Top 10 DON’TS You NEED To Know In Costa Rica!

We got stopped by the police yesterday, on our first day of driving in CR (from Alajuela to Cahuita). He said it was forbidden to drive with my flip-flops and the fine would be 400 USD. I told him I want to call our car rental company and immediately he said it was okay to continue our journey without paying anything. :D

As a Costa Rican I approve this video 😁Now... regarding point #8... If you ever get stopped by a crooked transit police officer and they ask for a "little tip" wink, wink, (try to have pictures of your bill's serial numbers in advance) pay them off and then go to the nearest police station or court house and file a report on them, make sure to remember their official car plate number. This way the main police (Fuerza Publica) or OIJ (They're like our local version of your feds) will put them under arrest. It's the only way we all have of getting rid of those bad apples! Just as I encourage you guys not to feed the local fauna, I recommend you not to let those mofos to get away with it.

WAZE has saved me thousands of dollars on speeding tickets. What an excellent suggestion 👌

Such great advice. I've traveled to 125 countries now, and Costa Rica will be my 126th country in April 2024. I'm going to Jaco for 8 days. Being a world traveler, I still learn from people who are in the know. Thank you.

#7🤣🤣🤣 that’s what happened to my dad he met my mama n his world changed n now I’m here☺️

I got popped in Mexico and that night taught myself my first Spanish--disabled veteran military policeman retired (which I actually am). After that, zero problem all the way to Nicaragua. Eventually, I started carrying a case of water on the right front seat on highway runs. Sometimes on a hot day, 2 waters is all ya need to make a parched throat say "gracias hermano," and you're back cruising.

Solid list, agree with most of it. I lived in San Jose for a semester in college and will add a few more: -Don't skip San Jose and the Central Valley. I am not saying spend a week there, but a couple days if possible. -Don't get too lax about being in the ocean without lifeguards-which is pretty much every beach. Rip currents kill tourists every year in Costa Rica. The tourism industry likes to keep this fact quiet. -Don't carry a wallet. A lot of Ticos do not. Copy of your passport, a credit card or atm card, and a small bit of colones in your front pocket or a money belt. Leave the passport at the hotel locked up if possible. Avoid expensive jewelry, sunglasses, etc. -Take sun protection very seriously as the country is close to the equator -Don't go through the hassle of changing US dollars. There is no reason to bring a lot of US cash with you. (Think I brougth $100 USD for a four month trip.) Just use your ATM card (not credit card) and the machines will dispense colones with no exchange fees. -If you go outside of your resort or hotel that caters mainly to Americans, even in touristy areas, do not expect everyone to speak English. We saw Americans in Jaco getting very frustrated. -Don't forget that if you rent a car many of the online quotes do not show the price for daily liability insurance that is required by law. Don't assume your credit card will cover physical damage to cars in Costa Rica-most cards dropped that coverage a few years back

Hi Rich, we watched all of your videos before we went to CR for a two week trip. Thank you so much. We used all of your tips and we had a great trip. The best tip was getting a four wheel drive SUV and the second best was come in the off season. We came in the beginning of November and it rained every day. We loved it! There weren’t a lot of tourists and we were able to enjoy the country without too many other tourists around. We did get stopped by police and they searched us and seemed to be looking for a bribe but we weren’t intimated and they let us go on our way. The one thing I would add is beware if locals trying to divert you from getting to your destination. We went to Manuel Antonio National Park and we were stopped 6 times before we got there and told this is it and we need to park here and pay them. We told them we were meeting a local guide and we needed to keep going and it worked but they step out in front of your car and try and make you stop and park although we were a mile from the entrance. We made it through the gauntlet but others should beware. Rob

I would add one more tip of advice… may tourists skip over staying in the Costa Rica capital. That is a big mistake. Plan to spend at least 2-3 days to explore the capital city. Many great barrios (neighborhoods) like Los Yoses and Barrio Escalante with over 50 local bars and restaurant, close to the museums downtown. Santa Ana, La Sabana, and Escazu also worth checking out. Number one area for me is the Los Yoses/Barrio Escalante neighborhoods.

This is the best video on YouTube about Costa Rica. Thank you.

Things I would not have thought about, thank you! And the 5 cards was HILARIOUS!🤣🤣🤣

Thank you, Rich. Appreciate your helpful insights from your extensive experience.

You seem genuine. And, I find your videos are helpful. Thank you!

Hi. We are going to CR next week for first time. This vid is so helping. The police bribe part is gold. And the Waze part too. Thank you!

Love the brutal honesty here! Very much appreciated, thanks!

so straight forward and very fun to watch! loved the video & can’t wait for the trip

Thanks Rich! I've been twice (a dozen years ago) and heading back in December. It's been a while but traveled to both coasts by rental car and looking forward to Tamarindo as I have not been yet. Your tips are helpful and appreciated!

Thank you so much. This is brilliant. I will pay particular attention to the 'do not fall in love' advice :-) I'm planning a solo trip as a 50 year old Brit and your advice is invaluable.

Headed there in a month. So excited and these tips are super helpful.

This was so informative! Thank you!