www.CostaRicaTicas.com

...just kidding...i know you guys will help if you can...please note that i really did look through prior posts before asking these questions...it is possible that, due to the volume of posts on this board, i may have overlooked what may seem obvious to some of you...

...question 1: i have seen several references to "money belts" in prior posts designed for newbies but have not been able to ascertain either where to buy them and/or what their cost is...i suppose i could go on line and research that info, but, i would prefer input from someone who has actually used one instead relying on a "sales" web site...

...question 2: i have also noted several oblique references to the "off season" and i get the impression, perhaps improperly, that this distinction is weather and/or holiday related...in line with that, is there a particular time of year when the tica to gringo ratio is most favorable?...i couldn't care less about the weather...

...thanks for your patience...

...visigoth...

Cant help you with question #2 but heres a link that should help with question #1

http://travelstore.ricksteves.com/catal ... 124&id=157

when are you planning your trip?

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Travel Accessories Samsonite® Deluxe Money Belt $ 14.95

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... 8&v=glance

I've been there at all different times of the year, yet I still do not see a distinct trend on ratio. Grant it there are particular nights that seem better than others the majority of the time. For instance, Monday - Wednesday seem to be slower than most where the ratio can be in favor of the women and you may wonder if you just walked into a gay bar (just kidding, usually not that bad unless it is New Years ), but it could be limited. On the other hand (ooops, sorry Hand-Solo), Thursday's seem to be the best night when I go and of course Friday and Saturday. Basically it's never a guarantee in terms of ratio but you still have a 99.9999% chance of getting laid on any given night.

Unless you're Hand-Solo on a Friday night.

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

I believe the "off" season is from May to November. I prefer tthis time of year because there seems to be less tourists in CR at the time. Generally, some hotels have a lower price durring this time, especially at the beach. Some guys don't like it because they say there are less chicas around available, but it is just a supply and demand type of thing. There may be fewer girls, but there are also fewer gringos too.

As far as the money belt is concerned, I just bring enough cash for the day with me. I leave most money, credit cards, etc. in the room safe. Like it has been said a lot of times before, just use good judgement. Don't get sloppy drunk waving a Rolex and cash ariund and you will be fine.

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Tunaman

When in TJ Mexico, when I go into a room, take my pants off and roll them up starting from the top (like a sleeping bag). It makes it a bit easier to keep your pants near you, take them with you to the bathroom, harder for the girl to unroll then take your money/wallet/whatever.

I was ripped off in TJ so I started doing this... I was lucky though... ripped off at the end of the night so had only a little bit with me.

Not sure if you are afraid of getting robbed in the room or on the street.

I use the room safe for my money, passport and airline ticket if any.

I also like the neck wallet of pouch that Coqui references above for my chica fee money to carry around. I use a money clip for my meal and beer and taxi money usually around C10.000.

The off season would be the rainy season about mid April thru Dec.

Welcome to the forum.

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PacoLoco: "You pay for it one way or another."
Ace: "Rent everything, do not buy in Costa Rica"

Visigoth,

If you can't get the your money belt online, once you are here to around the central market at day time. you will find many street stands or vendors with quite a bit of them. choose the one that better fits you and problem solved for only $4.

Mente

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Tico and Panama, let me know if you need any help down here.
Panamaexplorers.com

If money belts are the normal.... wouldn't a robber know to say, give me your wallet and your belt.


If I bring my laptop with me... also my digital camera... are they safe in the room? Is the safe big enough for a laptop? Should I take them to the front desk?

Money belts prevent you from getting pick pocketed. If you get robbed , give it up, it ain't worth it. Some americans I met carry pocket knives.