* Some updates and comments from a Costa Rican * Now is 600 CRC = 1 USD. Wake up early for the sunrise too. Is better than the sunset. Only go to the "Sodas" you will have better local food and better price. Don't use Dolar a lot because locals are nice but not stupid. They will be like "300 CRC = $1". I have drank water in USA and Germany and is worse than in Costa Rica. The water in bottles they just remove the chlorine because is really clean. Is crazy expensive, is true. Get a travel insurance. You want to do extreme things. Do it safe. Also go to the Web Site of the Tourist Department to see if the company you are using is certified. Is a tourist country, some people would like to profit from it and do an small unregulated business. You should check if everything is in order to avoid accidents.
7 лет назад+84
The thing with the currency is bad advice, it is true for turistly zones, but the rest 85% of the country don't use US Dollars.
Well, it depends on where you go. Most stores will accept usd in the metro area but of course if you go to some local business in a rural area, it’s gonna be harder to find places where you can use any of the 2 currencies. It’s up to the merchant. Something to consider also is the exchange rate. Stores following regulations will most likely use the highest one published by the banks. Some smaller stores might also come up with rates based on what they last read/heard, without it being accurate for that specific day but not too separated from reality. A save bet would be to exchange what you need at a bank or get colones from an ATM.
#11: Animals and wild life in general :) And, about #10, I confirm: hospital in San José is very good. A surgeon there maybe saved my life last year. And all the hospital staff had been great. :)
I'm very glad you found good medical services when you needed them, Remy. I can't imagine how scary that must have been to have that happen in a foreign country.
Yes it has been scary. But thanks to all the hospital staff and even to many Costa Rican people (other patients, patients' visitors, neighbors, etc.), it has finally been an interesting experience even if I would have preferred not to get it.
I'm glad to see you can see a positive side after all that. And of course, I know this experience hasn't taken away your love for travel! :) As for wildlife, we recently visited Manuel Antonio National Park. That video will be edited soon, but you're quite right, the wildlife in Costa Rica is incredible!
If you want to see the wildest animals in the country just go downtown San José, you will see those exotic mad screaming taxi drivers all over the place. If you want to move around order an Uber, don't ever, and I mean it, ever get inside a red cab, they over charge you as soon as they realize you are a foreigner (and locals too!), Plus they are the most unfriendly and overall worst drivers around.
We have a social health care system. That means we pay a small percentage from our salary to invest in health for everyone. It allows low economic class population to have access to basic health attention. Because everyone pays according to his salary. The problem is most of people go to the hospitals without having an actual emergency. If you go to the hospital any time of the day you will see lines of hundreds of people with minor problems that could be seen in a clinic or EBAIS (local free health center smaller than a clinic). People with flu, headache, diarrhea, or even people trying to get a sick leave to skip work and watch the soccer match. That's why people say public health services are bad in here. But if you have a real emergency (crash accident, heart attack, stab wound, gun shot, etc) you will have immediate attention. Stuff in here is expensive compared to other countries. That's true, but mainly for two reasons: taxes (gas prices are almost 50% taxes, for example. This causes everything else to be more expensive due transportation and logistics costs a) and our economic adquisition power: we have one of the highest salaries in Latin America, we love to enjaranarnos (getting loans to buy stuff we don't need), and our life style horribly unbalanced the production market to the point most of our daily used products come from outside the country, therefore more expensive. My recommendation is: Don't go to the very same tourist destination everybody goes. Hosting, food and attractions are incredibly cheaper just a couple of miles away from main tourist destinations. It won't be as crowded as the main places and you will have a closer experience with the people. Nice video, I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you and Pura Vida!
Internet depends on the place 🤓 It’s not awesome everywhere. Glad you had a good experience with it. People are very friendly and helpful, great people!
I’m from Costa Rica and I know when to use ‘LA PURA VIDA!’ frase. Usually you don’t use it to replace with it any word like say: hello! or goodbye!, ...no!, it doesn’t work that way. You say it when you are happy or satisfied about something, maybe ...how well your day is going up to that moment, or you see a beautiful sight that inspires you to say: ‘LA PURA VIDA!’ (this or that). When things are going good... then... is ‘LA PURA VIDA!’
About the 90 days visa thing, my mom when she first got here (Costa Rica) it was still the same about 25 years ago. She would just buy a bus ticket to Nicaragua to prove she's leaving the country but she didn't actually go, loophole right there.
I am a Costa Rican myself, and I can agree that there is plenty of touristic attractions in my country, still I don't want to take any credit for my fellow Central Americans as the others countries are pretty cool and have a lot of fun stuff as well.
According to the health service, is totally different if it's public or not, as a foreign depending of your illness you will receive the help immediately
I am a Costa Rican and I am ashamed about the "unsafe" popularity this country has been getting in the past years, but I just wanted to throw this out for anybody considering to visiting (or not to) my country. It's a tiny country, about the size of the state of West Virginia, even though because of the state of the roads and cars being the main mean of transportation, you may feel like you are traveling through your home state at times because of how long it can take to get from one point to the other. It takes about 8 hours to get from one border of the country to the other, and that's a distance of 520 km, about 350 miles. Nonetheless there are plenty of things to be seen (which most likely you won't see them all in one trip), you can either travel to some of the countries nicest beaches (like Manuel Antonio) or to an active volcano (Arenal Volcano, not like it's causing lava eruptions, but it does have smoke and ashes reactions every once in a while). You can also check 16th, 17th and 18th century churches and temples located all around the country (particularly in the provinces of Heredia and Cartago) or just go downtown to the capital of San Jose and learn about the history of the country in it's very core. Just remember, when you visit the country take good care of yourself, specially if you are going to visit any of those places at night. If you guys would have any concerns or questions about this country I would gladly assist you, as I told you, I am a local.
FOR SALE ON COSTA RICA: 1410 square meters terrain, access to all public services, it has several trees and it is limited by a small river with a seasonal waterfall, ubicated on Guanacaste, Nosarita, in front of a pavement road. Just at 10 minutes on car from the beautiful Nosara Beach, 25 minutes from Nicoya and a hour and half from the nearest internacional airport.
This was published two months after I first came to CR from the USA. Frankly, I got better information from the "outdated travel guide" I bought. The first mistake I heard was the value of a $20 bill: the exchange rate changes by the hour, but you need to know that the same rate is not used to buy dollars as to buy colones (by selling dollars). You'll go broke fast if you don't learn how to convert one currency to another [this is true wherever you travel].
Entertaining and educational as always. Love the strike-set at the end with the singing! Great list and I love the positive attitude the Costa Ricans seem to have for life.
I’m Costa Rica and i can say that if you are in San Jose or tourist yes it will obviously be more expensive but the towns are very cheap. Where my family lives there are corner stores that have food and snacks for very cheap like 300 or 500 millones which is around 75 cents to$1. If you don’t know places around it would be difficult with the money. You gotta know what your doing. Also if your at the beach, don’t get ripped off with people trying to sell you things xD people will come up to you and offer you deals like sunglasses, necklaces and such but try seeing which has it for cheapest because some people charger very high. Also, if you need to go to the hospital, definitely research because my dad had a broken knee and he sat in hospital for 2 weeks waiting for surgery. Not joking. Pura vida a usted también :)
The New Travel Great advice, I’m Costa Rican and I agree with everything you mentioned. It’s important to point out that even though it’s expensive you can always find cheap options, it’s just a matter of looking.
Hi friend, here in Costa Rica the health care is not free, we have to pay a secure for get the health care but this is not expensive, but the attention in the hospitals for the local people is very bad. This is my opinion and thank you for coming here.
Hmm that's interesting. I heard something different, but if you grew up in Costa Rica, I believe that you would know best. Thanks for sharing your perspective, Frander!
It's true, it is not completely free, a small part of your salary is destinated to healthcare, but it is nothing compared with what people have to pay in a lot of other countries. The experience with medical attention is different from person to person of course, but from my point of view, Costa Rican medical attention is (quality wise) great, specially if we talk about emergencies. If I had to say something bad about I would say that public mediacal attention might be slower than it should (Some people have gotten medical appointments scheduled for years after visiting the hospital for the first time). I'm a tico, great video btw
hi. the health care in CR is not free, we pay it every month, it's an insurance but cheaper. The public clinic is not as good as we wish but the private clinic it is, that's why it's expensive.
A couple points on the vid. While getting up early IS nice, it is hard to get anything to eat or even a coffee. Sodas open at about 8 AM. On healthcare, it may be universal but is NOT free. Technically speaking it is only available to people with a job whose pay has been docked to pay into the system. This is mandatory. Before you are attended you are asked for your "Orden Patronal" which is your proof of contribution. Everyone else has to go to a private clinic.
Your airline will want you to have a round trip ticket - period. A turn back from immigration requires the airline to bring you back - period. Your passport must not be due to expire within 90 days as well. Travel insurance is a rip off - I've used it and tried at other times to no avail.
Even though immigration is not so rough here, I know plenty of North Americans living here ilegally for years without getting into trouble, they even leave back and forth to other countries and are still allowed in here. Mostly because the government realized they are a source of income for the country.
I have just booked two one way flights from Toronto to Liberia and San Jose to Toronto so you can book one-way flights. Of course, I have a return flight.
I’m traveling to Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama in April. I’m entering CR from Nicaragua by land and then flying home from Panama City. Will my flight from Panama City count as a ticket out?
I have been going to Mazatlan for many years but I am a little worried due to the government warnings. How does Costa Rica compare to Mexico? I stay part time in the Zona Dorada and part time in the Old Town. 😊
I've never been to Costa Rica, but definitely want to go! Interesting tip about needing the outgoing flight. One of our problems traveling in our RV is finding good internet. We go to Starbucks a lot to upload videos so we can save our hot spots for Netflix and Hulu. $70 for a doctor's visit in the US is cheap.
Yeah, I have medical insurance in the US, so they take out over $200 a month from my paycheck, and then each time I go to the doctor for a regular check up it is $120. And then last month I had a biopsy, so I had to pay all sorts of bills, for the hospital, for the radiologist, etc... Health care here is no good. $70 for a tourist with no insurance from there is super cheap!
Yup, Costa Rican healthcare is expensive, but American healthcare is outrageous. If you live in the US, please, make sure you have insurance, and if you live in Costa Rica, it's best for you to use the private healthcare system, you don't want none of the public stuff, it's just awful.
Lololol first person I see that mentions the hour we wake up 😂😂😂 I didn't know it was weird. School starts at 7a.m so the average student wakes up at 6. But some people wakes up at 5 or 4:30 since their higschool/workplace is a bit far from home. Farmers and people near the coast wake up earlier since it gets hot and rainy as the day goes by as you said. Anyways! Thanks for the video it was fun to watch :D
The thing is that we have a lot of taxes. For us the ticos is hard too. Thats why is not so cheap but is good quality in everything and people is nice.
Pura vida! Yeah, I may have a problem with the whole wake up early thing, eeeh, but yay about being able to drink tap water. And the visit to the little clinic sounded about the same price as the US - maybe cheaper.
in my experience travel insurance is definitely a rip off. it's great until you make an actual claim. then they will go over your health disclosure form with a fine tooth comb to find something/anything you didn't disclose.
Hot as hell??? wait wait, you make it sound like the Sahara or phoenix during summer. There's no 1 reason why most of us wake up early in the morning and it is not because of the temperature unless you are in one of those cheap cabins, near the coast, with no AC then yes, about 9am it is hot during dry season. Because we are in the tropical area, it is basically 12 hours of sunlight all year round, decades ago Costa Rica's economy was based on agriculture and farm animals so farmers are up early and sleep early but not the real case today. Tipping in restaurants are not required because in the bill there's a service 10% tax (tip) included. However, that's not the case for taxis, bell boy, tour guide, the guy that sales snow cone on the street, or basically anyone giving you a service not related to restaurant. You are still not required to tip them, HOWEVER, 2 bucks, 5 bucks extra tipping you are making someone very happy for the rest of the day as most those jobs doesn't even have a base salary or they are their own entrepreneur like SODAs that are Papa and Mamma's business. We locals DO use sunscreen. We are humans, not mutants from the Marvel world. In downtown San Jose, or nearby if you are skin sensitive, then yes, use sunscreen after 9, 10am. If you are visiting the beaches, then hell yeah, use Sunscreen like if there's no tomorrow. DON'T BUY SUNSCREEN at tourist shop. Ask the locals where they buy sunscreens. TOURIST shops, Airport, those places are a rip off. Try to get used to the tap water. Costa Rica and Chile are the only two countries in Latin america that is safe to drink tap water. If you still want to buy bottled water, sure, go ahead, but please, drop them in the recycle can. They are everywhere or save it in your bag, the hotels or a lot of places will have recycle cans. Yes, Costa Rica is not a cheap country, however, depending on where you are staying there are always cheap places with delicious foods. If you want a meal like the ones you have back home, those are foreign food and it will cost you more because those are not native. If you want BBQ ribs like Tony Romas, Chinese food in P. F. Changs, a Steak in Outback, Buffalo Wings in Hooters, a cup of coffee from Startbucks, you see where I'm going? Those are not native and probably what you pay for those you get 2 meals from the local cuisine. Be open, try the local food, its AMAZING! Backpackers, check AirBnb, pretty sure you will get a lot of sweet (cheap and comfortable) deals. There are pre paid phone cards with Internet but beware, there are many ISPs and the one with the biggest signal coverage is ICE/Kolbi (state phone company). Healthcare is not FREE for us. We get deducted from our paycheck an amount to the social security. We don't get to pay anything after we visit public healthcare services, even medication, but it is not free, we all chip in one way or the other. Now, if something happens to you, God forbids, you call 911, you will be taken to the hospital or clinic by an ambulance and after they do anything they need to do to fix you up, at the end you will have to pay the bill. Depending on the health issue, you don't need to travel back to downtown San Jose. Most of the cases can be treated in the public clinics and remote hospitals. Just be patient, that's all. Now, comparing to USA, you will not spend your savings, mortgage your home, sell your soul to pay the hospital, doctors and medication. Our healthcare, universal healthcare does not discriminate, will not abandon you on the street to die and most important, is definitively not expensive as USA. No wonder Costa Rica also has Medical Tourism. If you have home insurance for travelers, always have a copy of any form that your health provider request in your email, phone, so you can print out in case you need to fill them in case you want to have a private hospital. And the last thing, yes, the cost of living here is high. That's the price we all pay to have a abolished military, stable democracy, 25% protected land for parks, most impressive beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, ziplinning, 5% of world biodiversity, best coffee, consistently being in the top places of happiest place on earth, universal health care, and a long long etc... Hardly comparable to anywhere else in the world. Pura Vida!
One thing that is very important is that we take a shower every day! So you should take a shower too... at least one every 2 days. A lot tourist smell so bad!!!!
I love the expression "Pura Vida", it really seems they enjoy life saying those words! :) seriously the suncream is that expensive?! they don't use it at all? :O it's interesting that they wake up so early, so different from many other latin countries! healthcare looks a bit expensive for tourists, is it the same with a travel insurance?
He used tolive in a very touristy area. In san jose we have walmart and other places where you can get cheap sunscreen but it is a lot more expensive in the tourist areas and beaches
Makes me want to come visit! But honestly, you should get some travel insurance, even if just the cheap catastrophic one. I had a friend that got into a ski accident in the states and had to be helicoptered into a hospital. He would have gone bankrupt without insurance. You probably won't get sick but car accidents happen. Better pay that 50$ of insurance.
so, should i get enough money at the airport exchanged for my bus fare to the hotel, then exchange more when in town at a bank where the rate is much better?
So that you know, the days to go to CR as a back packer are long gone, Costa Rica is extremally expensive more than any other country in Central America. My friend you need to tell people the right information.
You don't want the public healthcare anyways, it's pretty shite unless you are just feeling sick, even then you would have to sit on a clinic (an EBAIS as we call it) for hours before getting a general check by a doctor and being prescribed some painkillers (acetaminophen).
At the end, everyone pays for their health. I think he’s referring the difference between social and private health insurance. At least in the States, instead of having to pay the whole amount for medical services or pay full premiums sometimes with deductibles to insurance companies, to take care of your preexisting/newly discovered conditions (and forget about preventive care in some situations...), you can pay a “smaller” portion and share it with all the taxpayers, so whenever you need medical assistance you get it regardless. Plus the tax is also part of the retirement plan. You can even have your spouse/children covered. I personally think I can call it free, at least just as an example. Of course not all systems are perfect... yeah having long lines/waiting times is incredible (I asked to have my hearing checked at “La Caja’s” audiology dept... 8 months before I can get it...) It’s something usually found in countries with social health care. But I also recognize that I don’t have to look for a hospital or physician depending on what an insurance company says or what coverage I have, which for me it’s awesome. Insurance companies will even give you a real hard time if you have preexisting conditions and wouldn’t cover some things because they’re considered “cosmetic”... Bottom line is: yes, not free, but CR is way more affordable than other places if you pay healthcare taxes.
Costs rica has two types of medical services, the public and the private one The public one is not free for all Costa ricans, only if you're younger than 18 and you're studying, or if your husband or wife is also paying taxes to grt that medical service
so ok i have to say ;D everything you say expect wake up early:D at first i thought you gonna mention how they dont like to wake up early cause is Costa Rica then we were watching with someone from San Jose and is last we laughed out loud😂 they do hate to be early , he is am Costa Rican i mever wKe up early 😂 and surely not because of Heat
It's May 2020 and if your internet is better in CR than In Canada than Canada's must suck. Electronics here are perhaps the worst part of living in this otherwise very nice country.
Be careful with the currency advice, it would be better if you carry some colones with you, in rural places I can garetee you they won't take it.. consejo de un tico.. pura vida, I'm glad you like it! 👍
I like the Costa Rican's english... Pura Vida is meaning Poor Life LMAO! But then again given how expensive Costa Rica is getting now this may actually be the appropriate translation LOL!
sbkpilot11 some people have bad English as some people actually have good English but most of the people will at least understand you and help you but who I my to say it’s not like I’m a tica or anything (I actually are) but it’s true,it’s really expensive here 😂
no universal heathcare Ticos need to buy a policy or get a job that contributes to CCSS. This is a reason (along with the myriad other taxes), that the cost of living is high. Ticos love government but despise politicians. (generally speaking of course)
Eyyyyy fellow Vancouverite! I'm heading to CR in April 2022. I'm sure the difference in climate will be a shocker. Thanks for this video!
Thanks Dan. From an Australian who is arriving in Costa Rica early March 2020. My daughter lives in Revelstoke !
* Some updates and comments from a Costa Rican *
Now is 600 CRC = 1 USD.
Wake up early for the sunrise too. Is better than the sunset.
Only go to the "Sodas" you will have better local food and better price. Don't use Dolar a lot because locals are nice but not stupid. They will be like "300 CRC = $1".
I have drank water in USA and Germany and is worse than in Costa Rica. The water in bottles they just remove the chlorine because is really clean.
Is crazy expensive, is true.
Get a travel insurance. You want to do extreme things. Do it safe. Also go to the Web Site of the Tourist Department to see if the company you are using is certified. Is a tourist country, some people would like to profit from it and do an small unregulated business. You should check if everything is in order to avoid accidents.
The thing with the currency is bad advice, it is true for turistly zones, but the rest 85% of the country don't use US Dollars.
Still, you can just go to any Bank and change some of your dollars for colones without a problem, the official currency is about c574 per US$1
And yes, I would recommend to use colones wherever you go in this trip as most places charge more when you are paying in dollars.
Correto, I can't smash the thumbs up icon enough on your comment.
Well, it depends on where you go. Most stores will accept usd in the metro area but of course if you go to some local business in a rural area, it’s gonna be harder to find places where you can use any of the 2 currencies. It’s up to the merchant.
Something to consider also is the exchange rate. Stores following regulations will most likely use the highest one published by the banks. Some smaller stores might also come up with rates based on what they last read/heard, without it being accurate for that specific day but not too separated from reality.
A save bet would be to exchange what you need at a bank or get colones from an ATM.
Incorrect dollars are taken all over the country as well as credit cards.
You can actually drink water from any tap. It comes from the mountains and is even cleaner than the blottled one
#11: Animals and wild life in general :)
And, about #10, I confirm: hospital in San José is very good. A surgeon there maybe saved my life last year. And all the hospital staff had been great. :)
I'm very glad you found good medical services when you needed them, Remy. I can't imagine how scary that must have been to have that happen in a foreign country.
Yes it has been scary. But thanks to all the hospital staff and even to many Costa Rican people (other patients, patients' visitors, neighbors, etc.), it has finally been an interesting experience even if I would have preferred not to get it.
I'm glad to see you can see a positive side after all that. And of course, I know this experience hasn't taken away your love for travel! :)
As for wildlife, we recently visited Manuel Antonio National Park. That video will be edited soon, but you're quite right, the wildlife in Costa Rica is incredible!
If you want to see the wildest animals in the country just go downtown San José, you will see those exotic mad screaming taxi drivers all over the place. If you want to move around order an Uber, don't ever, and I mean it, ever get inside a red cab, they over charge you as soon as they realize you are a foreigner (and locals too!), Plus they are the most unfriendly and overall worst drivers around.
@@LuchoCastle_11 sadly that's totally true, not even us (locals) want to use the services of red cabs in San José anymore.
Great info. We leave in 3 days with our 9 year old grandson. Pura Vida!
We have a social health care system. That means we pay a small percentage from our salary to invest in health for everyone. It allows low economic class population to have access to basic health attention. Because everyone pays according to his salary.
The problem is most of people go to the hospitals without having an actual emergency. If you go to the hospital any time of the day you will see lines of hundreds of people with minor problems that could be seen in a clinic or EBAIS (local free health center smaller than a clinic). People with flu, headache, diarrhea, or even people trying to get a sick leave to skip work and watch the soccer match.
That's why people say public health services are bad in here.
But if you have a real emergency (crash accident, heart attack, stab wound, gun shot, etc) you will have immediate attention.
Stuff in here is expensive compared to other countries. That's true, but mainly for two reasons: taxes (gas prices are almost 50% taxes, for example. This causes everything else to be more expensive due transportation and logistics costs a) and our economic adquisition power: we have one of the highest salaries in Latin America, we love to enjaranarnos (getting loans to buy stuff we don't need), and our life style horribly unbalanced the production market to the point most of our daily used products come from outside the country, therefore more expensive.
My recommendation is: Don't go to the very same tourist destination everybody goes. Hosting, food and attractions are incredibly cheaper just a couple of miles away from main tourist destinations. It won't be as crowded as the main places and you will have a closer experience with the people.
Nice video, I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you and Pura Vida!
THANK YOU Adrián Núñez!!!! Well said! Truth be told.
Adrián Núñez what places would you recommend in Costa Rica? :)
Internet depends on the place 🤓 It’s not awesome everywhere. Glad you had a good experience with it. People are very friendly and helpful, great people!
I’m from Costa Rica and I know when to use ‘LA PURA VIDA!’ frase. Usually you don’t use it to replace with it any word like say: hello! or goodbye!, ...no!, it doesn’t work that way. You say it when you are happy or satisfied about something, maybe ...how well your day is going up to that moment, or you see a beautiful sight that inspires you to say: ‘LA PURA VIDA!’ (this or that). When things are going good... then... is ‘LA PURA VIDA!’
You forgot to advise people to get the special sunscreen lotions that don't affect the reefs. lol
My great grandpa is very ill right now so I have to see if I can get my passport as soon as possible to go to Costa Rica and see my family. 🇨🇷❤️
Really good points, especially travelling anywhere, doesn’t have to be Costa Rica.
I love a Tico’s “Pura Vida” attitude.
I been there several times with my wife beautiful country and very friendly beautiful people there😊
Gracias y siempre de mi parte seran Bienvenidos,Saludos.desde san Ramón de Alajuela Costa Rica.
About the 90 days visa thing, my mom when she first got here (Costa Rica) it was still the same about 25 years ago. She would just buy a bus ticket to Nicaragua to prove she's leaving the country but she didn't actually go, loophole right there.
This is a good video. I would like to visit Costa Rica oneday. It looks like a beautiful place. Thanks.
In restaurants they don’t mind tips at all, even though the 10% service charge is included, so it’s up to you! :)
of all Centro America Costa Rica is the best love you all my Ticos from Guanajuato mexico
I am a Costa Rican myself, and I can agree that there is plenty of touristic attractions in my country, still I don't want to take any credit for my fellow Central Americans as the others countries are pretty cool and have a lot of fun stuff as well.
Aww thank you, so cute
Martin Trejo I’m Costa Rican and I can agree that there is so much beauty in the country. But panama is just as beautiful too
Martin Trejo I AM MEXICAN TOO AND COSTA RICA IS OVERRATED!
Martin Trejo AND GUANAJUATO IS NICE BUT FULL OF CRIME..
Nice tips. We just got back from Costa Rica and did a vlog about the top don'ts . they're fun to make. you did a great job!
According to the health service, is totally different if it's public or not, as a foreign depending of your illness you will receive the help immediately
Pura vida from Costa Rica, nice and honest video.
Great video, thanks!
I am a Costa Rican and I am ashamed about the "unsafe" popularity this country has been getting in the past years, but I just wanted to throw this out for anybody considering to visiting (or not to) my country.
It's a tiny country, about the size of the state of West Virginia, even though because of the state of the roads and cars being the main mean of transportation, you may feel like you are traveling through your home state at times because of how long it can take to get from one point to the other. It takes about 8 hours to get from one border of the country to the other, and that's a distance of 520 km, about 350 miles.
Nonetheless there are plenty of things to be seen (which most likely you won't see them all in one trip), you can either travel to some of the countries nicest beaches (like Manuel Antonio) or to an active volcano (Arenal Volcano, not like it's causing lava eruptions, but it does have smoke and ashes reactions every once in a while).
You can also check 16th, 17th and 18th century churches and temples located all around the country (particularly in the provinces of Heredia and Cartago) or just go downtown to the capital of San Jose and learn about the history of the country in it's very core.
Just remember, when you visit the country take good care of yourself, specially if you are going to visit any of those places at night. If you guys would have any concerns or questions about this country I would gladly assist you, as I told you, I am a local.
This is great advice. We're making plans for Costa Rica this December.
FOR SALE ON COSTA RICA: 1410 square meters terrain, access to all public services, it has several trees and it is limited by a small river with a seasonal waterfall, ubicated on Guanacaste, Nosarita, in front of a pavement road. Just at 10 minutes on car from the beautiful Nosara Beach, 25 minutes from Nicoya and a hour and half from the nearest internacional airport.
I’m Costa Rican and everything you said is spot on! I love your videos, you are awesome!
Thanks a lot!
I am costa rican aswell but am rise in america
Great video dude! Glad I stumbled across this.
Thanks
No tipping, that's handy to know. I never know what to do in the various countries because sometimes people can be put in a awkward position
This was published two months after I first came to CR from the USA.
Frankly, I got better information from the "outdated travel guide" I bought.
The first mistake I heard was the value of a $20 bill: the exchange rate changes by the hour, but you need to know that the same rate is not used to buy dollars as to buy colones (by selling dollars). You'll go broke fast if you don't learn how to convert one currency to another [this is true wherever you travel].
Entertaining and educational as always. Love the strike-set at the end with the singing! Great list and I love the positive attitude the Costa Ricans seem to have for life.
Thanks so much. Yeah the attitude in Costa Rica is wonderful
*joie de vivre*, as the french say
I’m Costa Rica and i can say that if you are in San Jose or tourist yes it will obviously be more expensive but the towns are very cheap. Where my family lives there are corner stores that have food and snacks for very cheap like 300 or 500 millones which is around 75 cents to$1. If you don’t know places around it would be difficult with the money. You gotta know what your doing. Also if your at the beach, don’t get ripped off with people trying to sell you things xD people will come up to you and offer you deals like sunglasses, necklaces and such but try seeing which has it for cheapest because some people charger very high. Also, if you need to go to the hospital, definitely research because my dad had a broken knee and he sat in hospital for 2 weeks waiting for surgery. Not joking. Pura vida a usted también :)
*Did I miss anything? If you've travelled to Costa Rica, what's your #11?*
Great top ten list, Dan!
Thanks Mitchell! Pura Vida :)
The New Travel Couldn't agree more.
You did well call me @ 250 888-0941 I have Skype as well @ ricooo80
The New Travel Great advice, I’m Costa Rican and I agree with everything you mentioned. It’s important to point out that even though it’s expensive you can always find cheap options, it’s just a matter of looking.
Hi friend, here in Costa Rica the health care is not free, we have to pay a secure for get the health care but this is not expensive, but the attention in the hospitals for the local people is very bad. This is my opinion and thank you for coming here.
Hmm that's interesting. I heard something different, but if you grew up in Costa Rica, I believe that you would know best. Thanks for sharing your perspective, Frander!
It's true, it is not completely free, a small part of your salary is destinated to healthcare, but it is nothing compared with what people have to pay in a lot of other countries. The experience with medical attention is different from person to person of course, but from my point of view, Costa Rican medical attention is (quality wise) great, specially if we talk about emergencies. If I had to say something bad about I would say that public mediacal attention might be slower than it should (Some people have gotten medical appointments scheduled for years after visiting the hospital for the first time). I'm a tico, great video btw
The reason for this is the population, the hospitales can't to adapt
told you so...
hi. the health care in CR is not free, we pay it every month, it's an insurance but cheaper. The public clinic is not as good as we wish but the private clinic it is, that's why it's expensive.
A couple points on the vid. While getting up early IS nice, it is hard to get anything to eat or even a coffee. Sodas open at about 8 AM. On healthcare, it may be universal but is NOT free. Technically speaking it is only available to people with a job whose pay has been docked to pay into the system. This is mandatory. Before you are attended you are asked for your "Orden Patronal" which is your proof of contribution. Everyone else has to go to a private clinic.
Great video Dan, great tips for first time travelers, keep up the good work on informing us New Bees of Canada!
I love your videos Dan.
Hey thx I’m going to costa rica tomorrow so of course I liked the video :)
Enjoy your trip
The New Travel thx I’m in Costa Rica right now
Your airline will want you to have a round trip ticket - period. A turn back from immigration requires the airline to bring you back - period. Your passport must not be due to expire within 90 days as well. Travel insurance is a rip off - I've used it and tried at other times to no avail.
Even though immigration is not so rough here, I know plenty of North Americans living here ilegally for years without getting into trouble, they even leave back and forth to other countries and are still allowed in here. Mostly because the government realized they are a source of income for the country.
I have just booked two one way flights from Toronto to Liberia and San Jose to Toronto so you can book one-way flights. Of course, I have a return flight.
I’m traveling to Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama in April. I’m entering CR from Nicaragua by land and then flying home from Panama City. Will my flight from Panama City count as a ticket out?
Ask at the airport in your home country or in the COUNTRY you're in before you enter CR.
Loving how you filming local people for your video! Great tips too.
Thank you! That's something I'm always trying to do more of :)
Hi buddy you tips/advises are awesome, very honest and punctual, all agreed. Cheers from a tico
Pura vida great video I enjoyed
I have been going to Mazatlan for many years but I am a little worried due to the government warnings. How does Costa Rica compare to Mexico? I stay part time in the Zona Dorada and part time in the Old Town. 😊
I've never been to Costa Rica, but definitely want to go! Interesting tip about needing the outgoing flight. One of our problems traveling in our RV is finding good internet. We go to Starbucks a lot to upload videos so we can save our hot spots for Netflix and Hulu. $70 for a doctor's visit in the US is cheap.
$70 is cheap just for a quick check up?? Wow!
Sadly, healthcare is pretty costly in the US.
I knew it was high for operations and serious stuff, but I didn't know check ups were expensive too.
Yeah, I have medical insurance in the US, so they take out over $200 a month from my paycheck, and then each time I go to the doctor for a regular check up it is $120. And then last month I had a biopsy, so I had to pay all sorts of bills, for the hospital, for the radiologist, etc... Health care here is no good. $70 for a tourist with no insurance from there is super cheap!
Yup, Costa Rican healthcare is expensive, but American healthcare is outrageous.
If you live in the US, please, make sure you have insurance, and if you live in Costa Rica, it's best for you to use the private healthcare system, you don't want none of the public stuff, it's just awful.
Good stuff, Dan. thanks.
Hola amigo desde san Ramón de Alajuela Costa Rica.
Awesome info. Spot on with my experiences in CR. It's an awesome country. Beautiful people and incredible scenery. Pura Vida!
Pura Vida :)
No dude we wake up early because coffee is so good
"with my girlfriend" ... thought he was gay
He def is
That's how gays call their boyfriend. They say girlfriend to be politically correct. Obviously he's gay!
you wish
@@destroytheliberalmachineno861 he most certainly is gay.
A lot of girls go out go out with gay guys for stability
I think I want one of those colognes with the monkey more than the Che Guevera Cuban note ! Great info as usual Dan :)
People always said I smelled savage jajajajaja
Lololol first person I see that mentions the hour we wake up 😂😂😂 I didn't know it was weird. School starts at 7a.m so the average student wakes up at 6. But some people wakes up at 5 or 4:30 since their higschool/workplace is a bit far from home. Farmers and people near the coast wake up earlier since it gets hot and rainy as the day goes by as you said. Anyways! Thanks for the video it was fun to watch :D
Pero eso solo es en las zonas calientes como Guanacasteca, y en vacaciones ni digamos jajaja. A veces veo a la gente comprando pan a las 10 am xD
The thing is that we have a lot of taxes. For us the ticos is hard too. Thats why is not so cheap but is good quality in everything and people is nice.
I didnt know it was that expensive down there! Good to know. Really good tips mate! Thanks for this. Travel insurance is always a safe bet hahaha
Pura vida! Yeah, I may have a problem with the whole wake up early thing, eeeh, but yay about being able to drink tap water. And the visit to the little clinic sounded about the same price as the US - maybe cheaper.
Haha I've got a landscaping crew ringing the bell to my place at 7am... that's one way to get up early -_-
in my experience travel insurance is definitely a rip off. it's great until you make an actual claim. then they will go over your health disclosure form with a fine tooth comb to find something/anything you didn't disclose.
bgregg55 ITS AN OVERRATED LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT...THEY CHARGE YOU EVEN FOR BREATHING!
Hot as hell??? wait wait, you make it sound like the Sahara or phoenix during summer. There's no 1 reason why most of us wake up early in the morning and it is not because of the temperature unless you are in one of those cheap cabins, near the coast, with no AC then yes, about 9am it is hot during dry season. Because we are in the tropical area, it is basically 12 hours of sunlight all year round, decades ago Costa Rica's economy was based on agriculture and farm animals so farmers are up early and sleep early but not the real case today.
Tipping in restaurants are not required because in the bill there's a service 10% tax (tip) included. However, that's not the case for taxis, bell boy, tour guide, the guy that sales snow cone on the street, or basically anyone giving you a service not related to restaurant. You are still not required to tip them, HOWEVER, 2 bucks, 5 bucks extra tipping you are making someone very happy for the rest of the day as most those jobs doesn't even have a base salary or they are their own entrepreneur like SODAs that are Papa and Mamma's business.
We locals DO use sunscreen. We are humans, not mutants from the Marvel world. In downtown San Jose, or nearby if you are skin sensitive, then yes, use sunscreen after 9, 10am. If you are visiting the beaches, then hell yeah, use Sunscreen like if there's no tomorrow. DON'T BUY SUNSCREEN at tourist shop. Ask the locals where they buy sunscreens. TOURIST shops, Airport, those places are a rip off.
Try to get used to the tap water. Costa Rica and Chile are the only two countries in Latin america that is safe to drink tap water. If you still want to buy bottled water, sure, go ahead, but please, drop them in the recycle can. They are everywhere or save it in your bag, the hotels or a lot of places will have recycle cans.
Yes, Costa Rica is not a cheap country, however, depending on where you are staying there are always cheap places with delicious foods. If you want a meal like the ones you have back home, those are foreign food and it will cost you more because those are not native. If you want BBQ ribs like Tony Romas, Chinese food in P. F. Changs, a Steak in Outback, Buffalo Wings in Hooters, a cup of coffee from Startbucks, you see where I'm going? Those are not native and probably what you pay for those you get 2 meals from the local cuisine. Be open, try the local food, its AMAZING! Backpackers, check AirBnb, pretty sure you will get a lot of sweet (cheap and comfortable) deals.
There are pre paid phone cards with Internet but beware, there are many ISPs and the one with the biggest signal coverage is ICE/Kolbi (state phone company).
Healthcare is not FREE for us. We get deducted from our paycheck an amount to the social security. We don't get to pay anything after we visit public healthcare services, even medication, but it is not free, we all chip in one way or the other. Now, if something happens to you, God forbids, you call 911, you will be taken to the hospital or clinic by an ambulance and after they do anything they need to do to fix you up, at the end you will have to pay the bill. Depending on the health issue, you don't need to travel back to downtown San Jose. Most of the cases can be treated in the public clinics and remote hospitals. Just be patient, that's all. Now, comparing to USA, you will not spend your savings, mortgage your home, sell your soul to pay the hospital, doctors and medication. Our healthcare, universal healthcare does not discriminate, will not abandon you on the street to die and most important, is definitively not expensive as USA. No wonder Costa Rica also has Medical Tourism. If you have home insurance for travelers, always have a copy of any form that your health provider request in your email, phone, so you can print out in case you need to fill them in case you want to have a private hospital.
And the last thing, yes, the cost of living here is high. That's the price we all pay to have a abolished military, stable democracy, 25% protected land for parks, most impressive beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, ziplinning, 5% of world biodiversity, best coffee, consistently being in the top places of happiest place on earth, universal health care, and a long long etc... Hardly comparable to anywhere else in the world.
Pura Vida!
Great tips, thanks
One thing that is very important is that we take a shower every day! So you should take a shower too... at least one every 2 days. A lot tourist smell so bad!!!!
I love the expression "Pura Vida", it really seems they enjoy life saying those words! :) seriously the suncream is that expensive?! they don't use it at all? :O it's interesting that they wake up so early, so different from many other latin countries! healthcare looks a bit expensive for tourists, is it the same with a travel insurance?
Do some latin countries sleep late?? Let me know, I need to find out. That's my style hahaha
He used tolive in a very touristy area. In san jose we have walmart and other places where you can get cheap sunscreen but it is a lot more expensive in the tourist areas and beaches
Lots of FALSE information
love your video man so yea i give you a like 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Dental clinics in San Jose do superior work at 25% the cost medical tourism is bigger there than anywhere in the world
Makes me want to come visit! But honestly, you should get some travel insurance, even if just the cheap catastrophic one. I had a friend that got into a ski accident in the states and had to be helicoptered into a hospital. He would have gone bankrupt without insurance. You probably won't get sick but car accidents happen. Better pay that 50$ of insurance.
+Elizabeth Travels Wow!! I can't imagine what an uninsured helicopter ride would cost
I got gastroenteritis when I went to New York City. Without insurance my hospital stay and ambulance trip, it would of costed me $10,000
Great information
so, should i get enough money at the airport exchanged for my bus fare to the hotel, then exchange more when in town at a bank where the rate is much better?
Thanks for visiting my country 😉
Costa Rica is not hot. I lived there for 5 years and it is the best weather. Now I live in Panamá by the way.
Temperature variation is generally from 10 to 40 celsius
@@joules_sw Ye, but thier is always a lot of fresh air to cool you.
True
Beautiful
haha that kick. nice video. I love the song bro! how long to staying there? i wanna visit.
Staying until we sell the property. Come on down bro!!
Wait for me !!! Actually, I'll be in Mexico for 4 months, so Dan or Shawn feel free to visit.
Used to live here . Great and unforgettable experience
Yes, make a part 2 to this
My bday is on oct.19 so it was just one day away!!!
Our bday is coming up again!
One of things that I love about Costa Rica is that we can use US dollars too :) Great tips on things you should know!
Thanks! Yeah it makes the conversion easier when you don't need to do one haha
Pay with US $ and you are paying 10 - 30 percent more... Exchange it for Colones. Its already expensive here, why over pay?
So that you know, the days to go to CR as a back packer are long gone, Costa Rica is extremally expensive more than any other country in Central America. My friend you need to tell people the right information.
Very good im going to CS cristmas time i will get some Costados. And Tamales. Yummy.
I know pura vida from the bracelets 😂 but am glad to visit the origin of puravida
If you have an emergency and you go to a public clinic, they will treat you and charge later
yea i do have my friends ticos and yea pura vida
#11:The bad roads!
Haha, always entertaining - 'that's a spoiler'. Good tips to learn, like health care.
Thanks K 🙂
Are you sure you where on a public clinic??? I pretty sure foreigners are also covered by the health insurance...
Eso es en Panamá
You don't want the public healthcare anyways, it's pretty shite unless you are just feeling sick, even then you would have to sit on a clinic (an EBAIS as we call it) for hours before getting a general check by a doctor and being prescribed some painkillers (acetaminophen).
No Josué, si uno no está asegurado entonces le cobran la atención
Is not truth that health insurance is free for all the locals.
At the end, everyone pays for their health. I think he’s referring the difference between social and private health insurance. At least in the States, instead of having to pay the whole amount for medical services or pay full premiums sometimes with deductibles to insurance companies, to take care of your preexisting/newly discovered conditions (and forget about preventive care in some situations...), you can pay a “smaller” portion and share it with all the taxpayers, so whenever you need medical assistance you get it regardless. Plus the tax is also part of the retirement plan. You can even have your spouse/children covered. I personally think I can call it free, at least just as an example.
Of course not all systems are perfect... yeah having long lines/waiting times is incredible (I asked to have my hearing checked at “La Caja’s” audiology dept... 8 months before I can get it...) It’s something usually found in countries with social health care. But I also recognize that I don’t have to look for a hospital or physician depending on what an insurance company says or what coverage I have, which for me it’s awesome. Insurance companies will even give you a real hard time if you have preexisting conditions and wouldn’t cover some things because they’re considered “cosmetic”...
Bottom line is: yes, not free, but CR is way more affordable than other places if you pay healthcare taxes.
If you cannot pay and its an emergency they will bring you the service anyway.
I mean if you're constantly traveling then travel insurance is going to astronomically high.
Very likeable dude.
this is out of date , money is 578 crc to $ 1.00 and the cost of living is now higher in Panama
nice dear.. top ten things.i visit there in future.please tell me about cota rica properties for incomes,such as agriculture, fams.....
Costs rica has two types of medical services, the public and the private one
The public one is not free for all Costa ricans, only if you're younger than 18 and you're studying, or if your husband or wife is also paying taxes to grt that medical service
But if you cant pay they wont ever let you die
Which phone company do you recomend for new people going to costa rica ?
I haven't tried a few so I can't give you a real comparison. But I use Kolbi and it has been fine :)
The New Travel Ok that's great thanks :D
MANLYbear 12345 Thanks for that :D
GMAZ7 had kolbi was alright however you don't need that, wifi in hostels or airbnbs are enough
so ok i have to say ;D everything you say expect wake up early:D at first i thought you gonna mention how they dont like to wake up early cause is Costa Rica then we were watching with someone from San Jose and is last we laughed out loud😂 they do hate to be early , he is am Costa Rican i mever wKe up early 😂 and surely not because of Heat
mi amigo tico no usa sunscreen
The health care system is not free for locals, thats wrong.
It's May 2020 and if your internet is better in CR than In Canada than Canada's must suck.
Electronics here are perhaps the worst part of living in this otherwise very nice country.
What about any immunizations??
Damn ❤
Do the banks accept travellers cheques and Canadian dollars?
Be careful with the currency advice, it would be better if you carry some colones with you, in rural places I can garetee you they won't take it.. consejo de un tico.. pura vida, I'm glad you like it! 👍
I like the Costa Rican's english... Pura Vida is meaning Poor Life LMAO! But then again given how expensive Costa Rica is getting now this may actually be the appropriate translation LOL!
sbkpilot11 some people have bad English as some people actually have good English but most of the people will at least understand you and help you but who I my to say it’s not like I’m a tica or anything (I actually are) but it’s true,it’s really expensive here 😂
he said PURE life. Not poor. 😂😂
Sunscreen don't pass the customs.
Nice 😎 video 📹 😍 😍
no universal heathcare Ticos need to buy a policy or get a job that contributes to CCSS. This is a reason (along with the myriad other taxes), that the cost of living is high. Ticos love government but despise politicians. (generally speaking of course)