lizard lips - 4-25-2013 at 10:01 AM
I have been in CR since last Monday working and this country has changed quite a bit. I really enjoy the people. They are very friendly and will
assist you with anything you need. This is probably the 10th time I have been here and the last time was about four years ago. Costs of everything
have gone up a lot. I always hire a driver and car for the day but that just doesn't work anymore. One taxi driver wanted $450.00 for eight hours and
I will not rent a car because of the extreme costs. What I decided to do was just take a cab from place to place. I am staying close to the airport in
San Jose and needed to go to the American Embassy which was about 19 km and the driver wanted $32.00. I took a metered cab and the cost was $25.00.
Four years ago the cost would have been $8.00. I had dinner at Dennys close by and for a sandwich, salad, iced tea and a small piece of cake was
$28.00. I am here to make money not get bent over so I am sticking close to the hotel and will take a flight out tomorrow. I finished my work early
and being here in the hotel is not in my plan but my money remains in my pocket.
I just thought I would post this and see if anyone remembers the good ol' days! I have been to all the countries in Central America and CR is by far
the most expensive.
Had breakfast with two middle aged German guys this morning. I asked them what they have been doing since they arrived and they told me flat out that
they play golf during the day and hit the hooker bars in the evening. The invited me to join them???? Ya right.
My hotel is smoke free which is a good thing but I enjoy a cigar once in awhile. I went out in front of the hotel and lit up a good one from Honduras
and security came right over and told me I had to go to the public street if I wanted to smoke. These guys were on me fast. Of course I didn't stand
on the street but this was pretty exterme.
If you paln a trip here bring plenty of cash becuase it just isn't the same ol' CR.
willardguy - 4-25-2013 at 10:22 AM
did the german fellows mention what a round of golf or after golf activities ran them???
Coffee
bajaguy - 4-25-2013 at 10:27 AM
What about the coffee???
chuckie - 4-25-2013 at 10:30 AM
Didnt like it when I was there in the past, would like it even less now...
toneart - 4-25-2013 at 11:05 AM
Yes! I certainly remember the good days. I was traveling there often, hoping to buy a house, but with each trip, things got more and more expensive.
The last time I was there was seven years ago. Never did buy but sure loved the people, the weather and the Pacific coastlines all the way up and down
the country. Loved the Ticas Chicas too! 
Too bad it has changed so much. Along with the rapidly rising prices, violent gang activity target tourists at night in San Jose. It was not safe to
walk after dark. Cabs were cheap, and that was the way to get from your hotel to wherever and back to the hotel.
The U.S. druggie scene also ruined the areas around Tamarindo and the Guanacaste Coast.
Pompano - 4-25-2013 at 11:13 AM
Got to agree....and I'll miss Costa Rica.
I've flown many times to tour CR farming lands many years back...rice, irrigation, & modern farming machinery were our interests. We always
experienced very economical stays. In the last 15 years I've sport-fished out of Crocodile Bay Resort on the Osa Peninsula many times. Always top
notch fishing. Beautiful place where whales come from both hemispheres. Just checked their website and prices have indeed risen quite a bit. Also
the first or last night hotel option near the airport has risen to $500US/night...too much even with a driver. So high now that I doubt I will ever
pass on Panama to fish CR. The Hannibal Banks are better...and far less expensive for me.
Besides high prices is the added question of security. I've talked with many CR homeowners, mountains & beaches, who are looking to sell. I
learned the reason for selling was mostly because of break-ins, but also because living costs have risen.
Seems a shame to have to pass on such a beautiful country that is...or at least was... very pro-American.
lizard lips - 4-25-2013 at 11:59 AM
Just got back from my very expensive lunch and met an American couple who are meeting a real estate guy they met on-line. They are interested in
buying a large piece of property close to Jaco Beach on the Pacific. They apparently have not done their homework in that they had no idea of the
current fraud going on with land purchases. I gave them my card and told them to keep their money in the bank and go home first before they make a
decision. This couple were ripe for the picking.
I have your coffee Terry! My bag is full of Britt.
BajaBlanca - 4-25-2013 at 01:03 PM
Wow, I am so glad you posted this thread. I had no idea that CR was dangerous nor expensive.....
Udo - 4-25-2013 at 01:19 PM
Thanks for the report, LL!
It's been about 14 years since I've been to CR. Back then we could hire a cab for the day for $40.00. At the end of the day the driver asked us what
time he should come by for the next day's ride.
Did quite a bit of surfing, windsurfing, and mountain hiking.
I do remember buying a 50 kilo sack of coffee beans for about $30.00 U.S. I am sure that it has gone up somewhat.
I like the peaberry mountain beans, and if you get a chance, pick me up (give me the price first) a sack and I'll pick it up from your house in
Ensenada, (assuming you can take it as checked luggage without extra charge).
At Trader Joe's, roasted peaberry beans are selling for about $9.00/lb.
lizard lips - 4-25-2013 at 03:01 PM
Sorry Udo. I am leaving tomorrow and can't make it to the store. I have overpacked my suitcase full of Cafe Britt. I bought it at one of the 5
Wallmarts here in San Jose and the cost is almost as much as I could buy it on-line.
Nothing is what it was here.... To bad to. Your welcome to come over to my house for a great cup of coffee and some of my wifes pastries!
Ken Bondy - 4-25-2013 at 05:08 PM
Sad to hear. I made seven trips to Costa Rica from the late 80s to about 2003.. They were all dive trips to Cocos Island off the west (Pacific)
coast, arguably the best place in the world to see big animals underwater, sharks, mantas, whales......... On the first trip we flew into San Jose,
spent a night at a hotel, then on the morning of the second day we were bussed to Puntarenas on the west coast where we boarded the boat for the
30-hour trip to Cocos. With each successive trip we started noticing how beautiful the country is. We hooked up with a small San Jose travel agency,
Escenarios Tropicales and its magnetic owner, Carlos Picado ( Charlie Chopped, as he called himself). For the last five trips we would spend two
weeks touring the country before heading for Cocos. We went everywhere, Tortuguero, Guanacaste, the Osa Peninsula, Monteverde, everywhere. The time
we spent in Costa Rica was magical. What a country, no military, about 3/4 of the land is National Park, and everything in their infrastructure
seemed to work. It is so sad to hear how things have changed.
Lee - 4-25-2013 at 05:31 PM
These are the good old days and anything longer than last year is history. 10 years ago, gas was $1.70/gallon. So sad.
DianaT - 4-25-2013 at 05:38 PM
We loved Costa Rica ----
Bajafun777 - 4-25-2013 at 06:16 PM
About 10 years ago we made our planned trip to Costa Rica with our two boys and it was fun, good natured people, little casinos, great beaches but the
roads were a death trap made Baja seem like I-8 freeway, LOL.
Just too bad about things have gotten out of hand with home break-ins and a nurse that worked with me told me her son's house constantly was broken
into. He had his top floor totally fortified with metal doors to be able to sleep safely at night. He would find his bottom floor constantly broken
into during the night. Asked her why they just didn't move out and she said they could not afford too! I told her if the area he lived was that bad
it just would have to happen, as moving for your family's safety should be first on your list. So, my thoughts of buying went away far away, LOL.
I still feel leasing is the best thing in any foreign country as you can always take the walk away without having to lose the your investment with
something you bought. That is just my opinion and even though I love Mexico and Baja no plans to buy, as I will just keep leasing seems to work well
for us. Take Care & Travel Safe----"No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777
Bob H - 4-25-2013 at 07:00 PM
The first time I visited Costa Rica was about 12 years ago with a buddy of mine. We took a cab from San Jose to Tamarindo for around $70 ($35/each)
and our room at the Hotel Pasa Tiempo was $35/night. It was pretty isolated back then and a lot of surfers and a couple of resorts were there.
Interesting information (charts) on the inflation rates over the years in Costa Rica
Copy and paste the entire link... check out all the charts, every interesting...
http://www.indexmundi.com/costa_rica/inflation_rate_(consumer_prices).html
[Edited on 4-26-2013 by Bob H]
Lee - 4-26-2013 at 11:07 AM
Pasatiemtpo in Tamarindo is still a special place and prices are still affordable. CR is still a top destination and Europeans don't see a real
problem. Some gringoes are sad the old days are gone -- for them. The rest of us are still living the vida loca.
http://hotelpasatiempo.com
Standard
Low Season (May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov) $79
High Season (Jan, Feb, Mar, Abr, Jul, Ago, Dec) $89
Easter Week - New Year Eve $139
Deluxe
Low Season (May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov) $89
High Season (Jan, Feb, Mar, Abr, Jul, Ago, Dec) $99
Easter Week - New Year Eve $144
Suite
Low Season (May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov) $119
High Season (Jan, Feb, Mar, Abr, Jul, Ago, Dec) $129
Easter Week - New Year Eve $159
durrelllrobert - 4-26-2013 at 11:13 AM
That's why it's called Costa Rica. You have to be Rich to live on their Coast (or inland) lol:
[Edited on 4-26-2013 by durrelllrobert]
landyacht318 - 4-26-2013 at 11:25 AM
I first went to CR in '92. Had a great time.
I went again in late '97, and couldn't recognize many areas due to the development.
I went again in mid '98 and the price jump in that short time irritated me. I spent some time in a family's house, but my luggage was apparently free
pickings. The waves were crowded with a lot of attitude, and nobody was worse than the transplanted Americans, and I knew it was my last trip.
I was in South Africa 2 weeks after I left Costa Rica, and prices were significantly less, but the dollar was strong then.
Lee - 4-26-2013 at 11:25 AM
Much ado about nada. Perspective is a temporary thing.
I know many who are not familiar with Baja but when they become aware I am in Baja through the year, their first questions are: is it safe? Aren't
there a lot of murders? Beheadings? Drugs & cartel? My response is reduced to: it's fine. I'm fine. No problems. Theft is a
problem but I deal with it. They don't understand.
Anyone thinking Costa Rica is worse than Baja, specifically Pescadero, possibly Todos, hasn't been to Baja. I was hit 4 times in a month after
bragging we were the only house in the neighborhood that hadn't been hit.
Starting stringing trip wire and booby traps to scare these guys off.
Some would look at this stuff and be horrified. Maybe ask why?
All I can say is I deal with this stuff, can deal with it, does not deter me one bit to living there and having a good time. I'm more cautious,
watch my stuff, but that's about it.
As for buying or renting, there are pros/cons to both. A more immediate issue would be security with the purchase/rental.
Neighbors in Tunas being shot at. Pescsadero had a shooting last year (MX vs. MX).
Grist for the Mill.
tiotomasbcs - 4-26-2013 at 12:44 PM
Much ado.. ? Those thefts were just donations, Lee. I've heard about strong armed robbery in San Salvador since post civil wars; lots of guns
& drugs. I, too, knew CR from the 70s. Too many Travel articles featuring the beaches & tropical jungles of Costa Rica. Glad I chose to
keep coming back to Baja! Travel writers have poured thru Todos Santos & Cabo bringing many changes including high prices! Hard to beat the
little pueblos of Baja California. Tio
[Edited on 4-26-2013 by tiotomasbcs]
Lee - 4-26-2013 at 06:01 PM
Much ado in San Salvador? Definitely.
San Jose, Tamarindo, Jaco, Brava Salsa, CR? No comparison but who's comparing?
Everybody is entitled to uninformed opinions and sweeping generalizations here. Anyone who hasn't been to Baja in 4, 8, and 14 years is clueless
about Baja. Clueless about CR too.
Just calling a spade a spade.
Bajafun777 - 4-27-2013 at 12:03 AM
If you have been somewhere you have experiences there, which allows you to have opinions about your time there. Places change but I have experienced
some places that barely changed at all even after 10 years. So, I doubt people are clueless but just have different opinions than others about places
they have been to. It OK for people to tell others about what they encountered somewhere as many nomads just like to read about others experiences.
These experiences they write about are sometimes good but then sometimes bad sort of like life itself, LOL. Take Care & Travel Safe-----" No
Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777