www.CostaRicaTicas.com

The last time I was coming through Miami International Airport I had a pretty funny exchange with a CPB Agent who had my passport. Noting the number of Costa Rica stamps I had in my passport, he had a few comments.

CBP Agent: "Costa Rica, again?"

ME: "Yea."

CBP Agent: "Why do you go there so often?"

ME: "Beautiful beaches, rain forests...monkeys..."

CBP Agent: "If thats what you say..." (big grin crossing his face)

You might think that country is getting a reputation.

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-PA*

I am waiting for this to happen to me. My answer?

"The hot prostitutes..."

I just want to see their look.

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Now, I am back in the game!

This subject has been covered a few times in the past.

The bottom line..... You can roll the dice and say whatever you want, but just remember that they have the power to detain you AND make your life miserable. Even if it's for no other reason than the way you answer their question(s). IMHO, the less said - the better. But as always, YMMV.
MG

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

Easy answer...

DENTAL WORK, SAVING ABOUT $ 15,000.00

but good advise from MG

[quote="El Silencioso"]Easy answer...

DENTAL WORK, SAVING ABOUT $ 15,000.00

Yo Silencio,

and you are a TAX expert ???

If you declare a $15K savings, US Customs might charge you DUTY on that unwise, stupid declaration of value added Import.
Do not know what rate, but 6% seems what was quoted to an amigo.

Cyg

I just told them dental work on my last trip when asked....,

They said to me, must be saving money vs the US...I said YEP...stamped me and wished me luck....

I don't think that 15K savings would be somethig to declare.......

Yes, I wouldn't directly say anything about prostitutes. These people aren't always so nice about it. Lat October in Atlanta I ran into a real hard-ass who definitely did NOT approve of my going to CR. Gave me the third degree, but never gave any details about what I did. I finally ended it by saying "I didn't do anything illegal there." Guy replied "Maybe by their laws!" and sent me off to have my bags searched.

The last two trips have gone just fine. Returning again to Atlanta after the Thanksgiving trip, the guy just asked if I had any coffee or liquor (no on both) and stamped my passport without any fuss. The Super Bowl trip in DFW went even better, the woman just gave the stamp while barely looking at my passport. That time I was wearing an Ex Officio Airstrip long-sleeve outdoors shirt (over a lightweight wicking t-shirt) as well as my REI Sahara convertible pants that I always I have on; I was the very image of an outdoors eco-traveller type.

One possible contributing factor to the hard-ass in Atlanta may have been that I was traveling very light (no checked bag) and didn't buy any souvenirs or such. Now I always make sure to buy books (which I like anyway) and lots of small souvenirs. Combined with my hiking outfit that should convince anyone that I was just exploring the rain forest in CR.

What he said.

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Cigar smoking doesn’t reduce us, it elevates us; It makes us more content to be alone, or it helps us to enjoy our companions. It encourages us to dwell on the simple moments and celebrate the sublime.
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Hung like Einstein and smart as a mule.
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You're not drunk if you can lay on the floor without holding on.