www.CostaRicaTicas.com

There is nothing wrong with using pirate taxis as long as you are smart about it. You should know the proper price BEFORE getting into the taxi. Then when the driver tries to hussle you into his cab,you merely stay outside and ask him how much he wants to take you where you are going.Normally they will pause as they think about how much they can extract from the Gringo (just like the chicas do) and while he does that you tell him how much it SHOULD be. If he quotes you much more,just laugh at him and get another taxi. This is the method I use everywhere in the valley. I even take the DR taxis at normal prices. I guess it helps that they recognize me as a local and don't bother trying to rip me off. However if they don't have a "live one" they are usually OK with making the right amount rather than making nothing. (just like the negotiating with the chicas) The problem only arises when you let the driver be in control by not agreeing on the price beforehand. (just like the chicas)

Meby I'm wierd but Ive had the Thai style or Asian Style sterc at the Del & the resturant across the street & it was great.

Stratone

_________________
ALL FLASH, NO CASH !!!!!!

I cant even spell steak, Im dizzy with anticipation.
2 more days.
Stratone

_________________
ALL FLASH, NO CASH !!!!!!

YO VB:

By your use of the term "pirate taxi" I assume that you are speaking of a non regulated taxi.

Since you live there I cannot question your use or decision of using the so called "Pirate Taxi." You make your choice as you feel is right. BUT, I do urge others, especially newbies, to stay away from this avenue of travel.....unless it is someone that is known by you or this site.

It was a Pirate taxi that was in on my second mugging in CR. Also, I have come close to several other possible problems with non-metered and unidentifiable taxi cars. This practive is going to get worse in CR and is really bad in other latino countries. The license enforcement in CR as well as other countries is a joke with the countless payoff dinero to authoritative crooks.....and that's only with what reportive vehicles/drivers they are aware of.

As a passenger in a pirate taxi you are a sitting duck to be extorted, robbed or even threatened with bodily harm. Not worth the savings of a few colonies or 5 or 10 minutes of travel.

Just my opinion and one that I log into my dissapointment in CR from the days that I enjoyed years ago with feeling safe to travel.....even with a local who offered a free ride.

Oh! the topic, Best food and steak.: THERE IS NO QUALITY STEAK IN CR. At least not since I was just there.

_________________
Damn if I'm going to repeat this shit again. I need a drink.
I've been drinking vodka every day for 45 years and I have certainly never found it to be habit forming.

Circus....Since I live here and use taxis on a daily basis,I normally use taxis that I have used before. For example,there are unmetered taxis hanging around in front of the Horseshoe casino that I have been using for years. They charge me the same as a metered taxi and I've never had a problem. I agree that this can be risky behavior for guys that vacation here and don't know the driver. Come to think of it,riding with a metered taxi can ALSO be risky behavior. Do you write down the taxi driver's name,taxi company,and license number every time you ride in one? A meter doesn't necessarily make the driver honest when it comes to muggings and robbery.

YO VB:

Yes, you are right about even metered taxis. One would have to guess that a metered one would be less likely to be a robber since they are hired by a company or "licensed".....but hell, there are no guarantees. It is certainly advantageous for a resident such as yourself being familiar with certain drivers. As you referred to, I was speaking mostly about visitors.

In that I do not frequent CR as much anymore I no longer use a certain driver and just sort of freelance.

_________________
Damn if I'm going to repeat this shit again. I need a drink.
I've been drinking vodka every day for 45 years and I have certainly never found it to be habit forming.