www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I just read in La Nacion that Uber is attempting to get into Costa Rica. I wonder how that will go over Uber claims to be a private shuttle service, and under that condition hopes to enter Costa Rica without going through the requirements of the Public Transport Council (PTC). Things could get real ugly
Apparently Uber has recently started operating in Colombia as well.
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"In a nation ruled by swine, all pigs are upwardly mobile, and the rest of us are phucked until we can put our acts together; not necessarily to win, but mainly to keep from losing completely"...Hunter S. Thompson (RIP)

Costa Rica is already full of piratas - - - Pirate cabs - - unlicensed, unmarked, unmetered taxis. The girls use them all the time. They are well-known in the Barrios. Even I use them sometimes with a girl who I know very well.

Just a cell phone call away.

Absolutely true RAC…let's face it taxis are nothing more than a government regulated inefficient racket that functions at the paying public's cost and expense….Uber is just undoing this to our benefit!

Rac, you are taking a big risk using pirate cabs. There is a good chance you are riding in a vehicle with little to no insurance. If the driver gets into an accident and you get badly hurt, you could end up with nothing. Uber is a big corporation that provides massive insurance coverage, even better than many taxi services.

the dwarf had quite the experience with an unlicensed taxi

I had a very bad experience with a pirate taxi. I don't mind paying extra for a licensed taxi

Even if they have insurance how much do you really think you will get in Costa Rica. I would be surprised if after 10 years you get $5,000.00. You will be tied up in court for years trying to recover any damages and your medical will be handled just like anyone else.

I use piratas all the time and save the money. I can get from Alajuela to the Gulch for 20.00 using a pirate or pay 40+ in a red cab. Plus he will usually pick me up and take me home for free if he is going that way.

Same experience if you can find a few good ones!

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GG
"Last time I said no......I misunderstood the question!"

True...don't count on any third party insurance, for anything, from anyone, in Costa Rica. The only insurance coverage you can count on is your own, for yourself or your liability, if you policy is from an international insurance agency!

...shh...!

+1

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

How are taxis inefficient in SJ? they are everywhere at all hours. They'll take you wherever you need to go. They are reasonably priced. Inefficient.

That said, always take the authorized cabs. Most drivers are friendly and love to talk about soccer.

They are inefficient because the government controls the number of taxis allowed to operate and the fees they are allowed to charge, above what the market bears...thus the existence of piratas, and now Uber, vying for a slice of the inefficient pie!

For us they are all cheap, we have dollars and don't work for Tico salaries...but for locals, yes, they are inefficient and operate a controlled monopoly...just like in the USA. Just look at what's happened to the price of a NYC cab medallion lately...since Uber disrupted the market.

That's why Uber has so many riled up!

Judging by Uber's pricing in Colombia and other LA countries (in MDE they're actually MORE expensive to use than regular yellow taxis for short and medium routes), I doubt red taxis in SJO will have much to worry about when it comes to price competition from Uber... unless Uber elects to subsidize their drivers to artificially deflate prices.

Uber is a premium service in MDE, people use it when they want a secure and higher end alternative to travelling in a tin box yellow taxi.

mh

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mh

I acknowledge your point. I understand this isn't the United States, where "Attorney Jagoff got me 1 million dollars!"

However, I find it hard to believe that if you get into a bad accident and end up maimed for life that the Costa Rican courts will only award you with $5000.

I'm simply trying to point out one of the risks in taking a pirate cab. Most people don't have a clue about insurance until they need it, at which point it's probably too late.

It is best to get your own insurance, I would not rely on the CR courts to do you justice. I recommend DAN insurance , which is mainly for divers (scuba not muff ) but will cover other accidents and will get you back to the States where your insurance there will hopefully cover it.
Other countries like Canada, I don't know, but you Canucks and Euros may need to check your own local insurance, eh?

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" Omit no happy hour that may give furtherance to our expedition."