Replying to Avatar Tico 🇨🇷

Welcome to Costa Rica and to #nostrica

Advise when you get to the airport and need free WiFi 📡 and/or Uber 🚗. Or just connect and send us a note saying "PV" and collect zaps 😂

There's free WiFi all over the airport, with no captive portal (email collection) and as secure as a free spot can be. It's called "SJO Free WiFi" and it's provided by the airport administration.

If you need an Uber ride, request it once you are outside the terminal (there's only one exit for passengers). Then select the pickup location as "Upper level, second crosswalk"; this is because Uber is not permitted legally in the country (yet), and there's cops specially at the arrivals section controlling. BUT not so many by the departures ("salidas") ... so drivers will pick you up there. It is on the second level (there's stairs and elevators in the parking right in front the exit). Whatout for Uber chat to confirm pickup.

Use Uber if your hotel is near, or plan going nearby. I don't recommend using the taxis at the airport as they are ridiculously expensive! 🚕 🚫

Uber will be expensive to Uvita, get a ride share or carpooling ❗

Pura vida and "bienvenidos"
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Tico 🇨🇷 2y ago

Somebody asked me in a PN (priv. note) for some advice when traveling as a Bitcoiner to #CostaRica 😎 🌴🥥

I replied with:

Q.*What is the best option for money? US dollar in cash, credit cards or local?

A I recommend paying with credit card wherever possible (99% places accept it, only AMEX sometimes is rejected because of fees). Visa and MasterCard are ok . 💳

Is always good to have local currency, colones, but don't exchange more than $200 (around 107.600 CRC) ... That'll be enough for paying cash around. 🤑

Here is a summary of the approx value of each bill

USD $ are usually accepted in turists places (beach etc), use $20 or smaller bills.

Today's exchange rate is 1 USD $ = 538 CRC (Google or DDG "usd to crc" for a good approximation)

Q. *I'm assuming not everyone accepts Bitcoin there yet.? ⚡

A. Correct. Adoption is happening slowly but surely; but we are not Bitcoinized yet (sadly)

Check bitcoinjungle.app , they have a map of businesses in the website their wallet app accepting says. Useful if you are in the Pacific South, ofc pay with sats ⚡ at Uvita area will be way ;)

In the Pacific North (Santa Teresa, Mal País etc) there's another hub of places accepting Bitcoin and others (disclaimer, nfa), check http://map.nimiq.com

Q. * thoughts about getting around by bicycle, scooter or rented car? Is taxi service available everywhere? 🚗 🚲 🛵

A. Cannot answer that with precision since it depends where you'll stay, and how far you want to discover... (neighboring beaches etc) . Car is a good option always, check your cc company for the included insurance they offer and get a certificate of them beforehand.

Taxis are there, but I generally don't recommend them. Use Uber or Didi (if available in the area)

If you arrive at SJO airport, check ✅ these tips #[0]

If you arrive at Liberia airport, have your hotel arrange pickup at the airport for you. 🛬

#[1] I hope you enjoy your vacation at Pura Vida 🤙 land 😊. Take it easy and go with the vibe, and just flow

PV 🤗

Share to someone that might find this of use ✨ , and check my old notes about CR #nostrica

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bot_uber search bot 2y ago

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Annie☕ 2y ago

I'm planning on it. 😊 Gracias.