8
Boynton wrote:
Good luck and go with the flow.

A couple of thoughts.
1. Since you get in at 7:30, don't bother with San Jose your tirst trip. Go directly to Jaco.
2. The first part of July (1-12) there will be increased driving restrictions. This will not effect rental cars or formal transportation (taxis, shuttles, etc) but will impact informal options (Uber, DiDi, private drivers). The restrictions are mainly designed to get locals to stay home. There have been tourist workarounds, anything from informal after hours pool parties to chicas hanging out in front of bars because of occupancy restrictions. These vary deprnding on police enforcement. Just keep your eyes and ears for opportunities when you arrive.
3. Nobody knows how things will be the later part of July, but I would speculate that restrictions will loosen up.

Lastly, CR has pretty specific travel insurance including medical coverage AND housing coverage. Assuming you have been vaccinated, the requirement is a SCAM since you are at negligible risk of needing to file a claim. Since you must have it to join the party, you as well join the SCAM and purchase the cheapest option available. A lot of guys choose insurance from Trawick. Purchasing directly from them has gotten kind of expensive lately. You will be offered the exact same policy if you go through a different broker such as INSBUY. How's that for a SCAM! :lol:

Again, good luck, go with the flow, pu*sy here is pink, just like in LOS. Enjoy your trip and post a report.


Boynton, thanks for the info! Good to know about the driving restrictions. I was planning on reaching out to Vanessa, as recommended here. Do you think that will be a problem, after the 12th? At what time do the restrictions go into effect?

I'm already aware of the insurance bit, as well as the health screening thingy, but haven't done either yet. The screening needs to be done within a couple day prior to departure, IIRC. I'll check those two that you mentioned for the insurance, and yes I've been vaxxed already, even tho it's meaningless down there :wink:

Thanks again, and just going with the flow is what I do!


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2021 1:49 pm 
PHD From Del Rey University!
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JDX wrote:
Boynton wrote:
Good luck and go with the flow.

A couple of thoughts.
1. Since you get in at 7:30, don't bother with San Jose your tirst trip. Go directly to Jaco.
2. The first part of July (1-12) there will be increased driving restrictions. This will not effect rental cars or formal transportation (taxis, shuttles, etc) but will impact informal options (Uber, DiDi, private drivers). The restrictions are mainly designed to get locals to stay home. There have been tourist workarounds, anything from informal after hours pool parties to chicas hanging out in front of bars because of occupancy restrictions. These vary deprnding on police enforcement. Just keep your eyes and ears for opportunities when you arrive.
3. Nobody knows how things will be the later part of July, but I would speculate that restrictions will loosen up.

Lastly, CR has pretty specific travel insurance including medical coverage AND housing coverage. Assuming you have been vaccinated, the requirement is a SCAM since you are at negligible risk of needing to file a claim. Since you must have it to join the party, you as well join the SCAM and purchase the cheapest option available. A lot of guys choose insurance from Trawick. Purchasing directly from them has gotten kind of expensive lately. You will be offered the exact same policy if you go through a different broker such as INSBUY. How's that for a SCAM! :lol:

Again, good luck, go with the flow, pu*sy here is pink, just like in LOS. Enjoy your trip and post a report.


Boynton, thanks for the info! Good to know about the driving restrictions. I was planning on reaching out to Vanessa, as recommended here. Do you think that will be a problem, after the 12th? At what time do the restrictions go into effect?

I'm already aware of the insurance bit, as well as the health screening thingy, but haven't done either yet. The screening needs to be done within a couple day prior to departure, IIRC. I'll check those two that you mentioned for the insurance, and yes I've been vaxxed already, even tho it's meaningless down there :wink:

Thanks again, and just going with the flow is what I do!


Vanessa gets good reviews and I wouldn't hesitate to use her. I use Pops who happens to be my neighhor. For you, it will depend on your exact travel dates. The system is based on the last digit of the vehicle license plate (placa) From July 1-12 it runs odd/even (impares/pares in Spanish), so half the days a a car cannot circulate. Even during times of lesser restriction there are two days a vehicle cannot circulate, one weekday and either Saturday or Sunday.

Remember, the screening is when you are leaving CR. There is no screening requirement to enter the CR, only the insurance and a Health Pass from the CR Health Ministry. This *can* get a little dicey around the weekends if you need customer support. You can buy the insurance any time before your trip, but you can only get the Health Pass two days before travel since they ask you if you have current symptoms. My advice is to purchase the insurance a week before and then get the health pass two days before. You will get a letter/certificate from the insurance and a QRCode from the Health Pass. Download both to your phone and also have print copies.

For testing locations, check with your lodging for their advice or google. If you are US, an antigen test is sufficient.

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PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2021 3:13 pm 
CR Virgin - Newbie!

Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:00 pm
Posts: 8
I think the Health Pass you mention is what I referring to as the screening. I know I'll need a negative COVID test within a couple days of travelling home as well. Seems there's a few places to get that sorted. I'll reach out to Vanessa to see if she can accommodate me. Thanks again, Boynton!


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 22, 2021 3:58 pm 
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Always glad to point a newbie in the right direction.
Enjoy your trip.

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PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2021 10:02 am 
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JDX wrote:
I think the Health Pass you mention is what I referring to as the screening. I know I'll need a negative COVID test within a couple days of travelling home as well. Seems there's a few places to get that sorted. I'll reach out to Vanessa to see if she can accommodate me. Thanks again, Boynton!


Vanessa picked me up at the airport and although it wasn't her day to drive she had a note on her dashboard from someone that made it legal. She will be my driver from now on


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2021 12:29 pm 
Not a Newbie I just don't post much!
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Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 6:42 pm
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Location: LV, NV
I just got an email from my airline about the insurance. I have traveled to Mexico twice in the past few months (for business) and am familiar with the covid test within 72 hours of boarding a plane to return to the the united states. But this insurance requirement has caught me off guard.

I searched this site and this was the thread I found. My airline said I needed to buy it from a Costa Rica company, but didn't offer a link. What do I need to do?

I have checked out Sagicor and Insubuy and am not 100% certain what I need to get. Is the Covid Insurance and the lodging insurance both required and separate policies?

Who did you go with?


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2021 1:18 pm 
CR Virgin - Newbie!

Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:00 pm
Posts: 8
Techlife97 wrote:
I just got an email from my airline about the insurance. I have traveled to Mexico twice in the past few months (for business) and am familiar with the covid test within 72 hours of boarding a plane to return to the the united states. But this insurance requirement has caught me off guard.

I searched this site and this was the thread I found. My airline said I needed to buy it from a Costa Rica company, but didn't offer a link. What do I need to do?

I have checked out Sagicor and Insubuy and am not 100% certain what I need to get. Is the Covid Insurance and the lodging insurance both required and separate policies?

Who did you go with?


You can get it from either an international company or a Costa Rica company. The difference being that you only need $20k of medical coverage if it's a CR company versus $50k from an international one. The full requirements are listed here: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements

I went with Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Costa Rica and it was about $112 for a 11 day visit and meets all the requirements.


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2021 1:29 pm 
Not a Newbie I just don't post much!
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Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2011 6:42 pm
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Location: LV, NV
Thank you for the quick response. Yes, visitcostarica.com is where I found Sagicor, but I like the Blueshield site better as I don't have to make any decisions.
I may have been misreading it, but Sagicor appeared to offer the medical and lodging separately. Blueshield doesn't offer any options. Just "Click here. This is what you need to meet the requirement."


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2021 1:50 pm 
CR Virgin - Newbie!

Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:00 pm
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Techlife97 wrote:
Thank you for the quick response. Yes, visitcostarica.com is where I found Sagicor, but I like the Blueshield site better as I don't have to make any decisions.
I may have been misreading it, but Sagicor appeared to offer the medical and lodging separately. Blueshield doesn't offer any options. Just "Click here. This is what you need to meet the requirement."


No worries, glad I could help. Yeah, the BCBS policy was super easy and quick. I checked several websites and the prices ranged from $9 a day to over $20 a day. BCBS took all of 2 minutes to complete, purchase, and had my voucher in hand about 5 mins later.


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 23, 2021 2:02 pm 
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FYI - My last purchase was on 5/25 for travel dates 5/27 through 8/22 (88 days) via the INSBUY website. The policy comes through Trawick and certifies both the medical and lodging coverage. The cost was $88.40, one dollar a day.

My personal situation, I am fully vaccinated, so the risk of me needing to file a claim is small. I have a residency pending and do not pay into the caja, I also have a separate catastrophic insurance policy and pay out-of-pocket for my routine medical care. I checked other CR based providers and their prices were in the $500 to $800 range. The point being that I was simply interested in fulfilling the government requirement, so I went with the el-cheapo scam provider.

Each travelers situation is unique and each should make their own decision.

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PostPosted: Thu Jun 24, 2021 11:23 am 
CR Virgin - Newbie!

Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:00 pm
Posts: 8
Boynton wrote:
FYI - My last purchase was on 5/25 for travel dates 5/27 through 8/22 (88 days) via the INSBUY website. The policy comes through Trawick and certifies both the medical and lodging coverage. The cost was $88.40, one dollar a day.

My personal situation, I am fully vaccinated, so the risk of me needing to file a claim is small. I have a residency pending and do not pay into the caja, I also have a separate catastrophic insurance policy and pay out-of-pocket for my routine medical care. I checked other CR based providers and their prices were in the $500 to $800 range. The point being that I was simply interested in fulfilling the government requirement, so I went with the el-cheapo scam provider.

Each travelers situation is unique and each should make their own decision.


Yeah, looks like you can do better than I did, if you're willing to spend some time on it. I checked the Insubuy (assuming that's what you meant) and looks like the lowest cost I could get it for was about $5 a day. Oh well, like I said, the Blue Cross Blue Shield option was very quick and simple, but if you want to dig a little, you can certainly do better. To each their own :)


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PostPosted: Thu Jun 24, 2021 10:25 pm 
Not a Newbie I just don't post much!

Joined: Sun May 20, 2012 6:05 pm
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JDX wrote:
I know I'll need a negative COVID test within a couple days of travelling home as well. Seems there's a few places to get that sorted.
I had a good experience with Jaco Lab (https://laboratoryinjaco.com/) earlier this month getting the antigen test (results were emailed to me later that afternoon). Jaco Lab is located in Jaco Walk (https://www.jacowalk.com/). The test cost me $72 (partially because I paid with my credit card; I believe it would have been slightly cheaper if I paid in colones). Be aware you need to make an appointment but I was able to make an appointment for the same day as the test.

JDX wrote:
I'll hang around the pool and beach during the days.
I just got back from a trip and stayed at Breakwater Point condos which is quite close by. Crocs has a great Mexican restaurant inside as well as a restaurant that serves great breakfast in the mornings (forgot the name). The casino in Crocs is currently closed.

If you want to swim at all, I highly recommend walking to the opposite end of the beach. It takes about an hour, but it's worth it - the water is much cleaner and the waves are still big but more predicable and relaxing. All of the surfing is done on this part of the beach as well because it's safer. I didn't see anyone swimming in the north end of the beach, supposedly rip currents are a problem in that area.


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PostPosted: Sun Jun 27, 2021 11:22 am 
CR Virgin - Newbie!

Joined: Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:00 pm
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WakingUp wrote:
I had a good experience with Jaco Lab (https://laboratoryinjaco.com/) earlier this month getting the antigen test (results were emailed to me later that afternoon). Jaco Lab is located in Jaco Walk (https://www.jacowalk.com/). The test cost me $72 (partially because I paid with my credit card; I believe it would have been slightly cheaper if I paid in colones). Be aware you need to make an appointment but I was able to make an appointment for the same day as the test.

I just got back from a trip and stayed at Breakwater Point condos which is quite close by. Crocs has a great Mexican restaurant inside as well as a restaurant that serves great breakfast in the mornings (forgot the name). The casino in Crocs is currently closed.

If you want to swim at all, I highly recommend walking to the opposite end of the beach. It takes about an hour, but it's worth it - the water is much cleaner and the waves are still big but more predicable and relaxing. All of the surfing is done on this part of the beach as well because it's safer. I didn't see anyone swimming in the north end of the beach, supposedly rip currents are a problem in that area.


Great info, and thanks for the advice! Good to know about the differences in the north and south beach. I was actually under the impression that the north end would be nicer, but I'll certainly check out the whole beach ;)


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