Gringo Pricing in Costa Rica - What to DO About It

Подписаться 46 тыс.

Просмотров 2,5 тыс.

50% 1

#livingincostarica #Relocation #expat 'Gringo Pricing in Costa Rica - What to DO About It' Thinking about living in Costa Rica? Gringo pricing will come up. Is Gringo pricing, real? What can a newbie expat to Costa Rica do about it? Is Gringo pricing just the way it is in Costa Rica? Find out all the answers in this video, 'Gringo Pricing in Costa Rica - What to DO About It'.... a MUST SEE if Costa Rica is on your radar or you're new to living in Costa Rica.
Is Costa Rica Right For You? 7 Day Event'
ALL INFO/DATES and SIGN UP for the Retreat HERE- www.lasarahele... We would love to see you there. VERY FUN AND INFORMATIVE.
If you have any questions, write me at info@travelcostaricanow.com and I will help you.
The Relocation Retreat will be held in La Fortuna, the top tourist destination in Costa Rica and home of the Arenal Volcano, at Montaña de Fuego Hotel. And we are super EXCITED to have them host our relocation event.
First, my 2 promises to YOU. 1) There will be no, 'blowing smoke' about the good, the bad and the ugly about moving and living in Costa Rica... and especially by me ;) 2) By the end of the 'Relocation Retreat', you will absolutely, 100% know if Costa Rica is right for you.
Relocation Retreat Testimonials:
• Living in Costa Rica R... w/Dino
• Living in Costa Rica R... w/Barbara
• Relocation Retreat Cos... David
• Living in Costa Rica R... w/Pam
START HERE to find out if Costa Rica is right for you or not, so if you really want to get a good idea if Costa Rica is right for you- Check OUT these videos and you will know within the hour if you should pursue a life in Costa Rica or NOT. If you decide Costa Rica might be a good fit, maybe now is the time to contact us at- info@travelcostaricanow.com
The Ten Commandments for Living in Costa Rica • ❌Top10 COMMANDMENTS fo...
Living in Costa Rica YOU R NOT the Exception to the Rules • Living in Costa Rica U...
Living in Costa Rica The Top 10 Things You May Hate • ❌ Living in Costa Ric...
Oldy but a goody. Still relevant Living in Costa Rica Culture Shock- • Living in Costa Rica C... Costa Rica 10 Reasons You Shouldn't Move There • ❌ Costa Rica -Ten Reas...
Living Cheap in Costa Rica • Living CHEAP in Costa ...
-Living in Costa Rica 10 Annoying Things Must See • Living in Costa Rica 1...
Finding a Long Term Rental • Costa Rica Finding a L...
Finding Long Term Rentals More Tips • Finding Long Term Rent...
-Moving Retiring to Costa Rica BEST Expat Interview (Must SEE) • Living in Costa Rica -...
Travel Costa Rica NOW is a travel agency. GO to TravelCostaRica... FILL OUT the 4-minute form and we will see what we can do to help you. Travel Costa Rica NOW is like you having BEST friends who live in Costa Rica, who know Costa Rica, totally helping you out no matter what your plans are in Costa Rica.
Comments/Questions, thinking about moving to Costa Rica- info@travelcostaricanow.com
I hope you ENjoYed this video, 'Gringo Pricing in Costa Rica - What to DO About Ita' and hope to see you at a Travel Costa Rica NOW Relocation Retreat very soon. From all of us at Travel Costa Rica NOW- Pura Vida.

Опубликовано:

10 сен 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 104

@ChrisSmaller 2 месяца назад

Coonass Chris in Costa Rica. Came here when I was 20 in 1981. Married a Tica in 1983 daughter born 84 son 85 and youngest in 1991. And at 63. I still get Gringoed even by my family here and all others

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

hahah.. that's kind of funny.... and believable ;)

@brucesannino6181 2 месяца назад

Another really good article. I got gringoed by an arrogant young man in a soda recently. I was paying with dollars and he was arguing with me about the exchange rate. I said, "No, how much is it in real money." I'm afraid I confirmed every ill feeling he has about Americans. That said, you're absolutely right. About thirty years ago I was waiting for a bus to Poas with a group of Ticos when I struck up a conversation with another American. This man was retired military, maybe a hundred twenty-five, a hundred and thirty-five pounds over weight and furious that 'we' had to pay more than the Ticos for the trip. I leaned on him pretty hard. I said, "All these people were born here! They work and pay taxes, their children go to school here, they vote here. Of course they get a break!" He all but snarled and called me an f**k'n LIBERAL! The memory of that moment has stayed with me all these years. Ha! If you think you're being gringo priced here in CR think about the last time you bought some tires in North America.

@donsebera 2 месяца назад

I just discovered your videos as I begin researching my first trip to CR. I appreciate your straight forward and realistic approach from the perspective of someone who is living there, not just country hopping as so many You Tube videos are. No disrespect to them, they provide good info at a certain level, but as someone who is looking within the next 6-8 years to retire and have the necessity to do it beyond the scope of the US, quality information like you provide is amazing. We will have to see how the first trip in February goes but I am not approaching it like a tourist (well as much as you can over a three week period), but just an initial introduction to a few areas with a focus on the living, not the touristy attractions.

@MichaelMiller-fq9xg 2 месяца назад

I have a Tico friend born and raised in Costa Rica who helped me find a place to rent in Dominicalito. I mentioned to him that I don't want to get "gringoed" on the price. He is an extremely trustful person. He asked me, what does gringoed mean? A lifelong resident who is a businessman didn't know about it. So I think it's more about bartering rather than getting gringoed. Great video, Michael, putting it in a different perspective so we can look at it differently rather than negatively🎉

@morrisadams1471 2 месяца назад

I’m planning to make the move in 4-5 years. I was an exchange student for a year in 1977. Through the magic of Facebook some of my classmates found me 8-10 years ago. In 2018 my wife and I went for a 10-day trip. She said it was as if I had never left; they were so wonderful! One thing that I was told later when I let them know that she and I were planning to retire there was to let them do the negotiating and not put myself forward in the process. They said that way I would pay a fair price. I have good friends! They have always told me, “You were one of us; you are one of us. We will take care of you.” Especially the ones that I tutored in math and science classes.

@Hooped1 2 месяца назад

I really appreciate your take on this and couldn't agree more. Doing your research and understanding the market you are purchasing in makes a big difference! It definitely happens everywhere, I can get deals in my home town because I've done the work to find them. Sometimes paying more for a service comes back in what you get from it, but that obviously needs to be determined on a case by case basis. As always, your great content is the reason I will continue to watch and spread the word. Thank you for everything you do!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

You are welcome and as always, I appreciate your comments and perspective,,,, they help. pura vida :)

@johndeven8439 2 месяца назад

Love your point of view! Not too often these days you hear “Take personal responsibility for your choices.” More of a victim mentality. Great video!

@TF-mw4sy 2 месяца назад

I lived in Hawaii, we had "kama aina" aka local prices for events and tourist attractions. I hope the real estate industry in the USA is charging extra to foreign buyers who buy homes in the USA. Maybe thats why the homes cost so much now. Pura vida, Michael ❤

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

They still have local prices for National Parks and such here, which I do agree with..... I doubt it, they let anyone buy in the US, which the will come to regret.

@cayetanocanales7662 2 месяца назад

Great video! Thank you for all the information and thank you for your videos. Saludos from Texas.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Thanks for watching and the support. pura vida

@rogaineablar5608 2 месяца назад

I have zero problem with Gringo Pricing as a tourist, but I think residents should get local prices.

@janetbeattie6902 2 месяца назад

Hi Michael! Recently, hubs and I were in a local soda, where a guy approached us and initiated a conversation in English. Our food hadn't been served yet and we took the bait. Of course, he had necklaces and bracelets to sell. We consistently said 'no, gracias,' but then I made the mistake of asking the price of a necklace. It started at 4 mil and went down to 2 necklaces for 1 mil. He just left two of them on the table and then I felt obligated to give him the mil. I knew better than to ask the price - that was my bad. (And I still could have just left them on the table for him to retrieve.) I noticed that when we approached tables with Tico diners, they told him no and he took them at their word. I think our worst 'Gringo-pricing' experiences have been with taxis from the airport. I agree with your advice to another commenter - Uber is the way to go.

@sandrabedard7848 2 месяца назад

Agreed 👍. This is worldwide!! Yes do the homework. Our local friends help us with this subject and they will tell us if labor or prices are fair. We don't have much of an issue of this. We were taken over 3 years ago when we first moved here but it was from someone from Canada who knows everything about CR. Ya RIGHT " Beware of Foreigners is what i would say that have company's that totally look legitimate there are many scammers here from different Countries. We learned the hard way!! Our second rental here in Guanacaste we were totally Gringo priced on rent and found that out quickly by our all local neighbors. We moved away from the beach after 6 months and enjoying life in the mountains of Heredia Province and we haven't had any issues with any of that since. You do learn after being here awhile. Thanks for sharing Michael, Pura Vida I want to add that Michael is legit and Sarah Elena is also Legit so no worries about these two 👍

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Thanx Sandra, I always appreciate you sharing your experiences here and perspective. It is very helpful. muchas gracias for taking the time. :) *and double thanx for your words of support.

@jeffberg8015 2 месяца назад

I wrote most of his before seeing your whole video and of course you covered most of what I wrote. I would say though that I believe that a lot of people are under the mistaken assumption that there is such a thing as a "correct" price, that there is some arbitrary rule over what's fair and what's not. I believe this is where the outrage comes from. The only real correct price is somewhere in the difference between what something is worth to the buyer and what it's worth to the seller. The fact is that US citizens are generally going to be willing to pay without haggling and the Ticos know this and will therefore try to get more from them than what most Ticos would be willing to pay. If you are a Gringo in Latin America, your best defense to mitigate being Gringo priced is to comparison shop, be willing to negotiate, and walk away if the price doesn't come down to what you consider acceptable.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Very good points jeff..... definitely things to consider. Always appreciate your perspective, so thanx for taking the time. It is helpful.

@rhondak_ManorMiravalles 2 месяца назад

One thing I've had a lot of problems with is getting Ticos to give an honest quote for work. The price is never the price. Recently I took my car to a local auto shop (NOT my favorite one in Chachagua... I will be bringing my car to him soon.) I wanted the mechanic to do a thorough check and tell me everything that needs to be repaired on the car before sending it through inspection. The mechanic took off a wheel, got hung up on the "big ticket" problem, which is the suspension (and I'm not even sure that's something that would cause the car to fail inspection,) and wouldn't even look at the lights and turn signals and required emergency/safety items. He told me he couldn't give a quote until they start the work. I called bull*** on it and told him to put my tire back on so I could leave. He called his manager and they all tried to twist my arm to have the suspension repaired without an up-front cost quote, and none of them even acknowledged the other issues...like the fact that my headlights don't even work. It's a wiring issue. So forget them. I'm driving to Dennis in Chachagua, because he knows exactly how to quote work on a vehicle and how to repair only what is needed, because he knows I'll let him do the rest of it--like the suspension--as soon as I have the money. P.S. For anyone wondering... my car is a very old Suzuki Sidekick that crawls over these rugged mountain roads like they're nothing, but everything on it has rattled loose in the process. LOL

@donaldwatts1713 2 месяца назад

@@rhondak_ManorMiravalles you are not lying about that Suzuki Sidekick… that thing is a belly goat perfect for Costa Rica.

@rhondak_ManorMiravalles 2 месяца назад

@@donaldwatts1713 oh gosh yes. There is absolutely nowhere it hasn't been able to go. S'why I'm interested in fixing up all the creaky broken parts and keeping it going. They just don't make 'em like that anymore.

@mayrabrakband5616 2 месяца назад

Thank you for sharing and standing up for my people ☺️

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Always! well, mostly always ;)

@davedaniels356 2 месяца назад

Unless there is a price tag you can try to negotiate. The next question do you know the price and are you comfortable negotiating. It’s all in the person. For example. I know I overpay my gardener. Why? Because he does more work in 4 hours than I could do in 8. The guy is non stop and does everything. I don’t think anyone in Costa Rica has not had someone raise the price tico or gringo.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Agreed and when you find someone who does great work, why not show some appreciation, I have done the same, many times. Thanx for sharing that.

@ScarlettRose7221 2 месяца назад

I want to get the best price. But I don't deliberately try to take advantage of foreigners or those who simply aren't aware. So yea there is a difference. But apparently the way of the world today is get as much as you can from anyone regardless how honest.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

I totally agree, which is why I have 'contacts' for gringo's who don't do that..... but this is something you need to know happens here but yeah, a difference, thanx for pointing that out.

@Kattywagon29 2 месяца назад

"the way of the world today" This is how the world has always been. People all over the world will try and hustle each other if they can. If a price is not stated, then 'buyer beware'. It is as simple as that.

@donaldwatts1713 2 месяца назад

I remember the first time I went to Costa Rica in 1999. A Tico wouldn’t take a tip if you tried to give it to them. It was explained “they didn’t need a hand-out.”

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Very true,,,, back in the day we got towed by a Tico to a gas station, went above and beyond (which I still think they do) and he wouldn't take anything either.

@CoolHandLou1 2 месяца назад

@@donaldwatts1713 I wish Americans refused handouts. Our country would be in a much better fiscal and political situation with both parties not feeling the need to outdo each other with handouts.

@jeffberg8015 2 месяца назад

Gringo tourists have corrupted the Ticos in this.

@donaldwatts1713 2 месяца назад

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW We had a muffler fall off our Suzuki and they welded it back on for five dollars and would not take the 20 dollar tip.

@donaldwatts1713 2 месяца назад

@@jeffberg8015 I'm affraid you are correct!

@tomulrich9693 2 месяца назад

Wishing I was still in La Fortuna. Miss mi amigos.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

We miss you too... :) HOpe all is well.

@sandlerfrancois666 2 месяца назад

Thank you for being so consistent in your content!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

@febsign6110 2 месяца назад

The can gringo price me all they want,but if I feel it’s too high I’ll move on to the next business or I’ll haggle with them. I’m not going to buy a home without a good lawyer or a car without it being checked st.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

EXACTLY!

@KellyK-il2bk 2 месяца назад

I wish I’d copied it. There was just an article where a tourist bought a pot for 40$ that ended up being an artifact. Costa Rica arrested her and her family ended up having to leave without her.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

whoops.

@livingdaybyday1174 2 месяца назад

Many Ticos believe that gringos are all millionaires. That happens in all matters of boyfriends, painting, food, fees, everything!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

yes, that seems to be true.

@stevefreno 2 месяца назад

It’s done all over the U.S. …. most of the big theme parks or big tourist attraction in Florida (just one example) has ‘local prices’ for Florida residents. Prior to moving here, I lived in the Memphis area and worked at the largest company in the city ….. and we got discounts literally everywhere…..hotels, restaurants, parks, museums and stores ……all we did was show a company ID. I’m guessing that people here in Latin America learned this from us 👍🏼😀

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Yes,,,, so true. Damn, nice card to have discounts everywhere... I will too, when I turn 65 next year lol. They have some kind of senior discount card here hahaha

@marekklosowski7571 2 месяца назад

Great video! 😁

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Thanks! 😁

@tpxrp6244 2 месяца назад

I probably have many times. I dont really care about the 1 or 2 bucks. Easy to catch them when the try to add 2 extra beers on my tab when I only had 3 and still can count. Maybe at 7 they got me.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

@tpxrp6244 yes, me either. Until I do.😉

@bitsurfr46 2 месяца назад

I think the best way to avoid getting Gringo priced is to make friends with a Tico and take him shopping with you.

@jimsprafka5295 2 месяца назад

Totally agree with you except when one gets Gringo priced in areas such as hotels, bars, restaurants, car rentals, etc. those prices are fluid and are rarely negotiable

@livingdaybyday1174 2 месяца назад

The curious thing is that in most of those places, the price is in dollars and not colones.

@ninjask8ter 2 месяца назад

I think it's absolutely the responsibility of the consumer to do their homework and know what the fair prices are ahead of time. However, to systematically target a certain race because they happen to be new to the country- isn't ethical or fair.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

yes, responsibility. Definitely not fair but there seems to be a lot of that going around theses days.

@KellyK-il2bk 2 месяца назад

I guess Africa is the same. There’s an African vlogger who talks about how in the African community, if you have more, you give more. They are not being rude, even in their community, a wealthier person is asked more. He said even as an African, if you are in Ghana and have a Nigerian accent, they assume you have enough money to travel….they ask more.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

I definitely like that concept,,, spread the love, the wealth around....

@fredthompson8219 2 месяца назад

Its called skin tax in the Philipenes

@shellijohnson3043 2 месяца назад

Thank You!

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

You're welcome!

@ThingsIGotOnCamera 2 месяца назад

We go to costa rica every year. Everything there is more expensive except rent. And I'm from nyc lol not sure how they make $4 an hour and pay so much for food and gas

@fredsands9220 2 месяца назад

I think it's too simplistic to universalize this, ie. "everybody tries to get as much as they can" as there are differences. For one thing, many honest people around the world advertise a certain price and give it to everyone. That's while some Costa Rican businesses have two tier pricing, one for locals and one for tourists that they stick to. Some try to justify it by claiming there's a local "discount." 🤣I suppose a North American local could demand the lower price by showing a cedula. Then we have the taxis that claim they don't know where anything is and want to drive around in circles, or those in various businesses who claim they don't have any change hoping they'll get to keep it. Dishonesty is dishonesty, and it's obnoxious. But of course it pays to know about the nonsense and prepare for it. I love to travel and will continue to do so.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Simplistic works for me... but really, more of a generalization of the reality of things. Obviously there are good contacts, honest friends and family etc. I know, I have great, honest contacts here. But generally speaking, if you don't know or didn't do your homework, the first price seems to be a fishing price to see who is dumb enough to bite, especially in the areas of real estate, rentals, cars, property, businesses, maintenance, services and such. The thing is, it's just not Costa Rica where this can be a problem, that's more of the point...

@fredsands9220 2 месяца назад

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW Very well said Michael. Thanks for the great content.

@richardwilkinson72 2 месяца назад

Charging what the market will bear. They are just being capitalists. As a consumer, if the price seems unreasonable, don’t buy it or go elsewhere.

@jeffreyobrock 2 месяца назад

Your analysis is not correct... It is Literally discrimination against non-ticos. For example... Tico price on a lot - 10k Gringo price same lot - 30k Of course anyone can bring up capitalism... But Gringo pricing should be illegal. I've been traveling to Costa Rica since 1999 and I've learned Never accept the 1st-3rd and walk away. They will drop the price. If they don't, go down the street and get it for half of what the other tried to charge you.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Yup, that's it. OR circle yourself with great contacts ;)

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

Sorry, my analysis is spot on. Not saying it's right but it happens literally everywhere on the planet. If someone is stupid enough to pay 30k without doing any homework, sorry, it's their fault. Again, I don't like it but it is the real world and instead of blaming, maybe take some accountability for one's actions.

2 месяца назад

I absolutely agree with you, Mike. If a buyer, anywhere in the world, overpays for something. It's on the buyer. When it comes to money, don't trust anyone, especially a friend. Because as far as I'm concerned, if money is involved it's a business decision, and the appropriate caution must be taken. This happens all over the world. People just want to put the blame of others when they don't exercise their due diligence.,

@CoolHandLou1 2 месяца назад

As a Tico, I call it the "Gringo tax".

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

hahah.. nice, I kinda like that.

@ChrisSmaller 2 месяца назад

@@CoolHandLou1 jaja. Pura Vida Mop

@davidgarnettmarlow 2 месяца назад

Think about it as Value-Based Pricing. In sales, we are always selling the value to the individual, and not cost based pricing.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

There you go, that's it.

@jeromecherisselezama-wagne206 2 месяца назад

In the US, foreign students pay significantly more than American college students. So its done everywhere.

@pigspigs76 2 месяца назад

Yea it’s just the basic game of capitalism

@rogaineablar5608 2 месяца назад

Got a source for that claim?

@pigspigs76 2 месяца назад

@@rogaineablar5608 Google it, they are all run as businesses looking to maximize profits unless it’s stated otherwise.. in Canada foreign students pay significantly more for university

@MG-lw8pq 2 месяца назад

100% there is gringo pricing. I don't label myself as a gringo anyways!😂

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

I think I'll try that ;) lol

@Kattywagon29 2 месяца назад

"No, you're just stupid!" -Michael Alan 2024 😆

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

That sounds a bit harsh...... lol

@Kattywagon29 2 месяца назад

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW Sometimes the truth hurts. LOL Keep telling it how it is.

@TravelCostaRicaNOW 2 месяца назад

@@Kattywagon29 hahah.. probably more often than not. Thanx, I will try.

@livingdaybyday1174 2 месяца назад

It is a reality in Costa Rica. since decades ago! Note that they speak in dollars and not in colones.

@billgalli5991 2 месяца назад

Yes do your homework, be willing to walk away.

@blackwatch7151 2 месяца назад

I don’t blame them. If you look at the history of Central America and how the US has reaped the benefits of cheap labour and especially cheap resources. The United Fruit Company took advantage of these people. From Central Americans point of view Americans are wealthy because they have exploited much of the world. I don’t expect to pay exactly what a local pays when I’m considered rich in their eyes.

@jeffberg8015 2 месяца назад

One thing to remember is that when poor people are being exploited for labor it's because the exploiter is still offering them something better than their available alternatives. Just as I argued above, there is no "correct" price for anything, including labor. I believe a lot of people who try to shut down sweat shops without providing a better alternative don't consider that they are basically saying that rather than them getting a wage I consider unfair I'd prefer to see these people starve.