non US citizen

[meabus]

Originally Posted by Versatile

Be very careful if you go and go in a caravan of vehicles and don't be the last in line.

They rob shuttles buses in Guatemala.

Australian Backpackers Kidnapped in Guatemala Live To Tell Their Story | Q Costa Rica News

The couple were on a shuttle bus, organised through a hostel, with 10 other tourists – including two more Australians – when they were shot at and their vehicle was hijacked by a group of thugs.

“They commandeered our shuttle and jumped into the back and held a gun to my head. They had been shooting at the van like cowboys and once that hot gun was at my head, I thought that was it.”

The van eventually stopped deep in the bush, where the three men

yes and they rob banks in the USA
the take hostages in Banks in the usa, does this mean I cant go to the bank either without bullet proof vest and two bodyguards
Come on
where is the article about my friends they just went to Guatemala 4 weeks ago on their bikes had the best time, came back in one piece and
even visit a shaman to get some good healthy liquor, did not read about this adventure in any Costa Rica newspaper oh BTW: the guy in the Biker group and my friend is 75 years old, perhaps they dont like to rob old ppl I guess

[slaughridge85]

Because those stories of a nice quiet trip don't fit the narrative of hate and fear of foreigners so they don't get shared because they don't advance somebodies agenda. Those people who were kidnapped were also an easy target traveling with a large group of people who were obviously tourists, probably on a bus with signage advertising that they were tourists... the busses the locals use are much less likely to encounter problems...

[Scooternj]

Originally Posted by slaughridge85

Because those stories of a nice quiet trip don't fit the narrative of hate and fear of foreigners so they don't get shared because they don't advance somebodies agenda. Those people who were kidnapped were also an easy target traveling with a large group of people who were obviously tourists, probably on a bus with signage advertising that they were tourists... the busses the locals use are much less likely to encounter problems...

Yup. When I'd visit the Philippines (Mindanao, specifically), I always took the local jeepney.

[Robin97396]

Absolutely travel with the locals when you're far from home. If you're not getting with the locals while in a foreign country, you're truly missing the point.

You can bet a tourist bus is easily a target in a poor country. I'd have more than harsh words for the person that set up that bus excursion.

[SamPlayacoyote]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

Amen Brother!

I get sooo tired of hearing horror stories from people who have never been there.

Yes, things are different than here and there can be challenges. Be polite, respectful, CAUTIOUS and exercise common sense.

$20k to drive a bus to CR? Perhaps a bit on the high side. I guess it depends on your style of travel. Folks that i KNOW have done it on a fraction of that.

Question for the OP: Do you need co-drivers?

O lord.... if you want to drive the bus it is just a math thing, how many miles you got with a full tank? X miles, and food and border you won't spend 5 k in diesel. If you want to ship it the cost is max 1200usd and 135usd insurance . Yes I have done that with 32 buses ... cheaper sent it by boat .