I'm a native Floridian and after visiting Costa Rica for many years, I moved down here as a full-time resident several months ago. Here's some information that may help you enjoy your visit. It's primarily directed towards first-time visitors, but may prove useful to others as well.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The international airport is located in Alajuela, about 20km from downtown. They recently opened a new, modern terminal and it's quite nice. After leaving the airplane you will proceed to the baggage claim and customs area. If you need a luggage cart, you can pick one up near the wall to the right of the customs area. If all are in use, wait there and an employee will bring them back from the curb as they are available. There can be a line for carts so it's worth rushing a little to be near the head of the line. Carts are free. Even better, travel with a carry-on only if possible. It's a lot less trouble..

Once you claim your bags, you have to pass through customs and immigration. Both are usually very efficient and most people are waived through without inspection. It's always a good idea to travel on a passport, but US citizens aren't required to have a passport to visit here. The airline will issue you a tourist card for $3, if you present a copy of your driver's license and birth certificate or voter's registration card. Check with your travel agent and/or the airline before you go to the airport to be certain you have the proper documents.

There's a currency exchange at the airport and, after you clear customs and immigration, it's a good idea to change some money into colones before you leave the airport. Current rate of exchange is approximately 317 colones to the dollar.

If you are staying in the downtown area, there are several transportation options. When you exit the airport, there will be a huge crowd of people waiting right outside the door. Be careful! They will grab your bags if you let them, not to steal them but to steer you to their cabs, buses, etc. The official airport taxis will be waiting at the curb. They are orange and charge about $12 to downtown. There's also a Gray Line shuttle bus, but I've never used it so can't give you details. I think it's about $8, so if you are traveling alone it is cheaper than a cab, but you have to make the rounds to several hotels. There will also be a lot of pirate taxis which will be parked in the lot, not at the curb, but the drivers and touts will be at the door grabbing your bags. They are probably safe but I don't recommend them. If you plan to take a cab, your best bet is to keep control over your own bags and go to one of the orange taxis at the curb. If you are traveling with a carry-on bag only, there's no reason not to take the bus. It's safe, convenient and cheap - 160 colones. If you want to take the bus, walk down the ramp to the right 100 meters or so until you reach the main road. a bus should come every five minutes or so. There are two lines, on is red and the other is yellow. The prices are the same and they follow the same route. Be sure you get a bus going to town, not one returning to Alajuela. Just ask "San Jose Centro?" Both bus lines will drop you off in San Jose on Avenida 2, near La Merced park, on the western edge of downtown. Unless you know the city, you should flag a cab from there to your hotel.. The fare to any downtown hotel should be no more than 300 colones or so, probably less.

There are plenty of hotel choices, ranging in price from under $30 to over $200 and everyone has their own opinion so I won't offer much advice here - except to suggest that you stay in a place where English is spoken and other Gringos stay. After you learn more about the area, you can move if you want. Be aware that hotels have different policies about bringing girls to your room.. Some don't permit them at all, others charge a fee of $10 to $20 every time you bring a guest, while still others permit guests if you register for a double room, but not if you have a single. If you plan to be an active monger, I recommend that you find a hotel that doesn't charge for guests. The favorite choice of many visitors is the Presidente - others include the Morazon and the Park. The Del Ray DOES charge a guest fee and isn't recommended for this and other reasons.

Restaurant food isn't a bargain in San Jose and unless you eat in the sodas (small local restaurants), expect to pay similar prices as in the states for food that is generally not very good. There are some good restaurants in town - ask around and you'll find a few but don't expect great food most places here. I like to eat in the sodas, and the food is cheap, but no English is spoken in most so you may be taking a chance knowing what you are ordering.

MONGERING BASICS: Prostitution is legal, so long as the girl is over 18, and is very much a part of the social and economic structure. It isn't blatant and "in your face" like it is some places in Asia. In fact, Costa Rica doesn't want to be thought of as a "sex tourism" destination but plenty of girls are available, of all shapes and sizes, at prices ranging from $10 to $250. There are several different types of places to find them - hooker bars, massage parlors, nightclubs, and brothels.

Most of action is concentrated in San Jose and since this guide is written for first-time visitors, I'll concentrate on these places. You can find girls in other areas of the country, but it isn't easy to learn the ropes. Check out other posts on this site for information. In San Jose, places fall into three basic categories: Gringo places, Tico places, and those frequented by both. My advice to new visitors is to stay away from places who don't cater regularly to Gringos. Some of them are fine, but some are quite dangerous, particularly if you are by yourself and/or don't speak the language.

If you are a newcomer, the first place to check out is the Blue Marlin Bar at the Hotel Del Ray (Avenida 1/Calle 3) - In almost everyone's estimation, this is the top hooker bar in town. It caters exclusively to the tourist crowd and English is widely spoken. If you can't find a pretty girl at the Blue Marlin, you're having a really bad day. Most of the girls will be in their early to mid-20's and in the past have been mostly Ticas, although recently there have been a lot of girls from the Dominican Republic and Colombia and a few Nicaraguans - occasionally you will run into girls from Cuba, Panama and El Salvador.

Like most (but not all) places in Costa Rica, the girls aren't very aggressive here. Some will approach you, but most will just sit at a table or barstool and wait for guys to come up to them. If you see someone who interests you, just approach them. These girls are all hookers and are there to meet you - don't be shy! You don't need a pick up line and you don't need to buy them drinks unless you want to. Occasionally, a woman tourist will come into the bar, so be a little careful about your approach. The girls at the Blue Marlin are all independent, set their own prices and services, and go back to your hotel with you. If you don't have a room in town or your hotel doesn't permit guests, there are several short-term hotels in the area but I don't recommend any of them, perhaps with the exception of the Hotel Park (short-term rooms are about $10 if they have one available.) Some girls will suggest the Hotel Asia, which is close to the Blue Marlin. It's cheap and convenient, but dirty.

Most of the girls will ask $100 for sex, but it is negotiable, as are the services. Most girls will agree to $60, some less, but some won't budge from their initial price. A few girls will ask $150 or even $200, if they think they can get away with it. You're a fool if you agree to more than $100 (personally, I wouldn't agree to more than $60 or $70 unless the girl is willing to stay for several hours or all night, including multiple sessions.) For this price you should get at least an hour, perhaps two or three hours of good sex, but be sure you have a clear understanding of what's included before you leave the bar. I hate clockwatchers and if a girl insists on "one hour" only, I blow her off. Also, I insist on oral sex without a condom. Some girls won't do it and I don't pressure them. I understand and respect their decision, but I'm simply not interested and look for another girl. Very few girls will do anal. Quite a few, though, will do doubles if you are into it and willing to pay for it. Some of the girls who do doubles won't have sex with each other, so if you want them to do each other you need to have a clear understanding. The best way to set it up is to find one girl you like, ask if she likes girls, and if she says yes, let her pick the other girl. If you are interested in a girl for all night, the prices vary widely. Most of the girls I'm interested in are semi-pros and if they have sex with me, they are going to go home afterwards anyway, not back to the bar for another round. Many of them can't stay overnight because they still live with their families, or have a young child. If they can stay, though, I usually don't pay them much more than I pay for short-time, perhaps an additional 5,000 colones.
If you find a girl you really like, you may be able to talk her into staying with you for your entire visit, particularly if you offer to take her to the beach. My rule of thumb is that the price drops to about $40 or $50 per day for multiple days, but I also take them to restaurants, buy small gifts for them, and give them a tip at the end of the trip if I think they deserve it, and most do. There are several nearby places you can check out as well, but none of them are likely to have as many women, or as many good looking women, as the Blue Marlin.

Key Largo is located at the corner of Avenida 3/Calle 7, one block north and one block west of the Blue Marlin. At night, it's best to approach from the south if you are walking alone. Morazon Park can be dangerous. Similar to the Blue Marlin, but less popular in recent years. Girls are much more aggressive here and I don't care for the place very much, but it's worth a try.
There are several other places in the immediate vicinity of Blue Marlin/Key Largo - you'll see the signs. Some occasionally have good looking women, but in my opinion are usually a waste of time You can stick your head in the door and take a look. Hotel/Casino Morazon is at the corner of Avenida 1 and Calle7. New York Bar is just to the east of the Morazon. Happy Days is on Calle 7, between Key Largo and Hotel Morazon. Bikini Club is on Calle 7, one-half block south of Hotel Morazon. A new casino and bar, the Jungle, opened recently at the Hotel Balmoral, directly across the street from the Presidente on Avenida Central at Calle 5. I haven't been there at night yet and don't know their policy about hookers in the bar but it has a small but attractive bar and looks promising so it may be worth checking out.

Within a short taxi ride there are several other places to check out. Hotel Park is on Avenida 4, between Calles 2 and 4. I like this place a lot, even though they have some of the ugliest, over-aged hookers in town working there and sometimes not very many good-looking ones. There are several reasons why it's a personal favorite. It's small, friendly, and safe - kind of like your typical neighborhood bar in the states, except with hookers. There are a lot of regulars there, patrons and girls, so it's easy to meet people and make friends. None of the girls are hustlers. You won't get ripped off, you'll get what you pay for, and the girls won't hit you up for more money than agreed. The prices are reasonable - girls are independent but none ask for more than 10,000 colones and most will agree to 6,000 or 7,000. Some guys pay less but they're cheapskates and not very popular with the girls. It's Gringo owned and operated. Bill Bullock, the owner, is a nice guy even though he gets crazy sometimes. The staff and bartenders speak English, as do about a third of the girls. There are several attractive, young girls working there, but they come and go as they please and none keep regular schedules, so you need to be a little patient. If you don't see anyone you like you may want to stick around for one beer, but if the situation doesn't change rapidly, it's usually best to just leave and come back in a few hours. There aren't that many girls working there and once they come to the bar they usually stay for several hours. The best times there are in the late afternoon and early evening, except on Friday and Saturday nights when they have their lesbian sex shows. The shows defy description! If you've never been to one, you owe it to yourself to go at least once during your visit. There's a 5,000 colone cover charge (they just raised the price). All of the money goes to the girls. There's no house cut.

Bar Camelot is also on Avenida 4, between Calle 3 and 5. You'll see the sign and when you go inside you walk upstairs to reach the bar area. They are open from 3pm to midnight and sometimes have a few attractive girls working. It can be very crowded inside since it's not very large and most of the space is taken up by the bar itself. The crowd is mostly Tico but there are usually a few Gringos there as well. Sex is 5,000 colones in on-primise rooms which are fairly clean. Some of the girls will go back to your hotel, if you prefer, for 10,000 to 15,000 colones.

Club Idem is on Calle 11, between Avenina 8 and 10, and is open from late afternoon (3pm?) until 2am. Primarily a Tico place, it is also a favorite of many Gringos. It is clean and safe. The manager, Roberto, is always there and speaks good English but few if any of the girls speak more than a few words. There are usually about 8 to 10 girls working and most of them are young and attractive. The prices just increased a little. The new price is 12,000 colones. This gets you an hour with the girl of your choice in an upstairs room. They have deluxe rooms, a little nicer, for a couple of thousand more. They'll be glad to show you the rooms before you decide.

Lucy's (Eros) is across the street and one door to the left. There is a small plaque next to the door that says "Eros", but no other signage. There are usually six to eight girls there, mostly young and attractive. They have massage, sauna and steam, the rooms are clean, and the current price is 15,000 colones. Some people report that they've negotiated lower prices. Some of the girls speak English. They are open from noon to midnight.

Arte Sauna is on Calle 9, Avenida 2/4. The prices and services are similar to Lucy's and they are open from 10am to 11pm. The current manager is Douglas and he speaks good English. I like Lucy's better but many people prefer Arte Sauna, so check them both out for yourself.

I've posted information separately about Vips #2, Molino Rojo, and won't repeat it here. It's different than any of the other places mentioned in these posts, much larger and with more girls than anyplace except Blue Marlin. It has lower prices but isn't as clean and is less frequented by Gringo visitors. It's my favorite but many visitors want someplace nicer and don't mind paying a little more.

STAY AWAY FROM STREET GIRLS! In some countries street girls are the norm and are a viable alternative - not so in Costa Rica. The only reason someone works the streets here is because she can't work in the clubs and bars. This means that she is either under-aged, has a disease, is a trouble-maker, or is a transvestite. You WILL go to jail if you are caught with a girl under age 18. If you are interested in sex with minors, don't come to Costa Rica! We don't want you here and will do everything possible to see that you are apprehended and prosecuted.

Also, with very few exception, STAY AWAY FROM ESCORT SERVICES. They are mostly ILLEGAL, over-priced, and are totally unnecessary. There are some exceptions - private contacts that cater to upscale locals and knowledgeable regulars only. I won't tell you about them because they won't do business with you unless they know you or you're recommended to them. No matter what they tell you, the services that cater to visitors use the same girls that work in the bars and clubs. You simply pay two to three times as much money because the service keeps most of your fee. No matter how they describe themselves, they are engaged in illegal pimping and several of them have been busted over the past few months, mostly for alleged under-age violations.

There are many, many other places to find girls, but these are the top spots for new visitors and you are sure to find someone to your taste and within your budget at one of them. Enjoy your visit and come back often!

Thanks for the post!How about some info about cost of living,rents,etc.I have been only once about 15 years ago with my ex.Didn't get to partake.What made you choose CR?A little more personal info would be appreciated if that's not asking to much!I am ready to "retire"someplace,and CR is one definate possibility.

Thank you Tampa for a marvelously comprehensive report.

One point of information:

On Redsnake, several folks had written reports about setting up escorts for 1 to 2 days at a time even before arrival in country. These posters included such luminaries as NCSnake himself, and Bushpilot (who I believe is now Gitano?) and I thought their reports were pretty positive.

You are clearly very down on the escort businesses in CR. Are you all talking about the same thing? If so, why such different perspectives? Is this a prime example of YMMV?

Shy Guy

In both cases, I believe it was their first visit here. Perhaps it's simply a matter of personal preference, or perhaps they didn't know quite what to expect and didn't want to take a chance on being left high and dry. I can't answer for them but maybe they'll respond and tell us if they would use escort services for future trips or look for their own girls, now that they've actually been here and know what's availaable.

Speaking for myself, a couple of years ago (before I became a resident), I considered using an escort service because I wanted to find someone "really special" to spend several days with me. After seeing their prices and researching their reputations, I decided that it was a "sucker bet" and that I'd be much better off finding my own girls and dealing directly with them.

It's always worked well for me and if I make a mistake in my selection, I have no one to blame but myself. I'll also admit that I do occasionally use some of the "private contacts" I referred to in my earlier post with great success, but this is the last I want to say about the subject. They aren't escort services and aren't available to the typical short-term visitor.

There may be reputable services that others recommend and I don't want to do them an injustice. This is why I commented that there may be a few exceptions. Use your own judgment. I've given my best advice, but it's really a personal decision. I'll freely admit my bias - I don't like escort services! Others may differ in their opinion, but I'm certain that all would agree the escort services are much more expensive, and I think most would agree that you don't need an escort service to find attractive, available, sexy women in Costa Rica. They are the nation's greatest natural resource.

Swadi,

Sorry but I don't think this is the appropriate forum for all of that sort of info, but if you want to e-mail me I'll be glad to give you what info and advice I can.

TampaGringo
Thanks for yet another great post.

Regarding escort services:

I used an escort service on my first trip. I was very pleased with the 2 girls that I "dated". The price wasn't that bad. ($125 for 2 hours, $150 for 4 and $375 for 2.5 days).

I "dated" 7 girls from the Del Rey and was pleased with 5 of them. The other 2 were OK.

IMHO and keeping in mind that YMMV, the girls from the escort service were better providers and had better bodies.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not slighting the Del Rey girls. As a matter of fact, I would do all 7 of them again. (and I might :-)

MMD

MMD, Thanks for the info on your experience with escort services here. I guess it comes to a matter of perspective. I'd never consider paying $125 for two hours with a girl here - those are almost stateside prices! On the other hand, I understand that over the course of a one week visit, even if you pay double the going rate, but have a really good experience, it's only a small incremental increase in the overall cost of your vacation and I can't really fault the decision. Personally, I'd much rather pick my own girl, negotiate my own arrangements, and know that she gets too keep all the money.

I do have one question about the Del Ray girls -are you considering doing all seven in sequence or spreading it over several days? I hope you bring your Viagra!

Pura vida, TG

PS. TO ALL READERS - I've just finished researching AIDS statistics here in comparison to other countries and will be posting the info soon.

TG,

Bingo! You hit the nail on the head. It was my first CR visit; I had already seen the Park show and sampled 4 girls from the Del Rey. (It was like football practice, I did 2 a day :-)

I figured that I could take a chance, and tried an escort service, luckily I scored big time. I had such a good time with “M” that I brought her to Matapalo for 3 days. While we were there we both decided that it would be best to bypass the escort service for any future dates. I saw her exclusivly on my last trip.

Hey, that’s a good question; I haven’t given it much thought until now. Hmmm, I can handle 4 a day with no Viagra but I’m not sure about 7, it’s worth a try though. Perhaps, I’ll order some V and use them if I need to.

See y’all in Jauary.

MMD

So how does one get in touch with the escort service. I like the privacy provided by the escort service and the ability to pre-select. If you have a contact please email me at ggate02@netscape.net

Ggate,
Since the prior post two years ago, all or almost all of the escort services here have gone out of business. There are two reasons for this - first, they are illegal and there was a big crackdown on them that put several of the operators in jail and scared off most of the others. Secondly, they are completely unnecessary and only jack up the prices by tacking on an additional fee.

There are plenty of ways, other than hanging around the Blue Marlin, to find top quality women and "pre-select" them, if that's your desire. I'm not going to post details, because anyone with the desire to do so can figure it out without me having to post potentially compromising or embarrassing information.

Dont exchange your money at the money exchange at the baggage claim its a rip off and they have the worst exchange rate. Instead go outside and upstairs to the bank. They have the official exchange rate.

Also in San Jose NEVER take a parked taxi, these guys are scum who will try to overcharge you, doesnt matter if its a gypsy or a offical orange cab if they are parked that means they are scam artists. Always hail down a moving cab. And if your going more than a few blocks tell them "Pon la maria por favor" it means put the metter on please. Most cabbies dont really know were most places are so try to keep a map or directions written down clearly.

The Sleep Inn charges a $20 chica fee every time you bring a girl in--- even if you enter with the same girl several times in one day. I suggest a boycott!

The Sleep Inn charges a $20 chica fee every time you bring a girl in--- even if you enter with the same girl several times in one day. I suggest a boycott!

I AM PLANNING TRIP TO SAN JOSE. I HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE BEFORE. I HAVE NOT LOCATED A RECENT TRIP GUIDE FOR COSTA RICA ON THIS SITE. I HAVE BEEN TO BRAZIL BEFORE SO I AM NOT TOTALLY LOST.
1. IN SJ DO YOU PAY THE GIRLS FIRST OR AFTER?
2. ARE THE AS WILLING TO PLEASE AND HAVE AS NICE OF ATTITUDES.
3.FROM SJ IS IT A PROBLEM IF YOU WANT TO GO ON A FISHING CHARTER BOAT?(I WOULD LIKE TO TRY A FISHING TRIP WHILE I AM THERE)
4. I AM PLANNING TO STAY AT THE DEL RAY. MAYBE GET A SUITE.
5. IS IT BETTER TO PAY WITH COLONS OR U.S. DOLLARS? IS 517c TO 1$ A GOOD RATE?

THANKS FOR ANY HELP

I am an SJO regular. I have been 7 times in the last 12 months with my first in 07 set for January 6th.

1. Most girls will allow paying after all though you negotiate up front/ Do not be afraid to negotiate. It will not lesson you in their eyes. In fact they expect it.

2. YMMV as is always the case. Many of the stunners are there to get volume. Those do an hour and only an hour.

3. SJO and the DelRey are about 2 hours from the closet place Jaco to rent a charter but it can be done.

4. The DelRey is ground zero. 24 hour girls. You may get a little tired of the nonstop atmosphere after a few days. Or maybe not.

5. Dollars Colones it really does not matter. I prefer colones.