Top 10 DON’TS You NEED To Know In Costa Rica!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2024
- Richard is the owner/broker of Coldwell Banker Tamarindo, and the founder of the vacation rental company www.viptamarindo.com. Please get in touch if we can help.
This if for everyone interested in Costa Rica travel, with all the things you SHOULDN’T do in Costa Rica. Good info whether you are interested in Costa Rica real estate, or just a Costa Rica vacation. It’s good to know what is normal and what is expected when you come here. I also through in a few tips that are based from personal experiences.
Hope you enjoyed!
Thanks for Watching!
Please comment, like, and subscribe to my channel.
CONTACT BY EMAIL:
richard@cbtamarindo.com
WAZE has saved me thousands of dollars on speeding tickets. What an excellent suggestion 👌
We got stopped by the police yesterday, on our first day of driving in CR (from Alajuela to Cahuita). He said it was forbidden to drive with my flip-flops and the fine would be 400 USD. I told him I want to call our car rental company and immediately he said it was okay to continue our journey without paying anything. :D
Flip flops should be illegal unless on the beach.
Ohh my goodness
BACK to my earlier comment, CR has to do something about Dishonesty & crime & BAD Taxis & Shuttles, I love CR but, BUT I hate the Costa Rican way of dealing with charging tourists The CR Gov does not care if you get ripped off OR robbed , Want proof Call the police after you are ROBBED, ( DON`T Bother)
You should have got a fine for that tbh.
And you allowed him to carry on so he could victimize the next person? Shame on you.
As a Costa Rican I approve this video 😁Now... regarding point #8... If you ever get stopped by a crooked transit police officer and they ask for a "little tip" wink, wink, (try to have pictures of your bill's serial numbers in advance) pay them off and then go to the nearest police station or court house and file a report on them, make sure to remember their official car plate number. This way the main police (Fuerza Publica) or OIJ (They're like our local version of your feds) will put them under arrest. It's the only way we all have of getting rid of those bad apples! Just as I encourage you guys not to feed the local fauna, I recommend you not to let those mofos to get away with it.
Gran consejo, mae. ¡Muchas gracias!
I want to share the following with your viewers about Costa Rican cops. I got ambushed in the town of Chacarita on the InterAmerican Hwy in June of 2016. My offense? Crossing a double yellow line while going around a broken down truck in the middle of the main intersection. There was no traffic anywhere. The cop took away my drivers license and my passport and said I was subject to a 700U$D fine. After some back and forth I caught on to what was really going on. Since this was my first time and because I wanted my passport and license back, I acceded to his demands and gave him the U$D100 he demanded. He had cleverly concealed his police truck on a rise overlooking the highway (c200 meters east of the intersection) so that most of the identifying marks on the vehicle were out of view. At first I was mad but then realized I had probably run into a real pro and was lucky everything went "smoothly". I don't know if this is true or not but I am told that the traffic laws have been modified since then so that only their equivalent of our Highway Patrol can enforce traffic offences. Two subsequent trips down that stretch of highway have gone relatively better and I have not had any trouble around there since my first trip.
That's not something foreigners in a strange land would choose to get involved in. Report a police officer? No way.
@@jacemc9852that’s what I’m thinking
Oh wow did not know that!!! That is definitely something I will do if I get stopped by such an officer!
#7🤣🤣🤣 that’s what happened to my dad he met my mama n his world changed n now I’m here☺️
I got popped in Mexico and that night taught myself my first Spanish--disabled veteran military policeman retired (which I actually am). After that, zero problem all the way to Nicaragua. Eventually, I started carrying a case of water on the right front seat on highway runs. Sometimes on a hot day, 2 waters is all ya need to make a parched throat say "gracias hermano," and you're back cruising.
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!
Thank you, Rich. Appreciate your helpful insights from your extensive experience.
so straight forward and very fun to watch! loved the video & can’t wait for the trip
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.
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!
Always enjoy watching thanks for the info. Coming back as soon as I can !!
Huge thanks! These are all sage and tremendously helpful. Cheers!
This was so informative! Thank you!
Headed there in a month. So excited and these tips are super helpful.
You seem genuine. And, I find your videos are helpful. Thank you!
Things I would not have thought about, thank you! And the 5 cards was HILARIOUS!🤣🤣🤣
Thanks a bunch for the tips! Cheers!
Awesome! Thank you for the tips, about to take the family to Tamarindo and this is really helpful.
Thank you for these tips can’t wait come there !
Thank you for these helpful tips! Awesome information for my friends from around the world :)
Love the brutal honesty here! Very much appreciated, thanks!
My pleasure!
Awesome advice, if not the best. Thank you, sir!
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!
Thanks for this list! This helps me with travel planning for Costa Rica
This is the best video on TH-cam about Costa Rica. Thank you.
Brilliant, thanks for the great information Rich!
Any time!
thank you for such a thoughtful vid. i am going in may, cannot wait!
This was very helpful for my upcoming trip! Thank you very much!
Love your video, few days before my trip. Thank you for all the important information
Great help. Many thanks for sharing this information.
Thank you so much and wow what a great ending with honesty! ❤️😁👏👏👏
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!!!
Great comments. Had 6 out of 10, but the other 4 you mentioned, particulary about getting along with the police, were very helpful.
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.
Great "don't 's" in Costa Rica. On my bucket list!!!
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.
Thank you so much. This is brilliant. I will pay particular attention to the 'do not fall in love' advice :-) I'm planning a solo trip as a 50 year old Brit and your advice is invaluable.
Great information! I definitely know who I would want for my realtor in CR.
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 .
Eminently sensible advice. Been to Costa Rica twice and going again this May. Saludos.
Great video, thanks mate!!
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!
We love traveling too. We will travel to Costa Rica soon. Thanks for the tips, it will be helpful.
This was amazing! Thank you!
Some very helpful points....gracias!
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.
Great Video. My Dad lives in CR and he has told us the same. Thank you.
Very useful tips, I’ll watch more of your content. Thank you 🙏🏼 😊
You probably gave me the best info needed. 💋 Thank you!!
Going in a few weeks and by far, the most informative vid I've seen. Thx for the info...following your DON'TS for sure!!
GREAT Intel, Gracias, Bravo!
🙏
Great info! Hope to see you there
Such helpful info! Thanks!
Great post! Thank you!!!
Very helpful! Thank you!
Great tips! Many thanks from a Canadian soon to be travelling to El Coco Beach
Thanks - vacationing in CR in about 8 months. Great video. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
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 😊
Thank you for this! I’m
Planning my 6 month trip to CR!!
Really great advice!
Thanks !
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful, going in September. thanks!
100 % accurate ! And funny....the traffic stops happened to me exactly like that !!! 😅🤣🤭
very helpful thanks for sharing your experiences.
that plant is awesome. cant wait to visit CR again
Thank you for great information in Costa Rica , enjoy ...
13:50 Thank you for these valuable information and tips. Will help us a lot on our first trip.
So informative. I'm mov8ng with kid this spring. Thanks
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.
We are heading to Tamarindo with our entire family in two weeks. Great information!!! We look forward to our visit.
Richard@cbtamarindo.com
Quite helpful! Thank you!
thank you! i'm planning a solo trip to costa rica, this was really helpful! i'm so excited
great, have fun. Hit me up if you are in Tamarindo
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
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
Thank you for good advices.
Subscribed. Thanks for the great info. We are heading down this weekend to Playa Ventanas beach area. First timers.
I'm heading to Tamarindo in April. This info was very useful...Thanks.
Come and say hello when you are here
Thank you for this entertaining video. We are coming down in Dec/Jan and these tips were really helpful!
Hi Rich! We are heading to CR in a few weeks. Thanks for the tips!
Great info. We're going there in a week and can't wait to try some of these places. Thanks SO much
Really great advice, awesome
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 🙏
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
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
Going to Occidental resort in February thank you for these great tips
Awesome content Rich!
Thanks for watching! Glad though enjoyed!
I hope to visit one day, great tips thanks
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.
Glad searched this video. Im going to Costa Rica next month.
Thanks for the info 😁😁😁 I’ll see you in tamarindo next week 😀😊
Thanks Richard very handy info. Really enjoyed the video. I’ve met you a number of times in Tamarindo we will be back early Feb to April hope to see you around. Stay safe!
Should I brush up on spanish?
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.
thank you for this im planning my first trip for 2023
Me and my hb. Just watchs your vids. Thank you😊😉. Will be there in 2 weeks.
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.
Thanks for the invaluable information
Wow - a travel video with useful tips delivered with gusto :)
Great help thank you for sharing
Brilliant info.. Thanks 😊
Great info thanks so much
Retiring in a few years and we want to check out CR. So far what we’ve seen we like it. Doing our home work now.
Yes excellent advice