Don't Visit Costa Rica Until You Watch This

[@shoppinggirl790]

I feel like a lot of content creators are nervous to share scams but I think it's really important. Thank you!!

[@ackomanah6486]

I lived there and well about half people I met were scammers. Most do not consider themselves so. But when somebody says: we do this as a favor at no cost; then demands 80 mil or ~120 $ they are scammers in my book. In 4 years I met a very few of honest people.

[@thesecretoflife42]

oh you think? you just think??!

[@icysurfer1]

Some are. Definitely.

[@randyminns1613]

I’ve got news for you, you tipped every single time you went out to eat whether you realized it or not. The gratuity is usually disguised as some form of a tax at 10% which the government allows them to do automatically. If you get exceptionally good service then you should tip a little bit more but otherwise your tip is already included.

[@johnnydee123]

13% tax plus 10% tip are mandatory by law, included on your bill, whether one likes it or not… not a scheme though, it’s transparent… part of the interventionist big government socialist kind of system we have here…

[@alonsoquirosgranados7568]

I am from CR and I am very sorry that you had suffered this stuff guys. I swear not all of us are like that but I apologize in the name of those people who didn't treat you right and clean. I wish you the best and thank so much for you beautiful instance in this country.😊

[@katmackie778207]

I’m moving there in a couple of months. The people there are very nice.

[@alonsoquirosgranados7568]

@@katmackie778207 good look to you I wish you the best

[@ackomanah6486]

Yeah! In 4 years I met 5 honest people and one was from Nicaragua. No thanks! This Gringo will never go there again

[@ackomanah6486]

@@katmackie778207 Big mistake.

[@katmackie778207]

I've been here since May and love it. Yes, there are some dishonest people but most are very nice and friendly. There isn't the crime I saw in the states.

[@robbiePlanetaSano]

Sad to hear. But thank you for bringing it up. I live in Costa Rica and when I came here that happened to me repeatedly in Jaco . Every time, restaurants, grocery stores. It was 22 years ago. They overcharged. In one grocery store I saw the cashier put a pack of cigarettes in her pocket. And charge me for it in the bill… I live in Manuel Antonio and the fake guides have been a problem as long as I remember. Petty scams are a problem here. I am so sorry that it happened to you. Thanks for warning people. I live in a rainforest here and that has made up for the scam mentality. I also speak fluent Spanish so it is easier for me to address the problems. It is a beautiful country and I love that it is a tropical climate. The people I most love are Costa Ricans… They are very special people. Many of us have tried to stop the scamming at the national park . Occasionally the government does something to address it, but it gets out of control until public pressure forces the police to put a stop to it. It stops and then it slowly comes back. You are exactly right , people should be warned.

[@katmackie778207]

I have Tico friends so I haven't been part of any scams. We had to fire one of our employees though because she was caught stealing. Thar happens where ever you live. There hasn't been a murder here for years and as far as I know there haven't been rapes or mugging. Most places these days can't say the same

[@emmapearson7623]

I studied abroad in Costa rica for 4 months and was robbed 3 times.... pickpocketed, someone broke into my airbnb and stole all of our belongings a child snagged my backpack at the hot springs in Arenal. Beautiful country but definitely watch out for the scammers. Drinks were consistently added onto our bill even in the small mountain town I stayed in and bus drivers would try to stiff me on my change repetitively.

[@josueastua8093]

The only scam is your click bait

[@SolamenteTavo]

You definitely don't look smart in person so they took advantage of you

[@russellhankins7522]

@@SolamenteTavo Wow, your an a**.

[@swathi_]

This is so useful!! We are traveling to Costa Rica soon and this is PERFECT timing for us! Thank you 🙏🏾 🙏🏾

[@ian.and.ana.]

So glad we could help ♥️♥️

[@RodrigoCastroCh]

Great tips!! I’m Costa Rican and honestly I had no idea about the restaurant scam, but I can definitely confirm the scams and chaos at Manuel Antonio. There are lots of agressive “guides” who swarm tourists before they get to the official ticket office trying to trick them into buying the tickets from them and all sorts of other stories. Also, remember that it’sN OT necessary to tip waiters, drivers or anyone, they are already paid a decent wage and service is included in the bill. As in the rest of the world, tipping is customary for outstanding service, but now, thanks to Americans, workers at tourist hot spots have grown to always expect tips, regardless of the quality of their service.

[@andresmendez6556]

Waiters for sure dont get a living wage, who told you that? All the profit is accumulated by the rest owner, why do you think all dishes are +10USD? Tip waiters if you can because they definitely DONT get a living wage

[@eduardodiaz1017]

This is 99%,Rong, coming to Costa Rica since 1994, and NEVER HAD A PROBLEM, is that they want be be BIG AND GOT PAID TO SAY THIS, this is what they do,

[@GringoT-d5w]

don't speak what you don't know. not everyone accepts a tip and in some cultures it is actually offensive to tip

[@quikkyle601]

We experienced the same parking scam at the ruins in Tulum. Just keep driving forward!

[@MagellanandGreyhound]

It’s easy to just show drone footage, slo mo shots and exotic places, but it’s nice to show the real and sometimes very ugly situations people can encounter when traveling. Good on you. Scams are everywhere, but it never hurts to educate yourself beforehand anywhere you go. Have fun in Egypt 🙂

[@Sensesfailkid14]

You’re not being negative. This is reality! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@maydefiesta2469]

Thank you for these tips! You should make these kinds of videos for every country you’ve visited. They are so helpful for future travellers.

[@XInfantryman]

I've traveled to 125 countries, heading to Costa Rica Jaco in April, my 126th country. These are really good tips. Thank you.

[@jpguimaraes]

Thanks a lot for this video! Going to Costa Rica soon and these tips are very valuable. Keep up with amazing content like this one 🙂

[@stephaniev9262]

My advise is to be one step ahead.

[@02BNJA]

I wish I'd seen your video before I went to Manuel Antonio National Park. I got suckered into pulling into the beach area and paying $10 to park. When I got to the bottom of the road I could tell that was not where I wanted to be. I turned around and went on my way but it left a really bad taste in my mouth. I'm glad to say that that was the only time I felt hustled in CR. Comparied to Jamaica (where I'd traveled 24 times before CR) Costa Rica was a dream. You can't step out of your room in Jamaica without someone being there to beg you something. I traveled there solo and felt very safe but then I'm an experienced traveler and am more guarded than most.

[@jamesmerritt4032]

My mom came home from a trip, told the taxi driver the address and he got on the highway going the wrong direction, she told him he was going the wrong way and he argued with her. She told him she lived here all her life and knew how to get home. When she got home he tried to make her pay for his scam but my dad came out they paid what they know it would cost and sent the scam artist on his way

[@Keithjsullivan]

Thanks for posting. My wife & I are heading to CR in a weeks time and you've helped to make me more aware than I would ever have been. We are ending our stay in Manuel Antonio so that was good advice too. I hope you enjoy Egypt, it's wonderful.

[@stephaniev9262]

As a Costa Rican, this can happen even to locals, we always have to be careful, always be one step ahead. The taxi scam and restaurant or bars they tend to do that. And the “wachiman” or watch man please be aware.

[@niecees.8457]

What do you mean by “watchimen”?

[@stephv9949]

@@niecees.8457 not sure if they are still a thing, but when you park your car on the public road these men will come up to you saying they’ll be “watching your car to keep it safe” and then ask for money.

[@luisdiegolopezmachado916]

"Watch Men" = " Guachimen" or "Wachimen", Same as "Pipirinais" which is a slang word derived from the phonetic sound of "Pretty Nice"@@niecees.8457

[@victoriajackson8361]

Yeah...watchiman still here but in our city (San Isidro de El General) roads and traffic are so nutty, I am thankful for them directing me in and out of parking lots/spaces...especially at night in the rain. I give between 500 and 1000 colones depending on weather

[@yohannesaradom8656]

Thank you very much for your information. You guys have personality and genuine individuals.

[@anarampone5401]

Im from Costa Rica, raised in America most Costa Rica are good honest people & with everything there are good & bad every where

[@JoseMedina-ob4mf]

Costa Rica is also part of America you were raised in the US.

[@anarampone5401]

I lived all over the US but mostly east coast I also have traveled alot been to alot of different places I used to work for United Airlines ​@@JoseMedina-ob4mf

[@123anes1]

Also, the service tax is included over here, so leaving tips is not necessary or obligatory. Watch out

[@mkoschara]

Cabs: Use Uber. I live here and there are definitely mistakes made in billing (Be diligent). Yes, car rental companies suck here. It's better to use a shuttle and then use local buses, Uber, etc. The whole parking thing in Costa Rica has to do with "parking attendants" offering to watch your car in return for cash. My way of avoiding this is to park in designated lots (It costs more but avoids the hassle you're describing). As for Manuel Antonio Park, all other parks here are much, much, much better. I subscribed so I can follow you on your travel adventures.

[@creativeopinions8250]

I'm glad you're talking about this, is 100% true, it's freaking annoying and one of the reason's I can no longer stand going to CR. I've been to most Central American countries and CR is most notorious for being dishonest. None of that happened in Nicaragua, El Salvador or Honduras. It's mostly a CR issue, they add some odd amounts to your food and hotel bill and when you ask them to explain the add on, they give you some BS explanation. The minute you get into a Taxi, the driver tries to sweet talk but it's just to figure out if you're local or not and the bill goes up by $40 and they will take the longer route to charge more. Manuel A park has a cheap rate for locals and a high rate for tourists.... this is why I've stopped going to CR too many scammers who are very friendly to your face!

[@ronrose2322]

I think every country you visit something like this would be so helpful. The good the bad and the ugly just so we know. I appreciate the truth you give to your viewers.

[@sylviapiedrajohnson8892]

As Costarican I appreciate this video. It's not right what happened to you. I am so sorry. 😢 Not so Pura Vida.

[@lhamilton6041]

I actually found this more helpful than negative! Thanks for letting us know and all the best with your future travels. Happiest of belated Birthday Wishes too! I hope you enjoyed your day in spite of! 🥳

[@JustMe-hf3wt]

You did mention the parking scam so great. Tips (10% usually camouflaged as a tax) is already included in your bill so don't tip unless you get exceptional service. Always have your taxi driver turn on the meter or you will be fleeced so get out of the vehicule. Ask before you close your door or put any bags in the trunk. Be more aware and careful in San Jose for the highest crime level in CR is mostly there !

[@malaiteixeira3310]

Strange, we've lived here for 20 years and have never caught restaurants doing that. Maybe we need to pay closer attention. The Manuel Antonio 'guards' are definitely a thing!

[@cherylkern3288]

Yea, we've never encountered this either.

[@BobMazzo]

it's very important to share these videos - esp. for people who are planning to travel ANYWHERE in the world. These scams are ubiquitous !

[@ian.and.ana.]

So happy you liked it and totally agree!!

[@JasonDFD3S]

Extremely helpful. Thank you

[@buzzwig]

Excellent! I went to Costa Rica in August of 2021 and had an awesome time. I went on the cheap and didn't rent a car and stuff, but no matter where you go anywhere, these kinds of scams can lurk. Good to know about them. I may be moving to Costa Rica soon, or somewhere with a human friendly environment like Costa Rica.

[@electromagneticbliss]

Americans are used to tipping, but often in Costa Rica, gratuity is included in the restaurant bill. You don't need to tip. As for the restaurant bill scam, there is another KZbinr who recently did a video on this in La Fortuna, so it is a thing. It is disappointing to be seen as a walking ATM and not a human being, as is the case in so many tourist places.

[@dionnemathew780]

Thank you!!! I totally appreciated this information. Especial the tip on how to easily bypass the scam regarding parking. I often smell bullshit but had a hard time “standing up” against it. Your advise - I can follow!

[@NickFaulkner]

Thanks for these tips!

[@CrosbyGraceTravels]

Heading to Manuel Antonio in April so THANK YOU so much for this video!!!

[@Yasin_Affandi]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful video n also for alerting on d scam activities in Costa Rica. Great tips from u guys.

[@Yasin_Affandi]

Did u guys faced any scam while u guys were in Malaysia? There r always something in some countries. In Malaysia, heard from some of tourists on scam by taxi drivers.

[@jaimeandcarol8667]

You haven't been negative guys. Life has good and bad things and many times is good to say that uncomfortable part because help us a lot. So, now we know 😅😅 and we're gonna be alert 😅. Excellent video as always!

[@luisdiegobrenes2639]

If it makes you feel better, "mistakes in the bills" happens to local too. It is a great advice to check the bill before paying and NEVER tip. Tip is included in the bill by law.

[@HHTV60]

I'm planning a trip to Costa Rica, and I watched a bunch of videos, and yours was really useful with the warnings. You should have also mentioned that quite often in restaurants tips are already included in the bill, so there's no need to tip.

[@jdrosabal1]

Actually, by law, the "tip" it's included in EVERY bill, it's the 10%

[@CRPapi]

I've been here since 2005, recently naturalized citizen. I have never experienced what happened to you regarding restaurant servers/bills. Always a good habit to check your bill. Thanks.

[@angelalontoc5525]

Thanks soo much for all the info. and what to expect. Going to Costa Rica but gathering infor. before I go. Good vibes from Rhode Island.

[@Mr1drumlover]

I am in Escazú now. After watching this video I realized that the Mexican restaurant next to my hotel charged me double, plus I left the tip. Not going to happen again. Thanks so much for the heads up very helpful.

[@Scrambler85]

Thanks for the information, I have heard worse from other travelers. Definitely a thumbs up for the video 👍

[@staceyswain236]

Love your videos but as someone who worked for enterprise business rental sharing corporate codes is a huge no, and if a company were to find that an employee was giving out their code it could be a fireable offense. Most companies will cross reference rentals using their code with employee names and travel dates (unless they have a separate code for business and as a recreational benefit) I am sure you guys will be okay but I wouldn’t put that out there on the internet if you know what I mean.

[@MrSupernova111]

These two aren't the brightest couple.

[@Makingmehungry]

I've had at least 3 people tell me the have done this, code from a friend. no penalty, no problems.

[@gabrielmurillo5073]

Everything mentioned in this video has happened to me in the US and not a single thing in CR. It all depends where you go and where you hang out. You just gotta be careful wherever you go.

[@MarvelousMusic1]

Love this! You guys are great. Thank you for sharing this.

[@-AnPL-]

If you have a credit card from the states that covers your car rental insurance all you have to do is bring a letter from your credit card insurance carrier stating that car insurance is covered. Then you are good.

[@ian.and.ana.]

That’s great info thanks for sharing!

[@victoriajackson8361]

...which covers you for optional insurance but not the government-mandated 3rd party liability...still gotta pay that.

[@gladyszavport6845]

I appreciate the information, good to know so this way we are ready. Thank you so much guys! Pura vida!

[@بالجيريان]

The prayer call is meant to be loud and heard by all those in the city - that’s the point of it. :) thanks for sharing your insight

[@michaeltitus5305]

Appreciate the info!

[@kachaunn]

I’m currently planning Costa Rica for my birthday & watching endless amount of todo & not todo videos 🙏 thank u so much for the warnings, tips and honesty!

[@TomPeeping]

Should make a list of Restaurants who scam bills so that we can avoid it

[@Loveeveryone-uu1hk]

Wow thank you for sharing

[@lindseybowers979]

Aw thank you guys so much for putting this sort of content up! Also you guys look so great for constantly being on the move! What kind of workout routines are you guys following on the road???

[@100AJ1]

For all who are going to Manuel Antonio/ quepos: Remember to go to the main entrance. Near there there are parking spots on the road and if necessary an assigned area to park for a fee of 10$. Also to get past the people trying to get you to park , you can just keep driving and they will move. It’s what the locals do and a pretty easy way to not get hassled by the hustlers.

[@palmdesertpimp]

In CDMX we caught servers running a similar scam. We didnt say anything when we caught them, we just refused to tip. A no tip created an entire scene in the restaurant. I offered a tip once they gave me an explanation in regard to my observation. The refused, I apologized for coming to their establishment and left. The rental car scam is also a thing all over Mexico in addition to pseudo parking and security attendants.

[@TheDufresnes]

Crazy! We've lived here for 5 years and have not experienced this! Sorry it happened to you. Everyone should always check their bills anyway, no matter which country you are in. We always keep track on our notepad in our phone just in case it ever does happen, or if we are out with friends so we can split the bill. Just had this video come up on our recommended, we are also KZbin content creators! Keep having fun!

[@Makingmehungry]

I think living there is very different than what tourists see or don't expect. paying alot for a beautiful vacation is one thing. being ripped off is wrong. I'm happy to see all of these videos to help future planning, anywhere.

[@mangopassionguavapapaya]

Thanks for sharing this! I’ve lived in Costa Rica for a year now and haven’t experienced any of these. Unfortunate that you guys experienced them. My first time I did a solo trip and was extra cautious about my surroundings and interactions. Also, my husband is a local and we went everywhere together so I avoided encountering this. Vamos rent a car and Adobe are my highly recommended car rentals. You pay what you’re quoted for.

[@calholyo]

I'm Canadian and have traveled in CR many times since the 70's and have rarely had any of these experiences?

[@yslgyal4873]

@@calholyo that obviously doesn’t mean that these scams don’t occur.

[@amylever1997]

Just found your channel! Me and my friend are going to Costa Rica in March. Thank you so much. You have a new subscriber! ❤

[@youngsamty1351]

I’m happy you shared because we were planing a trip there.

[@togian755]

I've been there twice and never had the slightest troubles. A better idea about this is to call the govt office of the Costa Rica department of tourism and lodge a complaint about this practice you are encountering. Tell them how it impacted your experience and inspired you to make a You tube video to be arn other travelers about it. I'm sure they will be quite interested in hearing about this. They mày decide to take action to stop it. But if you don't make the report to the dept of tourism nothing at all will happen.

[@alifhashim3752]

You should come back to Malaysia. The borders will be fully opened on April 1. You should visit the beautiful Perhentian, Redang or Kapas islands. White sand beaches and turqoise blue waters. Best of all, its the only Asian country where scams are not part of our culture! 😊✌🏻

[@stevecrombie5357]

Thanks guys. Very nice of you to share important info like this. Woot woot!

[@colinandmeg]

Thanks for posting this!

[@Melissa-zu3df]

We just left Costa Rica for the last time because it happened nonstop. And more than just food. My husband had to go to urgent care and we went to a pharmacy and we were charged $50 for 10 20mg prednisone pills. That’s obscene. It’s like they make up the prices once they size you up. We were in the la fortuna area (to which we had never been) staying at amor arenal (I do not recommend this resort btw) and we couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Sad when a vacation turns into a nightmare (for more reasons than the extreme overcharging) but yikes. What a shame because I feel like it didn’t used to be this way ( at least in the other areas in which we’ve stayed.

[@globemaster67]

Thank you for this content! More travellers need to know these things when travelling to different countries

[@Noone77723]

Thank you both for your honesty 🙏🏽🙇🏽‍♂️

[@johnnydee123]

Extra items added to one’s bill, or more expensive items than one actually purchased, are a regular occurrence here, ALWAYS check your bill before paying… I’m a local in the capital here and it happens to me regularly…. So yes, good advice.

[@marthaoschwald2790]

I live in Costa Rica and cashiers also often give me the wrong change by like many dollars. It happened to me three times in two weeks that I knew of and every time, they weren't surprised. I'm wondering if they normally pocket that money.

[@shivercanada]

You guys rock for doing this thank you!!

[@patrickbright4025]

Every tourist place in the world have people that are out to scam you. It’s nice that you are sharing it so people can be aware.

[@seanthompson1980]

Initially I thought you guys were "thirst trappy, self absorby" folk but realized you guys are LEGIT and interested in promoting life and awareness. I was planning on going to CR but gonna pass for now because I'm feeling like not being hypervigilant. Even in Cancun I had to keep my guards up. Nice Cairo shot out!

[@monteprov31yah]

Thank you so much for all your tips I was taking notes as I was listening. My husband and I plan on going in July

[@junosiu4118]

I love this video! so useful!

[@Slider77755]

Thanks for the info! Keep it up

[@ian.and.ana.]

So glad you liked it!

[@kittygrowl839]

This is really good to know, thank you

[@gustavodiaz4689]

Great tips thanks! Heading there in a few months

[@Caveman007freelancer]

Costa Rica has the most expensive rates for tourism in all Central America . Try Belize and Punta Cana in Dominican Reoublic ( all inclusive). Write me.

[@darylhopkins9796]

Thanks for letting us know what really goes on in Costa Rica.

[@thedalillama]

They even rip off each other. The locals rip off my born-and-raised in Costa Rica 55-year old female friend. She barely has enough money to survive on and they swindle her. It's disgusting.

[@aurorasigala3450]

Thank u for these useful tips. I definitely appreciate it

[@briang2034]

Ty Guys. Great advice! 👍

[@melissavargas5490]

Hi, I live in Costa Rica and for the locals everything is very expensive but they definitely take too much advantage of tourists with excessive prices.We locals rarely use cabs because they are thieves. I think at least you had a great time. Regards.

[@judithgomez2815]

I am in Acosta Rica right now and i am sooo disappointed. It’s a beautiful country, people are nice, beautiful places, a lot to do BUT it’s RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE. I get “expensive” but a bottle of sunscreen for $25 to $30 for example is absurd. I honestly think that Costa Rica it’s a tourist trap and they are extremely abusive with theirs tourists with such high prices. I’ve traveled to so many countries myself (including Hawaii and New York) and I’m from California which suppose to be a very expensive place BUT Costa Rica beats all of them on very high prices on everything. Instead of taking care of their tourism, they are squeezing every penny possible from them.

[@outsidewithdj]

You’re disappointed because of how expensive it is?? Should’ve done some research. My family from CR come to Southern California and tell us how cheap it is here. Prices can be 2-3x more than here in California

[@thedalillama]

I've been visiting Costa Rica for 30 years. I am actually writing this from Costa Rica and regretting my visit. This place is done. It's a tourist trap indeed. First-world prices, third world results. New scams everywhere. It's not even inexpensive for locals. I spent about the same or more for groceries as I would back in the US and the beef is poor quality and the "juice" is sugar water. I don't plan on returning. It's cheaper to fly my Costa Rican friend to another country and vacation there than to vacation in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, it's a hassle for her to get to an airport.

[@ministeriobibliahabla217]

@@outsidewithdj well if you come from California, everything is cheaper elsewhere. I’ve been in California for some time. Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America. Third world country with first world cost of living. Lived there three years, and not returning. 😅

[@outsidewithdj]

@@ministeriobibliahabla217 Costa Rica is not a 3rd world country. Good thing you left they don’t need you there 🙌

[@ministeriobibliahabla217]

@@outsidewithdj I don’t need Costa Rica either. And btw, when did Costa Rica become a first world country? 🤣🤣🤣 Get your facts together or go to school.

[@sandraacosta2617]

Its a good idea to save your bottles or glasses on your table. (Dont let staff remove the evidence) When the staff see that you are savvy enough to keep the bottles they wont try the game.

[@sights.sounds]

Great tips thanks

[@ian.and.ana.]

Glad they could help!!

[@oscara8746]

This bill say "Tarifa De Aeropuerto", roughly translate to Airport Tax, because you probably reserved the car at the airport. I would be curious if you reserver the car outside of the airport if you would still get this this "fee". I've seen this in other countries, and the solution is sometimes to walk to a car renter down the street outside of the airport.

[@Kimchilu1414]

I'm from CR and I just have to say I apologize for this, wish you the best, this country is difficult :(

[@Artful-Advisor]

Actually, maybe you are not aware, but I am from Europe, and I feel the same in America. Everything costs to me more than it costs to Americans, I can't get even a car for a normal rent because I do not have a crdit card, and I have to use company Turo which costs double price per day. I have to sleep in hotels, I cannot get a possibility to rent, and so on. The way I am Greengo in Costa Rica, I am Greengo also here in USA (Currently I am in Florida) and I will go back to Costa Rica in couple of days. I feel that the atmpsphere is more friendly otwards me than here in US. I also have to pay insurance on top here. it is for a cheap car the cheapest possible it comes 68$ per day.

[@perryelyod4870]

I'm surprised you can rent a car, or get a hotel room, or buy a plane ticket at all without a credit card. If you travel, you need definitely need a credit card, it's not an option, or if you choose not to get one, you're going to have a lot of difficulties.

[@Artful-Advisor]

@@perryelyod4870 yes, exactly, no possibility to rent a car. We used some shady companies like Turo, spending half as much money as we would spend renting from regular companies, just because they accepted our Europe card which was not a credit card but "just" a bank card. And so on and on. Troubles on every step.

[@ackomanah6486]

Big thing that will help is new laws. Make scamming ILLEGAL. Get the Police to enforce the laws. Here is an idea: Have plain clothes Police randomly check the restaurant tabs. If they see a big discrepancy give a BIG fine to the restaurant. Require by law that car rentals give the REAL total cost. Get the police to make rounds and pick up the false "guards". It will make it more honest and will bring needed money to the government

[@Ferenz111]

thank you so much for this video !!!

[@ajinkyapatade7760]

Appreciate this very valuable safety knowledge 😊👌

[@caravincent4747]

Love all your videos! Would love to see a video about how you guys pack for international travel as I am really curious how you pack light but still bring everything you need! Espeically with going from place to place with such little time in between trips.

[@FroHawkDesigns]

Some good tips to know. We just returned from Panama and are planning our next trip to be Costa Rica. Thanks for letting us know the local BS to be on the look out for.

[@michelel1852]

We will be there in one week. Thank you for doing this video!

[@JohnnyTrekkie]

Thanks for the tip! I meticulously checked every restaurant bill before paying...fortunately none of them attempted to scam me! :)

[@karenlewkowitz5858]

Excellent straight up

[@yeehawtomahawk]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@fedairIV]

I live in Heredia, Costa Rica. I like this video, many people come here and have a problem converting the money. If you are not careful, you can be overcharged. It's generally a case of Tourist Beware! pay attention to the check and keep in mind restaurants in Costa Rica charge a 10% service fee and 13% sales tax. The car rental scam is for real! No matter what the car rental ad says, once you get to Costa Rica you discover the reality of the scam. Other than that, Costa Rica is a beautiful country with nice people, but it's just like anywhere else in the world....tourist are targets

[@rosaglem1905]

Appreciate the information you have shared. I am heading over to Quepos in about a week from now and I will be checking my bills at every turn. 🤔

[@ronzander7648]

Good stuff. My wife and I went to CR a couple of years ago. I don't remember being scammed on bills but you know what I didn't really look that closely either so maybe it happened. The issue with the rental car is so true, we rented with a local company and spent a couple of hours haggling with the agent over the fees. They really need to just be upfront with travelers because it really feels like a scam when you get there after a flight and suddenly get hit with a car rental about double what you expected. Also experienced the issue at Manual Antonio but we were clued in by either our AirBnB host or maybe someone else. But yes those guys are crazy about trying to get you to park and since most have never been to the park they have no idea how much farther it is. Again this should be abolished, it's very disingenuous. We ended up parking literally at the front gate because we knew better.