Costa Rica: Metered — Insist On It, By Law.
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Metered — Insist On It, By Law. Official red taxis are legally required to use a meter ("maría") — insist on it, and be wary of unofficial taxis offering a flat rate instead.
Costa Rica: Metered — Insist On It, By Law. Official red taxis are legally required to use a meter ("maría") — insist on it, and be wary of unofficial taxis offering a flat rate instead.
In Costa Rica, meters are standard, legally required, and reliably used — insist on one being switched on.
That's a signal to either insist firmly, get out and find another cab, or switch to a ride-hailing app if one is available — don't assume you have to accept whatever is offered.
This reflects general practice, not a guarantee for every taxi or driver — even in well-regulated destinations, individual drivers sometimes try to skip the meter with tourists specifically. When in doubt, agree on the fare (or confirm the meter is running) before the car pulls away, not after you arrive.