www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I have done plenty of reading on CRT and learned a lot. One essential I have seen a few times is the importance of carrying a copy of your passport, complete with entry stamp page.

My question is, would a cell phone photo work the same? I limit what I carry in my pockets, on top of not thinking there are many Office Max locations in CR to make copies.

I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

You're hotel should be able to make a copy or two for you. I have a laminated copy of my passport bio page that I carry with me in lieu of my passport. In CR, I carry a copy of my last entry stamp along with the bio page. Never had a problem in CR when I showed these copies when asked for ID. I would carry copies of my passport before I would walk around town with a cellphone in my pocket.

Your hotel will gladly make you a black and white copy of your bio page and entry stamp. Fold it three times and stick it in your pocket.

Cool. Thanks guys!

Though it seems now that most police will accept a black and white copy, technically (as the CR law is written) it is suppose to be a color copy. There have been cases in the past where they would not except a B&W copy.

Most of the many little print/copy shops located all over San Jose will make a small wallet size laminated copy with your bio page on one side and entry stamp on the other for c1000 (less than $2). One such place that a lot of guys use is on Central Ave. on the north side of the street and about 25-30 ft. west of calle7 (a Clairo store in on the SE corner.) This is about 2 blocks from the REY.

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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!

I make a couple of color copies of my passport on photo paper on my printer and take them with me and carry 1 copy around with me.

It can be done in the US at Kinkos.
There is also a passport card offered when renewing your passport for a small fee.

Just remember, the MOST IMPORTANT thing to have with you is a copy of the entry stamp (visa) that shows them you are in the country legally. And this you will not have till you enter the country!!

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Old and retired but still bang, and bang, and bang!!!

Thanks Bang Bang! Out of all the guys posting here (which I appreciate their feedback/information as well) your posts always seems to "hit the nail right on the head", at least for me. Keep up the good work my man!!

Has anyone actually been asked by police for their passport and had a black and white xerox accepted?

Also, understand that *IF* you get into a real hassle with law enforcement (any of em), then that laminated card isn't going to mean crap either. It works for most basic "Show me your papers!" incidents, but for serious stuff, they are going to want your physical passport (they don't give a shit about the US passport card either).

Carry a business card with your hotel's phone number on it. That way they can call the hotel and make em crack open your room safe to get at your passport. In my case, they sent a cop TO the hotel to verify it, though once verified, they didn't bring it to the crappy bivouac of a police station where I was 'being entertained'. They left it with the front desk at the hotel ... which is fuked up in its own way.

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

Yes. A laminated color copy of my bio page and a B&W copy of my entrance stamp worked for me on more than one occasion. (Even at a police checkpoint while driving.)

If you rent a car. You want to have your passport with you. Everytime you get in that car. No copy will be accepted. I have been stopped three different times In the past year. Tried the copy first. Not acceptable. Then i went to the glove compartment showed them the original. And one of those times the cop kept saying my drivers license no good in Costa Rica, lol yea right. I then ask for his captain to come verify. He changed his mind and said. Go. lol He was looking for money. Little did he know. Was not my first rodeo.

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GodOfThunder
Rock -N- Roll Allnight Party Everyday

Yes, indeed. Having your original passport when driving is highly recommended... LOL. About 10 years ago, I got lucky while driving on the road back from Sixaola (near the bridge between Panama and Costa Rica). About 5 kms from the border, there is a police filter. At that time it was manned by a Fuerza Publica officer. I had left my passport back at the hotel in Puerto Viejo, but had my color bio page with me. When I showed the officer my US license and passport copy, he busted my balls about not having the original passport, but then eventually waved me through. I'm not sure what he would have done if he decided to arrest me being that he was all by himself and miles away from the nearest Fuerza Publica station in Puerto Viejo.

Thanks for all the input guys! I appreciate the help, and will surely return the favor once I become a seasoned CR monger.