www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I'm sure many people who have stayed at the SL know who the cabbie Julio is and probably have a favorable view towards him. I personally think he's a shark and the next time i'm there I would not use his services as much. Not saying i'll give him a bad attitude but, I would rather use the services of Jason or the other cabbie at SL. Jason is a rather young guy with limited english and is still a newbie at his profession@ SL. Where as Julio is a harden vet just look at his english. Also there was 2 nite time bartenders at the SL that showed me around town after they got off work. I made it clear my motives of chilling wasn't for sexo and I respected them more that they weren't chicas. Boy did they show me a wild time at many local joints.

1. Rio - On the big street in San Pedro. Very nice place. When I went there it was dead but, I can imagine how it would be on the weekend.
2. FOFO bar- around Heredia (i think) pretty nice all local. all eyes i'm me when I entered but, eventually got use to the fact i was there. At least there were a descent amount of ticas. Played old school commercial hip hop music.
3. Unknown Place Karaoke on the 2nd floor- Don't go there it was scary. Many ticos no ticas= bad news and me being very tipsy didn't help. Hard looks came at my direction. Probably cause the SL baternders i chilled with were pretty good looking. One of them with 5'6 Dye hair had huge boobs which she kept on shaking. So I felt the spells of what I called "Player Haters" in this place. Though the bartenders assure me everything is fine. No Problemos. I got home in one piece so she was great and trustworthly. Take care of the nitetime bartender if you get a chance at the SL they are dolls and no I didn't get any sexo from them nor did i ask if it was on the menu. They were the only local people I chilled with in SJO and I wouldn't change it for anything.

I thought the cabbies at SL are Gustavo, Juan Carlos, and their brother, no? I'm not sure I appreciate their charging more for a ride to the airport than others charge. It seems they try to get as much as they can. That's not fair. My most recent trip, knowing they'd try to get more than other cabs charge, I said when I got in that "the ride is $12, right?" The answer was "how much did you pay last trip?" which was actually $12 since the guy that Gustavo had drive me accepted $12 immediately when I explained a normal cab is only $12. Unfortunately Gustavo must have remembered charging me $17 the time before and told his brother that's what I pay. When we got to the airport they wanted $15 and was visibly upset as if I was trying to rip them off. BTW, we were actually in a tiny cab, not a van. I was disappointed because I thought I was doing them a favor walking from the hotel I was in to the SL just to catch a cab with them. I won't make that mistake again.

Could you elaborate on why you think Julio is a shark?

His English is good because he lived in the States for a few years. So what if he's a hardened vet? Can you tell me how he has ripped you off?

Honestly, I'm interested, because while I haven't used his services often, I do live here now and I will be using him more if I have to make a trip of any distance. Generally, he accepts whatever I pay him. Though I overpaid at the beginning of my trip, by the end I had the rates down pat and he didn't seem upset by this.

I guess I'm not accusing you of being wrong, but I'd like to hear your reasons. If your only reason is because he speaks English well, I'm disappointed.

Les,
I don't know how many trips you've taken to CR but there's something you will learn. Cabbies in SJ are all sharks, in my 2 trips I have learned that they will try to get as much as possible out of you, similar to the chicas. And like the chicas, it is your responsibility to not overpay. With licensed taxis, ask to use the meter. Otherwise, agree on a fare before starting the trip. Otherwise you may not like the fare you are quoted.

He charged me 16 to go to the airport not 12 and also tried to keep the change which I let him but, I brought it to his attention. I'm sure he didn't forget. He says pay him whatever he works on tips for short ride. blah blah blah but, tell you the truth I always wind up paying him more for it anyways. If he had a meter and turned it on it would be a fraction of what i tipped him. He's not liscensed, not biggy though. He tries to push drugs on to me coke/weed. Yes all cabbies are sharks in SJO. Yes I had multiple cabbies offer me drugs, stripper show passes,etc. All I'm saying if that Jason is less sharkish and cooler. He's still a K*D and is willing to chill with you and get shitfaced. Also it seems that Julio has senority over the other cabs. He knows how to do business and has always somebody calling him.

I'm not saying he's not a good guy just that there are other cabbies there that are better. More informative, sort of more of a tour guide. While Julio wham bam see you saddam.

I really don't want to bad mouth him. He's a great guy but, after tipping him and riding with him during my 9 day stay. I started having this gut feeling that he was a shark also (like most other cabbies in SJO). Not quite as the friend I first thought of him. Just another cabbie doing the cabbie hustle. Maybe I was expecting more out of him but, this is just my opinion.

I do have a rule where I believe in taking care of my cabbies, bartenders, hotel maid and the door man. Fortunately this generosity does not extend to chicas. I don't want to blow up the stock.

Also the one rule I learned out in SJO is never ask for the price. Just ask for the maria.

Julio,
He is an example of the type of taxi driver you don't want to use.
Always has a something going on, I have never used him and will not.
The 2 brothers Gustavo and Juan also over charge and I don't use them.
The others at the SL are not as bad.

Julio is alright. Have used him many times and never a problem. You just have to set the "ground rules" beforehand. In fact he's the cabbie who helped me "rescue" JoltinJoe out of the DR when he was so hammered he thought he was in"Kansas" I don't doubt for a minute he would press an advantage if he could get away with it however. Just like the chicas: always cut your deal upfront

Pax,
Sluthog

I also used Julio. I never had a problem with him. I agree he like anyone will take a slight advantage if let him.

I think if you are just looking for a ride then take any driver. I used Julio to answer questions and always make sure things were going well. I gave him like 40 dollars on arrival and told him I was looking for more than just a driver. He recommended places he recommended restaurants. He took me places without even asking for money because I paid him a chunk upfront. He dropped me off at Fogo Brazil and said I will be back in an hour about 45 minutes later he came into the restaurant and informed my friend and I he was outside and available whenever we were ready.

If I was in my room with a Tica and wanted some wine or food he would go get it for me with just a phone call.

If I was in a place that was a Tico place he would continually come in and check on me. He would say it was to make sure I was having fun. I am sure it was to make sure I was ok and not taken advantage of.

Yes I paid him more than 40 dollars over the entire course of the trip but, he took care of me not just giving me rides.

Too me it was worth it. Too me Julio was a great bargain.

I did not consider Julio just a taxi I used him for more got a lot of value out of him beyond just a ride.

I still stand by recommendation of Julio. Could he be expensive for just a ride sure but he can be MUCH more valuable than just a ride.

This is the guy who when he found out it was my birthday he went out bought me a cake and delivered to to the SL complete with candles and singing. All the ladies at the SL enjoyed it and it made me friends.

To get your value Julio is soooooo much more than a driver. Use him accordingly. Talk to him. Tell him what you want to do he will take care of you. I had no wingman when leaving and Julio made me never care whether I had one or not.

He provided me a service not just a ride.

Which is exactly what I tried to do with Juan Carlos knowing they had charged me $17 two trips ago. He kept saying, "how much did you get charged your last trip" as if if phucking matters since I had already told him cabs charge $12 and I paid $12 the last time they had someone drive me. He still wanted $15 and was visibly pissed off that I was only willing to pay $12 plus a tip($1). Sorry but I will not be forced to overpay them. They have a captive market at Sportsmen's for the most part. The drivers should be fair with us.

From me Julio, Juan and his brother Gustavo never got a dime, they are full of shit and i could see right thru them, only used others at the SL.

I thought Jaun Carlos and Gustavo are the two guys that drive "Sportmen's" vans but might have another sub partner/friend that works with them- someone other than JC or Gustavo drove me in one of the vans to the airport once. Is Julio involved with them or does he operate alone? It's a small hotel. It doesn't seem there would be many other guys stationed there. I just always thoughts Gustavo and Juan Carlos were the resident cabbies driving "Sportsmen's" vans.

Julio is an indy...

Yes, the taxi drivers of SJ are “sharks”, this is a point that has been has been pretty much been agreed upon on this board… But then again, here in the US we would probably call them “entrepreneurs”.

I had the pleasure of using Julio several times during my past trip to CR, I was very satisfied with the SERVICE provided. He was suggested/respected by a chica that I was with, and that said something. His service was prompt, courteous and IMHO not overpriced in comparison to what a metered taxi would have charged. As Travelman pointed out he is a service not a ride.

I tend to believe that Bill would not allow Julio to be one of the regular cabbies for his establishment if he was overly taking advantage of his clients. In fact, it was Ray who gave me “guidelines” on what to pay for my travels with Julio. As for the drivers of the SL van, once again remember whose name is on the side of the van and who they represent. If you have a problem with their charges, handle it in the proper way, discuss it with management.

I respect and appreciate those CRT members that are trying to get the best value, but let’s remember value is objective…

Mendo

_________________
"It takes a lot of good beer to make a great wine"

My experiences with Julio have all been quite positive. In my 4 trips all staying at SL I have used Julio on many, many occasions, from going out at midnight for food for us, to sending him to the farmacia for me. NEVER OVERCHARGED.......I always take good care of the drivers anyway, it is a good practice as they put you above the rest when you need something.

I have had the same experiences with Juan Carlos, Gustavo and Jimmy all of the SL.......found them all to be honest and trustworthy, far better than your average taxi driver.....worth an extra 100-200 colones tip, for me anyway the extra attention and service they provide is worth it.


apenas mis dos colones

I have used the services of all the drivers mentioned in this post. I have never had a problem with any of them. I have found them friendly and helpful and have had no issues with taking other taxis when I needed to. But if you feel you're being taken for a ride, then don't use their services. Again, it's a take on the old adage: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.