I will start my response by saying - YES - it is easier to pickup a non-pro in CR than in the US.
However, I need to qualify by saying - it is easier to pickup a non-pro practically anywhere in the world compared to the US. I'm even throwing England, France, Belgium, Germany, China... you name it into the mix. I have had success in all of these countries with little or no effort. Women in the US are just a pain in the ass - picky, critical and controlling. Always worried about what their friends, family are thinking about your perceived value, in their eyes. In other countries, women are just plain easier. That said, easier does not always mean better and easier now, certainly doesn't mean easier in the long haul. I have only dated 2 CR gals for an extended period of time. They come with their own set of challenges. Several weeks with them, and you might be running your way back to prostitutes. Re-read that last sentence over and over again.
Keep in mind, in other countries, women sometimes see us as the exotic targets of interest. Not the other way around. I had chinese women flirting with me that couldn't believe "they" were actually flirting with an American guy. Can you believe that shit?

Okay, this was NOT in Shanghai, but in a northern city close to Korea, where tourist don't go. Still, Shanghai women are fairly open-minded, easy-going and phucking curious as hell about Americans. You get my point.
Now... to the scene in CR. You're advantage is they think you have money and can possibly give them benefits. And, we call them non-pros... believe me... in CR... its just a different twist. Most women in CR want some sort of benefit. If you are looking for a heavy relationship with a regular tica, they will automatically start turning their wheels in their mind about what is in it for them. Inevitably, it could turn out wrong. Suprise them. THEY REALLY CAN'T HANDLE SUPRISES. Act like you don't give a shit about them and then suprise them. It has worked for me.
In CR, you will have a good chance if you speak some spanish.... even bad spanish. If you speak a little, make an attempt. They actually love to hear us make mistakes in Spanish. It gives them a little sense of power and they find it humorous and/or interesting. Disclaimer - If you are a fat drunken obnoxious slob, forget about it, and stick to hookers. Its not worth your time. Sorry... but this has to be said. The hookers want your business. The regular gals really don't want to deal with it.
If you are decent looking and have a "game", then it is totally worth a shot. I hear a lot of stuff on the board about "looking outside the gulch" and such. But, I challenge you guys to really put on your game and look outside the gulch. Get ready for a little rejection. Shit happens. Sometimes it just doesn't work out. Just say to yourself... big phucking deal. Move on. If you are looking for a real gal in CR, travel outside of the city in the spots where locals hang in upper scale establishments. Beforewarned - if you are in a spot where ticos also do their fishing - you will ruffle feathers.
Like people have said on the board... I'm still in debate as to whether free sex is any better (or cheaper) than hooker sex. The only reason why I prefer non P4P gals, is the sex is better. There is nothing mechanical and it is spontaneous and plentiful.
Okay, I'm done babbling...
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