www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hi,

I will be in SJ on March 2 and it will be my first time in Latin America. Previously, I'd mongered in Asia without any problems as I am Asian. Will I encounter any difficulty with the ticas being Asian and also not knowing any Spanish? Friends who know some Spanish advised me not to bother learning any basic words before I go because as soon as you say something, they will talk to you in Spanish like you are fluent.

Also, from reading here and the guide books in regard to personal safety and theft, just how safe is it for someone carrying valuable photographic equipment? Of course I won't be flaunting it but I will need to take it out of the bag when shooting sights of interest (not working ticas). I imagine it would be quite safe in the tourist areas during the day where there are people about but what about the early evening?

What exact price should I be aiming with the ticas? From trawling forums, it seems like the average price is $100 for an hour. Is this price applicable only to girls at the Del Rey? What about girls at places like SL?

Thanks

Wickid8, welcome to CRT!

Your being Asian isn't a problem. The Chinese have been courting C.R. business, as have the Japanese for a long time.

Of slightly greater concern is your lack of Spanish. If you are here to play with the chicas (girls), you might want to go around with a wingman or two who know the territory and who speak some Spanish.

Any valuable item will catch the eye of street thieves. I would suggest traveling point-to-point in a taxi, carrying as little gear as possible, keeping it close to your body when carrying it, etc. Most San Jose crime is still of the pickpocket/snatch and grab variety, but there have been isolated incidents of violent crime. Tourist locales will be safer, but do stay vigilant.

Girls charge anywhere from $10.00 to $300.00 per hour, depending on where she's working. Girls at the del Rey usually demand $100.00 regardless of her beauty, but negotiation is possible and in my opinion, beneficial. Spanish helps here.

Massage parlors are fixed price. Tipping uncommon to Costa Rica until fairly recently now seems to be the norm.

Nightclubs (strip clubs) often have facilities on-site for sex. Depending on the venue, the price might be set, or you may negotiate.

Read this forum as much as you can between now and your departure for C.R. Join V.I.P. if you haven't yet done so; the discounts, maps and additional information make membership a bargain IMHO.

Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask more questions. We're happy to help!

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Pura Vulva! Wandering through the dark, I am El Ciego.

W -

At least learn your numbers in Spanish and be able to do the 500:1 conversion quickly in your head. My first night in SJ I got drunk and wasn't good with the currency exchange so when the bartender brought my credit slips to sign, I just saw big numbers in Colones and sign bills that were well-padded.

If you do carry cameras, etc. don't put them in a backpack. Street people will see that as a excellent opportunity to dip in to your bag, perhaps without you noticing.

My brother was in SJ and had his digital camera in the rear pouch of a backpack. A Tica got into the pack, pulled out the camera, then passed it to another person. My brother was on top of the scene and made a short dash to chase down the thief and got his camera back. I probably would not suggest chasing a thief, but it worked that time.

The advice that you received on the ISG Board applies here as well. I have found knowing Spanish to be helpful. If someone speaks too fast, I tell the person to slow down.

Hey ,I had no problem in SJO but im not an asian guy with a camera .It may be difficult to blend in so I suggest hire a driver as i did he will drive you all around the country for $100-$120 per day in new van with tourist tags .

Definatly learn basics like how much? whats your name , too much money - have had want need ext..... It helped alot for me . If you want I can give you number of a Driver he is from L.A. but is now in SJ working .Nice guy I would trust my family in his car . JG

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I don't drink milk often ..but when I do it's dos tetas ..stay Horney my friends

As others have said, learn some spanish.. at least learn how to find the bathrooms, how to tell which is male and female, how to count (or you will get screwed), etc..



Way to bust stereotypes