User Panel
Posted: 6/6/2001 7:03:22 PM EDT
I am going down there on a trip in a couple of months.
What can you tell me about: Security Places to definitely see Places to avoid And any other helpful stuff like what shots I should get and should I take anti-malaria stuff with me. What do you think about a tactical folder in a IWB carry. I was going to rely on that for my defensive carry. Ah, if I could only take my Sporter Lightweight. (For some hunting) But enough dreamin. I am also thinking about a folder in a waist sheath so there is no doubt that my knife is not concealed. Do you think its better to show and let em know, or hide it and only take it out if you need it. Really anything you know about CR would be great. I got a bunch of stuff off the web but I would like to hear from someone that has been on the ground there and has a, more, shall we say defensive mind set than your average granola traveler. I have gotten a lot of "Its never happened to me so it can't happen" mind set off of some other travel sights. On one sight a guy told me that you were better off in a survival situation without a weapon. Another guy told me that he hoped I stayed out of Canada because I carry a knife. But he was an authority on knives because he went to reform school and had been in a Canadian prison. WTF Lots of questions, I know. Anyway thanks in advance. |
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You should have posted 2 weeks ago before a friend who was born and raised there left for a two month vacation.
When I travel I first inquire at the countries embassy in W.D.C.. These people are very helpful.When you apply for a VISA they tell you what shots you will need. |
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Area:19,575 sq miles
Capital: San Jose' population:2,269,000 ethnic make-up:97% mixed and white Main Religion:Catholic government type:republic Education:97% literate Flag colors:red,white and blue Independance won in 1821 National hymn: "Himno Nacional" Monetary unit:colon sports:hunting,soccer,swimming,baseball manufacturing:textiles,leather,foodstuffs,furniture That is all I know of Costa Rica. |
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I have only been to CR for 3 weeks, so I don't know much about it.
Frankly, the country's beauty did not impress me as much as Southern Oregon or Idaho, but it's a very nice place, and has (supposedly) some of the highest biodiversity in the world down towards the Panamanian border. 1) Decide what you like to do-- hiking, hanging out, whatever. What are you interested in? 2) It feels very safe, although theft is supposedly a problem. I have no problems bringing my Kukri knife (semi-useless) and a couple of other small knives. Never once did I feel that I was in any sort of danger, apart from the time when I got slammed into a rock outcrop while trying to dodge waves at high tide. If you are halfway cautious, you will be fine. 3) I didn't use any anti-malarial drugs, but you might want to. I think there is also American Trypanosomiasis (Chagas Disease) which is very unpleasant. 4) My girlfriend and I went to the Corcovado National Park to backpack. It is very cool if you like that sort of thing; we hiked about 10 miles on the sand (ugh) to the Sirena field station. At Sirena we met some cool Costa Rican electricians and some very annoying Germans. My girlfriend did not believe me when I told her that I saw a seven foot caiman/croc and insisted on fording a river. We saw a troop of white collard peccaries, and this was very cool. We also found tapir and jaguar tracks, but never ran across the critters on the hoof. 5) you will be going to CR around the rainy season. You will be wet. 6) CR had very little that I found unremarkable. I am not a big fan of pervasive damp. Very nice people, nice land, but I couldn't get used to having a bunch of frigging mud under the forest canopy. I don't give a shit about strangler figs. I don't like monkeys, the little bastards. 7) I do hear that the fishing (marlin and sailfish) is out of this world, so if you have the cash, do this. 8) Get a Lonely Planet guide for the country have fun |
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[url]http://travel.state.gov/costa_rica.html[/url]Costa Rica - Consular Information Sheet
July 27, 2000 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Costa Rica is a middle-income, developing country with a strong democratic tradition. Tourist facilities are generally adequate. The capital is San Jose. English is widely spoken. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required to enter Costa Rica. At the discretion of Costa Rican authorities, travelers seventeen years of age or older are sometimes admitted with a certified copy of their U.S. birth certificate and a valid photo I.D. for tourist stays up to 90 days. As of September 15, 1998, U.S. citizens under the age of seventeen are not admitted to Costa Rica without a valid passport. Additional information on entry requirements may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica at 2114 S Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 328-6628, or from a Costa Rican consulate in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, St. Paul, San Diego, or San Francisco. The Embassy of Costa Rica also maintains a web site at http://www.costarica-embassy.org/. SAFETY AND SECURITY: Demonstrations or strikes, related to labor disputes or other local issues, occur occasionally in Costa Rica. Past demonstrations have resulted in roadblocks and sporadic gasoline shortages. These protests have not targeted U.S. citizens or U.S. interests, and are typically non-violent. Travelers are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and to keep informed by following the local news and consulting hotel personnel and tour guides. Additional information about demonstrations may be obtained from the U.S. Embassy. On both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, currents are swift and dangerous. Several drownings occur each year, and there are no lifeguards. Some trails in national parks have been closed because of low numbers of visitors and reported robberies of hikers in the area. Tourists should check with park rangers for current park conditions. *****CONTINUED |
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CRIME INFORMATION: Crime is increasing, and tourists as well as the local populace are frequent victims. While most crimes are non-violent, including pickpocketing and house and car break-ins, criminals have shown a greater tendency in recent years to use violence. U.S. citizens are encouraged to use the same level of caution that they would exercise in major cities or tourist areas throughout the world. Local law enforcement agencies have limited capabilities and are not up to U.S. standards, especially in remote rural areas.
In March 2000, two college-age U.S. citizen women were murdered near the town of Cahuita, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The investigation of that crime is ongoing. In October 1999, two elderly U.S. citizens were murdered in a remote area of Guanacaste during an apparent robbery attempt. As of July 2000, no suspects have been apprehended. U.S. citizen women have been victims of sexual assaults at beach resorts on both coasts and in San Jose in recent years. There have been several attempted sexual assaults, including one rape, by taxi drivers. Travelers should be careful to use taxis that have working door handles, locks, and meters (called "marias"), and not ride in the front seat with the driver. There have been several kidnappings, including those of foreigners, in recent years. Carjackings have increased recently, and motorists have been confronted at gunpoint while stopped at traffic lights or upon arrival at their homes. Two U.S. Embassy employees have been carjacked by armed assailants in the past year. Travelers should ensure that they purchase an adequate level of locally-valid theft insurance when renting vehicles. One should never leave valuables in the vehicle, and park in paid lots whenever possible. Criminals reportedly have used skeleton keys to break into cars, particularly rental cars. Incidents of crime commonly occur in downtown San Jose, at beaches, at the airport, bus stations and on buses, and at national parks and other tourist attractions. There have been assaults on tourist buses in recent years. Travelers who keep valuables out of sight, who do not wear jewelry, and who travel in groups during daylight hours lessen their risk. Money exchangers on the street pass off counterfeit U.S. dollars and local currency. Credit card fraud is growing. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Travelers should carry a copy of their passport data page and leave the passport itself in the hotel safe or other secure location. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. This publication and others, such as Tips for Travelers to Central and South America, are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs; or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. *****CONTINUED |
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CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Costa Rica’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Costa Rica are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are available, but may be limited outside urban areas. MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000. |
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OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Costa Rica has suffered from a reemergence of dengue fever in recent years, although the incidence rate remains lower than in other Central American countries. Dengue is transmitted by mosquito bite, and there is no vaccine. Travelers should take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Costa Rica is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Safety of Public Transportation: Fair Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored; turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, and pedestrians generally are not given the right of way. Roads are often in poor condition, and large potholes with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are common. All of the above, in addition to poor visibility because of heavy fog or rain, makes driving at night especially treacherous. All types of motor vehicles are appropriate for the main highways and principal roads in the major cities. However, many roads to beaches and other rural locations are not paved, and some out-of-the-way destinations are accessible only with high clearance, rugged suspension vehicles. AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Costa Rica’s civil aviation authority as Category 1 - in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Costa Rica’s air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA’s Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801. |
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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES/OTHER INFORMATION: INVESTMENT ISSUES:
-- Irregular Land Registrations: Due to irregular enforcement of property rights, investors should exercise extreme caution before investing in real estate. Costa Rica has a long history of investment and real estate scams and frauds perpetrated against U.S. citizens and international visitors. U.S.-style title insurance is generally unavailable in Costa Rica. There have been numerous instances of duly registered properties reverting to previously unknown owners who have shown they possess clear title and parallel registration. -- Expropriations: Some U.S.-citizen landowners have long-standing expropriation disputes with the Government of Costa Rica. Some expropriation claims from the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s remain unresolved, with the landowners not yet compensated. Unexecuted expropriation decrees have clouded titles even when owners remained in possession of their property. -- Squatters: Properties throughout the country have been invaded by organized squatter groups, against which the government has been reluctant to act. These squatter groups, often supported by politically active persons and non-governmental organizations, take advantage of legal reforms that allow people without land to gain title to unused agricultural property. This phenomenon is particularly common in rural areas, where local courts show considerable sympathy for the squatters. The squatters regularly resort to threats of violence or actual violence and often are able to block U.S. citizen landowners from entering their property. In November 1997, a U.S. citizen was killed in a confrontation with squatters in the southern region of Pavones. Due to the irregular enforcement of property rights, existence of unresolved expropriation claims, and squatter invasions, property protections are uncertain, particularly in rural areas. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Costa Rica is an earthquake-prone country. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/. CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000. REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, where they may also obtain updated information on travel and security within Costa Rica. The U.S. Embassy maintains a web site at http://usembassy.or.cr. This web site can also be accessed through the Department of State's web site at http://www.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is located in Pavas, San Jose, telephone (506) 220-3050. The Embassy is open Monday through Friday, and closed on Costa Rican and U.S. holidays. For emergencies arising outside normal business hours, U.S. citizens may call tel. (506) 220-3127 and ask for the duty officer. * * * * This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 16, 2000, to update the sections on Medical Facilities, Medical Insurance, Other Health Information, and Aviation Safety Oversight. ---------END Semper Fi! Ken Little |
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By the way, this URL is one to remember if you do a lot of traveling. When I was doing executive protection, it proved invaluable. Not nearly as good as doing a good advance, but gave you an idea of what to expect.
I use the one on the Philippines quite a bit, along with my contacts in the Filipino military. [url]http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html[/url] Semper Fi! Ken Little |
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Hi, I know a guy who lives down there Cannot give you his contact info ( I do not have it memorized). He posts a lot on the Gold Prospecting forum at www.tomashworth.com His screen name is KenCR I think. He is always very helpful there regarding questions on the CR area.
Aviator [img]www.dredgeearthfirst.com/aviator.gif[/img] |
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CR year in and year out get's the highest rating for "Tourist Friendly" in all of the Americas.
I am dying to go there, will go, soon. |
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The women are hot. . . dark and exotic. They call themselves "Tikas" (pronounced "teeka") which is just a nick name in latin america for someone from Costa Rica (men are called "Tikos).
Anyway, prostitution is legal (just like in most of the world except the United States) and it is not taboo or anything like it is here. They are also checked on a weekly basis by the gov't for "healthiness", but I don't know how much protection that really gives one. Be sure and indulge in Costa Rica's hidden treasures - just be sure to use protection and avoid anything oral. Most of them won't let you do anything without protection anyway 'cause they're all paranoid about getting AIDS from the Gringos. Go to the bordellos and strip joints and avoid the streetwalkers. Oh yea, Costa Rica is the safest of the Central American countries, which isn't saying much. THIRD WORLD countries are inherently dangerous. THere are many, many more ways to die there than in the USA. This, despite what it might seem sometimes, is a very safe country. Get one of Lenny McGills secret polymer CIA knives. Basically a plastic knife that is undetectable by metal detectors. |
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I didn't even think it was that much of a third world country. Sure it's poor compared to most of the US, but I felt a hell of a lot safer there than I did growing up in Morningside Heights, NY. At least there weren't any vials of crack scattered on the sidewalks. And I have seen a lot of shitty places in the US that out evil Costa Rica.
Like I said earlier, the country bored the hell out of me. But then, I am a lickspittle pussy who does not go to red light districts, wander around deserted towns at night or get drunk and leave myself at the mercy of the locals. Try that anywhere, and you are checking prudence at the door. Why on earth would you carry a plastic knife?! Ha ha ha, that is the silliest thing I've heard in 25 minutes. I carried a mean looking Kershaw folder all over the place, and the 'tican security personnel at the airport didn't bat an eye when I carried it through the metal detectors, x-ray machines. I packed a seventeen inch kukri knife in my pack, and considering that you can buy cheap machetes by the bushel at the local hardware store, who would care? Just don't cut the shit out of yourself please. forget the suction cup boots. Forget the numchucks. Forget the "Cat super Stealth teflon knives." Bring a pocket knife, and don't make a jackass out of yourself. Jesus, they seemed like friendly enough people to me. |
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If you give me some time I may be able to get you some info on a Costa Rican fishcamp/brothel :) Friend of a friends [:E] |
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Costa Rica is home to John Hull, the wealth rancher that was helping finance and supply the Contras. He was possibly involved in the cocaine shipments that were going to Mena, Arkansas.
Costa Rica also has the biggest market in all of Central and South America in the trafficking of cars stolen from the U.S. |
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Ustulina,
You crack me up. :) I had come to that same conclusion as you stated but you said it much more eloquently. I am going to carry a pocket knife and not make a jackass out of myself. Oh yeah, I not going to get drunk or buy any strange. I just hope I'm not bored. Of course I like to surf and I want to do some fishing. And I am going to check out their active volcano. |
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E-spark,
I think you're gonna have a fine time in CR as you're going in with a good attitude. Be safe, have fun. Hope you catch the biggest Marlin ever and that the surf rocks. |
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CR has a growing libertarian expatriate community. A friend of mine is going there soon, he wants to see if it is a good place to live on a more permanent basis. You can probably live there a lot more cheaply (not to mention freely) than you can in the states.
If safety is a problem, you can afford to hire your own bodyguards, complete with Uzis and M-16s. Didn't two young college girls get murdered in CR a couple of years ago? They were brutally raped and shot and their vehicle was set on fire. Maybe that was a different country in Central America, I can't remember. I can't keep them separate--Guatemala, Honduras, etc. All I think of are jungle guerillas trying to install a new Marxist regime. I guess I read SOF too much in the '80s. :-) |
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Yep, two gals were murdered and their SUV stolen about this time last year in Costa Rica, and they were American. But the general consensus was that this was very remarkable because it doesn't happen much.
FWIW, I think American women may not have the greatest reputation as pillars of virtue there. As for bodyguards, I dunno. Never saw any firearms of any sort, and the Costa Ricans haven't had an army for about 60 years I think. There is a gun shop in San Jose, but I didn't go in. |
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Quoted: As for bodyguards, I dunno. Never saw any firearms of any sort, and the Costa Ricans haven't had an army for about 60 years I think. View Quote On my first trip there for a dirt bike ride/trail tour, we spent a night or two at a Best Western (I think) in San Jose, and the parking lot guards carried riot-type shotguns. Still, CR does seem to be pretty safe. I'm planning on going down for my third trip at the end of summer. BTW, if you ride dirt bikes, it's got awesome trails, pretty fun and technical stuff that can get super-greasy since it's hard-packed clay. Check out www.motoadventuring.com. (They can tailor the trails taken to your ability.) They're also thinking of starting street-bike tours. Have fun; it's a cool country. [;)] |
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Mot0--
yeah I am full of it, because I just remembered that I saw a police type 870 shotgun in the hands of a bank guard at Puerto Jimenez. But I didn't see much in the way of police. In saying the country is boring, I am not doing it justice, because the people really are pretty reasonable, and they have a very interesting "frontier" mentality. I hear that some seedy stuff goes on near the Panamanian border, but we didn't run into anything in our brief time there. Actually I am thinking that CR could be a hell of a lot of fun in the right company. Probably go back sometime. |
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If you like to fish, I remember seeing an article about a fish called a Peacock Bass that they have there. It's a mean, colorful looking bass with some mean looking teeth. I would definately be checking that action out!!
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Lived there and went to school for 8 years. Nice place. Use common sense. Do not wera excessive jewlery or have wads of green with you.
Do stay away from the mercado central and the red zone. Do not get in a cab that has already picked up passengers. Try and learn some Spanish. Confusing thing about CR is that the addresses are always given using ( pulprerias ) convenience stores or Bars names as reference points. The name of the Gunshop is the Armeria Polini ( sp? Lots of shotguns. When it comes to guns in CR it all depends on who you know, and how well connected to the GOV. they are. Oh BTW they do not have an army but the rural guard and the metro police have quick reaction forces and they have UZIS and M-16s. Guns were very much available in the early 80s but that is old news. |
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[:D] For some real adventure, try NICARAGUA!
Lots of remnants of the old communist regime to see. Just don't venture into certain neighborhoods where you see many red & black flags (Sandinista clingers). You will not be comfy with the 'glaring' directed towards you. There is even more natural beauty to see here than in C.R., just that you're more on your own in Nicaragua. OTOH, people here are far friendlier and genuine [in general] than 'Ticos. Ticos have a bad rep with Nicaraguans and I saw for myself why. As for guns, I saw bank guards with beat up M16A1s and shotguns. Neighborhood and ranch guards with AKMs. A very necessary thing in most of the Americas now. Funny how a peaceful people there can deal with so many FA weapons around so well (compared to US). They're almost oblivious to it and carry on w/o a worry. Openly-carried weapons in private hands really do keep the peace. |
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Thanks again for the information.
I have another question. Specifically for Ariel but anybody else can pipe in. What's the deal with all the catcalling of women, and are the guys down there going to do it if I am with my girlfriend. My GF is down there now and she says that she gets hooted at a lot. The locals have told her that this is just how CR guys are and that it won't go any further than talk. It rattles her because she is being situationally aware and on the lookout for danger signs. But since every guy seems to be agressive in that manner, she is a little lost on how to catergorize different threats. I would like to know how its going to be with me walking around with her down there. Do you think this is going to even be a problem? I can ignore to cat-calls and hoots, but I don't want to give off the impression that her and I are an easy target. If it were construction workers in New York, I could gauge what they were like. But with Costa Ricans speaking spanish that I barely understand I am lost as to who is just playing around and who is trying to seriously screw with me or her. I hope that makes sense. |
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