www.CostaRicaTicas.com

We have used a driver named Earl Montoya before and he was great so I emailed him before we got to CR and arranged a pickup at the airport. I also told him that I would need him for 2 or 3 days while we were in San Jose. He wanted to know the days because of course, "time is money". I ended up saying that we would need for Saturday, Sunday and probably would have needed him for Monday too.

The pickup at the airport was made by one of his associates. He did not speak English that well but I confirmed that we would definitely need him on Saturday and Sunday. We agreed on a time and all was supposed to be set. I got no confirmation from Earl by email so I sent him emails, text messages and provided him with my mobile number, etc.

Needless to say, he was a no-show. I've used and recommended Earl to others in the past and have enjoyed his company but this was just a kick in the teeth. Kind of ruined our trip to the volcanoes that day since it took us another hour and thirty to locate another driver with a van that was ready to go. We ended up at the canopy tour instead. This was a very, very disappointing situation and all could of been solved with an email or a text message saying he could not make it. I would have been disappointed but not upset as I am now.

I will not recommend or use him again.

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"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" - Maybe Shakespeare was a CRT member?

That is really a surprising report. The "Duke of Earl" has been around for years and years and has always gotten favorable reports from those who used him.

Has been said before and will be said again unfortunately...nothing ever stays the same in Costa Rica

Thanks for the heads up. Sorry he ruined your trip.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Were there no taxis in San Jose that day? How does a taxi driver ruin your day, or vacation for that matter?

I have known Earl Montoya for ten years. He has been known to do a better deal if it comes along and forget about a prior commitment or if DR bosses need him to do something. His cab is theirs. His van is his. His final loyalty is to them.

Great guy to talk to, lived in Philly for a while, knows everybody & his way around SJ/CR very, very well, a tremendous source of info about the "secrets" of a particular DR chica you may be interested in, won't tell you he is Panamanian--says he's from Limon. His neighbor is my gumba.

I cash him out when I go back--I take the American coins he gets as tips that he accumulates--and give him dollars--US coins are useless down there.

Next time bring him a Kenny Rogers CD. Loves KR.

It's called plan B.Allways have that backup plan because you never know whats going to happen.

It was not a simple matter of getting a taxi. He had arranged a driver to take him on various tours and places over a 3 day period. When that driver failed to show he had to hustle to find a replacement.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Hey Guys,

There were plenty of taxis but they are quite uncomfortable for 5. Like I sad in my post, I have used Earl before and was very happy. This case is different.

It ruined the day because you never get time back and as most of you know, Arenal is not a 5 minute trip and we had to wait the extra time for a van and driver.

Lastly, I'm only reporting what happened. I have no reason to see this guy hurt but I posted honestly and fairly based on the circumstances. I missed out on Arenal this year because of it and for that, yep it sucks!

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"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers" - Maybe Shakespeare was a CRT member?

Angelo, sorry to hear about your experience. While I have never employed a driver in Costa Rica, I did several years ago in Brazil and it made a tremendous difference. If I went back and contracted for him and he simply disappeared, I would be furious.
But I am known to be demanding and impatient.

The "Duke of Earl" picks me up at the airport on time and comes to my hotel to return me to the airport always on time for probably my last 5 trips. The most dependable taxi guy I have ever known in SJO. He might of had a family problem

Earl is a solid cat .met him two years ago on my first trip when i stayed at the best western. i wish he could have given you the service that he has given me and my crew . he is in of the few del rey cbbbies that dont try to get over on the tourist . he understands what giving good service is all about .

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You can't drive me crazy I am so close i can walk

Different driver same result.

The words above are the mantra of CR.

Try to be prepared to be disappointed by people you think are there for you. WE are just tourists I am afraid.