I have just started my major research on Costa Rica. I was seriously thing about Panama but I don't think it is the right fit for me. I am most interested in the Lake Arenal region. I have read many articals and I feel This is the right fit for me. Even though I do have 2 medical issues I feel that a trip maybe twice a year to a major city with the specialist I need would be okay. Plus this would give a chance to see other area of Costa Rica. I will be a 3 time widow when I move and bring my retired medical dog with me. I can't bear to live him behind. Things I would like to hear about is the region, is their a medical clinic or dr that can monitor my diabetes, Dentist or will I need to make that a city trip? What is the nearest big city with hospital and dentist. Also I would like like to know about renting a large 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom flat/apartment/condo and what should I expect to pay. Should I ship my car or my motorscooter?
I just have so many questions and I hope y'all can bear with me as I start my journey.
Also is there a book I can get on retiring to Costa Rica? is so the name of the booL.
I live on SS and VA pension so it not much and I barely get by here. I hope that the area I pick is some what quite but I do enjoy a good gathering now and then aand hope to make lots of new friends. I am looking so forward to expoloring the area and the nearby park. I do take pictures, and do a little writing but not too much. I also hope living there will improve my health. I am not a true Veggin but Im sure I find new foods that I will enjoyand agree with me.
I look forward to hearing from everyone and their advice and experiances.
I have already scheduled for my passport, and immunizations. Do I need a Visa or something like that?
Thanks Sharlyn
Newby, Lake Arenal region
Sharlyn, welcome
To live here long term, legally you are required to apply for residency which as a Pensionado calls for a minimum 'guaranteed for life' pension of US$1000 per month, although in my opinion it is not enough to live on. As a legal resident you must be affiliated with the CAJA the socialized healthcare system once you have received your cedula which may take a year or more. In the meantime you will not be covered for your healthcare expenses. You will be told at the final stage of your application what your monthly premium will be. Whether a local facility can help monitor your diabetes, I don't know.
Running and maintaining a vehicle can be expensive...and in many rural areas the roads are in bad condition. Mudslides are common in certain areas around the lake during the rainy season. Your import taxes on a vehicle more than 6 years old will be approx. 80% of the value in Costa Rica's 'Blue Book' plus of course the cost of insurance and cargo costs.
The friends I have in that area travel to Liberia for grocery shopping and most of their healthcare appointments and grocery shopping, unless serious when they would then go to San Jose a journey of approx. 4 hours. Our friends and neighbors pooled together their resouses and purchased some first aid equipment, including a defibrillator, for their area.
Weather wise, it can be very windy and wet throughout the year.
Suggest you visit prior to making a final decision.
To live here long term, legally you are required to apply for residency which as a Pensionado calls for a minimum 'guaranteed for life' pension of US$1000 per month, although in my opinion it is not enough to live on...................................................This is not true now, nor has it ever been true.
OK...let me put it this way: unless you have legal residency you will not be covered by the socialized healthcare system here. As a Pensionado, this status calls for a minimum 'guaranteed for life' pension of at least US$1000 per month. If you continue/decide to stay here as a 'tourist', you are required to leave the county every 90 day max. to renew your visa. VISA.'Better? 
Approx. cost of legal & government fees for Residency application
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