Is there alot of touts and beggers in Costa Rica?
Nov 6th, 2004, 02:29 PM
#1
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Is there alot of touts and beggers in Costa Rica?
I am tired of going to places where tourists are harrassed by beggers, con-men and touts. In Mexico, if you stop for a second there are a dozen people who want you to shop at their store, buy their item for sale, give them money, or go to their time- share presentation. Enough!
Will I be hassled like this in Costa Rica?
Will I be hassled like this in Costa Rica?
Nov 6th, 2004, 05:27 PM
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I agree. If you're walking through a place that sees a lot of tourist traffic, there will be vendors there asking you if you want to buy something, but if you give them a polite no, they'll leave you alone.
There are con artists -- I wouldn't go so far as to say they don't exist -- but it's nothing like I've seen elsewhere.
There are con artists -- I wouldn't go so far as to say they don't exist -- but it's nothing like I've seen elsewhere.
Nov 6th, 2004, 11:36 PM
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You'll be fine, travdis.
It's no different than your home town.
You realize that you're asking an enormously broad questions when you ask about CR (a country) and compare to your experience in Mexico (a country). Can you say/ask the same thing about USA?
In the center of any large city in any country on Earth, you will find the same type of humanity.
Enjoy Costa Rica.
It's no different than your home town.
You realize that you're asking an enormously broad questions when you ask about CR (a country) and compare to your experience in Mexico (a country). Can you say/ask the same thing about USA?
In the center of any large city in any country on Earth, you will find the same type of humanity.
Enjoy Costa Rica.
Nov 7th, 2004, 04:04 AM
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As Jeff said, you may be approached by vendors selling an assortment of goods from pottery vases, beach towels & just about anything. ("Costa Rica...where WalMart comes to you!" is what we say.) A simple "no, gracias" and they're on their way.
Lisa
Lisa
Nov 7th, 2004, 04:33 AM
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I've noticed that the type of selling Lisa describes occurs frequently in traffic when stopped at a stoplight-- vendors walk past your window at some stoplights on main roads--mostly in and around the larger cities. They sell everything from food items to sunglasses to lottery tickets (whatever you do, don't buy any!).
Just out and about, on the beach, walking around in towns (large and small) we've very seldom been approached--I can't even think of a time. For sure, it will not remind you even remotely of Mexico!
Just out and about, on the beach, walking around in towns (large and small) we've very seldom been approached--I can't even think of a time. For sure, it will not remind you even remotely of Mexico!
Nov 7th, 2004, 08:23 AM
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You will be fine in CR. I know what you're talking about, though. I like to think I have a fairly high tolerance for cultural differences, but after two weeks in Turkey, I was pretty unhappy with the aggressive sales tactics....
Nov 7th, 2004, 04:57 PM
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All of the above is correct; we found it much different than our experience on Caribbean islands...much more pleasant. If fact in a few different Tico restaurants or "sodas" we were brought samples of food/drinks if we questioned what they were...and after returning to one restaurant a couple times in Samara, the chef sent me home with a handmade necklace from the area!
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