Top 10 DON’TS You NEED To Know In Costa Rica!
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- Richard is the owner/broker of Coldwell Banker Tamarindo, and the founder of the vacation rental company www.viptamarindo.com. Please get in touch if we can help.
This if for everyone interested in Costa Rica travel, with all the things you SHOULDN’T do in Costa Rica. Good info whether you are interested in Costa Rica real estate, or just a Costa Rica vacation. It’s good to know what is normal and what is expected when you come here. I also through in a few tips that are based from personal experiences.
Hope you enjoyed!
Thanks for Watching!
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CONTACT BY EMAIL:
richard@cbtamarindo.com
WAZE has saved me thousands of dollars on speeding tickets. What an excellent suggestion 👌
We got stopped by the police yesterday, on our first day of driving in CR (from Alajuela to Cahuita). He said it was forbidden to drive with my flip-flops and the fine would be 400 USD. I told him I want to call our car rental company and immediately he said it was okay to continue our journey without paying anything. :D
Flip flops should be illegal unless on the beach.
Ohh my goodness
BACK to my earlier comment, CR has to do something about Dishonesty & crime & BAD Taxis & Shuttles, I love CR but, BUT I hate the Costa Rican way of dealing with charging tourists The CR Gov does not care if you get ripped off OR robbed , Want proof Call the police after you are ROBBED, ( DON`T Bother)
You should have got a fine for that tbh.
And you allowed him to carry on so he could victimize the next person? Shame on you.
Such great advice. I've traveled to 125 countries now, and Costa Rica will be my 126th country in April 2024. I'm going to Jaco for 8 days. Being a world traveler, I still learn from people who are in the know.
Thank you.
Jaco is amazing. Was just there last April. Be sure to head a few Km south to playa hermosa.
Hope you enjoyed it! I’m coming in May!
As a Costa Rican I approve this video 😁Now... regarding point #8... If you ever get stopped by a crooked transit police officer and they ask for a "little tip" wink, wink, (try to have pictures of your bill's serial numbers in advance) pay them off and then go to the nearest police station or court house and file a report on them, make sure to remember their official car plate number. This way the main police (Fuerza Publica) or OIJ (They're like our local version of your feds) will put them under arrest. It's the only way we all have of getting rid of those bad apples! Just as I encourage you guys not to feed the local fauna, I recommend you not to let those mofos to get away with it.
Gran consejo, mae. ¡Muchas gracias!
I want to share the following with your viewers about Costa Rican cops. I got ambushed in the town of Chacarita on the InterAmerican Hwy in June of 2016. My offense? Crossing a double yellow line while going around a broken down truck in the middle of the main intersection. There was no traffic anywhere. The cop took away my drivers license and my passport and said I was subject to a 700U$D fine. After some back and forth I caught on to what was really going on. Since this was my first time and because I wanted my passport and license back, I acceded to his demands and gave him the U$D100 he demanded. He had cleverly concealed his police truck on a rise overlooking the highway (c200 meters east of the intersection) so that most of the identifying marks on the vehicle were out of view. At first I was mad but then realized I had probably run into a real pro and was lucky everything went "smoothly". I don't know if this is true or not but I am told that the traffic laws have been modified since then so that only their equivalent of our Highway Patrol can enforce traffic offences. Two subsequent trips down that stretch of highway have gone relatively better and I have not had any trouble around there since my first trip.
That's not something foreigners in a strange land would choose to get involved in. Report a police officer? No way.
@@jacemc9852that’s what I’m thinking
Oh wow did not know that!!! That is definitely something I will do if I get stopped by such an officer!
#7🤣🤣🤣 that’s what happened to my dad he met my mama n his world changed n now I’m here☺️
I got popped in Mexico and that night taught myself my first Spanish--disabled veteran military policeman retired (which I actually am). After that, zero problem all the way to Nicaragua. Eventually, I started carrying a case of water on the right front seat on highway runs. Sometimes on a hot day, 2 waters is all ya need to make a parched throat say "gracias hermano," and you're back cruising.
Hi Rich, we watched all of your videos before we went to CR for a two week trip. Thank you so much. We used all of your tips and we had a great trip. The best tip was getting a four wheel drive SUV and the second best was come in the off season. We came in the beginning of November and it rained every day. We loved it! There weren’t a lot of tourists and we were able to enjoy the country without too many other tourists around. We did get stopped by police and they searched us and seemed to be looking for a bribe but we weren’t intimated and they let us go on our way. The one thing I would add is beware if locals trying to divert you from getting to your destination. We went to Manuel Antonio National Park and we were stopped 6 times before we got there and told this is it and we need to park here and pay them. We told them we were meeting a local guide and we needed to keep going and it worked but they step out in front of your car and try and make you stop and park although we were a mile from the entrance. We made it through the gauntlet but others should beware.
Rob
Just know, that November was just one month out of 9 where it rained every day. It gets intense. 2 years in a row with a 8/9 month rainy season. You better love the rain & mud & mold with all your heart!
Wow - I am afraid to be bribed and pulled over. Should I still even pay them??
Thank you for that!
OMG thank you thank you for sharing that you probably saved so tragedies by sharing this Terrible news
Thanks for sharing. Which car rental company did you go with? Was it expensive? I’m going next week and wasn’t going to rent until I saw this video.
I am taking my 1st trip to Costa Rica in a couple weeks, and a friend who has been there multiple times told me many things about the country. At least half were in this video! So for all who are wondering if these 10 are true, then you should believe them because they are!
Good work and keep the videos coming!!!
Solid list, agree with most of it. I lived in San Jose for a semester in college and will add a few more:
-Don't skip San Jose and the Central Valley. I am not saying spend a week there, but a couple days if possible.
-Don't get too lax about being in the ocean without lifeguards-which is pretty much every beach. Rip currents kill tourists every year in Costa Rica. The tourism industry likes to keep this fact quiet.
-Don't carry a wallet. A lot of Ticos do not. Copy of your passport, a credit card or atm card, and a small bit of colones in your front pocket or a money belt. Leave the passport at the hotel locked up if possible. Avoid expensive jewelry, sunglasses, etc.
-Take sun protection very seriously as the country is close to the equator
-Don't go through the hassle of changing US dollars. There is no reason to bring a lot of US cash with you. (Think I brougth $100 USD for a four month trip.) Just use your ATM card (not credit card) and the machines will dispense colones with no exchange fees.
-If you go outside of your resort or hotel that caters mainly to Americans, even in touristy areas, do not expect everyone to speak English. We saw Americans in Jaco getting very frustrated.
-Don't forget that if you rent a car many of the online quotes do not show the price for daily liability insurance that is required by law. Don't assume your credit card will cover physical damage to cars in Costa Rica-most cards dropped that coverage a few years back
Most credit cards dropped their car insurance protection?
@@dreajanekato yes most credit cards dropped rental car damage in Costa Rica, unless we are talking about AMEX Platinum or higher. And the cards that do provide coverage are secondary coverage so one might still be paying for damage in CR and then seeking reimbursement through a credit card company. Probably just easier to spend the $85 a week for a LDW in CR.
@@barco581 Should all be covered for Costa Rica on the AMEM Plat though correct?
@@mattkopf1105 the Amex Platinum covers up to $75k of physical damage to the rental car in Costa Rica. Credit cards provide zero liability though and that has to be purchased in CR.
"Avoid expensive jewelry, sunglasses"
Sunglasses?, Seriously?
Who in their "right mind" wants to visit a country with people who will steal sunglasses off your face, or out of your pocket.?
Even thieves in the worst neighborhoods in America won't steal sunglasses from you.
Very helpful! Thank you!
This is the best video on CZcams about Costa Rica. Thank you.
so straight forward and very fun to watch! loved the video & can’t wait for the trip
Thanks a bunch for the tips! Cheers!
Always enjoy watching thanks for the info. Coming back as soon as I can !!
Quite helpful! Thank you!
Great video, thanks mate!!
This was so informative! Thank you!
Bang in, for all of it! Except one thing. Anytime someone tries to use Wayz to get to me on the mountain I live on, they get lost. So if you're ever having trouble finding something with Wayz, switch to Google map. Use both.
Such helpful info! Thanks!
Great post! Thank you!!!
Thank you, Rich. Appreciate your helpful insights from your extensive experience.
This was amazing! Thank you!
thanks for the tips!!!
Thank you for these helpful tips! Awesome information for my friends from around the world :)
very helpful thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thank you for these tips can’t wait come there !
Thank you for good advices.
Yes excellent advice
Awesome! Thank you for the tips, about to take the family to Tamarindo and this is really helpful.
Really great advice, awesome
Well done! Thanks!
Brilliant info.. Thanks 😊
Headed there in a month. So excited and these tips are super helpful.
Thanks for the info.
Great help. Many thanks for sharing this information.
Great job, thanks!
This was very helpful for my upcoming trip! Thank you very much!
Great info! Hope to see you there
Love your video, few days before my trip. Thank you for all the important information
Some very helpful points....gracias!
Thank you so much and wow what a great ending with honesty! ❤️😁👏👏👏
Thank you for sharing.
Things I would not have thought about, thank you! And the 5 cards was HILARIOUS!🤣🤣🤣
Hi Rich! We are heading to CR in a few weeks. Thanks for the tips!
Very informative! Thank you!
Awesome advice, if not the best. Thank you, sir!
thank you for such a thoughtful vid. i am going in may, cannot wait!
You probably gave me the best info needed. 💋 Thank you!!
Thanks Rich! I've been twice (a dozen years ago) and heading back in December. It's been a while but traveled to both coasts by rental car and looking forward to Tamarindo as I have not been yet. Your tips are helpful and appreciated!
Very helpful, going in September. thanks!
You seem genuine. And, I find your videos are helpful. Thank you!
Huge thanks! These are all sage and tremendously helpful. Cheers!
Great help thank you for sharing
I would add one more tip of advice… may tourists skip over staying in the Costa Rica capital. That is a big mistake. Plan to spend at least 2-3 days to explore the capital city. Many great barrios (neighborhoods) like Los Yoses and Barrio Escalante with over 50 local bars and restaurant, close to the museums downtown. Santa Ana, La Sabana, and Escazu also worth checking out. Number one area for me is the Los Yoses/Barrio Escalante neighborhoods.
Agree 100%. I spent a semester in San Jose and so many tourists miss out on a lot by skipping San Jose or just staying in the hotel and leaving the next morning.
I just came back from Costa Rica - this is the worst advice you can give any tourist. Holy shit San Jose was horrible! Nothing interesting to see, best to leave the city as fast as possible.
Super-helpful! THANK YOU!!!
Awesome video. Thanks
Thanks for this list! This helps me with travel planning for Costa Rica
I hope to visit one day, great tips thanks
Great tips! Many thanks from a Canadian soon to be travelling to El Coco Beach
Brilliant! Thank you!!
Thank you for great information in Costa Rica , enjoy ...
Thank you for this! I’m
Planning my 6 month trip to CR!!
Thanks for the invaluable information
Good stuff! Thank you!!
thank you for this im planning my first trip for 2023
13:50 Thank you for these valuable information and tips. Will help us a lot on our first trip.
Very useful tips, I’ll watch more of your content. Thank you 🙏🏼 😊
Thanks - vacationing in CR in about 8 months. Great video. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Great Video. My Dad lives in CR and he has told us the same. Thank you.
thanks for the info
Helpful. Thanks!
Going to Occidental resort in February thank you for these great tips
thanks for the video very helpful
that plant is awesome. cant wait to visit CR again
So informative. I'm mov8ng with kid this spring. Thanks
Thanks for the info 😁😁😁 I’ll see you in tamarindo next week 😀😊
Really great advice!
Thanks !
Glad it was helpful!
We love traveling too. We will travel to Costa Rica soon. Thanks for the tips, it will be helpful.
Subscribed. Thanks for the great info. We are heading down this weekend to Playa Ventanas beach area. First timers.
Brilliant, thanks for the great information Rich!
Any time!
Great information! I definitely know who I would want for my realtor in CR.
Your fun video reminded me of our trip to Tamarindo some time ago ... using the local tourist travel place we went on Jeep-Boat-Jeep tour up to Lake Arenal - across the lake to a lodge in La Fortuna (?) with a bar beside the swimming pool as we watched the volcano magma roll down ... and so much more! ... yes it was a good time! Now it is looking for 'save the turtles' vacation!
Thanks so much for your advice. I will be coming down in a couple of weeks and these tips will most definitely come into play.
Hi. We are going to CR next week for first time. This vid is so helping. The police bribe part is gold. And the Waze part too. Thank you!
Thank you for this entertaining video. We are coming down in Dec/Jan and these tips were really helpful!
Great "don't 's" in Costa Rica. On my bucket list!!!
Thanks for your help
Eminently sensible advice. Been to Costa Rica twice and going again this May. Saludos.
This is the Best!! Thank you
Going in a few weeks and by far, the most informative vid I've seen. Thx for the info...following your DON'TS for sure!!
this was great! thank you
Very interesting, learned a lot and will use the info, doing a solo 8 days trip next week and trying to map what to do, planning 3 days in San Jose and 4 days in the coast line preferably Jaco .
Great info. We're going there in a week and can't wait to try some of these places. Thanks SO much
I have been visiting Costa Rica since 1972. I have had an apartment there since 2015. I am married to a Tica and am now a legal resident. I have never had a real cop solicit a bribe. There are plenty of fake cops who will solicit bribes. The typical situation is a couple of guys with a gun and pathetic police uniform who flag you down and claim you were speeding. They say the fine will be $500 and you can only pay it at the Banco de Costa Rica, but for only $200 he will let it slide this time. They actually fool ticas sometimes. The last time I encountered one I was returning to San Jose from Tamarindo. After he gave me the initial line I told him that I didn't think a gringo like me should get any special benefits. If I was speeding I should pay the full price. Costa Rica needed the money to pay their police. The fake cop immediately lowered his price to $100. But I persisted that I shouldn't get any special treatment, just give me the ticket. My wife thought the guy was a real cop and was getting worried when he asked me to get out of the car and come across the street where his other fake cop buddies were standing by a tripod with some surveying device that they were claiming was a radar speed detector. So she came with me to help translate. Even after the price came down to $50 and he got out his ticket book I continued to insist on paying the ticket. He finally gave up and as we drove off my wife asked me "did he give you the ticket". I explained that he was just a scammer, not a real cop and I was just playing with him. Only the transit police will give traffic tickets and they look professional, ride clearly marked motorcycles. There aren't a lot of them and they don't stop you unless driving like an idiot.
Spot on. A police officer in Costa Rica is a very good job and the vast majority are not going to risk it for a few bucks on the side.
I had to give the cops in Illinois a bribe. They said if I gave them $100 in cash it would be cheaper and I wouldn’t get points. Bribes happen everywhere!
Is it still happening??!! I had a cop in escazu take $100 off my for only having one plate on my car, that was in 2005
@@laurel1865 you're full of it!
Spot on with this we just got back from Occidental Papagayo and I wish I would've seen this before we went but by far the best trip ever.
thank you so much for sharing :)
Great comments. Had 6 out of 10, but the other 4 you mentioned, particulary about getting along with the police, were very helpful.
Awesome content Rich!
Thanks for watching! Glad though enjoyed!
Love the brutal honesty here! Very much appreciated, thanks!
My pleasure!
Really lovely. Just the info I needed. mahalooo