www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hi,

First trip to CR. Trying to read a bunch. (just have to say this but I've read maybe 20 posts and why are there so many flame wars on this board...some people need to chill out!)

I read Orange's post and it was absolutely top notch. But I don't like surprises with anything and like to know every little detail before I go. My main question is if you go into a MP and you don't like the talent how do you politely decline so you can check out another one? Do you walk in and they have the girls all lined up?

And here are some of my other questions. Will continue to scour the board but if you're up to answering them please feel free. Thanks!

1. Are all the quotes for prices up to date on orange's Noob post? Looks as though it went up in 2005 (mostly concerned about taxi to airport)
2. I've got a 1pm flight out on the sunday I'm leaving. When should I leave? If I wanted to fit in an MP visit when should I get there and when should I get a cab.
3. If a super aggressive Tica I dont' want is all over me. I was just going to say I'm looking for something else. Do they get upset?
4. Is it better to have the girl come to you or you go up to the girl? I'm guessing if you go up to them you lose bargaining power?
5. Alright... now you guys are going to shit on me... that's fine. I'm not much of a drinker Can I just order a coke and look around until something comes around or do the bars expect you to drop some dough on alcohol.
6. I'm on a tight schedule but want to fit as much humping in as I can. What's the latest I should go out and pull a tica in? In terms of quality of talent and safety (though I'm bent on taking a cab and staying at la amistad)

Thanks for your patience and any advice.

there is no expectation to drink mate. its all up to you. no pressure at all.
ime its all about eye contact. i try to make as little of it as possible. remain aloof and if a girl is overly friendly a simple no gracias is usually enough.
thats different in mps though. i have walked in to places when no one else is there but 10 girls and not really felt it. kind of hard to walk out gracefully from that one. i've learned some of the better curse words doing that.
the later it gets the less talent there is. and what is there is typically hardcore and/or a few drinks in. last month i was in KL late and there was really not much to speak of but its hit and miss.
all the best wingmen hang at the SL btw.
good choice in amistad and if you have more specific questions feel free to pm me.

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im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood

best price you will find leaving the airport is $20 (and I get that due to knowing drivers by name and face) you wont get one for $15 .....not sure where he is getting that price ,,,,rest of his info is pretty good ....to get rid of a girl ...you will find what works for you ....you can always tell them your going to the bano and just split ....most will get the message .....or tell them you only pay 20,000c EVER 95% will walk away ....just keep reading the posts ....once in town get your ass to the sportmens or HLH happyhour and make friends ,,,,you will find a wing to hang with and your trip will improve ,,,as always I suggest you get or bring a phone and the fun meter goes way up ......

The MP's deal with plenty of "Lookey Loos". Ticos are famous for it. The will come in just to stare at the girls with no intention to buy ever. Just walk in and say "Estoy buscando informacion". While they are giving you the rundown, just look around and see if anything strikes your fancy. If not, just smile, say gracias y buenas dias and walk out.

1. Most taxistas will accept $20 to/from the airport if you offer it first.
2. You should head to the airport at 11:00 on a Sunday for a 1:00 flight. Prepay your exit tax at Sportsmen's. SJO is actually a very efficient airport from my experience. I think HLH and Relax have girls at 10:00.
3. These chica's deal with rejection regularly. If you are polite most will just move on. You will get called an asshole from time to time, but who cares.
4. Remove the phrase "bargaining power" from your vocabulary. If you go into it looking to make a business transaction, then a business transaction is what you're gonna get. Try just reading body language to see if you think you are gonna have a good time. Don't make money the #1 criteria. Some are better actresses than others, but if you do this, you will have more winners than losers.
5. Drink/eat/smoke whatever you want, or not. Nobody cares.
6. HDR has girls 24/7. If you take a taxi that the hotel calls for you, and don't get too phucked up, safety shouldn't be an issue ever. Generally speaking, the best talent at HDR is from 9:00 to midnight. After Midnight, the talent level begins to drop. By 2:00 it can get a little rough, but there are usually at least a few doables.

With the exception of a $15 taxi ride to the airport (not today - as a newbi you are going to pay more like $25, although you can negotiate it for $20) - really not a huge issue - if you were a little less green, I'd tell you to take the bus - all in w/ taxi to your hotel is like $3 - next trip maybe.

Oh - while on the subject of the airport - after you pass through customs, walk back across the street and go upstairs where the ticket/check in counters are - walk towards the Spirit counter and across the way from it is the Exit Visa place - now its $28 - was $26 - buy your exit visa - then its done and you will not have to worry about it. More important, right by the exit visa location is a BANK - change some dollars for colonies - do NOT go to either of the 2 "Cambios" located in the Airport - use the bank only - otherwise, its a rip off.

I can't in one sense "fault" you for wanting to know for sure, but CR is not like visiting Paris, London, or NYC - you really have to adopt much more of a "go with the flow" and less planning is better attitude, and not worry so much - trust me - if you walk into a MP and don't see what you like, they are not going to rase an eyebrow if you walk out - believe me, Ticos do it all the time.

If you are approached by someone not to your liking at the the DelRey for example, its fine to say you are not interested, and you don't - and really should not - buy them a drink - I've found the ugly ones to be pests and you don't need to worry what they might think.

While I could co on and on, you really need the services of an experienced guide - so let me recommend 2 members who do it "professionally" and you can contact them by their names and PM them:

Pops
Bilko

Know them both; great guys and will help you out a lot - frankly, for you, its a must

As to your comment re flame wars; you should have read the board a few years ago; today is nothing (Hell, its a message board on the internet - you are not surprised, right ) There is a ton of great info; in fact this has been a very good thread as far as info being shared.

And finally, my nervous friend, if you listen to nothing else I have posted, take the tour, and go with the flow - you will have a great trip

See my answers in red.

For number 3 I find, Lo siento, no mas leche works a charm.

"If you are going to hang around, can you at least buy me a drink?"

How about just saying, Ahora estoy ocupado, pero si lo quiero te busco ahorita.......Gracias mami.......and wink at her or give her a little kiss.....

That seems to work for me........I mean I usually am not as nice about it, but I do not get a lot of girls harrassing me. Normally they aim for the straight gringo tourist look. But that is a nice way to say I am busy right now, but if I am interested I will look for you later, thanks mami....... Just my two cents......


the DR


<----OG'n the hoes......

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“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity"

I find it very effective and works all the time when I said that I was waiting for my girlfriend to arrive shortly and she is very jealous so please don't let her see us together.

Thanks everyone! Great info, I can't tell if you all work for the CR tourist board or are back home dying of withdrawal.

Great info, I feel more comfortable about the trip now and my pene has asked that I book an earlier arrival flight which I'm happy to oblige.

I'll probably take the interbus like scuba1 suggested. I'm getting in early and as long as there is a clear drop off point in SJ to pick up a taxi to La Amistad I should be fine (I think).

One other question for this thread: Has anyone booked a room for La Amistad using their website? Getting in Nov 21st probably.

thanks again

You won't need a taxi. Interbus is door-to-door service. When you exit the terminal, look for an Interbus guy with a clipboard and a sign with your name on it. He will call the van over (few minutes wait) and then you are off to your hotel. He will drop you off right in front of the hotel.

When booking, select: LA AMISTAD (BED AND BREAKFAST) as the drop off point.

Booked rooms on La Amistad's site many times, never had a problem.

thanks guys great info!