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
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)
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.
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.
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.
@@quietri0t speed limits are just a suggestion and a rough estimate on how fast people should go depedning on what is on the road such as intersecting streets and how the road is shaped. its not smart to go 60 mph around corners hense a speed limit of 35, but when theres just a big long open road and not a house in sight why go the suggested speed of 50, youre just being a bot at that point.
@@quietri0t Hi, I wish I could give more than one thumb up. Jag bor också där (I also live in one). We're so far down the on traffic deaths it's no longer counted in percent but in per millions. My plan is to stay a bot to stay a bot, and survive even the Costa Rican traffic. What the other maniacs on the road are doing, is out of my control.Yours, Ann
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 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.
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!!!
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.
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!
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
@@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.
@@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.
Solid and accurate advice. Been to CR twice and going again in Oct. husband is from Venezuela 🇻🇪 so it’s good he knows the language and how things work in America Latina.
I loved your tips. We took several trips before we ended up purchasing a property. Now we own a beautiful home between San Ramon de Alajuela and Esparza de Puntarenas. It is beautiful just like the country of Costa Rica.
I'm from Costa Rica and can say this is actually quite accurate, specially the first points about the roads and trying to do a lot on one day, we are a small country that's almost half mountains so roads are a mess, reaching from one coast to the other could take a whole day on the road.
Especialmente cuando gobierno no sabe planear las carrereras y se come la plata en confites y corrupcion. Ej la carrerrra a San Carlos está 10x el precio original. #somospotenciamundial.
@@Child0ne we have around 120.000 US permanent residents. I guess that answers your question. Now, If you would like to live here I strongly recommend you to do some research to check what are the requirements. Cheers 🍻
@@Child0ne Is Costa Rica safer than us? In Central America and The Caribbean overall, Costa Rica is ranked the number one most peaceful country in the region out of 12. However, the homicide rate increased from 11.9 homicides per 100,000 people to 12.3 in the last year, and crime is still a significant threat to travelers in Costa Rica.
@@Child0ne I would say, it depends on the region, there're places relatively safe to life and some where I wouldn't dare to go even as a local, so, as Fabian said, do your research before moving. Also, the violence against tourists has spiked recently and the situation isn't improving, so I would think twice where to go if you're traveling alone/in small groups.
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.
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!
The hallmark card comment was hilarious 😂 😂😂😂😂😂 ! And that is so true! Not just in Costa Rica, but so many Spanish speaking countries. Actually leaving tomorrow and will be in San Jose ! 😊. I was told to stay away from downtown. Staying in escazu near the mall.. I love your personality and your channel is very professionally done. Thank you for the information. Matt Tennessee 😊
I used Here We Go when I was there in 2019. Luckily, I had downloaded Costa Rica's map when home. It came in handy when I couldn't get Internet service on my phone. Made it to Jacó from San Jose with zero issues.
Trusting waze is a leap of faith hahaha some shortcuts to avoid traffic are really sketchy. If you're one of those people that get easily scared and don't like adventures then just go down the normal route with the traffic. If you're a trill seeker then absolutely 100% do what waze says it will take you on adventures every time.
good advice as an american that lived in and all over mexico guatemala and colombia its all very similar.....just chill and dont over react things are very different and people disapear in the blink of an eye...i would ad 11 to the list when you drink ..be cool,respectful...dont call too much attention to yourself...good advice and enjoy all of latin america!
I've driven everywhere in a 2 wheel drive, and I mean everywhere including getting hooked up to a dull dozer and dragged through mud when they were building the road, the only exceptions are faster flowing rivers, depth dependent, otherwise if you're an experienced, capable driver 2 wheel is fine, just keep them out of the ruts and be careful on the wet mud. Dont pay off the police, if you guy a place and don't live there full time you will return to the entire contents gone, and possibly your house taken down piece by piece.
Nice content Rich . may I suggest please . If you are going to Costa Rica . Make sure you visit La Paz waterfalls , Tabacoon Hot spring for few nights then go to Playa Conchal Guanacaste for 4 nights But it’s 5 hours drive from San Jose so leave early if you can around 10 am . It’s worth of going there 🙏
Pretty good tips and bits of advice. We just used the offline maps from Google Maps during our road trip around Costa Rica and really didn't have any issues at all. Luckily we haven't tried being pulled over yet, sounds a bit intimidating to be honest, especially if you come from a country with no police corruption ;)
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!
#3 is so true! I live in Manuel Antonio, and so many people come here as the last stop, and they always mention how tired they are from traveling all over the place, and that they are happy to just lay on the beach all day to catch up on rest haha!
Really good advice, and I would add something else which is based my personal opinion. If you must go to either Tamarindo or Jaco, avoid Semana Santa and Christmas. Those two Holidays can be a logistical cluster if you follow my drift.
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!
I went to Costa Rica with my husband and I wish I Watched this before. So he is going back with the kids and I will share it with him. However I m so sorry you had a bad experience with your heart. I’m from Colombia and I prefer to vacation there. Some of the culture is like you suggest. But if you know a family or friends in Colombia go an visit you will be amazed by the weather, food and specially people. And please be open to fall in love you deserve it. You were in the wrong part of the planet.
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 .
Good stuff. Thank you. Hope to visit around end of May for a month. Realized a few days ago, although flights to Liberia seem to cost a bit more than to San Jose, it's really a wash and so much more convenient.
It depends on where your going, if you want to go to Guanacaste(that has a lot of pretty places but it’s also the most hyped and mainstream) but SJ is more centric and is more comfortable since there are a lot more flights entering and departing from there
we just came back and all u said it's awesome and true, one tip to add the restaurants at the airport in liberia will say the water is not safe asking you to buy bottled water which is incorrect, all costa Rican water is safe unlike other countries so insist on a glass of water with ice and they will give it to you!
Richard- Hope all is well. Great presentation. I wasn't aware you were such a celebraty. Well Done. I will be in town in a few weeks so let's grab a Imperial. I just subscribed to see what I should and should not be doing! Pura Vida, Steve Grow
I have really enjoyed your videos. Thank you very much for putting these out. My wife and I plan to live in Costa Rica part of the year once our kids are out of the house so these have been great !
Love it! 8 is hilarious! We just made our 3rd trip and bought a condo/Boutique Hotel, we close Sept 15, we will be your new neighbor, ....Thank you Richard! Hope to meet you
Headed to Costa Rica for first visit. Knew only about half of the tips! Especially appreciate the traffic ticket one. Could’ve saved me in Panama probably too. Kangaroo court on steroids! Thx so much. Glad to find you!
Visit Arenal in Tabacoon Spring and Nayara hotel then go to playa Conchal Guanacaste . You can rent in Westin Reserva condos or stay at the hotel if you like . Enjoy your vacation 😅
Great info thank you so much, I Hope to be leaving for Costa Rica in January of 22, I especially like the advice Not, to fall in love with a local girl, hehe...
Really enjoyed your video. Im planning a 90 day holiday this December. Cant wait !! Ill be there for my 54th birthday.. Going to watch more of your stuff as its normal, funny and genuine.. Thank you. Soy Escocessa de Inverness.... Must go and brush up on my Spanish
![8 Reasons Why Americans LEAVE Costa Rica [Why I Left]](/img/1.gif)
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.
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.
#7🤣🤣🤣 that’s what happened to my dad he met my mama n his world changed n now I’m here☺️
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!
WAZE has saved me thousands of dollars on speeding tickets. What an excellent suggestion 👌
Why not driving according to the speed limit - always?!
@@quietri0tseriously….people are impatient idiots
@@quietri0t speed limits are just a suggestion and a rough estimate on how fast people should go depedning on what is on the road such as intersecting streets and how the road is shaped. its not smart to go 60 mph around corners hense a speed limit of 35, but when theres just a big long open road and not a house in sight why go the suggested speed of 50, youre just being a bot at that point.
@@levipowers2449 in the country I come from it's a matter of safety ✌️.
@@quietri0t Hi, I wish I could give more than one thumb up. Jag bor också där (I also live in one). We're so far down the on traffic deaths it's no longer counted in percent but in per millions.
My plan is to stay a bot to stay a bot, and survive even the Costa Rican traffic. What the other maniacs on the road are doing, is out of my control.Yours, Ann
This is the best video on RUclips about Costa Rica. 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.
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!!
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!
Wow…. I’m at alittle over 43 countries and I thought I was doing well 😂🤣. OMG, 140 something countries? that’s so impressive
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!!!
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.
I am guessing he has a hotel, bar or restaurant in that area. lol
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.
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.
Solid and accurate advice. Been to CR twice and going again in Oct. husband is from Venezuela 🇻🇪 so it’s good he knows the language and how things work in America Latina.
Thank you so much!! Great information with a light heart and not to lengthy. Love it
I loved your tips. We took several trips before we ended up purchasing a property. Now we own a beautiful home between San Ramon de Alajuela and Esparza de Puntarenas. It is beautiful just like the country of Costa Rica.
Hola somos vecinos,yo vivo en San Ramón de Alajuela costa Rica,un gusto,saludes🇨🇷
@@fernandobreneszamora222 p
I'm from Costa Rica and can say this is actually quite accurate, specially the first points about the roads and trying to do a lot on one day, we are a small country that's almost half mountains so roads are a mess, reaching from one coast to the other could take a whole day on the road.
Especialmente cuando gobierno no sabe planear las carrereras y se come la plata en confites y corrupcion.
Ej la carrerrra a San Carlos está 10x el precio original. #somospotenciamundial.
Hello. I was ready that you are from Costa Rica. Is it safe for someone from the US to move to ? Is there a lot of crime ?
@@Child0ne we have around 120.000 US permanent residents. I guess that answers your question. Now, If you would like to live here I strongly recommend you to do some research to check what are the requirements. Cheers 🍻
@@Child0ne Is Costa Rica safer than us?
In Central America and The Caribbean overall, Costa Rica is ranked the number one most peaceful country in the region out of 12. However, the homicide rate increased from 11.9 homicides per 100,000 people to 12.3 in the last year, and crime is still a significant threat to travelers in Costa Rica.
@@Child0ne I would say, it depends on the region, there're places relatively safe to life and some where I wouldn't dare to go even as a local, so, as Fabian said, do your research before moving.
Also, the violence against tourists has spiked recently and the situation isn't improving, so I would think twice where to go if you're traveling alone/in small groups.
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!
You seem genuine. And, I find your videos are helpful. Thank you!
The hallmark card comment was hilarious 😂 😂😂😂😂😂 ! And that is so true! Not just in Costa Rica, but so many Spanish speaking countries.
Actually leaving tomorrow and will be in San Jose ! 😊. I was told to stay away from downtown. Staying in escazu near the mall..
I love your personality and your channel is very professionally done.
Thank you for the information.
Matt
Tennessee 😊
Haha ! The hallmark story also applies to the beautiful women of Thailand ! "I like American/Canadian men ! Better than Thai men !" Sure Honey ;)
I used Here We Go when I was there in 2019. Luckily, I had downloaded Costa Rica's map when home. It came in handy when I couldn't get Internet service on my phone. Made it to Jacó from San Jose with zero issues.
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 so much! We are coming for 6 months shortly to see if we want to make it our permanent home and I feel much more prepared 👍❤️😀
Great, I look forward to having you as a neighbor one day soon
Did u
Yup a 4x4 is a must as the roads are in very poor condition.
Trusting waze is a leap of faith hahaha some shortcuts to avoid traffic are really sketchy. If you're one of those people that get easily scared and don't like adventures then just go down the normal route with the traffic. If you're a trill seeker then absolutely 100% do what waze says it will take you on adventures every time.
good advice as an american that lived in and all over mexico guatemala and colombia its all very similar.....just chill and dont over react things are very different and people disapear in the blink of an eye...i would ad 11 to the list when you drink ..be cool,respectful...dont call too much attention to yourself...good advice and enjoy all of latin america!
I've driven everywhere in a 2 wheel drive, and I mean everywhere including getting hooked up to a dull dozer and dragged through mud when they were building the road, the only exceptions are faster flowing rivers, depth dependent, otherwise if you're an experienced, capable driver 2 wheel is fine, just keep them out of the ruts and be careful on the wet mud. Dont pay off the police, if you guy a place and don't live there full time you will return to the entire contents gone, and possibly your house taken down piece by piece.
Great comments. Had 6 out of 10, but the other 4 you mentioned, particulary about getting along with the police, were very helpful.
Nice content Rich . may I suggest please . If you are going to Costa Rica . Make sure you visit La Paz waterfalls , Tabacoon Hot spring for few nights then go to Playa Conchal Guanacaste for 4 nights
But it’s 5 hours drive from San Jose so leave early if you can around 10 am . It’s worth of going there 🙏
Pretty good tips and bits of advice. We just used the offline maps from Google Maps during our road trip around Costa Rica and really didn't have any issues at all. Luckily we haven't tried being pulled over yet, sounds a bit intimidating to be honest, especially if you come from a country with no police corruption ;)
It is all a bit of an adventure here
Wow! You cant be American if you’re saying that last statement ;)
@@simplysydney1248 Most probably Canadian...
Every country has police corruption
That's sad!!
Thanks for this list! This helps me with travel planning for Costa Rica
Things I would not have thought about, thank you! And the 5 cards was HILARIOUS!🤣🤣🤣
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!
Great "don't 's" in Costa Rica. On my bucket list!!!
#3 is so true! I live in Manuel Antonio, and so many people come here as the last stop, and they always mention how tired they are from traveling all over the place, and that they are happy to just lay on the beach all day to catch up on rest haha!
Glad searched this video. Im going to Costa Rica next month.
Me and my hb. Just watchs your vids. Thank you😊😉. Will be there in 2 weeks.
Really good advice, and I would add something else which is based my personal opinion. If you must go to either Tamarindo or Jaco, avoid Semana Santa and Christmas. Those two Holidays can be a logistical cluster if you follow my drift.
Eminently sensible advice. Been to Costa Rica twice and going again this May. Saludos.
Even with the tip included it is STILL appreciated to pay on top of that.
Great video. Am researching a move to Costa Rica. Close to retiring, single and plan to stay that way. Thank u for making this fun.
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!
Went to CR for the first time on a mission trip last summer. Going for my honeymoon this summer. Wrote every single one of these down!
Where dis you end up going in CR and staying? Share any tips dor locations or activities you liked? Or disliked?
I went to Costa Rica with my husband and I wish I Watched this before. So he is going back with the kids and I will share it with him. However I m so sorry you had a bad experience with your heart. I’m from Colombia and I prefer to vacation there. Some of the culture is like you suggest. But if you know a family or friends in Colombia go an visit you will be amazed by the weather, food and specially people. And please be open to fall in love you deserve it. You were in the wrong part of the planet.
Interestingly all true for South Africa too, except the tip is only automatically added when in large groups.
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.
I'm Costa Rican and this is pretty accurate, especially the one about the women XD
thank you for such a thoughtful vid. i am going in may, cannot wait!
Thanks for the tips Richard. I'm heading to CR in November for my second time. Can't wait!
Great information! I definitely know who I would want for my realtor in CR.
100 % accurate ! And funny....the traffic stops happened to me exactly like that !!! 😅🤣🤭
Headed there in a month. So excited and these tips are super helpful.
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.
Great Video. My Dad lives in CR and he has told us the same. Thank you.
Awesome advice, if not the best. Thank you, sir!
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 .
Love the brutal honesty here! Very much appreciated, thanks!
My pleasure!
so straight forward and very fun to watch! loved the video & can’t wait for the trip
Great info. We're going there in a week and can't wait to try some of these places. Thanks SO much
Thank you, Rich. Appreciate your helpful insights from your extensive experience.
Thank you for great information in Costa Rica , enjoy ...
Good stuff. Thank you. Hope to visit around end of May for a month. Realized a few days ago, although flights to Liberia seem to cost a bit more than to San Jose, it's really a wash and so much more convenient.
It depends on where your going, if you want to go to Guanacaste(that has a lot of pretty places but it’s also the most hyped and mainstream) but SJ is more centric and is more comfortable since there are a lot more flights entering and departing from there
we just came back and all u said it's awesome and true, one tip to add the restaurants at the airport in liberia will say the water is not safe asking you to buy bottled water which is incorrect, all costa Rican water is safe unlike other countries so insist on a glass of water with ice and they will give it to you!
Hello from Australia.
I'm travelling to Costa Rica in 2023 for a visit to Soltara.
Then to some surf break's.
Richard- Hope all is well. Great presentation. I wasn't aware you were such a celebraty. Well Done. I will be in town in a few weeks so let's grab a Imperial. I just subscribed to see what I should and should not be doing! Pura Vida,
Steve Grow
13:50 Thank you for these valuable information and tips. Will help us a lot on our first trip.
Thank you for this entertaining video. We are coming down in Dec/Jan and these tips were really helpful!
We love traveling too. We will travel to Costa Rica soon. Thanks for the tips, it will be helpful.
Thanks for the info 😁😁😁 I’ll see you in tamarindo next week 😀😊
Awesome! Thank you for the tips, about to take the family to Tamarindo and this is really helpful.
This was so informative! Thank you!
Well done video and thank you so much for the tips. Heading down in October and look forward to exploring the pacific coast!
Thanks for all the tips! just arrived to live here a month ago!
Always enjoy watching thanks for the info. Coming back as soon as I can !!
Considering retiring in Costa Rica next yr. Very helpful.
Great info! Hope to see you there
I have really enjoyed your videos. Thank you very much for putting these out. My wife and I plan to live in Costa Rica part of the year once our kids are out of the house so these have been great !
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my videos! Costa Rica truly is great you and your wife will love it
My family lives there as my suggestion. If you can afford Escazu . Stay there. For many reasons .
Very good video! Planning a trip in April 22. Doing as much research as possible. So far your video is I've seen
Thanks Dan. Visit www.viptamarindo.com for Tamarindo vacation rentals
Love your video, few days before my trip. Thank you for all the important information
Very useful tips, I’ll watch more of your content. Thank you 🙏🏼 😊
Great tips. Some of them are painful to hear, but true.
This was very helpful for my upcoming trip! Thank you very much!
Love it! 8 is hilarious! We just made our 3rd trip and bought a condo/Boutique Hotel, we close Sept 15, we will be your new neighbor, ....Thank you Richard! Hope to meet you
Brilliant, invite me to the housewarming party
Huge thanks! These are all sage and tremendously helpful. Cheers!
Thank you for these helpful tips! Awesome information for my friends from around the world :)
Thank you for these tips can’t wait come there !
You probably gave me the best info needed. 💋 Thank you!!
Very helpful. Everyone should watch this vid before going to CR.
This list is pretty accurate fior beginners. Pura Vida
Great help. Many thanks for sharing this information.
The only problem with renting a decent vehicle in CR is the. outrageous rental rebates, you’ll pay more per day for a car than for accommodations.
that plant is awesome. cant wait to visit CR again
Subscribed. Thanks for the great info. We are heading down this weekend to Playa Ventanas beach area. First timers.
GREAT advice ! So glad I found your channel. Going to CR for the first time in March 2025. Can't wait.
Headed to Costa Rica for first visit. Knew only about half of the tips! Especially appreciate the traffic ticket one. Could’ve saved me in Panama probably too. Kangaroo court on steroids! Thx so much. Glad to find you!
Visit Arenal in Tabacoon Spring and Nayara hotel then go to playa Conchal Guanacaste . You can rent in Westin Reserva condos or stay at the hotel if you like . Enjoy your vacation 😅
Great info thank you so much, I Hope to be leaving for Costa Rica in January of 22, I especially like the advice Not, to fall in love with a local girl, hehe...
Great advice! Must say you are absolutely charming!
We are heading to Tamarindo with our entire family in two weeks. Great information!!! We look forward to our visit.
Richard@cbtamarindo.com
GREAT Intel, Gracias, Bravo!
🙏
Really enjoyed your video. Im planning a 90 day holiday this December. Cant wait !! Ill be there for my 54th birthday.. Going to watch more of your stuff as its normal, funny and genuine.. Thank you. Soy Escocessa de Inverness.... Must go and brush up on my Spanish