I have travelled alone to CR 6 times, I have always felt safe..I do not go out alone at night, but I have been alone in almost all the parks no problem!
As a fully vaccinated (3) Canadian citizen I would like to know from you the following please: do I need a visa to enter your country as a tourist? do I need a PCR test? do I need a Covid-19 vaccine proof ? Is it safe overall? is there anything that you feel I should know as a tourist? Thank you and I hope to hear from you regarding the above-mentioned. Fernando
You crack me up. You do a good job on your videos. I have a place there and have been going for 15 yrs and I still learn stuff from you or at least some good reminder tips. Thanks
Yes, I have done a similar video before. Unfortunately I often have to repeat INFO because RUclips algorithms can make my videos hard to find for folks who need to find them. lol Anyway, not exactly the same. I hope you enjoy it.
I like watching this as a way to unwind from a crazy day. Any places you recommend to take a gringa? Usually, I'm down for the SJO activities, but decided to bring the GF.
Are you guys aware of what spices can be grown in CR? We are looking to have a small farm, so any help about what spices we can grow there would be helpful.
Hey Michael, Thanks for all the great Info! Love your videos. I am coming for 4 months and want to ent a car. What do you recommend got the Guanacaste, Matapalo area?
I live here in the Central Valley 6 months each year. Most useful tips, ever! And your shout-out to the Netflix "My Octopus Teacher"...the best I have seen in forever!
Great tips! We're surf lifesavers in Australia and we've never seen a dead body on a beach. Crazy that you've seen 2! The rips must be pretty strong over there 😬
I’ve seen your comments and you seem really nice so I was wondering if you could answer a question. How come Tico’s only take showers? Do y’all think baths are gross? Or a waste of time? I know you can’t speak for everyone but I’m just so curious why it’s easier to find a house with two swimming pools than one with a bath tub. Maybe it’s the temperature? In summer it’s over a hundred degrees where I am but I still take a bath every night. Although we have to have ac, so maybe that’s why 🧐
@@manda.watching.RUclips well could be many facts like the weather, also houses here are smaller most of tico houses only have one bathroom for a family so have a bath tub is imposible for them, also spends a lot of water remember the average wage in cr is only $1000 but the prices of everything are similar to europe or USA so those families will try to save more water and time. Of course it depends of everyhouse but i can say that no matter how poor a tico is, will take a shower everyday
Love your emphasis on RIPTIDES. Anything else bad that happens is a bad memory or an overall bad vacation, nothing else. Swim parallel to the beach and chill. Panic is your enemy.
I own a house on the Nicoya Penninsula and during dry season, you normally don't have much for bugs. Normally on the beach at night, wear bug spray. We always over pack. Normally only wear minimal cloths.
Excellent info! Bugs don’t like me even in rainy season I have never brought bug spray to CR I just stand next to people they like better lol. But if you come to northern Ontario bring lots lol.
I'm costa rican and yes taxis sucks they will try to get more money even you are local, but if you don't have choice you can use waze or google maps to check the way road and tell him can you follow this way? Another thing the legal price is a bit more of $1 per km
You can use Uber or the buses are not bad might take a little longer!Ticos and Ticas also walk a lot and they walk fast get out the way semafaro verde!
Good advice just want to add don’t leave valuables in your car there is a lot of petty crime and they will smash your window.Don’t leave stuff at the beach unattended,don’t wear jewelry expensive watches etc put your wallet in your front pocket and don’t walk around while talking on your expensive cell phone in San Jose! So if you drink buy your liquor at the duty free at baggage claim your allowed up to 7 bottles remember there is a duty and value added tax on everything that’s imported.Eat at local restaurants you can get a good meal w beverage for about 5 bucks.The American fast food restaurants Pizza Hut McDonald’s even Tony Roma’s Olive Garden etc are more expensive because ingredients are imported.
hey sir! what are some reputable car rental places that you recommend? Something that I had a bad experience with in Puerto Rico and do not want to deal with scammers again.
I can't believe in 2020 people thinking Costa Rica is an island... I mean c'on... we are not in the 90's anymore. Google Maps shows you the entire world. By the way: we costarricans don't like red cab taxi drivers either hahaha!! we use Uber :-) Great video!
A lot of emphasis on tipping... Or rather 'not tipping'. I guess this is because a lot of people holiday here from the USA. From an Aussie, it's strange even remembering to tip.
no signs on the roads or too faded to read....make sure you have google maps or gps.....had a hard time getting accurate directions from locals...plus roads are tiny, winding with potholes and crazy drivers.
✨Your videos are so entertaining, loved watching this one! So autentic and genuine, the vibes of the channel always puts us in such a great mood. It comes through that you love what you're doing 😊👏 We create videos as well, you're welcome on our channel! Subscribe for more 🤙
Mike, why can't the government people see your worth in tourism for Costa Rica ?? Man you have done more to promote Costa Rica than anyone. Best of luck on staying in CR
They don’t care Calvin Ayre opened sports books,casinos,advertised Costa Rica in the US with million dollar campaign brought MMA to Costa Rica invested in houses had a huge mansion here!So what did Costa Rica do he had a party at his house and they raided it leaked footage showed the police eating his food at the party mistreating his guests harassed his girlfriend and no charges were ever brought!He donated at least a million to charity employed a ton of people.He got pissed moved his operation to a Caribbean Island! They love to shoot themselves in the foot the guy is a billionaire Costa Rica lost out on all the revenue and taxes!CR is not the only game in town!I have to pay 13% Value added tax on my personal training biz on top of licensing fees etc!
Talked to one of Calvin Ayers ex managers he employs 600 people in Antigua now is the top Bitcoin miner has a charitable foundation gives away millions branched out into TV and other related biz ‘s! He was at the party and 100 cops came to the raid which was the filming of a reality TV segment!He stated not only did the cops eat half the banquet food they also swam in his pool during the extended search where they tore up the house! He was exonerated of all charges they claimed he was running a high stakes poker tournament in his mansion! He was indicated on all charges and still stayed in Costa Ric a while longer ran Bodog Entertainment and Bo Dog fights here and in Russia and other parts of the world! He was bringing a million dollars a day in business to Costa Rica finally said Asta la vista baby!They honor him in Antigua and around the world and screwed him over in CR
by the way i hate taxistas as well and have gotten in huge fights as they are always tryin to ripp you off,always say "maria"which is put on the metter.ive lost girlfreinds who thought i was crazy for not letting taxis ripp me off and just taking it.they hate confrintation here and yelling too."NO GRITAS"
In my experience, taxi drivers are some of the only people in Costa Rica who will consistently try to rip you off (even though I have known a few who are fantastic).
Michael Allen I am not sure how relevant this is because it may vary on the place, but I took Uber at SJO and it was half the price of a taxi. Hooray for me right? I got to save a few bucks, but the Uber driver did not have a sticker on his winsheild and I was told beforehand if you take an Uber don’t let people know. The guy driving the Uber seemed to indicate that it is a somewhat frowned upon service, not sure if it’s illegal, but the taxi driver get very angry. So I would suggest proceed with caution.
The Taxis just don’t want the Uber to pick up at the airport just get the license number and color sit in front no problem.Uber is legal in Costa Rica taxis don’t like the cheaper competition! Tip have Uber pick up at departures less traffic and cabs don’t wait there.
Robert - Bro, I'm costarrican and I don't give a s..... what red cab taxi drivers say or other people. Uber is the only transportation I use here. Cheers man!
@@franciscobarrantes7150 good to know. I am usually in the Nicoya area and we have a car. I only took Uber the one time from SJO to a local hotel and the driver said he had to be careful. I think he said it was prohibited, but maybe that is because it was the airport. But I’d still do it agian because it was half the price and the experience was just like a taxi.
Good advice just want to add never leave valuables in plain sight in your rental car by the beach hot springs where ever,there is a lot of petty crime and most likely they will smash your window.If you drink get your liquor at the duty free by the baggage claim on your way out big savings.So also be street wise especially in San Jose don’t wear jewelry,don’t put your wallet in your back pocket,don’t walk around talking on your expensive cell phone watch your camera.It’s X Mas time 25% of people are out of work, there are more desperate people and more beggars than I have seen since in 20 years be careful.
i'm such an idiot this is 2020. I would always make a copy at a copy place of my passport for years and it does get old and by the end of 3 months its always falling apart anyway,finally I said fuck this ill just carry the passport and the passport is taking somewhat of a beating as well.but duh its a new world why not just take a picture on my phone.thanks for that one.the one thing however is they want the pic of your info and the visa on the same page or of course you could always pass the visa from from friend to friend ,i gotta figure out how to get my info page and visa page on the same pic.the corrupt cops are much more reasonable now then they were 10 years ago ,they dont fuck with the gringos anymore,just the locals.Once i got hit twice in the same night by cops wanting to "help me" pay the fine on the spot with them ,the standard bribe id 10000 colones.the second time when i saw them running around the corner cuz they saw a gringo,i remembered theirnames and said" hey jose and raul how you doing",then they hesitated regognized me and said i guess we cant hit this guy up twice on the same night.
Tip your servers...feel obligated... you should tip. Im an ex pat also and Ive been living in Costa Rica for 10 years. I own a resort here now. You know damn well the local people here work like slaves and make no money. They rely on tourist dollars and tips to feed their kids. Why would you tell tourists not to tip your neighbors dude??
@@TravelCostaRicaNOWslave owner? Because I own a business? Are you operating your website for free? What's wrong with you? I want my employees to thrive! I dont have a restaurant. But if the guy on vacation wants to tip his driver for carrying his bags... or the teenage girl with a baby waitressing tables instead of prostituting herself. Who are you to tell him not to? Another flamboyant coke head in my opinion.. if not excuse my ignorance for name calling...I'm just a slave owner after all.
FANTASTIC VIDEO! Man, so much great advice I haven’t heard anywhere else.
Love this video I've watched a few of your video I do find them helpful
I have travelled alone to CR 6 times, I have always felt safe..I do not go out alone at night, but I have been alone in almost all the parks no problem!
First one was some good advice
When I am in costa rica I want to buy this guy a drink. Mad respect. Thanks for your vids
As a fully vaccinated (3) Canadian citizen I would like to know from you the following please:
do I need a visa to enter your country as a tourist?
do I need a PCR test?
do I need a Covid-19 vaccine proof ?
Is it safe overall?
is there anything that you feel I should know as a tourist?
Thank you and I hope to hear from you regarding the above-mentioned.
Fernando
I have looked at a lot of videos and blogs. Yours are very informative and entertaining. Looking forward to our trip.
You crack me up. You do a good job on your videos. I have a place there and have been going for 15 yrs and I still learn stuff from you or at least some good reminder tips. Thanks
Yes, I have done a similar video before. Unfortunately I often have to repeat INFO because RUclips algorithms can make my videos hard to find for folks who need to find them. lol Anyway, not exactly the same. I hope you enjoy it.
Lol..what's with the tp around your neck
thank you
Love your necklace!!! 😅 Thanks for all the great info!
WOW! What a helpful video 😁 We'll be there in a few days....PERFECT TIMING! Thanks Michael 🥰
Thank you for your honesty. Are the bugs bad everywhere. Please don't say Lake Chapala is the same🐛
Great info ❤️
I like watching this as a way to unwind from a crazy day. Any places you recommend to take a gringa? Usually, I'm down for the SJO activities, but decided to bring the GF.
Can you let's us know when that travel insurance is lifted. I am not planning to to travel like that. Thank you.
Are you guys aware of what spices can be grown in CR? We are looking to have a small farm, so any help about what spices we can grow there would be helpful.
Nailed it, nailed it, nailed it... Every single one of those tips are spot on!
Hey Michael, Thanks for all the great Info! Love your videos. I am coming for 4 months and want to ent a car. What do you recommend got the Guanacaste, Matapalo area?
This is amazing! We live on a sailboat, sailing the world and must put this on our bucket list... wow!
I live here in the Central Valley 6 months each year. Most useful tips, ever! And your shout-out to the Netflix "My Octopus Teacher"...the best I have seen in forever!
amazing
Pura Vida
Awesome tips! Thank you 🙏🏽
This is the kind if video we have been missing! Thank you, Mike.
What about phones? Is there a cheaper service i can use or should i use my service from the U.S.
Love your videos
I want to renew a suv, which website should I go?
This guy reminds me of Eddy Haskell all grow'd up...
Great tips!
We're surf lifesavers in Australia and we've never seen a dead body on a beach. Crazy that you've seen 2! The rips must be pretty strong over there 😬
Also, we do not really have live savers in most of the beaches
Michael do we have to guarantee for 14 days arriving in Costa Rica?
Hi Michael thanks for the info. I booked a rental car (before I saw your video) from Economy in Liberia. Should I cancel and go with someone else?
Love Your Travel Tips but Totally Love Your Necklace! 😂😁😅
Another important tip you can buy a local SIM card for $2 and it gives you internet in all CR and local calls
I’ve seen your comments and you seem really nice so I was wondering if you could answer a question. How come Tico’s only take showers? Do y’all think baths are gross? Or a waste of time? I know you can’t speak for everyone but I’m just so curious why it’s easier to find a house with two swimming pools than one with a bath tub. Maybe it’s the temperature? In summer it’s over a hundred degrees where I am but I still take a bath every night. Although we have to have ac, so maybe that’s why 🧐
@@manda.watching.RUclips well could be many facts like the weather, also houses here are smaller most of tico houses only have one bathroom for a family so have a bath tub is imposible for them, also spends a lot of water remember the average wage in cr is only $1000 but the prices of everything are similar to europe or USA so those families will try to save more water and time. Of course it depends of everyhouse but i can say that no matter how poor a tico is, will take a shower everyday
Love your emphasis on RIPTIDES. Anything else bad that happens is a bad memory or an overall bad vacation, nothing else. Swim parallel to the beach and chill. Panic is your enemy.
thanks mike!!
Muchas gracias mi gringito no le entendí ni picha pero gracias. Saludos desde Tiquicia 🇨🇷
I own a house on the Nicoya Penninsula and during dry season, you normally don't have much for bugs. Normally on the beach at night, wear bug spray.
We always over pack. Normally only wear minimal cloths.
Excellent info! Bugs don’t like me even in rainy season I have never brought bug spray to CR I just stand next to people they like better lol. But if you come to northern Ontario bring lots lol.
Is Costa Rica currently under any curfew? I would like to plan a trip to San Jose in a few weeks
Hi J, I just spoke to my Tica friend and she said curfew is at 10:00PM daily.
@@RexamillionA thanks
expensive insurance
Thanks man! Heading down at the end of the month for 3 months. Don't spend that $1 monthly tip your subscriber gave you all in one place haha!
I'm costa rican and yes taxis sucks they will try to get more money even you are local, but if you don't have choice you can use waze or google maps to check the way road and tell him can you follow this way? Another thing the legal price is a bit more of $1 per km
You can use Uber or the buses are not bad might take a little longer!Ticos and Ticas also walk a lot and they walk fast get out the way semafaro verde!
@@richardyoung1890 that's right and buses take you almost everywhere in cr and are a lot cheaper
Good advice just want to add don’t leave valuables in your car there is a lot of petty crime and they will smash your window.Don’t leave stuff at the beach unattended,don’t wear jewelry expensive watches etc put your wallet in your front pocket and don’t walk around while talking on your expensive cell phone in San Jose! So if you drink buy your liquor at the duty free at baggage claim your allowed up to 7 bottles remember there is a duty and value added tax on everything that’s imported.Eat at local restaurants you can get a good meal w beverage for about 5 bucks.The American fast food restaurants Pizza Hut McDonald’s even Tony Roma’s Olive Garden etc are more expensive because ingredients are imported.
What are the reputable car rental places?
hey sir! what are some reputable car rental places that you recommend? Something that I had a bad experience with in Puerto Rico and do not want to deal with scammers again.
budget and avis
I can't believe in 2020 people thinking Costa Rica is an island... I mean c'on... we are not in the 90's anymore. Google Maps shows you the entire world. By the way: we costarricans don't like red cab taxi drivers either hahaha!! we use Uber :-) Great video!
A lot of this applies to Mexico too
All restaurant receipts have a line for additional tip. There’s no reason to be cheap and not add. I also leave a tip for the hotel housekeeper.
How much are the Ubers by hour, about?
Another great video.....I will be in San Jose in one week.
A lot of emphasis on tipping... Or rather 'not tipping'. I guess this is because a lot of people holiday here from the USA. From an Aussie, it's strange even remembering to tip.
I've had 2 people argue with me that costa rica is an island. I made them look at a map- seriously
no signs on the roads or too faded to read....make sure you have google maps or gps.....had a hard time getting accurate directions from locals...plus roads are tiny, winding with potholes and crazy drivers.
✨Your videos are so entertaining, loved watching this one! So autentic and genuine, the vibes of the channel always puts us in such a great mood. It comes through that you love what you're doing 😊👏 We create videos as well, you're welcome on our channel! Subscribe for more 🤙
right? amazing stuff
..." ON YOUR DESCENT TO THE BEAUTIFUL Island??? of costa Rica!" I DON'T THINK SO!
Things were going great till you rolled up your shirt. JK, always love your videos. Puda vida.
Mike, why can't the government people see your worth in tourism for Costa Rica ?? Man you have done more to promote Costa Rica than anyone. Best of luck on staying in CR
They don’t care Calvin Ayre opened sports books,casinos,advertised Costa Rica in the US with million dollar campaign brought MMA to Costa Rica invested in houses had a huge mansion here!So what did Costa Rica do he had a party at his house and they raided it leaked footage showed the police eating his food at the party mistreating his guests harassed his girlfriend and no charges were ever brought!He donated at least a million to charity employed a ton of people.He got pissed moved his operation to a Caribbean Island! They love to shoot themselves in the foot the guy is a billionaire Costa Rica lost out on all the revenue and taxes!CR is not the only game in town!I have to pay 13% Value added tax on my personal training biz on top of licensing fees etc!
Talked to one of Calvin Ayers ex managers he employs 600 people in Antigua now is the top Bitcoin miner has a charitable foundation gives away millions branched out into TV and other related biz ‘s! He was at the party and 100 cops came to the raid which was the filming of a reality TV segment!He stated not only did the cops eat half the banquet food they also swam in his pool during the extended search where they tore up the house! He was exonerated of all charges they claimed he was running a high stakes poker tournament in his mansion! He was indicated on all charges and still stayed in Costa Ric a while longer ran Bodog Entertainment and Bo Dog fights here and in Russia and other parts of the world! He was bringing a million dollars a day in business to Costa Rica finally said Asta la vista baby!They honor him in Antigua and around the world and screwed him over in CR
So how much do waiters and waitresses usually make down there? They don't make shit here. I always tip 20%.
Please provide me with reliable rental car agencies, preferably at San Jose airport or nearby. Thank you so much. We are coming in January.
Vamos car rental
Would recommend the same if flying into Liberia?
Are you gonna use that toilet roll or can I have it?🤔😀
Since when is CR an island?
😹 you didn’t know?
It’s part of the North American/Central America/South American island.
Why should I take out as much money as I can ?
Hey Vanessa, I got a new travel tip video coming out tomorrow morning. I have changed some things😉
by the way i hate taxistas as well and have gotten in huge fights as they are always tryin to ripp you off,always say "maria"which is put on the metter.ive lost girlfreinds who thought i was crazy for not letting taxis ripp me off and just taking it.they hate confrintation here and yelling too."NO GRITAS"
In my experience, taxi drivers are some of the only people in Costa Rica who will consistently try to rip you off (even though I have known a few who are fantastic).
Bro, I'm costarrican and I hate red cab taxi drivers too, why don't you use Uber? That's what I do
@@seanhogan6897 Bro, I'm costarrican and I hate red cab taxi drivers too, why don't you use Uber? That's what I do
@@franciscobarrantes7150 I always use Uber when I am in the San Jose area, but a lot of places still don't have Uber yet.
Michael Allen I am not sure how relevant this is because it may vary on the place, but I took Uber at SJO and it was half the price of a taxi. Hooray for me right? I got to save a few bucks, but the Uber driver did not have a sticker on his winsheild and I was told beforehand if you take an Uber don’t let people know. The guy driving the Uber seemed to indicate that it is a somewhat frowned upon service, not sure if it’s illegal, but the taxi driver get very angry. So I would suggest proceed with caution.
The Taxis just don’t want the Uber to pick up at the airport just get the license number and color sit in front no problem.Uber is legal in Costa Rica taxis don’t like the cheaper competition! Tip have Uber pick up at departures less traffic and cabs don’t wait there.
@@richardyoung1890 good to know. Thanks for the advice.
Robert - Bro, I'm costarrican and I don't give a s..... what red cab taxi drivers say or other people. Uber is the only transportation I use here. Cheers man!
@@franciscobarrantes7150 good to know. I am usually in the Nicoya area and we have a car. I only took Uber the one time from SJO to a local hotel and the driver said he had to be careful. I think he said it was prohibited, but maybe that is because it was the airport. But I’d still do it agian because it was half the price and the experience was just like a taxi.
There is a difference between Costa Rica and Porto Rico, whom ever thinks that is very ignorant
Costa Rica is not a island. ..?..
Good advice just want to add never leave valuables in plain sight in your rental car by the beach hot springs where ever,there is a lot of petty crime and most likely they will smash your window.If you drink get your liquor at the duty free by the baggage claim on your way out big savings.So also be street wise especially in San Jose don’t wear jewelry,don’t put your wallet in your back pocket,don’t walk around talking on your expensive cell phone watch your camera.It’s X Mas time 25% of people are out of work, there are more desperate people and more beggars than I have seen since in 20 years be careful.
i'm such an idiot this is 2020. I would always make a copy at a copy place of my passport for years and it does get old and by the end of 3 months its always falling apart anyway,finally I said fuck this ill just carry the passport and the passport is taking somewhat of a beating as well.but duh its a new world why not just take a picture on my phone.thanks for that one.the one thing however is they want the pic of your info and the visa on the same page or of course you could always pass the visa from from friend to friend ,i gotta figure out how to get my info page and visa page on the same pic.the corrupt cops are much more reasonable now then they were 10 years ago ,they dont fuck with the gringos anymore,just the locals.Once i got hit twice in the same night by cops wanting to "help me" pay the fine on the spot with them ,the standard bribe id 10000 colones.the second time when i saw them running around the corner cuz they saw a gringo,i remembered theirnames and said" hey jose and raul how you doing",then they hesitated regognized me and said i guess we cant hit this guy up twice on the same night.
Hi Michael I have lived in Costa Rica for over 20 years I'd like to talk to you. Please connect with me and thank you
i have seen both coasts in a day, it was a nightmare of hours of buses, dont recommend :)
What's with the toilet paper???
Bugs are awful in Mexico. Worst country I've been for that.
DONT over stay your visa you wiil be jailed up to two months before deportation
When will the travel insurance go away? I'm not paying for that bs.
after vaccination
Tip your servers...feel obligated... you should tip. Im an ex pat also and Ive been living in Costa Rica for 10 years. I own a resort here now. You know damn well the local people here work like slaves and make no money. They rely on tourist dollars and tips to feed their kids. Why would you tell tourists not to tip your neighbors dude??
So, what I just heard is, you are a slave owner and you don't pay very well.... nice.
@@TravelCostaRicaNOWslave owner? Because I own a business? Are you operating your website for free? What's wrong with you? I want my employees to thrive! I dont have a restaurant. But if the guy on vacation wants to tip his driver for carrying his bags... or the teenage girl with a baby waitressing tables instead of prostituting herself. Who are you to tell him not to? Another flamboyant coke head in my opinion.. if not excuse my ignorance for name calling...I'm just a slave owner after all.
looks like you dont have much to say. travel alone was and always be good. you just dont have anything to say. why make videos???///
You’re awesome! 🙌🏽 such a cool, down to earth guy. I’d love to explore La Fortuna with you when I go down there In 2 weeks! Lol