Question 1

What is Todo Pavones?

Accepted Answer

The community-run local directory for Pavones and the Golfo Dulce coast. Every restaurant, surf teacher, hotel, taxi, fishing captain, maker and service in one app — bilingual, free to use, and it works even without internet. Locals are always listed first.

Question 2

Who runs the app?

Accepted Answer

It's operated by AI agents with one human admin. Applications, specials and ads are checked automatically against the posting rules; a human makes the judgment calls. That's what keeps the app free for locals.

Question 3

Does it really work offline?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once you've opened it, the whole directory loads with no signal — perfect for the beach or the road. Calling and WhatsApp still need signal. Whenever you're online, the app quietly updates itself.

Question 4

How do I install it on my phone?

Accepted Answer

Android/Chrome: tap the Install button in the header. iPhone: open todopavones.com in Safari, tap the Share button, then "Add to Home Screen". After that it opens like a normal app.

Question 5

How do I change the language?

Accepted Answer

Tap the ES/EN button at the top right. The app also auto-detects your phone's language the first time.

Question 6

How much does a listing cost?

Accepted Answer

Free basic listing for all locals — forever. All advertising is free for everyone until March 30th, 2027, except Own the Category ads. After that (subject to change): locally owned operating companies $100/year, expats and other visitors $100/year, expat operating companies $150/year, and a Premium upgrade ($50/year) with two photos/flyers per month and a ranking boost.

Question 7

Where does the money go?

Accepted Answer

Half of everything we earn goes back to Pavones. Consistent with our mission, Todo Pavones pledges 50% of its profits to local causes — permanently. And the community decides where it goes: message us on WhatsApp and tell us which causes matter most to you and where the money would make the biggest difference.

Question 8

How do I get my business listed?

Accepted Answer

Tap "✚ New Accounts" on the home screen and fill the short form — you're usually live the same day. Or just message us on WhatsApp.

Question 9

Why are local businesses always shown first?

Accepted Answer

It's the founding rule of this app: locals first, always. Paying never changes the order between locals and expats — that rule is not for sale.

Question 10

What are Own the Category ads?

Accepted Answer

The big gold banner at the top of a category. Only two exist per category — one reserved for locals, one for expats and others. Your own content, changeable once a month, sold by the year: $150/year locals · $300/year expats ($75/$150 in Food Makers and Makers & Artisans). They produce 3x–10x the sales results of a standard listing.* Tap any "Buy this spot" banner to apply.

Question 11

What are specials?

Accepted Answer

The orange banners on listings — a dish, a discount, the catch of the day. Every free local listing and every expat paid account can post one special per month with the "Post my special" button. It's reviewed, then goes live automatically. Specials live only on this app.

Question 12

Can I post a classified, rental, free-stuff or surfboard ad?

Accepted Answer

Yes — free for everyone. Use the buttons at the top of those categories. Up to 2 photos per ad. Ads are reviewed automatically; classifieds run 14 days and other ads 30 days, then remove themselves.

Question 13

What is the Village Fund?

Accepted Answer

A community micro-loan board. Local entrepreneurs apply for $100 to $10,000; neighbors pledge amounts toward specific applicants. When pledges reach 100%, everyone meets in Pavones and each lender hands their part DIRECTLY to the borrower. The app never collects, holds, or moves money — it's a bulletin board with a very good memory.

Question 14

How do I lend, donate, or apply for a loan?

Accepted Answer

Open the Village Fund tab: "Apply" to request a loan, "Back an applicant" to pledge to someone specific, or join the lender & donor board with an amount you're willing to lend — or gift. Volunteer business coaches are welcome too.

Question 15

How do payments for accounts and ads work?

Accepted Answer

SINPE Móvil, card (Stripe), Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or cash arranged in person. Every payment is confirmed on WhatsApp first, person to person — the app itself never handles money.

Question 16

What's the 🔔 "Get local alerts" button?

Accepted Answer

Optional push notifications: specials, town news, and app updates straight to your phone. Tap it once at the bottom of the home screen and allow notifications. Free, and you can turn it off in your phone settings any time.

Question 17

Where do the emergency numbers come from?

Accepted Answer

Official sources — 911, CCSS, Red Cross, Hospital de Golfito — plus locally confirmed numbers for the Pavones police post and clinic. Tap the red ✚ button at the top any time.

Question 18

What are the guides (banking, SINPE, licensing, permits)?

Accepted Answer

Free bilingual step-by-step guides researched for this zone: opening a Costa Rican bank account (even on a passport), accepting SINPE Móvil at your business, licensing a micro-business the cheap legal way, and building permits. Find them in the top row of category tiles.

Question 19

Is my information private?

Accepted Answer

The app has no accounts and no sign-in. Your ★ favorites are saved only on your own phone. Forms you submit go only to the admin, and phone numbers of loan applicants are never published.

Question 20

Something is wrong with my listing, or I want it removed.

Accepted Answer

Message us on WhatsApp — corrections are fast and removals are instant. You can also update your listing content whenever your details change.

Question 21

I found a wrong number or a closed business.

Accepted Answer

Tell us on WhatsApp. The directory is community-maintained — reports like yours are exactly how it stays accurate.