Do you really have to always bring a "paper copy" of your passport to

[Auntie Marie SueB]

beaches/hiking in costa rica?why since? For heavens sakes WHY, since obviously you made it through the airport already, why the hassle of bringing your paper copy passport & dragging that all over town? Will they ask me for it in a supermarket or anywhere else? Should I have it tattooed on my stomach?