Jan

29

Getting a Fair Deal on a Taxi

January 29, 2009 | Tags: Community News, Transport | 1 Comment

A common complaint of tourists in almost any city is taxi drivers who overcharge them. It can be a tourist’s first impression of a place and so it leaves a sour taste in their mouth. Tourists are often vulnerable to this because they don’t know how much something is supposed to cost. But I’ve often run into travelers who thought they were overcharged but when I questioned them it turned out they paid the going rate.

Since the taxis in Puerto Viejo operate without meters this is especially true.  There are customary rates that exist between points in the area. The taxi company Transportes Privados Jireh has made their rate sheet publicly available to Puerto Viejo Satellite and others for some time – we have just updated it on the transport page where you can find the latest rate sheet at any time.  

This doesn’t necessarily negate the need to negotiate and confirm the price before you start your ride. Knowing the rates will make people feel more comfortable in this process. The owner of Transportes Privados Jireh assures local businesses that if drivers charge you significantly more than is shown on the price sheet, call it into the office and they will be disciplined.

Transportes Privados Jireh can be reached at 2570-2073. They located on the main road in town just in front of the Sunrise backpackers lodge.

The other taxi company has categorically refused to publish a fixed price schedule and has not responded to complaints of customers being over charged. So if you use them, you’re on your own.

In the spirit of making travelers feel more welcome and comfortable with taxi service, local business owners are encouraged to print out the list of taxi rates and also avoid patronizing taxi drivers and companies who are charging exorbitant rates.

Jan

23

Benefit Concert to Aid Earthquake Victims

January 23, 2009 | Tags: Community Calendar | Comments Off

January 24, 2009
1:00 amto6:00 pm

The Puerto Viejo community was blessed to have not suffered in the recent earthquake which affected many other areas of Costa Rica (including our namesake, Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui).

But we’d like to help out!

The group Aliviando el Dolor es putting on a benefit concert tomorrow from 10 AM to 6 PM.  The event will start at the basketball court and continue at the bus stop.  Donations of non-perishable food and clothing in good condition are welcomed.

There will be live gospel music and much more.

Get in touch with Veronica Gordon at Veronica’s Place for more information or to help out.