www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Whats the deal with these guys as of late?

On my way back, in New York I was asked about 20 questions from the customs agent ( probably 27 years old), concerning why I was in CR, and why I had so many US customs stamps.

Are they doing some huge crackdown? I was pulled into the back room, and asked another series of questions, about where I stayed, how long, why, what I did, who I knew down there.

Ive never encountered this kind of thing before, so I was curious if anyone else on here runs into that kind of thing? I have probably 15+ US stamps in the last 6 months, but I dont see that as being a suspicious amount?

It must have been the red shoe laces. US customs is getting more critical of everything. My last return I got several questions and I'm a US citizen. What were you doing in CR? Where were you staying? Why do you go there so much? However, I didn't get the back room treatment. That must be reserved for rowdy Canadians.

Jmac - i hope you didn't tell them you were bangin' hoes. Although, I'm sure they know and there is nothing they can do about it.

I just tell them that my girlfriend lives there. I also offer her name, address and phone number (which I have... well she's a hoe, not my girlfriend, but she would help out).

This stopped the questioning.

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Never had a problem. Once in awhile they ask me a polite question like "did you have a nice trip?"

Zebra

I have never been asked a single question... not even "did you have a nice trip?"

Jmac, you must look suspicious.

Same here, My only issue was been looked at cross eyed by an old fat gringa at the incoming costoms in Chicago but that is about it. (Obviously knew what goes on there) If asked, I would say the same as Chi-trekker. Have been dating a girl, here is where I stay, here is the phone number and address of the hotel I stay at and would provide name, address home phone and work phone of Novia if necessary.

Have had my passport stamped now 6 times in and out of CR between January '05 and February '06.

I also have never been asked a question other than are you bringing in any fruit or other perishable items. Same answer always is NO, just cigarettes and an occassional bottle of tequila, and off I go.

Unlike my buddy Zebra, have never even been asked "Did you have a nice trip" It is hard to even get a good morning out of them on those damn late night/early morning arrivals and I am always the friendly hi how are you doing this evening/morning type (what is that a red flag for them or something)

Hopefully my good luck will continue as I am about 6-7 weeks away from the end of tax season and my arrival in CR

Maybe I should make a shirt that says something like "international chica inspector", then theyll understand

Would not do that ....would probably piss them off and cause you all kinds of grief....seems the customs and immigration DO NOT have a sense of humor..Be professional and on your way quietly is my policy. I have nothing to hide and have been searched at the airport a couple of times, but that does not bother me at all, rather be safe than sorry nowadays.

I don't know. Could be a random thing. I got pulled into the back room at Toronto international once in early 2001, and never had that happened again ever since. Actually the agent that was checking my papers in the room asked me, " why are you in this room ? " , amazing eh ? Anyway the dude said it happens some times randomly.

Why do you have to go through NYC anyway, we can fly AC ( and others ) direct to SJO .

Because, its cheaper for me to get to NYC then it is to Toronto. Also, I wasnt aware AC flew direct. What are you paying for flights?

I got the hairy eyebrow on two trips taken close together:

https://costaricaticas.com/phpBB2/viewto ... mmigration

These agents have extensive training in areas of "profiling" all passengers, especially International travellers. You must of had that 'look'. You know the look I'm talkin' about.....the 'cat that swallowed the canary' look. Either that, or they were jealous after seeing that big sh*t eating grin on your face after banging endless chica's. These agents aren't stupid. They know what's going on down there !!! Next time, lose the neon shoelaces, and wear a suit & tie when you travel! Just my opinion.......!
Mikey-B

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

With about 45 trips under my belt CR / Panama / Colombia/ I get the what was the purpose of your trip more and more from Customs... Especially CR.... I always say I' was visiting my girlfriend and that has always been the end of it....

Last trip Customs agent big fella said oh so you have a girl down there.. I immedietely expected the 3rd degree instead he said, "Your not thinking about moving her here are you? Well whatever you do don't do it, keep on doing what your doing" Then he proceeded to give me a 5 minute rant on a fellow customs agent who brought home a Latin American gal and she turned gringanized and threw out the Agent and now owns 1/2 of everything of the poor bastard....

These guys are not stupid they are just doing their job & probably wish they were returning from the land of milk and ticas.. Just be respectful, you should not have a problem.

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Good job by immigration.
I'm glad to see they are taking this terriorist thing seriously.
It's the ones you least expect (like Jmac) that will be the ones to fear.

Just kidding.

One of the main things they look for when they ask questions is, "HOW did they respond?" "Did they hesitate?" "Did they fumble for an answer?"

There are alot of people bringing all sorts of illegal items into the country. Especially from places like Costa Rica, Panama, Dominican Republic and Colombia.

That is why I mentioned a few weeks ago to be sure and have your story straight before you get to the desk.

Just a tip from your Uncle Wit.

J , don't ever book on AC's website. When they first started the direct to SJo route, it was dirt cheap ( about 2 years ago ) I uesd to be under 400 CAD for return.

If you plan to book AC, you gotta shop around at various travel agencies, you'd be surprised how much price differences you'll see between them.

Prices for AC hot up since last year, now I average pay about 750 CAD for return, direct out of terminal 1.

I have flown Taca and transat before. But I like AC better and I get points that I can use later. If you can fly out of Pearson, and do short term visits like 1 or 2 weeks, transat usually have good deals between Jan to the end of March, annually, around 500 CAD for return.

All prices I quoted are tax inclusive.

Wow, Ill call and see what I can get for prices. I just presumed since all the online websites say 900-1000 that travel agents would want even more.