Renting a car is exactly like you presented it. I had one expierence, and that was enough for me. The taxi's to me is the worst of your list. The first year and a half that I lived in Costa Rica, I didn't own a car. About 80% of the time, the drivers were ok, but the other 20%, it was either an argument or worse. I also had 5 major runs ins with taxi drivers. Like you, I never paid the "especial gringo precio". I was almost in 3 fist fights, and had two different drivers try to run me over. This is something that a tourist can't really do, but your advice about the "maria' is right on the money. If it isn't working {he doesn't want to turn it on}, don't get in.
@@TravelCostaRicaNOW I have a story about taking a taxi back from Coranado about 3 am on a Saturday night in 2001 { to Sabana Sur}. It is too long to type in here.
Heading to LA fortuna in Nov never been to CR but figured this was a good safe location for out first trip . If you can recommend anything or any places we would be grateful 🙏 Staying 5 min outside fortuna here's our rough plan Car rental 7 days Tobacon springs Arenal volcano Hanging bridge park Although it's covid we were able to put together a great vacation for under 4k CAD
Hello everyone! I'm a Costa Rican, and I'd recommended going to a 'Sodita' or 'Soda' and you'll find more affordable prices. As he said in the video, we have plenty of options for you, but we do love rice and beans. You definitely gotta try Gallo Pinto, it will likely always have Salsa Lizano into it. It's just delicious! I hope you really enjoy your visit ♥ 🇨🇷
@@shenshoon8333 uvita, Dominican, Puerto Viejo, Montevideo. That's all 3 regions. Pacific. Caribbean. Mountains. Did that in 2016. Can't go wrong. Rockin Js hostel in Puerto Viejo. Nina's place in Montevideo to stat
We were told not to fly into San Jose, worst place in the world ! We ended up hanging out for four days there, had a great time. A vacation is what you make it so try to make it fun
*I've been here continually for 2 1/2 years. I live in a well built 10x10 simple detached single cabina surrounded by nature, toucans, wildlife, a seasonal creek that runs like a river when it rains hard, and there's a brown sand beach i have all to myself most days. There's a fishing village, public transportation, resteraunts, there's a place I can get a pineapple smoothie for $1.75, a convenience store I can walk to and so much more, I do it on about 5 to 6 bones a month It all depends on your comfort level as to whether you can live this simply, or not. Thanks for the great vid Mike!*
I’m from Cincinnati Ohio and my wife is from Costa Rica, we live in San Ramon CR. You are 100% correct great tips. I live at 35% less than where I lived in the US. The Car Rental is huge issue to me and honestly if I were a tourist I wouldn’t come back again. The Government should do more.
@@laurahenderson5524 No. Its because the 'hustle' isnt really a thing here. People just doing their jobs and enjoying life. You want to see great service? Be super nice to people and they will be super nice to you. That doesnt mean you get your drinks faster, but you might end up in a bar 4 hours later with them and their friends.
#1 Sidewalks. Infrastructure spending on sidewalks would greatly enhance tourism. Too many walkers and bikers on side of road dangerously in path of oncoming traffic.
Was just in La fortuna Feb 16-18. Beautiful. Your in the rain forest. No bugs either that we encountered. Rain for about 20-30 minutes then stop for a couple hours. No complaints here🇨🇦
I lived in Costa Rica for a year and owned a Toyota 4 Runner. Perez Zeledon has a couple of street lights, but once I got used to the lack of stop signs I noticed that the traffic flows freely and you get to where you want to go faster. I also noticed that there were not many accidents. After a couple of weeks I liked driving there better than the states. Good video.
A very fair and unbiased list, as a Costa Rican I totally agree with all of them, perhaps the only one I think that could be debatable is the one about the service because it depends if you like a more in your face kind of service where they're constantly nagging you, something that I feel some people don't like. Everything else was very spot on.
I liked this video, too. And I was thinking about the service, also. I appreciated how they didn't rush us out the door at restaurants in Costa Rica! it made me feel more welcome. I also have dietary restrictions and found they tried to be helpful.
Spot on on all 10 Michael! After a 44 year absence (I was born in Limon in 1949) my cousin and I landed in Liberia on the second of July. Luckily he had a a gal and her sister that picked us up and we traveled to Tamarindo where we stayed in separate rooms at La Ramona Hotel. I had the best hamburger at a center in Tamarindo, which of course was expensive, and also a meal near the beach. From there we went to Playa Flamingo and then we went to San Jose. Roads were pretty good. We even passed that bridge the Chinese built. I couldn't even recognize San Jose, but then Los Angeles where I lived until 1978 is also heavily gated. Another friend took us to Poas where a daughter of one of the gals drove us to the Caribbean. We stopped in Guapiles and ate a fabulous shrimp meal and then we stayed in Limon for a night. We visited Cahuita and Puerto Viejo where we stayed at Hotel Umami, first class! We ate another fabulous meal at Maxies, now called Mr Maxie's. We came back to Orange County on the 11 of July. Anyways, to make a story short, we ate good and surprisingly I didn't gain weight! Now, if I win the lottery, I'll move to either Playa Flamingo in the Pacific, or Playa Arrecife or Playa Chiquita in the Caribbean. Keep up the videos!
Just got back from Costa Rica! What a fantastic experience. Thank you for your videos and help finding a hotel on the beach. We saw monkeys playing in the trees between the beach and our hotel. We then traveled to LA Fortuna and stayed in a hotel with a fantastic view of Arenal. Food was fantastic. Hot springs were amazing. My daughter chose a destination wedding in Costa Rica and got married in a beautiful spot near a waterfall Thank you so much!
I think destination weddings are a selfish unnecessary burden imposed on guests and deserve a 'No' RVSP. Any guest declining should not feel obliged to give a gift either.
Been in and out of Costa Rica since 1970. Married to a tica for about 50 years. Was a Peace Corp volunteer back then. Costa Rica hasn’t really changed in the campo
😂 I’m laughing. I go to Costa Rica twice a year for about a month at a time. I spend most of my time in San José, which I love. Everything else you said is pretty much spot on.
Perfecto synopsis hermano. As a relative newbie in Costa Rica, I learned a lot of these things by experiencing them. Keep on. Too bad more people can't access it. Dios bendiga. Pura Vida
Totally agree about the taxi drivers!! After living here for several years it is the only problem I can really complain about. I would add, ask them how much it will cost to get to where you want to go before getting into the car. This is how I now avoid problems. I was once charged the equivalent of $14.00 to go from one end of Tamarindo to the other.
Trust me we Costa Ricans hate our taxi drivers too with passion, in a sense they've become a sort of mafia but at least that's changing thanks to having some competition. You don't have to put up with them anymore like you used to, thanks to Uber and DiDi.
Renting a car is gonna cost close to a thousand a week. But honestly if you don’t have a car don’t even bother going because you aren’t going to see anything outside of your home base beach and a couple of tours. Just my opinion.
Thanks for the tips. I'm very appreciative of all the information you are sharing. I've been trying to gather all the tips before I go to visit Costa Rica late October /2024.🙏
@@gutimolina72 well is a bad habit washing plates utensils with cold water same with clothes, hot water eliminated bacteria plus others 20 o more benefits, btw After living two years in La Fortuna I learn a lot about culture especialmente hablando el mismo idioma, pura vida.
I miss Costa Rica. I haven't been there in a couple years! Many of the things you mentioned, add to the charm of Costa Rica. The theft thing is my biggest concern, but I'm from Chicago, so I'm always alert to my surroundings. Great video Michael, thank you.
I love your videos.They were very helpful while visiting CR.I like how you explain what can happen and why.What is your favorite place to visit in CR?mine was Puerto Jimenez for relaxation and Cahuita for night life.Cheers from Winnipeg,Canada
If you are eating at a soda ask for chilera, a spicy version of pickled vegetables. Every soda had a different chilera that always paired perfectly with the casado. I ate this every day for the last 2 weeks and still crave it. The food was delicious!
A tico here. Yes Costa Rica is expensive. But check the prices and places and it would be fine. I personally hate that we sell "Casado" like our typical food. We actually rarelly eat that every day, we tend to eat more pasta and fried chicken. But if you want to eat something tasty try the caribeam "Rice and beans", the "Olla de Carne" or the "Chifrijo". We are also good with sea food. Don buy that thing that "El casado" is the tico food. It is not. Sorry, but I love rain XD. I do hate the bugs but as a tico a learn to live with them and to fumigate the house each three monts. The bars is a thing here, is awfull I agree but make us feel safe. That's all. Driving and the street are shit, he is verry considarte with us, but streets here a total shit. That's true. Main roads are fine, the real problem is when you go to small streets. Don't use Taxis. Use Uber or Didi. Is true that we have a bad service here. I went to Mexico last year and was surprised on how good the service is. The thing here is that all the ticos took those jobs as "temporary jobs" and like to believe that we soon are going to be on a better job. Also, don't tip us, that's already include on the price. We Ticos does not have the tip culture. San José is a city. That's all.
1991, first Costa Rican coffee at the Coca-Cola Bus Terminal. Gallo Pinto in the Mercado Centrale. Daytime Imperial in "Promesas" (opposite Hotel Presidente). The Toruma Youth Hostel. Taking the bus South to Canon. Beers in the Pulperia. Taking a wrong turn on the way down from Chirripo and wading across the river...
I love Costa Rican food, especially the tipico food. I will have to try the hot sauce. The flora and the fauna is one of the reasons I love Costa Rica. The bugs are a part of that. Great video! Thank you!
Thanks for the info. I'm going to Costa Rica on 7/22/23 with wife. I bought a 7 day package car and logging included. 3 days LA Fortuna; 3 Tamarindo; 1 San Jose. Any tips? Thanks.
Number nine made me laugh yesterday. I was talking to someone who went and said he never left San Jose. I looked at him and asked, "Assume you were at the Del Rey the entire trip?" He was a bit taken aback but said, "Yep."
I have a two week trip lined up in Costa to backpack by myself... plan to camp, backpack & hike on a relative budget... a 'walkabout', if you will... any input? Also, I love bugs, love getting dirty, bruises, scrapes, all the things.
I have 17yrs exp vacationing here in hermosa near jaco. i feel most of your info is spot on. does anyone know what is a fair current taxi fare from Sjo to jaco? my top issues are: bugs in our home petty crime (cellphones in particular) expensive groceries lack of english speaking options at banks utilities cable internet...(places where my poor Spanish doesn't cut it)
Another very informative video. I visited Costa Rica 20 maybe 25 years ago. If I had on bought property back then when Costa Rica WASN'T expensive. Taxi drivers are bad no matter where you are is correct. I have had issues with taxies in Dubai UAE and Doha Qatar even though they are controlled there. In Doha we hired a car for the day on the phone and confirmed the price but at the end of the day when we had him drop us at the airport if was a lot more than was agreed upon. We finally just said, this is all we have, which was a little more than agreed upon, take it or leave it, we have to go to get out flight and he took it. The mistake we made was not agreeing on a price when we got into the car, no matter what the phone call said.
Best Hostel in Liberia Dodero Hostel, very friendly staff and very clean. And near of Supermarket, restaurant, bankomat and if you are lucky you can join local party evenings next to the Hostel.
Very TRUE about the rental car Rip Offs,,, go private.. as above..it was not like that 10 -15 years ago.. Don,t leave anything in the car, anywhere ..Rampant car theft.. same as anywhere..
Another great video, Mike! Thank you. It just so happened that I had decent luck with rental cars, but I was in the office at Dollar Rental in Belen when a tourist got smacked with the $2000 deposit, just as you said. The guy was howling mad, and I would have been, too. So yes, that does happen. I can confirm it. I have no idea why I never got burned... but I will use your guy in the future if I need to rent. Thank you for the contact info you sent a while back. When I was staying near La Fortuna, I had the excellent fortune (pun intended) of meeting a local (Uber?) driver who defied every stereotype. Johel would serve as my own personal driver on occasion, and I did end up tipping him for great service. Always on time, would wait in town while I shopped for no extra charge and carry my bags to the car, super polite and full of great information, and he charged about half of what I had paid another taxi driver to take me home once. But he was the exception. I haven't met anyone like him since and wish he were the standard instead of the scuzzy service you get from most others. LIZANO SAUCE. How did I ever live without it? One more thought about window bars and fences: INS won't insure homes against theft without barred windows and certain other measures. So sometimes it's just a simple matter of that, not a reflection of crime rate. I have felt safer here in CR (with the exception of San Jose) than I ever did in the States. You are correct that almost all crime here is petty and crime of opportunity. The bars are a proactive means of crime prevention, not a reactive means of crime prevention. It's a very smart strategy.
Enjoyed your video. You were on the money! You scored a 10 🎉 I have been living in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica 🇨🇷 for the past year. It's lovely 😍 Thanks 🌹
I experienced "el plato típico" on my visit. It was usually fried chicken, rice, beans and some small salad with carrots. That salsa inglesa was always handy. It's not Mexican food, but it easy to find at a decent price.
yes, you just watched a 'travel video' but if you go into our playlists and check out the 'living here' or Expat interview videos... you will get all the info and answers you need... even about veterans, insurance etc.
About taxis. When you take a taxi for a longer distance, like from one town to another, you can always agree with a driver for a set fee. We did that at the San Jose airport three years ago. We took a taxi to our house, right to the front door (204 km distance) and we agreed for $120. We also did that a few times from San Isidro to our palace, 23 km, for 15 000 colones.
I just came back from costa rica. I’m not planning going back service was really bad every time hotel employees does something they want a tip. If the crime is low why are the houses and businesses looks like prison? I think they are not telling us the truth.
I just got back and out of our group of 12, 5 passports were taken. 2 guys bags were stolen one of the first days then our air bnb was broken into and a few thousand dollars worth of stuff & cash was taken. Then the last night we were there (12 day trip) a couple of the girls in our group ran up on 3 men assaulting a girl trying to take her car. Luckily they ran away! We knew petty theft was common and mind you, we were there for a festival, it was clearly a target but I've just never experienced that much theft.
I’ve lived in Atenas 10 years. The food IS bland but you are right you can find places. Lizano helps. We have one of the greatest Indian food I have had (Monsoon) You didn’t mention much about the fish we have. Just avoid the tilapia, the corvina is great (sea bass). At the stores buy it early or you will get frozen. Best place to buy any food is the central market.
I recommend Toyota rent a car in paseo colon (San Jose), I paid $500 deposit (full insurance) for 6 days rental last week, The car was a 2022 Toyota razie 4x2, I end up paying a total of $650 for 6 days in the busiest season of the year which is now. In low season cars are around $60 per day. About food, rice and beans is what we grew up eating so its what we like and we wont change that for any other food in the world , as a Costa Rican I would kill for a plate of fresh white rice and fresh soupy black beans. Ha! I live in Texas and I'm always having a hard time to find food that satisfied me, not even the famous Texas BBQ I guess if we are gonna go to another country we have to adapt, fortunately there's lots of options in restaurants in every country. San Jose has very good variety of international restaurants , in paseo colon area for example. Thanks for visiting and I hope y'all have fun in Costa Rica!
Just completed a 45 day itinerary to se Asia and Egypt - 21 flights in total. Ready for CR,,,,,, 3 hr flight and one location - no car rental and brunt of a bus. I do agree roads are much better than 30 years ago. I used to take collectivos from San Jose to my home when I lived there. I had challenges with taxi drivers which I always won. What is still true, is central San Jose sucks !
I enjoyed your video, but I'm surprised you never mentioned that it cost money to leave the country. I remember when I went w/ my family a few years ago that you had to pay a fee to leave. The other thing was service. We stayed in Tamarindo and went to a restaurant and waited over an hour for the food, and we were the only customers in the restaurant. Also, we took a tour from our hotel of the Rainforest and saw only killer ants and butterflies. Although, we did visit a great place w/ lots of swimming pools. The casino in Tamarindo was so small that it wasn't worth staying. But, I loved the resort, saw lots of iguanas (no monkeys) and had a great time. I would like to go back.
I was a tourist of Costa Rica a 3 years ago. I don't want to be rude but any tourist who complains about rain and bug are a bit to nitpicky and missing the whole point of the country. I loved that place! I mean I'm a Caribbean native so it's kind of similar just bigger and fast pace. I wish some of these complaints were more relevant, like for instance taxi drivers, boy these dudes are sneaky.
Those prices are crazy, I agree We as ticos, we would like to offer better prices, unfortunately there's not much we can do about it. Fucking corruption 😔
Lizano is gross. Gallo pinto too. Been here 30 years. Nope Nope Nope We live in Chepe and have a gazillion awesome gastronomical options! CR is a cornucopia of flavors and scenes. I love it.
Your 95%, right, if you have a good amigo with a car a pilata taxi driver he will take you anywhere , you don't need a car, buying food food market puperia , you for got this, but your still RIGHT, MIKE PLEASE GET A NEW COFFEE CUP,😄
As a guy that has traveled around a bit I can say that these things can be seen pretty much everywhere... Not even one that has to do specifically about CR, of course it happens, but that´s not a reason to freak out people.
C. R. is not a low income country. Proof is how expensive it is to travel there. I live in New Orleans, a very touristy city....very expensive to visit here.
I'm Costa Rican I agree with most of the video, especially the food part, but not the service bit, the system of "we [the employers] don't pay you, you get money through tips" is absolutely stupid, if you work, you get paid, period, you can still tip people who you think do outstanding work, but here, it's by law that the 10% goes to the waiting staff at all restaurants, so you know that the price you see on the menu is what you'll pay (most places include that in the price you'll see in menus). If you look at the (possibly) best service industry in the world, at least by reputation, Japan, they also don't have tipping as part of their system, employers pay their employees, or the people doing the work are the owners themselves. And the way things work here is that people give you what you ask for, and then leave you alone. I'm not sure if people from the US want to be treated like royalty? wanting "servants" constantly at their beck and call, I imagine most people would hate to serve (or really, interact in any way) with people who act like that... sadly, stores are adopting the system from the US, now it's rare going to a store and be able to just browse without getting bothered by someone offering you things, even if they're "just trying to help", it's worsened the experience
I love the vegetable beef soup where the beef is still on the bone that was one of my favorite meals besides going to one breakfast restaurant where they made the best beans I have ever had
There's tones of Costa Rican typical dishes that aren't a variation of rice and beans, probably hundreds of dishes. Additionally, food from Guanacaste and the Caribbean are very different and really interesting, Chinese restaurants are also very prevalent since the early XX century and some dishes are adaptation to local tastes. If someone comes to the country, my recommendation would be: do some research and go where the locals go, like sodas, restaurants in public markets, in farmer's fairs and popular festivals.
NOW the BEST TRAVEL TIPs for Costa Rica - UPDATED March 2023 ONE VIDEO, ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW- ua-cam.com/video/PXBfb_FQN-I/v-deo.html
Renting a car is exactly like you presented it. I had one expierence, and that was enough for me. The taxi's to me is the worst of your list. The first year and a half that I lived in Costa Rica, I didn't own a car. About 80% of the time, the drivers were ok, but the other 20%, it was either an argument or worse. I also had 5 major runs ins with taxi drivers. Like you, I never paid the "especial gringo precio". I was almost in 3 fist fights, and had two different drivers try to run me over. This is something that a tourist can't really do, but your advice about the "maria' is right on the money. If it isn't working {he doesn't want to turn it on}, don't get in.
@JOHN REAPE appreciate you sharing that. Could you imagine if you and I were in a taxi that tried to screw us🤣🤣
@@TravelCostaRicaNOW I have a story about taking a taxi back from Coranado about 3 am on a Saturday night in 2001 { to Sabana Sur}. It is too long to type in here.
You would believe it, because you have been involved in similiar situations.
Just got back from La Fortuna. There was not one thing I did not like except leaving and going back to The USA.
Where is the best place to rent a car.
@@normshaw423 Did not rent a car. I pre- paid for transportation to and from the airport. Plenty of taxis and Uber in La Fortuna
@@kenpeken1276 going back where in US?
Heading to LA fortuna in Nov never been to CR but figured this was a good safe location for out first trip .
If you can recommend anything or any places we would be grateful 🙏
Staying 5 min outside fortuna here's our rough plan
Car rental 7 days
Tobacon springs
Arenal volcano
Hanging bridge park
Although it's covid we were able to put together a great vacation for under 4k CAD
🤣🤣🤣
Hello everyone! I'm a Costa Rican, and I'd recommended going to a 'Sodita' or 'Soda' and you'll find more affordable prices. As he said in the video, we have plenty of options for you, but we do love rice and beans. You definitely gotta try Gallo Pinto, it will likely always have Salsa Lizano into it. It's just delicious!
I hope you really enjoy your visit ♥ 🇨🇷
Hi my girlfriend and I are traveling to Costa rica what are some places you recommend
@@shenshoon8333 uvita, Dominican, Puerto Viejo, Montevideo. That's all 3 regions. Pacific. Caribbean. Mountains. Did that in 2016. Can't go wrong. Rockin Js hostel in Puerto Viejo. Nina's place in Montevideo to stat
Nosotros comimos en muchos de la sodas, y que Rico fue todo. Su pais es Bello!
I left my cell on a bus and the driver found a way to leave a note and I got it back. Amazing
We were told not to fly into San Jose, worst place in the world ! We ended up hanging out for four days there, had a great time. A vacation is what you make it so try to make it fun
You must be a crack head, truly.
The worst place in the world is where you’re living.🤦🏼♂️
I spent 3 weeks in SJ and had a great time. We did some side trips though.
@@samaryshev a little more English you would know it I meant
@@alsceo6724 did not know Costa Rica had crackheads... I thought you guys were known for Cocaine dumb-ass
*I've been here continually for 2 1/2 years. I live in a well built 10x10 simple detached single cabina surrounded by nature, toucans, wildlife, a seasonal creek that runs like a river when it rains hard, and there's a brown sand beach i have all to myself most days. There's a fishing village, public transportation, resteraunts, there's a place I can get a pineapple smoothie for $1.75, a convenience store I can walk to and so much more, I do it on about 5 to 6 bones a month It all depends on your comfort level as to whether you can live this simply, or not. Thanks for the great vid Mike!*
Bruce Willis :Sounds like heaven to me
@@hollyclark690
For me, it is ...
whats a bone? hundred bucks and hey where is that you live that cheap, generally speaking of course!
Sounds like a nice beach bum type of life
Oh my-sounds like a slice of heaven on earth! Do they rent in that area at all? I plan on coming to Costa Rica within a year...
i am Costa Rican , and yes, sadly our country is really expensive, even for us
I’m from Cincinnati Ohio and my wife is from Costa Rica, we live in San Ramon CR. You are 100% correct great tips. I live at 35% less than where I lived in the US. The Car Rental is huge issue to me and honestly if I were a tourist I wouldn’t come back again. The Government should do more.
For me i always felt like the restaurant service was more laid back and relaxed rather then rushing us to hurry up and move along
that's because there's no tipping
@@laurahenderson5524 No. Its because the 'hustle' isnt really a thing here. People just doing their jobs and enjoying life.
You want to see great service? Be super nice to people and they will be super nice to you. That doesnt mean you get your drinks faster, but you might end up in a bar 4 hours later with them and their friends.
#1 Sidewalks. Infrastructure spending on sidewalks would greatly enhance tourism. Too many walkers and bikers on side of road dangerously in path of oncoming traffic.
Was just in La fortuna Feb 16-18. Beautiful. Your in the rain forest. No bugs either that we encountered. Rain for about 20-30 minutes then stop for a couple hours. No complaints here🇨🇦
Nice segment...I have lived y CR for 24 years! The only thing you did forget to mention Uber is here ! Safe, good price,good service !
I lived in Costa Rica for a year and owned a Toyota 4 Runner. Perez Zeledon has a couple of street lights, but once I got used to the lack of stop signs I noticed that the traffic flows freely and you get to where you want to go faster. I also noticed that there were not many accidents. After a couple of weeks I liked driving there better than the states. Good video.
A very fair and unbiased list, as a Costa Rican I totally agree with all of them, perhaps the only one I think that could be debatable is the one about the service because it depends if you like a more in your face kind of service where they're constantly nagging you, something that I feel some people don't like. Everything else was very spot on.
I liked this video, too. And I was thinking about the service, also. I appreciated how they didn't rush us out the door at restaurants in Costa Rica! it made me feel more welcome. I also have dietary restrictions and found they tried to be helpful.
farmers market is so good in costa rica at least your helping them out financially and its super cheap when buying veggies
Spot on on all 10 Michael! After a 44 year absence (I was born in Limon in 1949) my cousin and I landed in Liberia on the second of July. Luckily he had a a gal and her sister that picked us up and we traveled to Tamarindo where we stayed in separate rooms at La Ramona Hotel. I had the best hamburger at a center in Tamarindo, which of course was expensive, and also a meal near the beach. From there we went to Playa Flamingo and then we went to San Jose. Roads were pretty good. We even passed that bridge the Chinese built. I couldn't even recognize San Jose, but then Los Angeles where I lived until 1978 is also heavily gated. Another friend took us to Poas where a daughter of one of the gals drove us to the Caribbean. We stopped in Guapiles and ate a fabulous shrimp meal and then we stayed in Limon for a night. We visited Cahuita and Puerto Viejo where we stayed at Hotel Umami, first class! We ate another fabulous meal at Maxies, now called Mr Maxie's. We came back to Orange County on the 11 of July. Anyways, to make a story short, we ate good and surprisingly I didn't gain weight! Now, if I win the lottery, I'll move to either Playa Flamingo in the Pacific, or Playa Arrecife or Playa Chiquita in the Caribbean. Keep up the videos!
Just got back from Costa Rica! What a fantastic experience. Thank you for your videos and help finding a hotel on the beach. We saw monkeys playing in the trees between the beach and our hotel. We then traveled to LA Fortuna and stayed in a hotel with a fantastic view of Arenal. Food was fantastic. Hot springs were amazing. My daughter chose a destination wedding in Costa Rica and got married in a beautiful spot near a waterfall Thank you so much!
Please how did you deal with bugs and spiders? Are there so so many? I have a phobia.. But really wanna go :(
I think destination weddings are a selfish unnecessary burden imposed on guests and deserve a 'No' RVSP. Any guest declining should not feel obliged to give a gift either.
@@lailab4147 Great question no one ever addresses on destinations. I wonder too.
Great helpfull information. Thank you very much.
Been in and out of Costa Rica since 1970. Married to a tica for about 50 years. Was a Peace Corp volunteer back then. Costa Rica hasn’t really changed in the campo
😂 I’m laughing. I go to Costa Rica twice a year for about a month at a time. I spend most of my time in San José, which I love. Everything else you said is pretty much spot on.
Perfecto synopsis hermano. As a relative newbie in Costa Rica, I learned a lot of these things by experiencing them. Keep on. Too bad more people can't access it. Dios bendiga. Pura Vida
Totally agree about the taxi drivers!! After living here for several years it is the only problem I can really complain about. I would add, ask them how much it will cost to get to where you want to go before getting into the car. This is how I now avoid problems. I was once charged the equivalent of $14.00 to go from one end of Tamarindo to the other.
Uber is in Costa Rica and you pay up front.
@@christineh9600 It's not everywhere, though.
Trust me we Costa Ricans hate our taxi drivers too with passion, in a sense they've become a sort of mafia but at least that's changing thanks to having some competition. You don't have to put up with them anymore like you used to, thanks to Uber and DiDi.
I get fucking rob by the taxis here and i am costa Rican everyone hate those mf
Renting a car is gonna cost close to a thousand a week. But honestly if you don’t have a car don’t even bother going because you aren’t going to see anything outside of your home base beach and a couple of tours. Just my opinion.
Thanks for the tips. I'm very appreciative of all the information you are sharing. I've been trying to gather all the tips before I go to visit Costa Rica late October /2024.🙏
Great video. Saludos from tx
One little thing, for people that rent Airbnb most apartments don’t have hot water except in the shower, something to consider, pura vida Michael !!
Its a cultural thing, We only use hot water in the shower . Pretty much the same for resorts, hostels, etc.
@@gutimolina72 well is a bad habit washing plates utensils with cold water same with clothes, hot water eliminated bacteria plus others 20 o more benefits, btw After living two years in La Fortuna I learn a lot about culture especialmente hablando el mismo idioma, pura vida.
I miss Costa Rica. I haven't been there in a couple years! Many of the things you mentioned, add to the charm of Costa Rica. The theft thing is my biggest concern, but I'm from Chicago, so I'm always alert to my surroundings. Great video Michael, thank you.
Exactly usa is a jungle...usa is scary place...full of maniacs
I love your videos.They were very helpful while visiting CR.I like how you explain what can happen and why.What is your favorite place to visit in CR?mine was Puerto Jimenez for relaxation and Cahuita for night life.Cheers from Winnipeg,Canada
Wow Mike! Loving the new graphics in the video! Rain, bugs and gates opening. Really fun to watch. Great stuff!!!
Thanks, Michael, for all the good pointers to look out when visiting Costa Rica for the first time.
If you are eating at a soda ask for chilera, a spicy version of pickled vegetables. Every soda had a different chilera that always paired perfectly with the casado. I ate this every day for the last 2 weeks and still crave it. The food was delicious!
A tico here.
Yes Costa Rica is expensive. But check the prices and places and it would be fine.
I personally hate that we sell "Casado" like our typical food. We actually rarelly eat that every day, we tend to eat more pasta and fried chicken. But if you want to eat something tasty try the caribeam "Rice and beans", the "Olla de Carne" or the "Chifrijo". We are also good with sea food. Don buy that thing that "El casado" is the tico food. It is not.
Sorry, but I love rain XD.
I do hate the bugs but as a tico a learn to live with them and to fumigate the house each three monts.
The bars is a thing here, is awfull I agree but make us feel safe. That's all.
Driving and the street are shit, he is verry considarte with us, but streets here a total shit. That's true. Main roads are fine, the real problem is when you go to small streets.
Don't use Taxis. Use Uber or Didi.
Is true that we have a bad service here. I went to Mexico last year and was surprised on how good the service is. The thing here is that all the ticos took those jobs as "temporary jobs" and like to believe that we soon are going to be on a better job. Also, don't tip us, that's already include on the price. We Ticos does not have the tip culture.
San José is a city. That's all.
we are planning to visit next year, thanks for good info.
1991, first Costa Rican coffee at the Coca-Cola Bus Terminal. Gallo Pinto in the Mercado Centrale. Daytime Imperial in "Promesas" (opposite Hotel Presidente). The Toruma Youth Hostel. Taking the bus South to Canon. Beers in the Pulperia. Taking a wrong turn on the way down from Chirripo and wading across the river...
Learn English grammar so you dont waste everyone s time.
@@bertimusz4151 Aunty Beryl
I love Costa Rican food, especially the tipico food. I will have to try the hot sauce. The flora and the fauna is one of the reasons I love Costa Rica. The bugs are a part of that. Great video! Thank you!
Hi. What car service will you recommend? I'm travelling to Costa Rica in January which my family.
Be aware the world has changed! But Costa Rica 🇨🇷 is my favorite place in the whole world 🌎 ❤️
Gracias.
Thanks for the info. I'm going to Costa Rica on 7/22/23 with wife. I bought a 7 day package car and logging included. 3 days LA Fortuna; 3 Tamarindo; 1 San Jose. Any tips? Thanks.
Always honest and to the point! Love your videos.
Glad you like them!
Omg, I absolutely loved this video. I'm still looking for a small town on the coast with no tourists, and the search continues.
Awesome job! Thank you for an accurate perspective.
Number nine made me laugh yesterday. I was talking to someone who went and said he never left San Jose. I looked at him and asked, "Assume you were at the Del Rey the entire trip?" He was a bit taken aback but said, "Yep."
hahha.. too funny.
You've talked me out of visiting Costa Rica.
then I have done my job.... providing info... all good.
I have a two week trip lined up in Costa to backpack by myself... plan to camp, backpack & hike on a relative budget... a 'walkabout', if you will... any input? Also, I love bugs, love getting dirty, bruises, scrapes, all the things.
This was a great one❤
Great tip! Appreciate your frankness!
That's a new coffee cup, don't think I can trust you anymore, Michael??😲
noooo... same one.
I have 17yrs exp vacationing here in hermosa near jaco. i feel most of your info is spot on. does anyone know what is a fair current taxi fare from Sjo to jaco?
my top issues are:
bugs in our home
petty crime (cellphones in particular)
expensive groceries
lack of english speaking options at banks utilities cable internet...(places where my poor Spanish doesn't cut it)
Another very informative video. I visited Costa Rica 20 maybe 25 years ago. If I had on bought property back then when Costa Rica WASN'T expensive. Taxi drivers are bad no matter where you are is correct. I have had issues with taxies in Dubai UAE and Doha Qatar even though they are controlled there. In Doha we hired a car for the day on the phone and confirmed the price but at the end of the day when we had him drop us at the airport if was a lot more than was agreed upon. We finally just said, this is all we have, which was a little more than agreed upon, take it or leave it, we have to go to get out flight and he took it. The mistake we made was not agreeing on a price when we got into the car, no matter what the phone call said.
Very informative video, thank you for posting. It is amazing how much we can actually learn from 'local residents' inside, like yourself. 👍
Thank you Merci très utile
Great free video. Thank you. 😉😂😉😉😄😂😉😄😋😉😄😋😙😄😋😙😄😙😋😄😋😙😄😋😙😄😙😋😄😉😂😃😃😉😁😉😃😁😁😃😉😉😃😁😉😃😂😉😂😃😉😋😃😙😋😄😉😃😋😂😉😂😉😃😋😉😃😉😄
Best Hostel in Liberia Dodero Hostel, very friendly staff and very clean. And near of Supermarket, restaurant, bankomat and if you are lucky you can join local party evenings next to the Hostel.
Very TRUE about the rental car Rip Offs,,, go private.. as above..it was not like that 10 -15 years ago..
Don,t leave anything in the car, anywhere ..Rampant car theft.. same as anywhere..
Haha! You got me around +/- 10:00.. I thought one of your bugs was some speck of crap on my screen, for a second. 😂
How often do you schedule your one eeek orientation seminars and how much do they cost.
David
All info is here- TravelCostaRicaNowRetreat.com
Another great video, Mike! Thank you.
It just so happened that I had decent luck with rental cars, but I was in the office at Dollar Rental in Belen when a tourist got smacked with the $2000 deposit, just as you said. The guy was howling mad, and I would have been, too. So yes, that does happen. I can confirm it. I have no idea why I never got burned... but I will use your guy in the future if I need to rent. Thank you for the contact info you sent a while back.
When I was staying near La Fortuna, I had the excellent fortune (pun intended) of meeting a local (Uber?) driver who defied every stereotype. Johel would serve as my own personal driver on occasion, and I did end up tipping him for great service. Always on time, would wait in town while I shopped for no extra charge and carry my bags to the car, super polite and full of great information, and he charged about half of what I had paid another taxi driver to take me home once. But he was the exception. I haven't met anyone like him since and wish he were the standard instead of the scuzzy service you get from most others.
LIZANO SAUCE. How did I ever live without it?
One more thought about window bars and fences: INS won't insure homes against theft without barred windows and certain other measures. So sometimes it's just a simple matter of that, not a reflection of crime rate. I have felt safer here in CR (with the exception of San Jose) than I ever did in the States. You are correct that almost all crime here is petty and crime of opportunity. The bars are a proactive means of crime prevention, not a reactive means of crime prevention. It's a very smart strategy.
Enjoyed your video. You were on the money! You scored a 10 🎉 I have been living in Puerto Viejo Costa Rica 🇨🇷 for the past year. It's lovely 😍 Thanks 🌹
So how do we get in touch with you regarding car rentals?
I experienced "el plato típico" on my visit. It was usually fried chicken, rice, beans and some small salad with carrots. That salsa inglesa was always handy. It's not Mexican food, but it easy to find at a decent price.
I’m heading to Costa Rica in March and I’ve been trying to look for a driver. Any suggestions?
Absolutely agree with you, Mike!! Tourists can be so annoying. I hear them talking sometimes and can't get away from them quick enough.
Your video was great. A tip, don't gulp coffee with your mic next to your throat man. Everytime, it's this loud awful going noise lol😂🙋
Hope to make my second trip to Costa Rico in 2022. Your tips are very helpful and dead on the mark.
Looking to move down there. As a veteran, any advice? Anything is appreciated brother
yes, you just watched a 'travel video' but if you go into our playlists and check out the 'living here' or Expat interview videos... you will get all the info and answers you need... even about veterans, insurance etc.
About taxis. When you take a taxi for a longer distance, like from one town to another, you can always agree with a driver for a set fee. We did that at the San Jose airport three years ago. We took a taxi to our house, right to the front door (204 km distance) and we agreed for $120. We also did that a few times from San Isidro to our palace, 23 km, for 15 000 colones.
I just came back from costa rica. I’m not planning going back service was really bad every time hotel employees does something they want a tip. If the crime is low why are the houses and businesses looks like prison? I think they are not telling us the truth.
I just got back and out of our group of 12, 5 passports were taken. 2 guys bags were stolen one of the first days then our air bnb was broken into and a few thousand dollars worth of stuff & cash was taken. Then the last night we were there (12 day trip) a couple of the girls in our group ran up on 3 men assaulting a girl trying to take her car. Luckily they ran away! We knew petty theft was common and mind you, we were there for a festival, it was clearly a target but I've just never experienced that much theft.
We have a timeshare with a location the OSA Peninsula, is this a good place for a family to visit? Is there enough to do there?
I know the OSA is super rainy during wet season
Ty for this video. Yup, darn, got a few days in San jose
I’ve lived in Atenas 10 years. The food IS bland but you are right you can find places. Lizano helps. We have one of the greatest Indian food I have had (Monsoon) You didn’t mention much about the fish we have. Just avoid the tilapia, the corvina is great (sea bass). At the stores buy it early or you will get frozen. Best place to buy any food is the central market.
You are on target and fair... I am Tico and you did well. I live in Texas for now.
Just returned from Jaco, best service ever. Amazing food. Usa needs to learn a page from their book regarding service.
I recommend Toyota rent a car in paseo colon (San Jose), I paid $500 deposit (full insurance) for 6 days rental last week, The car was a 2022 Toyota razie 4x2, I end up paying a total of $650 for 6 days in the busiest season of the year which is now. In low season cars are around $60 per day. About food, rice and beans is what we grew up eating so its what we like and we wont change that for any other food in the world , as a Costa Rican I would kill for a plate of fresh white rice and fresh soupy black beans. Ha! I live in Texas and I'm always having a hard time to find food that satisfied me, not even the famous Texas BBQ I guess if we are gonna go to another country we have to adapt, fortunately there's lots of options in restaurants in every country. San Jose has very good variety of international restaurants , in paseo colon area for example. Thanks for visiting and I hope y'all have fun in Costa Rica!
Just completed a 45 day itinerary to se Asia and Egypt - 21 flights in total. Ready for CR,,,,,, 3 hr flight and one location - no car rental and brunt of a bus. I do agree roads are much better than 30 years ago. I used to take collectivos from San Jose to my home when I lived there. I had challenges with taxi drivers which I always won. What is still true, is central San Jose sucks !
You look exactly like Paul Simon!!
I enjoyed your video, but I'm surprised you never mentioned that it cost money to leave the country. I remember when I went w/ my family a few years ago that you had to pay a fee to leave. The other thing was service. We stayed in Tamarindo and went to a restaurant and waited over an hour for the food, and we were the only customers in the restaurant. Also, we took a tour from our hotel of the Rainforest and saw only killer ants and butterflies. Although, we did visit a great place w/ lots of swimming pools. The casino in Tamarindo was so small that it wasn't worth staying. But, I loved the resort, saw lots of iguanas (no monkeys) and had a great time. I would like to go back.
u don't have to pay to leave. .it's been a part of the price of an airline ticket for years now
@@TravelCostaRicaNOWI loved Costa Rica and will get back there someday.
I liked San Jose, just for a couple of days. It's a city, whadya expect?
Especially all the bullet holes in the old museum, ex fort.
If bullet holes are your thing try Alejuela. Nice and fresh !
@@dougtilaran3496 I landed on a Friday evening and spent my first weekend in Alajuela investigating the lie of the land, so-to-speak.😀
I was a tourist of Costa Rica a 3 years ago. I don't want to be rude but any tourist who complains about rain and bug are a bit to nitpicky and missing the whole point of the country. I loved that place! I mean I'm a Caribbean native so it's kind of similar just bigger and fast pace. I wish some of these complaints were more relevant, like for instance taxi drivers, boy these dudes are sneaky.
Can anybody tell me if October is a good time to visit the Pacific side of Costa Rica?
we walked out of the Hertz in Liberia after their quote wasn’t the real cost. Ended up renting a golf cart for $20 a day instead.
well Hertz is not Costa rican
Excellent
@@julioesquivel2007 You must be a Tico. LMAO
The cost to visit national Parks and even waterfalls are way too high. There should be a National Parks pass.
Those prices are crazy, I agree
We as ticos, we would like to offer better prices, unfortunately there's not much we can do about it. Fucking corruption 😔
Good info, looking forward to my trip there!
Lizano is gross. Gallo pinto too. Been here 30 years. Nope Nope Nope We live in Chepe and have a gazillion awesome gastronomical options! CR is a cornucopia of flavors and scenes. I love it.
bitch. Lizano is the shit 🤣🤣🤣
I wish I was coming down there soon, Michael is such a great guy, he will hook you up!
Hello Michael, awesome video
I love your approach. I’ll be in touch.
At the restaurant ask the waiter for a chilero and they will bring you jar of delicious spicy vegetables to put on your food to reduce blandness.
How easy will it be to depend on finding local rental stays by walking around January 12, 2022 to March 20, 2022? La Fortuna then Santa Teresa areas.
Depends on yoyr needs and what you are looking for. La Fortuna is full of rentals, but most are unfurnished.
Thank you for the reality check.
Your 95%, right, if you have a good amigo with a car a pilata taxi driver he will take you anywhere , you don't need a car, buying food food market puperia , you for got this, but your still RIGHT, MIKE PLEASE GET A NEW COFFEE CUP,😄
As a guy that has traveled around a bit I can say that these things can be seen pretty much everywhere... Not even one that has to do specifically about CR, of course it happens, but that´s not a reason to freak out people.
So true!
With the exception of it being expensive, every single complaint could be applied to every low income country.
C. R. is not a low income country. Proof is how expensive it is to travel there.
I live in New Orleans, a very touristy city....very expensive to visit here.
Yes like everybody said ur Graphics are tripping us all out. Sweet brother on a whiskey drunk now watching and they are awesome
I'm Costa Rican
I agree with most of the video, especially the food part, but not the service bit, the system of "we [the employers] don't pay you, you get money through tips" is absolutely stupid, if you work, you get paid, period, you can still tip people who you think do outstanding work, but here, it's by law that the 10% goes to the waiting staff at all restaurants, so you know that the price you see on the menu is what you'll pay (most places include that in the price you'll see in menus). If you look at the (possibly) best service industry in the world, at least by reputation, Japan, they also don't have tipping as part of their system, employers pay their employees, or the people doing the work are the owners themselves.
And the way things work here is that people give you what you ask for, and then leave you alone. I'm not sure if people from the US want to be treated like royalty? wanting "servants" constantly at their beck and call, I imagine most people would hate to serve (or really, interact in any way) with people who act like that... sadly, stores are adopting the system from the US, now it's rare going to a store and be able to just browse without getting bothered by someone offering you things, even if they're "just trying to help", it's worsened the experience
I love the vegetable beef soup where the beef is still on the bone that was one of my favorite meals besides going to one breakfast restaurant where they made the best beans I have ever had
I fell in love with La Fortuna
Mike 🙏🌎🦋☕️☕️☕️ the eclipse eclipsed your old coffee cup!! New beginnings 🦋☕️🦋 woohoo 🙌🙌
Great videos. 😉
There's tones of Costa Rican typical dishes that aren't a variation of rice and beans, probably hundreds of dishes. Additionally, food from Guanacaste and the Caribbean are very different and really interesting, Chinese restaurants are also very prevalent since the early XX century and some dishes are adaptation to local tastes. If someone comes to the country, my recommendation would be: do some research and go where the locals go, like sodas, restaurants in public markets, in farmer's fairs and popular festivals.
Also everyone makes casado in a different way different meat, different salad, different way to make the beans same case with the gallo pinto
I took Uber all over san Jose. I paid $2 for most trips that would cost 15-$20 in the U.S.