Visa: Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada and Western Europe, do not require Visas to visit San Jose for 90 days or less. When a Visa is required, they can be obtained for approximately $20 US from a Costa Rican Consulate.

Language: Mostly Spanish, but English is somewhat common in major business establishments and especially in areas that have heavy tourist traffic. Spanish is not required, but at least a basic understanding is recommended for the hobbyist.

Currency: Costa Rican Colon. US dollars may be accepted if in good condition and in increments of LESS than $100, but changing to colones is recommended. Approximate rate as of 2004/02/18 is 464.43 colones to 1 US dollar. Check http://www.xe.com/ucc for the current exchange rate. ATMS are easy to find on the street, at banks, and in casinos.

Electricity: 120V, 60 Hz. Outlets are standard US 2-pronged or 3-pronged. No adaptors nor converters are necessary.

Transportation: Taxis are the recommended form of transportation. Airport to city fare should run approximately $12 US. Fares within the city should range from $1 to $2 US and should be negotiated up front. Parked cabs will likely ask for more, so hailing a cab from the street is recommended whenever possible. Only cabs with a yellow triangle painted on the door have the proper insurance to carry passengers. The city is small enough to walk to many of the hobbyist establishments, but is not recommended at night or outside of the area referred to as Gringo Gulch due to potential of street crime.

Departure: There is a departure tax of $26 US due at the airport prior to entering the gate area. Fees may be paid in colones, US dollars, or by Mastercard.

Local Slang:
Colombiana - Female from Colombia
Dominicana - Female from Dominicana
Gringo Gulch - Main tourist area composing blocks surrounding intersection of Avenida Central & Calle Central
Nica - Female from Nicaraga
Tico(a) - Native Costa Rica male/female

LODGING RECOMMENDATIONS

Hotel Del Rey - http://www.hoteldelrey.com: Corner of Avenida 1 & Calle 9. Hotel Del Rey is the most well known, being home to the Blue Marlin Bar and Casino. The hotel charges a guest fee of $10 US everytime a prostitute is brought to the room, a policy strictly enforced by 24 hour security. Click here for Del Rey/Blue Marlin Discussion

Hotel Presidente - http://www.hotel-presidente.com/: Corner of Avenida Central and Calle 7. Presidente is for many the hotel of choice, with competitive rates and a very short walk to the Hotel Del Rey/Blue Marlin. Guests must register, but no fees are charged at Presidente. Click here for Presidente Discussion

Hotel Costa Rica Morazon: Corner of Avenida 1 & Calle 7. Morazan is another competitive alternative and even closer to the Hotel Del Rey. Guest registration and fees are in place, but not always enforced. Click here for Morazon Discussion

P4P RECOMMENDATIONS

Blue Marlin Bar: Inside the Hotel Del Rey, the Blue Marlin is the most well known of the hobbyist establishments. Open 24-hours with a restaurant and Casino, the Blue Marlin hosts a number of freelance prostitutes from Costa Rica, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Panama, Russia, and occasionally other countries. Many of the freelancers will start their quotes at $100 US for one to two hours, but lower prices and/or additional time can be negotiated. Quotes for overnight sessions may vary widely. Click here for Del Rey/Blue Marlin Discussion

Club Idem: Calle 11 between Avenidas 10 & 12. Club Idem is a small brothel with a tiny bar and a staff of prostitutes lined up in chairs along the right-side wall. Price for short-time sessions are 19,000 colones, 22,000 colones for one of the nicer rooms. The owner/manager Robert is known by Costa Rica regulars for keeping staff that are customer-service oriented. Click here Club Idem Discussion

New Fantasy Massage - http://www.newfantasy.net: Avenida 9 between Calle 7 & 9. New Fantasy is a massage parlor that doubles as a brothel. Staff may be selected from a small room waiting room. Time purchased may be split between the massage room with bed, the steam room, and the sauna as the customer sees fit. Prices start at 18,000 colones for an hour. Click here for New Fantasy Discussion

Zona Blue Massage - http://www.zonablue.com/: On the corner of Calle 3b and Avenida 9, also known as the Hotel Zona Blue. Zona Blue is a newer massage parlor that doubles as a brothel similar in operation to New Fantasy. A television room and computer room are available for complimentary guest use. Prices start at 24,000 colones for an hour. Click here for Zona Blue Discussion

Many more establishments are available in Costa Rica, some of the better known ones listed below.
747, Casa Lily, Eros Massage, Krysis Massage, Molino Rojo(VIPS 2), Oasis.
Click here for ClubHombre discussion of the various establishments

IMPORTANT NOTES

• The long running-show at the Park Hotel is no longer around. The Park Hotel has been permanently closed
• Larger condoms are hard to find in San Jose, if needed bring your own

Airport-city taxi fare and departure tax added and recommendation list updated. Price ranges for the recommended locations and hotels would be appreciated.

Address corrections and ZB description updated.