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Saturday, April 11, 2009
BOOK STORES (Libreria’s) with Books in English in Costa Rica - New, Used, Trade, Lending Library and large Used Book Sales
For the most updated list of BOOK STORES (Libreria’s) with Books in English in Costa Rica - Where to find New Books, Used Books, to Swap or Trade Books, Lending Libraries, and large Used Book Sales, check out:
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Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Do you live in Costa Rica and need to go back to the United States and need to stay connected with your peeps in the States via cell phone?
Going back to the United States & need to stay connected with your peeps in the states?
Renting a cell phone in the U.S. usually means 2 year contracts, expensive plans & if you get a Pre-Paid Phone - they can be EXPENSIVE . . . BUT - Net10 has a WONDERFUL plan that makes calls just 10¢ a minute & some of them INCLUDE a phone for just $30!!!
You can buy a brand new PrePaid Phone Card which comes WITH a Cell Phone it INCLUDES 300 minutes of airtime (at 10¢/minute withIN the U.S. )!!! The priced depends on which model you get but it ranges from just $30-$60 with http://Net10.com
YOU designate where you want the phone number to be for (by area code)!
NO need for credit cards or additional purchases (other than additional minutes), NO activation fees, NO Annual Contracts, NO monthly charges, NO credit checks, NO PINs or cards to buy.
INTERNATIONAL CALLS
You can make international calls to many countries (unfortunatelycurrently not Costa Rica) for just 15¢/minute (the regular 10¢ call charge + 5¢). Their Net10 International Neighbors plan gives you up to 3 Canadian or Mexican phone #s that you can give family/friends in those countries to call you on your Net10 phone! http://AurisTechnology.com/net10ild/index.asp?site=faq_neighbors#2
Want to stay in touch with your family/friends in Costa Rica (or other places not included)? They can get a U.S. number (of your choice) for just $18 for 3 months with http://Skype.com & you can call them on it. They'll have to be online to make/receive calls (hence they must have high-speed internet access).
As is normal in the states YOU ARE charged for ALL INCOMING calls as well as outgoing.
I get their most basic/cheapest model (which I LOVE as it's REALLY compact & has a blue screen!) which is the BEST VALUE because it also INCLUDES a FREE Accessory Kit with car charger, power charger, headset & case (note that a headset is CRUCIAL in many states) for JUST $30 (probably + tax)!!!
http://Net10-store.com/bpdirect/net10/PhoneDetails.do?action=view&productVariantExtensionId=3538792
WHERE CAN YOU FIND A NET10 CARD/PHONE:
You can pre-order one online at http://Net10.com to be delivered (for free) within 3 days to you in the States (this is good if you need to forward any calls from here to the states when you activate) OR at:
Walmart, Walgreens, Target, Radio Shack, KMart, Family Dollars, Dollar General, Circuit City
They have other cell phone models including 2 that are a VGA Camera Phone & one with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology for just $40 & $60 at:
http://net10-store.com/bpdirect/net10/Start.do?action=view&market=GSM5AT&zip=90035&AID=&VID=&VC=&SAHCID=&COM=&locale=en&siteType=TR&gotoPhonelist=true
Note: The pre-paid card is ONLY GOOD FOR 60 days & the cheapest new card you can get is $30 (so I ended up not using/throwing away a BUNCH of $ that I didn't use) & to reactivate it costs more money than buying a new one.
I JUST noticed they also had an Easy Minute plan with 400 Easy Minutes for $40/month (this would have worked best for me but I didn't know about it) along with a 250 (just $25/month for 250 minutes) & 150 plan (just $15/month for 150 minutes) & a Net10 Unlimited plan for $80 for the month with unlimited local/long distance & text messaging & NO ANNUAL CONTRACT!!!
Chat away!!
Vicki
Renting a cell phone in the U.S. usually means 2 year contracts, expensive plans & if you get a Pre-Paid Phone - they can be EXPENSIVE . . . BUT - Net10 has a WONDERFUL plan that makes calls just 10¢ a minute & some of them INCLUDE a phone for just $30!!!
You can buy a brand new PrePaid Phone Card which comes WITH a Cell Phone it INCLUDES 300 minutes of airtime (at 10¢/minute withIN the U.S. )!!! The priced depends on which model you get but it ranges from just $30-$60 with http://Net10.com
YOU designate where you want the phone number to be for (by area code)!
NO need for credit cards or additional purchases (other than additional minutes), NO activation fees, NO Annual Contracts, NO monthly charges, NO credit checks, NO PINs or cards to buy.
INTERNATIONAL CALLS
You can make international calls to many countries (unfortunatelycurrently not Costa Rica) for just 15¢/minute (the regular 10¢ call charge + 5¢). Their Net10 International Neighbors plan gives you up to 3 Canadian or Mexican phone #s that you can give family/friends in those countries to call you on your Net10 phone! http://AurisTechnology.com/net10ild/index.asp?site=faq_neighbors#2
Want to stay in touch with your family/friends in Costa Rica (or other places not included)? They can get a U.S. number (of your choice) for just $18 for 3 months with http://Skype.com & you can call them on it. They'll have to be online to make/receive calls (hence they must have high-speed internet access).
As is normal in the states YOU ARE charged for ALL INCOMING calls as well as outgoing.
I get their most basic/cheapest model (which I LOVE as it's REALLY compact & has a blue screen!) which is the BEST VALUE because it also INCLUDES a FREE Accessory Kit with car charger, power charger, headset & case (note that a headset is CRUCIAL in many states) for JUST $30 (probably + tax)!!!
http://Net10-store.com/bpdirect/net10/PhoneDetails.do?action=view&productVariantExtensionId=3538792
WHERE CAN YOU FIND A NET10 CARD/PHONE:
You can pre-order one online at http://Net10.com to be delivered (for free) within 3 days to you in the States (this is good if you need to forward any calls from here to the states when you activate) OR at:
Walmart, Walgreens, Target, Radio Shack, KMart, Family Dollars, Dollar General, Circuit City
They have other cell phone models including 2 that are a VGA Camera Phone & one with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology for just $40 & $60 at:
http://net10-store.com/bpdirect/net10/Start.do?action=view&market=GSM5AT&zip=90035&AID=&VID=&VC=&SAHCID=&COM=&locale=en&siteType=TR&gotoPhonelist=true
Note: The pre-paid card is ONLY GOOD FOR 60 days & the cheapest new card you can get is $30 (so I ended up not using/throwing away a BUNCH of $ that I didn't use) & to reactivate it costs more money than buying a new one.
I JUST noticed they also had an Easy Minute plan with 400 Easy Minutes for $40/month (this would have worked best for me but I didn't know about it) along with a 250 (just $25/month for 250 minutes) & 150 plan (just $15/month for 150 minutes) & a Net10 Unlimited plan for $80 for the month with unlimited local/long distance & text messaging & NO ANNUAL CONTRACT!!!
Chat away!!
Vicki
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Hiring a LEGAL Driver, Taxi Driver or Tour Guide VS ILLEGAL Pirata VS Self Driving while Touring in Costa Rica
Points to Consider
As a person that's been in the travel biz for over 25 years (as a Destination Specialist [NOT in Costa Rica], a Tour Operator, travel agent and a travel writer), I've been semi-surprised/VERY disappointed at how FEW people look at the BIG picture when it comes to travel arrangements (until they come home and look at their credit card bill at how much they spent!!!) as well as MOST people have NO clue on what all goes into expenses, etc. with having and maintaining a biz hence where pricing comes from.
Unfortunately I've ALSO found that MOST people don't understand the difference/advantages/points of the BIG PICTURE of hiring a LEGAL guide/driver vs. a pirata/ILLEGAL one let alone driving oneself throughout most of Costa Rica.
First there are the EXPENSES TO THE LEGAL GUIDE/DRIVER/BIZ OWNER:
First there's the BIG expense in buying a SPECIAL/LEGAL Tourism Van (my driver said his van was around $30,000 [this seems REALLY cheap to me for a new 15 passenger van what it is so perhaps that's a communications misunderstanding] to say nothing of how long it takes from when it arrives to when you can finally get it on the streets with all the legal channels you have to go through when you're not making money [I know one driver it took 3 months!!]) which MUST be certified by the MOPT/Transporte Publico who provides them a special permit for transportation of tourists or students or for special trips not otherwise permitted.
Then there’s Insurance - a special MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE insurance to cover them for transporting paying customers. That’s approximately $230-$300 a MONTH for a legal average tourist van (there's NO WAY I would even THINK of hiring a tour guide to drive me that didn't have that - NOT in Costa Rica!! I've known of toooooo many people that have had accidents or worse - KILLED fools running out in the streets [I've known of 2 gringos that has happened to and NEITHER was the gringo's fault but they went through MESSY legal hassles]).
If your driver doesn't have insurance - what will happen to you if they have an accident?
These LEGAL vans MUST show some sort of contract with a MAJOR hotel or tour company - a sort of consortium. These can EASILY cost $25,000-$30,000 plus $100++/month per vehicle they have in their fleet.
Of course they also get to pay their own and their employees Secudro and INS, etc.
Gas (I believe in Costa Rica it's around $4-$5 a GALLON for gas). Driving around in traffic and the hills of Costa Rica eat up LOTS more gas than your open freeway back at home. Round trip from San Jose to Manuel Antonio eats up around $60.
If they have a website (what every PROFESSIONAL tour operator should have) they have the cost to create and maintain it, an answering machine and a phone line (and if you're REALLY professional wanting clients in Canada or the States - an 800# which is NOT cheap in Costa Rica). $$$$
Then they have uniforms (or at least they should if they're TRULY professional in my book!!), other supplies like binoculars, ice chests and things that to me a GOOD driver/guide SHOULD have if they're into GOOD Customer Service.
If you want someone to speak English - they tend to get paid more as they've invested more into their growth (hense your ease) and they of course can/SHOULD command more money as it costs the driver time/money to learn it to assist his clients properly. MOST tourists I've encountered in my exploring around Costa Rica are requiring someone to speak GOOD English to help make their vacation more enjoyable/EASY!!
If YOU choose to have them drive you just one way, they still have the time it takes them to drive back that MUST be incorporated into the price since they can't pick up another fare.
To say nothing about how strenuous driving is in MUCH of Costa Rica (ESPECIALLY for the driver who 101% of the time MUST be ULTRA alert watching for ALL the potholes that spring out of no where [even on the Pan-American Highway at times] let alone for the consumer!!). After this past trip from San Jose to Arenal (along the "back road" - not the PanAm) and then from Arenal to Tamarindo - though I've done this trip 3 times now in the past 2 years with family and friends - THIS trip I got such a new sense of RESPECT for ANYONE that drives professionally!!!
Of course with the overall BAD roads around the country - a driver also gets to pay for ALL their repairs and they are frequent here!! They go through LOTS more shock absorbers, tires, etc. Most are stick shift hence would also go through more
I know there have been NUMEROUS times I've hired a driver for 3-10 day trips that they were with us for WELL more than 8 hours in a day.
Plus other legal fees/dues.
As a CONSUMER - these are CRUCIAL points to consider for me:
#1 - If you hire an ILLEGAL driver/pirata/pirate/guide and the police stop you to check their papers/documentation (NOT that uncommon - ESPECIALLY these days with the war going on with legal/red taxi drivers stopping traffic dead in the street for HOURS in downtown San Jose on more and more of a regular basis!!)!!) and that pirata/ILLEGAL driver can't produce the proper papers, things they CAN and DO DO are write a nice ticket to the pirata, take the car plates which make it illegal for the driver to drive and/or impound the vehicle and you're caca out of luck on the streets with ALL your bags!!! Sure hope this doesn't happen to you in MUCH of San Jose (I've been in taxi's/vans NUMEROUS times where they stopped and checked).
#2!!!! The EASE!!!!
I hired a driver last month to do a family trip and I tell ya - driving around Costa Rica can be VERY strenuous - even to the consumer!! After a LONG/BUMPY/pothole infested/curvy drive from Arenal to Tamarindo - though I was quite "fiscally challenged" at the time - I decided to spend the $100 to fly back from Tamarindo to San Jose rather than that the $35 5+ hour bus!! I've decided that MOST of the time when I'm traveling around Costa Rica from now on I will probably fly!! For me it's worth the extra $$ to have the sanity/ease on my bod!!
A tour guide/driver can assist you in planning your itinerary and they know the ins and outs of Costa Rica. They should know the good tours and hopefully the more unique/better ones instead of the standard touristy ones.
MISC. POINT:
Most LEGAL Tourism Vans are more spacious for you (trust me, with all the driving around, you WILL want to spread/sprawl out! There's less space of course if you have lots of luggage though luggage can go on the top). That's a BIG difference between renting one of the small CRAMPED 4x4's (those cheaper deal ones are VERY cramped and often can't fit much - especially if you have luggage. We originally saw the one we had reserved on our first trip and with just 3 gals and luggage, we would have been VERY cramped. NOT how I want to spend my vacation!! You???) or regular car I've seen that can only fit 4 people though not enough space for luggage for 4 people (especially for gals like me that bring the kitchen sink!!).
On the line of renting cars in Costa Rica - FYI - MOST I've seen are stick shift (how DO they drive those here with all the hills and potholes!!! That alone is a strenious time grabber!!) and automatics are few and far between and usually LOTS more $$$. They do NOT have power steering AND most pirata taxi's I've been in don't have good shocks (MEGA "ouch" for those of us more "well endowed" gals!!).
What are you going to do if your luggage is stolen or something? Can your pirata help you to file a police report, etc.? Are they going to go to the police if they're illegal to say they had you in their car and someone broke into that car - NOT!!!
Most drivers I know often have some clue if bridges/roads are down/being worked on - potentially causing HOURS and HOURS of delays and frustration (trust me, this IS an issue here BIG TIME)!!
NOT ALL piratas have "clean records"/are honest/good people (MANY that are piratas have some sort of "record" where they couldn't become a legal driver for a REASON!! These could include drivers into drugs, drunks, etc. (of course there are MANY GOOD/honest piratas also).
I ONLY use Frank Chicas' ENJOYING COSTA RICA TOURS for myself and my guests as they're some of THE MOST HELPFUL people I've EVER MET!!!! That's GREAT Costumer Service!!! I treat others WELL and I EXPECTED to be treated the same or BETTER!! I EXPECT a LOT - especially if I'm paying for it!!
Since the government doesn't monitor them - what are you going to do if you have a less than scrupulous driver/guide? If your things get stolen, etc.? Do you think the cops are going to have any sympathy for you let alone help you??
Of course if you're going from say, San Jose to Jaco, driving can be a breeze.
Because of the roads around Costa Rica as well as all the activities most people do here - you SERIOUSLY might want to take out Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Medical Insurance - just in case!!! I've had to use mine twice so far!! (I personally use http://AccessAmerica.com [WAYYYY COOL!! I hadn't been on their site in awhiles and I JUST noticed they now give Hurricane coverage PLUS an Expanded plan/coverage for Business-related covered reasons for TC and I insurance!!!!])
So, if a driver charging $100-$150/day or $15/hour for shorter trips (and I can tell you - I've seen MANY people email a guide/driver saying they want to hire him for X amount of days and then tie the driver up even up to that day with their indecision on what they want to do or using them for less hours than they originally committed to. Meanwhile he's waiting around PROFESSIONAL for this client hence loose $$$ [to say nothing of possibly other clients]). A SMART business person/guide/driver will get a 50% deposit (which means you REALLY want to do research on your driver before sending him $$) so he doesn't get screwed by the inconsiderate customer (trust me - there are PLENTY of those here!!).
After looking at the big picture is your driver REALLY making a lot of money at the end of the day?
CLOSING POINTS:
When I'm on vacation I go to ENJOY and RELAX!! I don't need extra stress/frustration (as the roads in Costa Rica are [of course depending on where you're visiting]).
Hey - I've been a typical control freak gal ALL my life (I'm still working on that and am getting better but have a LONG way to go) that in the past ESPECIALLY HAD to be in control of the wheel - UNTIL I visited Costa Rica my first trip!! Now that I've discovered how CHEAP a driver/guide is (compared to MOST other destinations OUTSIDE of the U.S. where I've hired them for clients) - $100 or so a day ($15/hour - all depending on the distance/time) is the BEST investment I can see in MY sanity/ease and ENJOYMENT of traveling around Costa Rica!!
(FYI - I've hired Frank Chicas with ENJOYING COSTA RICA TOURS now OVER a dozen times in the past 7 years for bigger trips from 1-ways to Puerto Viejo to NUMEROUS trips around Costa Rica as well as MANY MANY small trips within an hour of my home in the Central Valley. His rates are what other LEGAL companies charge BUT the service I've experienced has always better than the feedback I've received on other people's trips).
We ALL have different desires/needs/experiences - I've just listed points I've encountered/my beliefs and/or feedback I've received from MANY other tourists (you KNOW how I LOVE to ask questions!!)!!
Bottom line is only YOU can determine what type of vacation/situations you're seeking in life!! I chose EASE and FUN for me!!! You??
If you want contact info for Frank Chicas with ENJOYING COSTA RICA TOURS, e- me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com or call me at 8-378-6679.
ENJOY LIFE!!!
Vicki
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
LivingLifeInCostaRica.info/2008/12/hiring-legal-drivertour-guide-vs.html
As a person that's been in the travel biz for over 25 years (as a Destination Specialist [NOT in Costa Rica], a Tour Operator, travel agent and a travel writer), I've been semi-surprised/VERY disappointed at how FEW people look at the BIG picture when it comes to travel arrangements (until they come home and look at their credit card bill at how much they spent!!!) as well as MOST people have NO clue on what all goes into expenses, etc. with having and maintaining a biz hence where pricing comes from.
Unfortunately I've ALSO found that MOST people don't understand the difference/advantages/points of the BIG PICTURE of hiring a LEGAL guide/driver vs. a pirata/ILLEGAL one let alone driving oneself throughout most of Costa Rica.
First there are the EXPENSES TO THE LEGAL GUIDE/DRIVER/BIZ OWNER:
First there's the BIG expense in buying a SPECIAL/LEGAL Tourism Van (my driver said his van was around $30,000 [this seems REALLY cheap to me for a new 15 passenger van what it is so perhaps that's a communications misunderstanding] to say nothing of how long it takes from when it arrives to when you can finally get it on the streets with all the legal channels you have to go through when you're not making money [I know one driver it took 3 months!!]) which MUST be certified by the MOPT/Transporte Publico who provides them a special permit for transportation of tourists or students or for special trips not otherwise permitted.
Then there’s Insurance - a special MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE insurance to cover them for transporting paying customers. That’s approximately $230-$300 a MONTH for a legal average tourist van (there's NO WAY I would even THINK of hiring a tour guide to drive me that didn't have that - NOT in Costa Rica!! I've known of toooooo many people that have had accidents or worse - KILLED fools running out in the streets [I've known of 2 gringos that has happened to and NEITHER was the gringo's fault but they went through MESSY legal hassles]).
If your driver doesn't have insurance - what will happen to you if they have an accident?
These LEGAL vans MUST show some sort of contract with a MAJOR hotel or tour company - a sort of consortium. These can EASILY cost $25,000-$30,000 plus $100++/month per vehicle they have in their fleet.
Of course they also get to pay their own and their employees Secudro and INS, etc.
Gas (I believe in Costa Rica it's around $4-$5 a GALLON for gas). Driving around in traffic and the hills of Costa Rica eat up LOTS more gas than your open freeway back at home. Round trip from San Jose to Manuel Antonio eats up around $60.
If they have a website (what every PROFESSIONAL tour operator should have) they have the cost to create and maintain it, an answering machine and a phone line (and if you're REALLY professional wanting clients in Canada or the States - an 800# which is NOT cheap in Costa Rica). $$$$
Then they have uniforms (or at least they should if they're TRULY professional in my book!!), other supplies like binoculars, ice chests and things that to me a GOOD driver/guide SHOULD have if they're into GOOD Customer Service.
If you want someone to speak English - they tend to get paid more as they've invested more into their growth (hense your ease) and they of course can/SHOULD command more money as it costs the driver time/money to learn it to assist his clients properly. MOST tourists I've encountered in my exploring around Costa Rica are requiring someone to speak GOOD English to help make their vacation more enjoyable/EASY!!
If YOU choose to have them drive you just one way, they still have the time it takes them to drive back that MUST be incorporated into the price since they can't pick up another fare.
To say nothing about how strenuous driving is in MUCH of Costa Rica (ESPECIALLY for the driver who 101% of the time MUST be ULTRA alert watching for ALL the potholes that spring out of no where [even on the Pan-American Highway at times] let alone for the consumer!!). After this past trip from San Jose to Arenal (along the "back road" - not the PanAm) and then from Arenal to Tamarindo - though I've done this trip 3 times now in the past 2 years with family and friends - THIS trip I got such a new sense of RESPECT for ANYONE that drives professionally!!!
Of course with the overall BAD roads around the country - a driver also gets to pay for ALL their repairs and they are frequent here!! They go through LOTS more shock absorbers, tires, etc. Most are stick shift hence would also go through more
I know there have been NUMEROUS times I've hired a driver for 3-10 day trips that they were with us for WELL more than 8 hours in a day.
Plus other legal fees/dues.
As a CONSUMER - these are CRUCIAL points to consider for me:
#1 - If you hire an ILLEGAL driver/pirata/pirate/guide and the police stop you to check their papers/documentation (NOT that uncommon - ESPECIALLY these days with the war going on with legal/red taxi drivers stopping traffic dead in the street for HOURS in downtown San Jose on more and more of a regular basis!!)!!) and that pirata/ILLEGAL driver can't produce the proper papers, things they CAN and DO DO are write a nice ticket to the pirata, take the car plates which make it illegal for the driver to drive and/or impound the vehicle and you're caca out of luck on the streets with ALL your bags!!! Sure hope this doesn't happen to you in MUCH of San Jose (I've been in taxi's/vans NUMEROUS times where they stopped and checked).
#2!!!! The EASE!!!!
I hired a driver last month to do a family trip and I tell ya - driving around Costa Rica can be VERY strenuous - even to the consumer!! After a LONG/BUMPY/pothole infested/curvy drive from Arenal to Tamarindo - though I was quite "fiscally challenged" at the time - I decided to spend the $100 to fly back from Tamarindo to San Jose rather than that the $35 5+ hour bus!! I've decided that MOST of the time when I'm traveling around Costa Rica from now on I will probably fly!! For me it's worth the extra $$ to have the sanity/ease on my bod!!
A tour guide/driver can assist you in planning your itinerary and they know the ins and outs of Costa Rica. They should know the good tours and hopefully the more unique/better ones instead of the standard touristy ones.
MISC. POINT:
Most LEGAL Tourism Vans are more spacious for you (trust me, with all the driving around, you WILL want to spread/sprawl out! There's less space of course if you have lots of luggage though luggage can go on the top). That's a BIG difference between renting one of the small CRAMPED 4x4's (those cheaper deal ones are VERY cramped and often can't fit much - especially if you have luggage. We originally saw the one we had reserved on our first trip and with just 3 gals and luggage, we would have been VERY cramped. NOT how I want to spend my vacation!! You???) or regular car I've seen that can only fit 4 people though not enough space for luggage for 4 people (especially for gals like me that bring the kitchen sink!!).
On the line of renting cars in Costa Rica - FYI - MOST I've seen are stick shift (how DO they drive those here with all the hills and potholes!!! That alone is a strenious time grabber!!) and automatics are few and far between and usually LOTS more $$$. They do NOT have power steering AND most pirata taxi's I've been in don't have good shocks (MEGA "ouch" for those of us more "well endowed" gals!!).
What are you going to do if your luggage is stolen or something? Can your pirata help you to file a police report, etc.? Are they going to go to the police if they're illegal to say they had you in their car and someone broke into that car - NOT!!!
Most drivers I know often have some clue if bridges/roads are down/being worked on - potentially causing HOURS and HOURS of delays and frustration (trust me, this IS an issue here BIG TIME)!!
NOT ALL piratas have "clean records"/are honest/good people (MANY that are piratas have some sort of "record" where they couldn't become a legal driver for a REASON!! These could include drivers into drugs, drunks, etc. (of course there are MANY GOOD/honest piratas also).
I ONLY use Frank Chicas' ENJOYING COSTA RICA TOURS for myself and my guests as they're some of THE MOST HELPFUL people I've EVER MET!!!! That's GREAT Costumer Service!!! I treat others WELL and I EXPECTED to be treated the same or BETTER!! I EXPECT a LOT - especially if I'm paying for it!!
Since the government doesn't monitor them - what are you going to do if you have a less than scrupulous driver/guide? If your things get stolen, etc.? Do you think the cops are going to have any sympathy for you let alone help you??
Of course if you're going from say, San Jose to Jaco, driving can be a breeze.
Because of the roads around Costa Rica as well as all the activities most people do here - you SERIOUSLY might want to take out Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Medical Insurance - just in case!!! I've had to use mine twice so far!! (I personally use http://AccessAmerica.com [WAYYYY COOL!! I hadn't been on their site in awhiles and I JUST noticed they now give Hurricane coverage PLUS an Expanded plan/coverage for Business-related covered reasons for TC and I insurance!!!!])
So, if a driver charging $100-$150/day or $15/hour for shorter trips (and I can tell you - I've seen MANY people email a guide/driver saying they want to hire him for X amount of days and then tie the driver up even up to that day with their indecision on what they want to do or using them for less hours than they originally committed to. Meanwhile he's waiting around PROFESSIONAL for this client hence loose $$$ [to say nothing of possibly other clients]). A SMART business person/guide/driver will get a 50% deposit (which means you REALLY want to do research on your driver before sending him $$) so he doesn't get screwed by the inconsiderate customer (trust me - there are PLENTY of those here!!).
After looking at the big picture is your driver REALLY making a lot of money at the end of the day?
CLOSING POINTS:
When I'm on vacation I go to ENJOY and RELAX!! I don't need extra stress/frustration (as the roads in Costa Rica are [of course depending on where you're visiting]).
Hey - I've been a typical control freak gal ALL my life (I'm still working on that and am getting better but have a LONG way to go) that in the past ESPECIALLY HAD to be in control of the wheel - UNTIL I visited Costa Rica my first trip!! Now that I've discovered how CHEAP a driver/guide is (compared to MOST other destinations OUTSIDE of the U.S. where I've hired them for clients) - $100 or so a day ($15/hour - all depending on the distance/time) is the BEST investment I can see in MY sanity/ease and ENJOYMENT of traveling around Costa Rica!!
(FYI - I've hired Frank Chicas with ENJOYING COSTA RICA TOURS now OVER a dozen times in the past 7 years for bigger trips from 1-ways to Puerto Viejo to NUMEROUS trips around Costa Rica as well as MANY MANY small trips within an hour of my home in the Central Valley. His rates are what other LEGAL companies charge BUT the service I've experienced has always better than the feedback I've received on other people's trips).
We ALL have different desires/needs/experiences - I've just listed points I've encountered/my beliefs and/or feedback I've received from MANY other tourists (you KNOW how I LOVE to ask questions!!)!!
Bottom line is only YOU can determine what type of vacation/situations you're seeking in life!! I chose EASE and FUN for me!!! You??
If you want contact info for Frank Chicas with ENJOYING COSTA RICA TOURS, e- me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com or call me at 8-378-6679.
ENJOY LIFE!!!
Vicki
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
LivingLifeInCostaRica.info/2008/12/hiring-legal-drivertour-guide-vs.html
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
GREAT website showing you Costa Rica Banks U.S. Dollar Rate of Exchange for the Day
I just found this GREAT website showing the comparison of Costa Rica Banks U.S. Dollar Rate of Exchange for the Day:
http://indicadoreseconomicos.bccr.fi.cr/IndicadoresEconomicos/Cuadros/frmConsultaTCVentanilla.aspx
Vicki
http://indicadoreseconomicos.bccr.fi.cr/IndicadoresEconomicos/Cuadros/frmConsultaTCVentanilla.aspx
Vicki
Monday, December 15, 2008
LAUNDRY SERVICES / LAVANDERIA - Coin Operated, Self Service Washing Machines & Commercial Laundry in Costa Rica
LAUNDRY SERVICES / LAVANDERIA IN COSTA RICA
There aren't many places I've found in Costa Rica with COIN OPERATED / SELF SERVICE MACHINES - where you can go in and do your own laundry. I've posed this question on numerous message boards as well as trying to find anyone that could take my laundry to in case Goddess forbid, something happens to my washer/dryer in my guest house but so far, I haven't found many options and Dry Cleaners are out of the picture for me as they are often wanting to charge by the PIECE!!
If you know of any such places, please e- me at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com
ESCAZU
LAVANDERIA STAR CLEANERS
LOCATION: Centro Escazu in Plaza Real (home to Sushi Goyi).
CONTACT: 2-228-7508 / 8-306-9124. OWNER: Maritza Valenzuela
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-6pm.
PRICE: 1,000-c/Kilo.
CURRIDABAT
I heard there's a Laundromat in Plaza Cristal.
AQUAMATIC LAVANDERIA-
ALAJUELA-Mall Internacional (2-443-2555)
ALAJUELA-Centro (2-443-0485)
CARTAGO-TerraMall (2-278-4189)
CARTAGO-Metrocentro (2-591-5073)
CURRIDABAT-Plaza del Sol (2-253-4468)
ESCAZU (2-201-6126) - LOCATION: MultiPlaza
JACO (2-643-2083)
MORAVIA (2-235-9174)
PAVAS (2-291-2847)
QUEPOS (2-777-0972) - 50 mts. South of Banco Nacional - Self-Service Wash 950-c, Self-Service Dry 950-c, Pickup-1100-c/kilo. HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 7am-12:30pm and 1:30-5pm.
SABANILLA (2-283-7844)
SAN PEDRO-Mall San Pedro (2- 283-4540)
SAN PEDRO-NovaCentro (2-225-0659)
SAN JOSE-Avenida Central (2-256-6961)
SAN JOSE-Centro Comercial del Sur (2- 227-4316)
SAN JOSE-Plaza de la Cultura (2-258-1100)
SAN SEBASTIAN (2-286-1026)
TRES RIOS-MultiPlaza Este (2-283-2134)
JACO - Lavanderia Puro Blanco (2-643-1025) - on the main drag, toward the south end of town.
Aquamatic Lavanderia (2-643-2083) - 150 yards further south.
QUEPOS-Central Market - Lavanderia Yara and Aquamatic Lavanderia.
LARGE / COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY SERVICE
MEDICO LUX
LARGE WASHING JOBS like for medical offices, hotels and restaurants. Businesses that desire a sterile environments. NO personal laundry unless it’s LARGE quantity. Their machines can hold up to 60 kilos (it can fit a person in it!!) so they can do Comforters, Blankets and Pillows++!
Rainy/moldy season is over - time to do some early Spring Cleaning!!!
They also RENT Medical Clothes (blood proof) and Sterilized Medical Packages (sheets, gown+ [so you don’t have to throw away/waste!]) - 8,500-c/package.
DELIVERY included.
CONTACT: Nelson Kent (8-323-0793 / BabyFaceKent10@hotmail.com) - he’s a REAL sweetie with LOTS of energy/PASSION for what he does and speaks pretty good English
LOCATION: Hatillo Centro - behind the clinic Salon Nunez in Alajuelita?
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7am-3pm (later by appointment)
PRICE: Washing, sterilizing, drying and folding and roundtrip delivery - starts at 500-c/kilo.
Vicki
PARTY SUPPLY RENTALS / EQUIPMENT in Costa Rica (including Inflateable Games)
PARTY SUPPLY RENTALS/EQUIPMENT
(Tables, Glassware, Flatware, Dishes, Chairs, Tents, Serving & Chafing Dishes,
Chocolate Fountains, Inflatable Bounces / Games, Hot Dog Machines, Cotton Candy Machines, Popcorn Machines, Snow Cone Machines+++)
(Tables, Glassware, Flatware, Dishes, Chairs, Tents, Serving & Chafing Dishes,
Chocolate Fountains, Inflatable Bounces / Games, Hot Dog Machines, Cotton Candy Machines, Popcorn Machines, Snow Cone Machines+++)
ESCAZU
ALQUILERES EIFFEL
(http://AlquileresEiffel.com)
Escazu (2-228-3100 / Ventasescazu@AlquileresEiffel.com) - LOCATION: Centro Comercial Los Anonos
Curridabat (2-280-9392 / VentasCurridabat@AlquileresEiffel.com) - LOCATION: 900 mts South / 25 mts East of McDonald’s
Heredia (2-237-6607 / VentasHeredia@AlquileresEiffel.com) - LOCATION: 900 mts. West of Hipermas
(They seem to have the largest range of supplies plus they have LOTS of BIG blow up things also (Eiffel Games)!!! when your order arrives, MAKE SURE you’re getting EVERYTHING you’ve signed up/paid for!!!)
FIESTIKAS
(2-249-4616 / 8-357-7430 / http://Fiestikas.com / info@Fiestikas.com)
Rentals of inflatable play gyms/bounces, popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, hot dogs, snow cone machines & iced drinks - geared towards Kids Parties!! They also have tables & chairs for kids & catering. Delivery throughout the Central Valley
LOCATION: Ciudad Colon
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm
FESTIVO EVENTOS
(2-289-2121 / 8-981-8989 / http://FestivaEventos.com / info@FestivaEventos.com)
LOCATION: Centro Comercial Roma - 225 mts South of Scotia Bank - 2nd Floor
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-3pm
ALQUILERES RODRIGUEZ Sillas Plegables y Mesas
(2-228-7053)
LOCATION: Escazu-Bello Horizonte - 75 mts South of la Capilla
ALQUILERES FESTIVOS
(2-286-5713)
LOCATION: Escazu - Centro
Otto Gerez
(2-232-2552)
Larger selection, good prices, catering
LOCATION: La Sabana
(per Gustavo at JopCo) (no one seems to speak English here)
Marta Chavez
REALCE
(2-290-3572)
LOCATION: Pavas
I think she more custom makes Table Cloths, Chair Covers, Napkins+
(per Gustavo at JopCo)
Seeking a list of places/venues to hold an event for kids or big people alike, e- us (it will be coming here one day).
Here are a couple sites for more info (though CostaRicaLink.com is an old list/site). Many are for general party supply stores BUT if you contact them, hopefully they’ll be customer service oriented enough to share with you some supplies they have for rentals.
http://1costaricalink.com/eng/shopping/shop-eng/alqfiestas-35eng.htm
http://TelefonicaAmarilla.com/?envio=submit&classs=ALQUILER%20EQUIPO%20PARA%20FIESTAS
Unfortunately my Spanish is tooooo limited to update this list (I didn’t find ANYONE that I reached to speak ANY English/English-Spanglish) so if someone wants to help get details like websites, email addresses, any English-speaking contacts, details on the other list of places I have in other araes, etc. - contact me at CostaRicaResourceGuide@gmail.com
(send my invitation to CostaRicaResourceGuide@gmail.com!!)
Vicki
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Office Supply Furniture Stores - Where to Find Chairs, Desks, Ergonomics in Costa Rica
I hear there’s outlet with "damaged/marred" office furniture on the street behind Pizza Hut off Paseo Colon in San Jose near Sabana Park.
MUGUI
(http://muguisa.net / ventas@muguisa.com)
Headquarters (2-253-8834 / 2-224-7114) - DIRECTIONS: Guadalupe, 200 metros East of Hipermas
OUTLET: Guadalupe
El Alto (2-280-1503 / 2-283-2397) - DIRECTIONS: 150 mts East of the intersection of Moravia y Guadalupe
Rohmoser: (2-290-3760 / 2-290-3772 / 2-296-4169) - DIRECTIONS: 75 mts este of Cemaco)
Sabana Sur: (2-290-5667) - DIRECTIONS: Next to Hollywood Strip Club in Sabana Sur.
Escazu (San Rafael): (2-288-5655) - DIRECTIONS: in Paco Plaza.
San Pedro (Los Yoses): (2-283-43-48) - DIRECTIONS: 125 mts East of KFC)
METALIN
(http://metalin-cr.com)
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-5:30pm
Headquarters: San Jose (Downtown) (2-222-3777 / 2-222-3516 / 2-222-3191 / metalin@ice.co.cr / info@metalin-cr.com) - DIRECTIONS: Calle 20 & Avenida 8 & 10 (75 meters North of the Iglesia de las Animas / Animas Church [in front of the General Cementery] at the light, turn left before the light on Calle 20. Near Hospital de Ninos.
San Jose-Barrio Cordoba (2-226-2596 / displaycr@ice.co.cr) - DIRECTIONS: 150 mts al Sur-Oeste/South/West of the Rotonda in Zapote - in the Centro Comercial Paseo del Parque
Alajuela (2-442-2232 / comdelcu@ice.co.cr) - DIRECTIONS: Costado East of the Museo Juan Santamaría in Alajuela
FREE DELIVERY within the Central Valley. MANAGER: Grace de la Cuesta
ALTERNATIVE
(http://AlternativaCR.com/main.php?pais=costarica / 2-258-0001 / info@alternativacr.com)
San Jose DIRECTIONS: 50 mts. East of McDonalds in Sabana Sur (the back street past Yammuni)
CRAIG’S LIST
(http://costarica.es.craigslist.org)
LA ARTISTICA
(http://LaArtistica.net/index.php?producto=productos&id=1&subfamilia=5&pagina=1)
These are more Sofa Beds that tend to be more contemporary (like most of their COOL furniture) and LOTS more $$. Be sure to check out their outlet store Downtown. DELIVERY!
SAN JOSE - OUTLET - Downtown (2-223-5544) - HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6:30pm, Sat. 9:30am-6pm. DIRECTIONS: Avenida 2nd between Calles 7 & 9.
PAVAS/ROHRMOSER (2-296-2590) - HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30am-7:30pm, Sun. 10am-6pm. DIRECTIONS: On the main road in Pavas, across the street and close to Cemaco)
CURRIDABAT (2-272-8787) - HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm. DIRECTIONS: Diagonal to Hipermas.
WAREHOUSE - LIBERIA (2-668-1313) - HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-5:30pm. DIRECTIONS: Calle 4 & 5
MUEBLE AMERICA
(http://MuebleAmerica.com / 2-215-3031/ 2-215-3032 / info@MuebleAmerica.com) - Top End Custom Made
DIRECTIONS: 200 mts. north from Multiplaza Escazú, Condominio Comercial La Placita
SEARSON
(http://searson.co.cr / 2-520-1112) - DIRECTIONS: Sabana Sur-300 mts West of the Costa Rica Tennis Club. HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30am-6:30pm, Sun. 10am-4pm
TECNIMUEBLES
(http://TecniMuebles.com / 2-252-3086 / 2-223-6021 / 8-993-8185 / info@tecnimuebles.com) - Guadalupe - DIRECTIONS: 100 Metros South of the Centro Comercial Guadalupe
OFFICE DEPOT
MUGUI
(http://muguisa.net / ventas@muguisa.com)
Headquarters (2-253-8834 / 2-224-7114) - DIRECTIONS: Guadalupe, 200 metros East of Hipermas
OUTLET: Guadalupe
El Alto (2-280-1503 / 2-283-2397) - DIRECTIONS: 150 mts East of the intersection of Moravia y Guadalupe
Rohmoser: (2-290-3760 / 2-290-3772 / 2-296-4169) - DIRECTIONS: 75 mts este of Cemaco)
Sabana Sur: (2-290-5667) - DIRECTIONS: Next to Hollywood Strip Club in Sabana Sur.
Escazu (San Rafael): (2-288-5655) - DIRECTIONS: in Paco Plaza.
San Pedro (Los Yoses): (2-283-43-48) - DIRECTIONS: 125 mts East of KFC)
METALIN
(http://metalin-cr.com)
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-5:30pm
Headquarters: San Jose (Downtown) (2-222-3777 / 2-222-3516 / 2-222-3191 / metalin@ice.co.cr / info@metalin-cr.com) - DIRECTIONS: Calle 20 & Avenida 8 & 10 (75 meters North of the Iglesia de las Animas / Animas Church [in front of the General Cementery] at the light, turn left before the light on Calle 20. Near Hospital de Ninos.
San Jose-Barrio Cordoba (2-226-2596 / displaycr@ice.co.cr) - DIRECTIONS: 150 mts al Sur-Oeste/South/West of the Rotonda in Zapote - in the Centro Comercial Paseo del Parque
Alajuela (2-442-2232 / comdelcu@ice.co.cr) - DIRECTIONS: Costado East of the Museo Juan Santamaría in Alajuela
FREE DELIVERY within the Central Valley. MANAGER: Grace de la Cuesta
ALTERNATIVE
(http://AlternativaCR.com/main.php?pais=costarica / 2-258-0001 / info@alternativacr.com)
San Jose DIRECTIONS: 50 mts. East of McDonalds in Sabana Sur (the back street past Yammuni)
CRAIG’S LIST
(http://costarica.es.craigslist.org)
LA ARTISTICA
(http://LaArtistica.net/index.php?producto=productos&id=1&subfamilia=5&pagina=1)
These are more Sofa Beds that tend to be more contemporary (like most of their COOL furniture) and LOTS more $$. Be sure to check out their outlet store Downtown. DELIVERY!
SAN JOSE - OUTLET - Downtown (2-223-5544) - HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9am-6:30pm, Sat. 9:30am-6pm. DIRECTIONS: Avenida 2nd between Calles 7 & 9.
PAVAS/ROHRMOSER (2-296-2590) - HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30am-7:30pm, Sun. 10am-6pm. DIRECTIONS: On the main road in Pavas, across the street and close to Cemaco)
CURRIDABAT (2-272-8787) - HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm. DIRECTIONS: Diagonal to Hipermas.
WAREHOUSE - LIBERIA (2-668-1313) - HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-5:30pm. DIRECTIONS: Calle 4 & 5
MUEBLE AMERICA
(http://MuebleAmerica.com / 2-215-3031/ 2-215-3032 / info@MuebleAmerica.com) - Top End Custom Made
DIRECTIONS: 200 mts. north from Multiplaza Escazú, Condominio Comercial La Placita
SEARSON
(http://searson.co.cr / 2-520-1112) - DIRECTIONS: Sabana Sur-300 mts West of the Costa Rica Tennis Club. HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 9:30am-6:30pm, Sun. 10am-4pm
TECNIMUEBLES
(http://TecniMuebles.com / 2-252-3086 / 2-223-6021 / 8-993-8185 / info@tecnimuebles.com) - Guadalupe - DIRECTIONS: 100 Metros South of the Centro Comercial Guadalupe
OFFICE DEPOT
Monday, November 24, 2008
Travel Agency located IN Costa Rica to help you plan a trip OUTSIDE of CR
Do you live IN Costa Rica & are you looking for a travel agency IN Costa Rica to help you plan a trip OUTSIDE of Costa Rica?
Contact:
COSTA RICA TRAVEL STORE
Corner of Avenida 4 & Calle 40 (inside the ARCR office in San Jose near Sabana Park)
(http://CostaRicaTravelStore.com / 1-800-250-5119-from U.S.)
Air Tickets/Packages Outside of CR: Jaime (2-222-7862-his direct # / 2-257-2223-office/Carolina / Jaime@ CostaRicaTravelStore.com)
They both speak good English
Contact:
COSTA RICA TRAVEL STORE
Corner of Avenida 4 & Calle 40 (inside the ARCR office in San Jose near Sabana Park)
(http://CostaRicaTravelStore.com / 1-800-250-5119-from U.S.)
Air Tickets/Packages Outside of CR: Jaime (2-222-7862-his direct # / 2-257-2223-office/Carolina / Jaime@ CostaRicaTravelStore.com)
They both speak good English
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Bedding, Sheets, Comforters, Memory Foam Toppers - Where to find them in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is REALLY lacking in GOOD QUALITY &/or CUTE/COOL Bedding / Sheets. For WITHIN Costa Rica go to our site:
http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/07/better-quality-bedding-and-sheets-in.html
Another option is to buy things online/on the internet/web & have friends/family bring them to you. You can have them shipped to you & though the item could be cheap, they often are in oversized boxes hence there will often be a fee for such oversized boxes.
http://Overstock.com/bedding/29/store.html - MY FAV site!!!
MEMORY FOAM TOPPERS (a MUST in Costa Rica as MOST beds here are as hard as a rock!!) - I've found 2" Memory Foam Toppers WITH 1-2 Contour Pillows for $80 + & sometimes they have $1 or even FREE Shipping within the U.S.! (http://overstock.com/Home-Garden/Memory-Foam-2-inch-Mattress-Topper-Contour-Pillows/1862668/product.html)!!
SHEETS: Once I got 1,000 tc/thread count Egyptian Cotton Sheets for $170 - reg. $400!!!! (right now they have some 1,500 ct. for $170!!! Those must be BEYOND heavenly!!). I've found other 400+ tc sheets for as low as $25-$40 a set!!!
http://Domestications.com/Dept/Bedding/10000
MY FAV - ESPECIALLY for COOL comforters/Bed-In-Bag sets, blankets & towels!!
I've found Bed-In-Bag (they come with a comforter, set of sheets [though usually only around 200 tc], dust ruffle & pillow sham) for as low as $60 + shipping (http://Domestications.com/Dept/Bed+in+a+Bag+reg+Sets/10000/10108). They're not usually
http://BrylaneHome.com/home-Bedding.aspx?DeptId=15154
http://bed-and-bath.smartbargains.com/dept.aspx?aid=753&program=13456&isRW=1&deptid=bed-and-bath
http://BizRate.com/bedding
For options WITHIN Costa Rica go to:
http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/07/better-quality-bedding-and-sheets-in.html
http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/07/better-quality-bedding-and-sheets-in.html
Another option is to buy things online/on the internet/web & have friends/family bring them to you. You can have them shipped to you & though the item could be cheap, they often are in oversized boxes hence there will often be a fee for such oversized boxes.
http://Overstock.com/bedding/29/store.html - MY FAV site!!!
MEMORY FOAM TOPPERS (a MUST in Costa Rica as MOST beds here are as hard as a rock!!) - I've found 2" Memory Foam Toppers WITH 1-2 Contour Pillows for $80 + & sometimes they have $1 or even FREE Shipping within the U.S.! (http://overstock.com/Home-Garden/Memory-Foam-2-inch-Mattress-Topper-Contour-Pillows/1862668/product.html)!!
SHEETS: Once I got 1,000 tc/thread count Egyptian Cotton Sheets for $170 - reg. $400!!!! (right now they have some 1,500 ct. for $170!!! Those must be BEYOND heavenly!!). I've found other 400+ tc sheets for as low as $25-$40 a set!!!
http://Domestications.com/Dept/Bedding/10000
MY FAV - ESPECIALLY for COOL comforters/Bed-In-Bag sets, blankets & towels!!
I've found Bed-In-Bag (they come with a comforter, set of sheets [though usually only around 200 tc], dust ruffle & pillow sham) for as low as $60 + shipping (http://Domestications.com/Dept/Bed+in+a+Bag+reg+Sets/10000/10108). They're not usually
http://BrylaneHome.com/home-Bedding.aspx?DeptId=15154
http://bed-and-bath.smartbargains.com/dept.aspx?aid=753&program=13456&isRW=1&deptid=bed-and-bath
http://BizRate.com/bedding
For options WITHIN Costa Rica go to:
http://LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/07/better-quality-bedding-and-sheets-in.html
Monday, November 10, 2008
PAWN SHOPS • TIENDAS DE EMPENOS • Compras y Ventas in Costa Rica
EMPENOS • COMPRAS Y VENTAS = PAWN SHOPS!
(check out this video at
Initially I had to wrestle with whether to write about Pawn Shops in the first since the BIG image is that much of it is stolen, but in these tougher times - many things are also brought in by people that just REALLY needing money (sadly we’ll be seeing more and more of that in the near future!!) and besides, I do believe these stores are frequented by police (hopefully undercover) that are looking for and removing the stolen goods.
Plus, after going, I learned there were also LOTS of NEW things as well so I got over it and would easily suggest to people to consider this as an option - especially when you're looking for a cheaper used item - like a camera or even appliances!!
HOW IT WORKS:
You bring your item in (in good physical and working condition of course) and if the Pawn Shop owner agrees to "lend you the money", you make a commitment for the agreed upon conditions. The Pawn Shop agrees to take care of and protect your item - giving you a certain period of time (standard is about 90 days) to pay the item back with a BIG interest (hey - bank interest rates and credit cards are pretty darn high any ways so I can only imagine what some smaller ones are offering you) and as long as you keep making your payments on time, you get it back. If not, they can sell it to recoup their investment (so do NOT get behind on your payments or you'll have no one to blame but yourself!!!). WARNING!!! What they offer you is NO WHERE NEAR what you think it's worth!!!!!!!!
MY EXPERIENCE HITTING THE DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE (Costa Rica) PAWN SHOP • EMPENOS AREA:
A FUN TIME was had by most!!
Before going, I had MANY people about how unsafe it was and to ONLY go with a GOOD Tico friend that you can TRUST as it’s VERY VERY UNSAFE (for driving/walking and especially parking). I went with a taxi driver (that I trust) and a few friends and broke off on my own and felt ok (of course I wasn’t carrying anything but my backpack and pepperspray ALWAYS cocked!!). I think had I just taken him to get there/back, I would have been fine - as long as I wasn’t walking about with my purchases (which if that was the case, I’d probably leave them at the store and once I was ready to head home, have my taxi pick them up)(just keep that “Street Smarts” up!!).
I have seen almost EVERY conceivable item in these pawnshops - everything from appliances, cell phones, electronics items from drills to vibrators (yes!), furniture, computers and tablets (even Mac’s), guitars, jewelry - things used AND New!
You can walk into the store, skim through pretty fast as things are pretty much out there and get out (Power Shop!!!). I found the workers to be quite friendly and helpful and most stores had at least one person that spoke pretty good English.
One of the reasons I was told it was also good to take a Tico with you was I’m SURE you can do better with prices if the Tico is doing the negotiations (withOUT you there). With that said, next time I wanted something more pricey or a bunch of things, first I’d go with the driver who spoke both English and Spanish, find what I wanted and it’s price, make a list (along with which store it was in), then have my driver go back another day (or maybe just drop me off at a restaurant while he went back to do this). If you do it this way, ya GOTTA trust the driver you’re using (email me if you would like some of the people I use/trust).
Your best price will be paying with CASH and I believe most of the places DID take credit cards (at least the larger ones did).
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THE PAWN SHOP•EMPENOS AREA:
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(LaCueva.co.cr • facebook.com/LaCuevaCR • 2-257-0000 • info@LaCueva.co.cr)
La Cueva is THE MAIN/largest (under one roof) and oldest (over 40 years) Pawn Shops•Empenos in Costa Rica, selling everything from appliances to Musical Instruments (even Guitarspower tools and LOTS MORE!! I hear they even sell GOLD??!!!!!
POLICY: 10% interest per month on what they've loaned you - or 5% if it's 100,000-c+/$500 for up to 3 months.
HOURS: Monday-Saturday - 8am-6pm
LOCATIONS:
San Jose (main office - Downtown) - Calle 10 between Avenidas 1 and 3 - diagonal to the South•West • Sur•Oeste corner•esquina of Mercado Borbón.
Desamparados - 500 metros South•Sur Clínica Marcial Fallas
Guadalupe - Diagonal to the NorthEast•NorEste corner•esquina or the catholic church•iglesia
Heredia - 75 metros Norte of the Train Station•de la terminal del tren
San Sebastián - South•West side of WalMart • Costado Suroeste Walmart
La Cuevita - 2-255-0534 - 250 metros Norte de la esquina Noroeste de la Iglesia Merced - SPECIAL HOURS - Monday-Saturday - 7:30am-7pm and Sunday•Domingo - 8am-4:30pm
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PreStafull / Pre$tafull is one of MY favs (it feels cleaner!!)
(PreStafull.com • facebook.com/PrestafullCR • 2-231-6050)
The MOST LOCATIONS around Costa Rica (21 locations) carrying everything from appliances to jewelery, musical instruments (including guitars) to power tools and LOTS MORE!! I hear they even sell GOLD and SILVER (that has been certified. Note for sellers - it is valued differently considering the authenticity of the precious metals, the karat and weight). They do NOT buy cell phones, car radios, radio dials and weapons.
POLICY: You have up to 3 months to pay the loan off
PAY UTILITY BILLS - ICE • Luz CNFL • Cable TV (Tigo • TeleCable) or RECHARGE YOUR Claro or MoviStar CELL
LAYAWAY - You can pay by cash or do Layaway with 30% down and the balance due within 2 months at NO interest!!
VIP - Need discretion? Just call and arrange it ahead of time for a private viewing.
San Jose-Centro - Calle 10 (2-221-0027) is OPEN 24/7!!! (hmmm - are ALL their locations open 24/7???)
Their 20 other locations can be found at: Prestafull.com/Sucursales%20Prestafull.htm:
Alajuela (2-431-5460)Alajuela-Tuasa (2-431-0255)
Alajuelita (2-252-7436)
Cartago (2-553-0913)
Desamparados - Barrio Jardin (2-219-6078)
Desamparados - San Rafaél (2-275-1776)
el Roble (2-664-1644)
Escazu - Centro (2-289-2123)
Guadalupe (2-245-7950)
Hatillo (2-214-4243)
Heredia (2-237-2110)
Lomas de Pavas (2-213-0737)
Palmares (2-452-1379)
Paraiso (2-574-5919)
Paso Ancho (2-227-6281)
Pavas (2-290-7181)
Puentarenas (2-661-0910)
San Pedro (2-225-1580)
San Sebastian #1 (2-226-1645)
San Sebastian #2 (2-226-8641)
Tibas (2-297-2790)
Here's a link to some other smaller Empeños • PAWN SHOPS in Costa Rica:
CostaRicaServicios.com/inicio.asp?TipoBusqueda=Cat&IdCat=CA1643&Cat=Casas%20de%20Empe%F1o
Casa de Empeños Don Jose
2-255-1223
LOCATION: San Jose - Calle 2 and Avenida 7
Casa de Empenos la Central
facebook.com/pages/Casa-de-Empe%C3%B1o-La-Central/180169695341285
ALAJUELA:
Dolores wrote about some Pawn Shops in Alajuela at:
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Places to find USED THINGS - check out my posts at:
GARAGE SALES•VENTA de GARAJE • MOVING SALES•VENTA de TRASLADO • ESTATE SALES•VENTA de BIENES INMUEBLES • THINGS FOR SALE • VENTA de la CASA por la VENTA • REMATE • NOS VAMOS - APROVECHEN la OFERTA! • GRAN VENTA de GARAJE por MOTIVO de VIAJE
In general - Where to find USED THINGS in Costa Rica
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/07/StuffForSaleCR.html
FLEA MARKETS • MERCADO de las PULGUS
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/07/FleaMarketsCR.html
ANTIQUES • ANTIGUEDADES
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/04/AntiquesAntiguedadesCR.html
PAWN SHOPS • TIENDAS DE EMPENOS
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/11/pawn-shops-in-costa-rica.html
GARAGE SALES•VENTA de GARAJE • MOVING SALES•VENTA de TRASLADO • ESTATE SALES•VENTA de BIENES INMUEBLES • THINGS FOR SALE • VENTA de la CASA por la VENTA • REMATE • NOS VAMOS - APROVECHEN la OFERTA! • GRAN VENTA de GARAJE por MOTIVO de VIAJE
In general - Where to find USED THINGS in Costa Rica
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/07/StuffForSaleCR.html
FLEA MARKETS • MERCADO de las PULGUS
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/07/FleaMarketsCR.html
ANTIQUES • ANTIGUEDADES
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2014/04/AntiquesAntiguedadesCR.html
PAWN SHOPS • TIENDAS DE EMPENOS
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/11/pawn-shops-in-costa-rica.html
USED APPLIANCES:
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HAD SOMETHING STOLEN? THERE MAY BE A SOLUTION TO FIND IT!!
Goddess forbid if I ever got something stolen, it’s the first place I’d look is on
CostaRica.en.craigslist.org and Encuentra24.com -
THEN I'd hit the Pawn Shops.
SOMETIMES the criminal will actually have the chutzpah to CALL YOU and offer to sell the item BACK TO YOU!!!! (some people might keep your mouth shut out of fear that the criminal knows where you're at!!!
PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER!!
After having his computer stolen in Costa Rica and having it tracked through a service and the police caught the person (and WE GOT TO SEE THE PERSON THAT HAD IT THROUGH the computer) - Brandon Pearce
He wrote: "All my important files are encrypted and password protected through Mac Sparse Bundles, so the thieves wouldn’t be able to access any bank accounts or other sensitive information.
All my important files are backed up on-line through mozy.com, including pictures, and the book I’m writing.
All my passwords are stored securely using Keepass.info and backed up through Mozy and Dropbox.com (I Vicki use DropBox which gives you a certain amount free but if you sign up, please say SarongGoddess@gmail.com referred you and I get a little more space for free!!).
Tracking software called PreyProject.com is installed on one of the MacBooks, which takes pictures of the offender and emails them to me along with other information. One of the iPads also has FindMyIPad on it which gives me their exact GPS location. Unfortunately, they need to get on-line for these programs to be of use.
SOURCE: BrandonPearce.com/2011/06/what-i-learned-from-being-robbed
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What’s your favorite Pawn Shop??
Post DETAILS below in "Comments" - or email me at:
HAD SOMETHING STOLEN? THERE MAY BE A SOLUTION TO FIND IT!!
Goddess forbid if I ever got something stolen, it’s the first place I’d look is on
CostaRica.en.craigslist.org and Encuentra24.com -
THEN I'd hit the Pawn Shops.
SOMETIMES the criminal will actually have the chutzpah to CALL YOU and offer to sell the item BACK TO YOU!!!! (some people might keep your mouth shut out of fear that the criminal knows where you're at!!!
PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER!!
After having his computer stolen in Costa Rica and having it tracked through a service and the police caught the person (and WE GOT TO SEE THE PERSON THAT HAD IT THROUGH the computer) - Brandon Pearce
He wrote: "All my important files are encrypted and password protected through Mac Sparse Bundles, so the thieves wouldn’t be able to access any bank accounts or other sensitive information.
All my important files are backed up on-line through mozy.com, including pictures, and the book I’m writing.
All my passwords are stored securely using Keepass.info and backed up through Mozy and Dropbox.com (I Vicki use DropBox which gives you a certain amount free but if you sign up, please say SarongGoddess@gmail.com referred you and I get a little more space for free!!).
Tracking software called PreyProject.com is installed on one of the MacBooks, which takes pictures of the offender and emails them to me along with other information. One of the iPads also has FindMyIPad on it which gives me their exact GPS location. Unfortunately, they need to get on-line for these programs to be of use.
SOURCE: BrandonPearce.com/2011/06/what-i-learned-from-being-robbed
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What’s your favorite Pawn Shop??
Post DETAILS below in "Comments" - or email me at:
LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com
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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/11/pawn-shops-in-costa-rica.html
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LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2008/11/pawn-shops-in-costa-rica.html
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Tuesday, November 4, 2008
If the World Could Vote . . . . VERY INTERESTING!!!!
If the world could vote....VERY INTERESTING!!!!
Who is behind the site?
Just three guys from Iceland. The site is independent from all political parties, companies or hidden agendas. It's just an idea a 22 year old guy in Iceland came up with and executed with a little help from a couple of friends.
Why are you doing this?
Just out of curiosity. The president of the United States is a powerful man, probably the most powerful person on the planet. So everyone seems to have an opinion on who should be the next president of the United States. We thought it would be interesting to see who would be the next president if the whole world could vote. It's also a challenge to try to beat the number of voters in the last US elections. So spread the news.
Vote & then check out the results (ESPECIALLY for Costa Rica!!!)
http://IfTheWorldCouldVote.com
Who is behind the site?
Just three guys from Iceland. The site is independent from all political parties, companies or hidden agendas. It's just an idea a 22 year old guy in Iceland came up with and executed with a little help from a couple of friends.
Why are you doing this?
Just out of curiosity. The president of the United States is a powerful man, probably the most powerful person on the planet. So everyone seems to have an opinion on who should be the next president of the United States. We thought it would be interesting to see who would be the next president if the whole world could vote. It's also a challenge to try to beat the number of voters in the last US elections. So spread the news.
Vote & then check out the results (ESPECIALLY for Costa Rica!!!)
http://IfTheWorldCouldVote.com
Monday, November 3, 2008
OYSTERS in Costa Rica
Product c Oysters
(http://product-c.com / 8-821-7546 / 8-854-7813 / 2-640-1026 / samy@product-c.com)
AguaCulturists & Owners Damian & Samantha Geneau have opened Product c - an upscale seafood deli and national fresh oyster distributorship in Playa Carmen, Costa Rica (on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica - near MalPais).
Our "Saccostrea Giggas" Seedlings, which were originally brought to Costa Rica from Chile, are cultivated with the utmost care and safety standards by local Marine Biologist Alexandra Peralta.
(http://product-c.com / 8-821-7546 / 8-854-7813 / 2-640-1026 / samy@product-c.com)
AguaCulturists & Owners Damian & Samantha Geneau have opened Product c - an upscale seafood deli and national fresh oyster distributorship in Playa Carmen, Costa Rica (on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica - near MalPais).
Our "Saccostrea Giggas" Seedlings, which were originally brought to Costa Rica from Chile, are cultivated with the utmost care and safety standards by local Marine Biologist Alexandra Peralta.
PET SUPPLY STORE - COOL NEW place in Santa Ana
PETCO
(http://PetCompany.co.cr / 2-282-6058) - Santa Ana
What a FUN place & I don’t even have any pets!! They had LOTS of unique/American toys/fun things/foods++ - everything from a Pet Bunk Bed, Trampoline (this is REALLY GOOD for longer haired pets that get overheated as it ventilates them from below), Dog Boots (for those rainy days), even FUN costumes/outfits (I felt I was back in San Francisco!!) & MORE!! They even had Greenies (to me the BEST/healthies [albethem mucho $$$] dog treat that’s great for their breath!!). FOOD: They carry Science Diet, Hills Prestone, ProPac, Optimo, Lams.
Their website has an area of pets for sale - http://PetCompany.co.cr/classifieds.php
PET GROOMING - They say they’re the ONLY place in CR with a Pet Drying Machine (no Josh, they do NOT tumble dry them!!!) & use Romani Inc. & Edemco Professional Equipment. Plus they can provide EXPRESS Service in Santa Ana & Escazu.
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-8pm, Sun. 9am-3pm
LOCATION: Avalon Comercial Center #9 - 175 mts. SouthEast of the Red Cross/Cruz Roja
(http://PetCompany.co.cr / 2-282-6058) - Santa Ana
What a FUN place & I don’t even have any pets!! They had LOTS of unique/American toys/fun things/foods++ - everything from a Pet Bunk Bed, Trampoline (this is REALLY GOOD for longer haired pets that get overheated as it ventilates them from below), Dog Boots (for those rainy days), even FUN costumes/outfits (I felt I was back in San Francisco!!) & MORE!! They even had Greenies (to me the BEST/healthies [albethem mucho $$$] dog treat that’s great for their breath!!). FOOD: They carry Science Diet, Hills Prestone, ProPac, Optimo, Lams.
Their website has an area of pets for sale - http://PetCompany.co.cr/classifieds.php
PET GROOMING - They say they’re the ONLY place in CR with a Pet Drying Machine (no Josh, they do NOT tumble dry them!!!) & use Romani Inc. & Edemco Professional Equipment. Plus they can provide EXPRESS Service in Santa Ana & Escazu.
HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8am-8pm, Sun. 9am-3pm
LOCATION: Avalon Comercial Center #9 - 175 mts. SouthEast of the Red Cross/Cruz Roja
Sunday, October 26, 2008
BEADS • GEMSTONES • BEADING SUPPLIES in Costa Rica
Beads and gemstones are not easy to find in Costa Rica hence not cheap also. Most craft stores sell only a limited amount of beads.
Zodiac has the BEST section in Costa Rica for CRYSTALS, GEMSTONES and Giodes at pretty good prices. They're also the best store for BEADING things (also the cheapest I’ve found in Costa Rica) and they even have numerous FENG SHUI treatments (also GREAT prices)!!! They also have all sorts of crafts classes for just 3,500-c/$7!!! Only at their San Pedro and Cariari stores.
SAN PEDRO MALL - Planta Baja
(2-280-1509 • 2-234-4507 • 2-283-8609)
CLASSES: Wednesday and Friday - 10am-12:30pm 2-4pm - PRICE: 3,500-c
HOURS: Daily - 11am-8pm
CARIARI MALL - 3rd Floor
(2-239-9087 • 2-239-2620 • 2-293-8201)
CLASSES: - PRICE: 3,500-c
HOURS: Daily - 11am-8pm
SAN JOSE – DOWNTOWN
Morazan
(2-248-9535 • 2-223-7881)
HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm
LOCATION: South side of•Costado Sur del Parque Morazon - Contiguo a la Escuala Puru
ENGLISH CONTACT: Hector - 8-822-2805 - HectorBarreto@Zodiac.cr - Hector speaks some English - best to email
If you have questions and don't speak much Spanish, best to email Hector as every time I've called any of the numbers, whomever answered the phone said no one spoke English.
Jasona said there were a few stands in Mercado Central in San Jose that had some VERY BASIC beading materials!
The craft store (Acropulis?) on the 2nd floor - caddy corner to the church - has some gemstones.
I have a few Beading materials left for sale at:
ZODIAC BEAD STORE
Zodiac has the BEST section in Costa Rica for CRYSTALS, GEMSTONES and Giodes at pretty good prices. They're also the best store for BEADING things (also the cheapest I’ve found in Costa Rica) and they even have numerous FENG SHUI treatments (also GREAT prices)!!! They also have all sorts of crafts classes for just 3,500-c/$7!!! Only at their San Pedro and Cariari stores.
SAN PEDRO MALL - Planta Baja
(2-280-1509 • 2-234-4507 • 2-283-8609)
CLASSES: Wednesday and Friday - 10am-12:30pm 2-4pm - PRICE: 3,500-c
HOURS: Daily - 11am-8pm
CARIARI MALL - 3rd Floor
(2-239-9087 • 2-239-2620 • 2-293-8201)
CLASSES: - PRICE: 3,500-c
HOURS: Daily - 11am-8pm
SAN JOSE – DOWNTOWN
Morazan
(2-248-9535 • 2-223-7881)
HOURS: Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm
LOCATION: South side of•Costado Sur del Parque Morazon - Contiguo a la Escuala Puru
ENGLISH CONTACT: Hector - 8-822-2805 - HectorBarreto@Zodiac.cr - Hector speaks some English - best to email
If you have questions and don't speak much Spanish, best to email Hector as every time I've called any of the numbers, whomever answered the phone said no one spoke English.
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Almacenes Innovaciones
lmacenInnovaciones.net • 2-262-5252 • elkinun@yahoo.com
Almacenes Innovaciones
lmacenInnovaciones.net • 2-262-5252 • elkinun@yahoo.com
A beading craft store.
LOCATION: Heredia Centro - de Parque Central, costado South/East•SurEste 70 mt., frente al Institulo Jimenez. 2
LOCATION: Heredia Centro - de Parque Central, costado South/East•SurEste 70 mt., frente al Institulo Jimenez. 2
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WOOD BEADS MADE IN COSTA RICA
Look for the 10% off coupon!!! They can deliver to you within Costa Rica!!
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(we can't find this yet so don't know if it still is open)
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Actually, currently I have some little
rubber thingies for Eyeglass Necklaces FOR SALE!!
Contact me (Vicki) at LivingLifeInCostaRica@gmail.com or 8-378-6679
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For a list of OTHER ARTS AND CRAFT SUPPLY STORES go to my:
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2007/11/resources-where-to-find-art-supplies.html
LivingLifeInCostaRica.blogspot.com/2007/11/resources-where-to-find-art-supplies.html
(sorry but I haven't updated much of this in AGES so please verify the info before going to the locations [and I welcome you to share the info with me so I can update it!]).
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Know anyone into beading?
PLEASE "SHARE" this with them (especially on your Facebook!!)
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Monday, October 20, 2008
TENNIS - Where to play Tennis in Costa Rica - COURTS / CLUBS / Residencies
Where to play Tennis in Costa Rica - COURTS / CLUBS / Residencies has been updated and is at:
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