Just arrived CR yesterday and had my first direct UBER and taxi experiences in about a year in CR. Here is my report.
First, the mobile story. In Panama I was told that Movistar prepaid chip now offers free roaming in some Central American countries including CR. So, I spent $25 for a new chip and $20 credit which they said would cover me in CR with data and phone for 1 GB of service. Got off the plane in CR and got no connection on Movistar. Probably could have used the airport WiFi, but instead just did a deal with a red street taxi...he asked $26 to my hotel,I offered $20, he made the call and accepted. Out to the street we go and in an old jalopy of a taxi. Ah well...you get what you pay for sometimes. Driver gets lost finding my hotel...and then wants $25. Apparently he didnt remember the offer accepted by his tio (uncle), Gave him $20 and said a deal is a deal...ask his uncle for the rest. Ah yes...the tica shuffle I remember so well from 12 years ago living here.
Two UBER rides last 24 hours. First for my biz associate last night ordering service from my hotel to his near the airport. Contacted UBER on his phone...was there in 4 minutes. Newer car, good driver...positive experience.
Then this morning I order UBER on my Wifi connect to go solve my Movistar problem at one of their offices. Once again, arrived within 5 minutes. Newer Suzuki SUV, bi lingual educated driver, 2nd day on the job. He persisted to find the hard to find store for me, waited while I sorted out getting service. I ended up having to get ANOTHER chip for CR...but it was only 1000 Colones for the chip and $5000 Col for phone and weeks worth of data. They also doubled my purchase to $10,000 credit. Cool.
Finally this guy takes me for another couple stops. he got a little lost coming back so OFFERED to shut down the trip 10 minutes before we reached my hotel. Total cost about $11 billed directly to my card registered on UBER. I was his 4th fare at 10AM and he said UBER demand is much higher than supply so far. So UBER will be my first look for transportation this trip, and EasyTaxi gets good reviews as well as a backup. Compared to my airport taxi...it continues to qualify my support for good mobile based taxi service versus the typical street guys who just want to take advantage most everywhere in latin America. MUCH safer.
OK...Puravida...maybe see some of you yahoos at the CRT party this weekend.
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