MrLasVegas wrote:
I have never had a problem in CR. Having lived in Tijuana, Mexico I have been stopped 130 times in 6 months by the Tijuana police.And about 65 times by the police in Jakarta, Indonesia. My game plan is the same anywhere I go. I am polite and respectful. I will not allow them to handle my money.I keep the money stored someplace away from my wallet for security reasons.They want to search me the money goes in my hand first. I will not enter an unlit area with them. They will search in the lit area or take me to the judge.Period.I will never give them a dime.Ever.I only pay the courts. And yes, I would love to go to the judge.I will even start walking to the back of the patrol car.After this show they realize you are not a pushover and will let you off with a warning regarding something you did not do anyway. A little face saver for them. Do as the locals do. Be fair but firm.These ratero types are not like US cops. Do not treat them the same. And send a report to the tourism bureau. If there is an internal affairs department of the police, stop by. File a report and get a business card. Show them that on your next interaction and you are home free.
Read the above twice and memorize. Being a TJ vet also, it is very common to pay a “Chica TAX†in TJ. As the US economy gets worse it trickles down to CR. I’m very surprise that is not more pervasive that what it is. Since we are all in country, we will be willing to put out easier.
I hope this does not turn in into a paid or not-paid discussion but like pu*sy, you will pay that tax anyway, money or time. When I go to TJ, I carry an extra twenty on my pocket just for that same situation. The only think to add above is a matter of time versus money. Pay the tax or take the bluff and ask to go to the station. I normally take the bet in which I have some control, pay the tax. The other two are a crap shoot. Your decision, your risk.