Thread: Getting passport stamped for $100...

So I've been told by a few people now that I can have my passport stamped for $100 to make it look like I left the country and re-entered.

This is sounding really tempting right now as my 90 days is right around the corner, and although I have managed to free up a week from work, I'd rather post-pone my vacation if possible.

How "legit" is this? What's the risk involved? Anyone have any experience with this?

Yeah -- I know guys that do it. I certainly wouldn't touch this one with a 50 foot pole.

How risky is it? VERY... What if your passport is lost? What if these guys get caught?

I would certainly think about it twice... or 3 times.

Matt

Do they not check it on the computer?

If you have seen the border police entering your numbers into the computer they know how long your stay has been.

When we cross from Chile to Peru the lady told us how long we were here via the computer tracking system here.

I actually have heard of people coming back early (24 hours) but like Matt said I would be very cautious about breaking the rules.

Originally Posted by agatto2

Do they not check it on the computer?

If you have seen the border police entering your numbers into the computer they know how long your stay has been.

When we cross from Chile to Peru the lady told us how long we were here via the computer tracking system here.

Well I was told that the guys somehow have access to the computer systems and change it in the computer. My current landlord (now on a pensionado visa) said he had previously overstayed his tourist visa and had someone change it in the system and stamp his passport...

Anyhow, buying my ticket to Costa Rica today lol...

This is indeed a risky biz. Those guys are bound to get caught at some point. would not touch that a 100 ft pole

I actually met somebody in Boquete 3-4 years ago that had lived in Panama for 7 years on a tourist visa. The guy mailed his passport to CR every 3 months, stamped, never left Panama. The country of Panama could really bring in some money to allow regular extensions. Just have expats show up at immigration, pay a fee, get your extension, have a nice day.

Out of curiosity, approx how much does it usually cost to go to CR for the three day hiatus? You are right about Panama turning visa renewal into profit maker- would make a lot more sense that the border crossing ritual.

I read another of your posts talking about possible naturalization laws for Panama- what do you think chances are for this to actually occur?

USA citizens better get ready for MASSIVE tax increases. "Health Care Bill" mandates hiring of 16,500 NEW IRS agents in addition to what they already have to ensure more compliance. Sad times in American history these days.

3 days in CR on a budget.

Bus roundtrip to border: $60
Bus return to resort town: $7
Lowest cost hotel with private room: $60
Food: $75
Money that just disappears for no reason: $98

So about $300 if you live in Panama City.

Naturalization - no clue. I hear it takes at least 10 years to get a passport.

Maybe you should get New Hampshire license plates?

"Born free, taxed to death" I use quite a bit
"Born free, taxed to Panama" is not catchy and confusing.

Best, Ed
PANAMA BANK GUIDE - LIST OF BANKS IN PANAMA

Thanks for the info again Ed- your knowledge about Panama is quite impressive- I liked the $98 "that just seems to disappear for no reason" Hahaha I am glad to know I am not the only one to suffer with that damn disappearing cashola syndrome!

The one I like the most and could be a hot new slogan "Born free, taxed to Panama" I love that!!

You could start a new website on that one!!

Originally Posted by EdBowers

3 days in CR on a budget.

Bus roundtrip to border: $60
Bus return to resort town: $7
Lowest cost hotel with private room: $60
Food: $75
Money that just disappears for no reason: $98

So about $300 if you live in Panama City.

Naturalization - no clue. I hear it takes at least 10 years to get a passport.

Maybe you should get New Hampshire license plates?

"Born free, taxed to death" I use quite a bit
"Born free, taxed to Panama" is not catchy and confusing.

Best, Ed
PANAMA BANK GUIDE - LIST OF BANKS IN PANAMA

If you do the hostel thing prices are even cheaper plus you meet new people. I actually sometimes stay in dorm rooms $8-$12 per day.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

If you do the hostel thing prices are even cheaper plus you meet new people. I actually sometimes stay in dorm rooms $8-$12 per day.

I'm looking at staying in hostel in a dorm in San Jose... the bus ticket's booked, just trying to select a hostel... any recommendations?

I stayed in a dorm in Panama City in 2008 for a few weeks, during my second visit to Panama... one of the best times I've had in my life and made some lifetime friends there.

Does anyone know anything about bringing pets for this trek to CR? I'm assuming bus service does not allow pets.

oh and about the bus... anyone know what the difference is between the economy class and the executive class? For the $20 difference I booked executive but was just wondering if there is any real difference between the two...

My friend told me that they're bigger seats and I think they recline deeper.

ok , now that the costs have been posted ,why dont one of you that lives in the city buy a 15 passenger van and make this pay . 15 times 67 or 75 for personal service comes to 1125.00 ,every 3 months ,4500.00 a year and u are going anyway . and i am sure there is at least that many living on 3 month tourist visas

Originally Posted by nakedguydb

ok , now that the costs have been posted ,why dont one of you that lives in the city buy a 15 passenger van and make this pay . 15 times 67 or 75 for personal service comes to 1125.00 ,every 3 months ,4500.00 a year and u are going anyway . and i am sure there is at least that many living on 3 month tourist visas

genius!

While I'm not there yet and so lack on-the-ground credibility, I read a lot and I can assure you this MIGHT have been a good idea a while ago, but that was then and this is now. It is true that during any changeover from one system to another somebody's computers aren't going to work some of the time, but the fact of the matter is that your data is now IN the computer system and the real price of this kind of skullduggery when (not if) you get caught is deportation. If you have anything in the country that won't fit in your 100 pound baggage allowance when they ship you home, you may regret not making the renewal trip yourself.

Just to bring this back real quick - I was able to leave for 24 hours and get a new stamp in my passport - exit stamp reads the 8th and entry the 9th.

No problem - used the border at Sixaola though - and spent the night in Puerto Viejo - highly recommend it! Rode my motorcycle bc the bike needed a new permit - not my visa...

Shaun