Visiting CR at end of March 2025

@bpwald..We have hot humid at our beaches and cooler humid in our mountains....Hence,Costa Rica is a tropical country.....Now----are you looking to avoid mold and insects too ?

@edwinemora  thanks for the reply, we're trying to avoid hot and humid, cooler humid is fine.  Prefer to avoid mold and insects, but understand that they are a given, especially insects. 

@bpwald.....Come peak at peak rainy season(October) to see if it is even worth it for you...Like many Americans they leave during this period, you can't blame them.....But either way,check out the foothills of San Isidro Del General/Perez Zeledon....This zone has finally caught on and the prices are creeping up here too.....Look it up ! You will be surprised of the new communities on the slopes of the 'Talamanca' mountain range...

Grecia, San Ramon and Palmares, among other towns, should fit your needs. Any of those, and many others, will be much more comfortable than Washington, DC in the summer months. Been there . . done that.

I always recommend that potential newbies like yourselves consider two issues which aren't commonly taken into consideration. First, amenities. Will the area you're thinking about be able to serve your essential needs and wants? If not, keep looking. Second, most folks will want a community into which they can fit. Costa Ricans are warm and welcoming people, but that only goes so far. Even if your Spanish is good, you'll still need english speaking friends who can help with the ropes and with whom you'll have some common interests.

@bpwald.....Well,did you guys make it down here or what ?...Or are you still in Costa Rica..?..Tell us what you think, if it was everything you thought it was..

On this forum today appeared a link to some related questions to the Pensionista Visa (but from 2011).

I edited the content to what appeared to be the most relevant and useful information (contained below).

My question: For those who were self-employed contractors and might need to "boost" their demonstrable $1,000.00/month pension amount to qualify for the Pensionista visa, HOW could one go about using an ANNUITY to bolster the monthly income amount to put it "over-the-top"?

$1,000.00 pension requirement

silverlawrence New member13 July 2011 18:37:12

How stiff is this requirement when applying for residence? I make $985.00.

Visas for Costa Rica

SSA benefits letter apostille

HOW (step-by-step instructions) to apply for a pensionado visa

Document Legalization for Reunification Visa Application

How to get a Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa?

Gues1230789 Guest13 July 2011 19:01:19

It is absolute, written as that in the law.  However, it is pretty easy and cheap to buy a lifetime annuity to make up the difference.  If it is in the same name, it can be combined.

Like

silverlawrence New member13 July 2011 19:26:50

I'm researching the lifetime annuity. Any help to understand the process would be appreciated.

Guest1230789 Guest13 July 2011 19:47:24

If you mean the residency process, it's pretty easy, but not really spelled out :-)

- collect your non-Costa Rica documents: birth certificates, marriage certificate, police letter of good conduct (this is the most confusing, because it varies from state-to-state) [NOW, documents must be within six-months old and the good conduct certification must come from the FBI with Apostilles from the FBI and the Great Seal office of the respective Secretary of State where the birth, marriage, or divorce took place and was registered]

- get all the documents notarized/certified

- get all these authenticated (sealed) by the secretary of state (for that document) [Apostilled]

- get all these authenticated by the CR consulate responsible for that state

- bring all these documents to Costa Rica

- visit the USA embassy to get the SS letter, stating that you currently are receiving [N $USD] pension

- get fingerprinted in San Jose; they will send off for an Interpol report [I believe today this MUST be an FBI apostilled report for USCs]

-----

At this point, our lawyer took over - got all the documents translated (official translator only) and stamped, added a letter requesting immigration, waited for the Interpol report (took about a month), then submitted the entire package to immigration.

Note that all documents have to be less than 6 months old from the time you first get it until it is submitted to immigration.  This is plenty of time; just don't count on slowly collecting your documents.

------------

Timing for approval varies widely.  Ours was very fast; it took less than 3 months.  Others have taken years.  Somewhere in this timeframe, immigration will notify your lawyer that they have "accepted" your package.  At this time, you can legally stay in the country, as you are awaiting your residency (no need to leave and get a new visa).

---------------

Once immigration has "approved" your residency, they will notify your lawyer (usually there is about a month delay; you can be approved in September, and not find out until October).  Your approval date is the beginning of your "residency year" - this is the timeframe that you have to show compliance with the rules.  These are currently:

- stay in CR at least 4 months (cumulative)

- convert (@$1000 x 12 months) to Colones

When you renew, you will have to show proof that you have done this - usually via passport stamps and bank receipts or letter.  Make sure you understand what is acceptable as proof before the year is up, or you may end up having to convert a whole lotta money at the end.

----------------

After you are approved, you will get an appointment for your Cedula (this is your ID) - this can be several months later, but it always expires on your residency anniversary.

Hope this helps,

Julie

silverlawrence New member13 July 2011 22:45:13

You are most helpful. I’m looking way out, will most likely be approved for SS by the time I’m ready.

Immigration and visa assistance

Comprehensive support with Costa Rica visa applications and immigration procedures.

Learn more

The income requirement really is absolute. $999.99 per month won't do the trick.

In the U.S., most life insurance agents and financial counselors can guide your search for a lifetime (that's critical) annuity*. The question is, what annuity offers the best deal for the money you have to invest and on what terms. That may take some research on your part.

It is also the  case that Costa Rican Immigration may not accept just any company's annuity plan. That, too, will require some research on your part which is why you really should engage a knowledgeable attorney here to get you through the process. My understanding is that Immigration has a list of companies whose annuities are acceptable. Let that guide your search.

*Some annuity plans only provide for a limited term of payment like (say) ten years. And some plans state that you must pay into them for a set period before you can begin to withdraw monthly payments. Others may state that you pay in for a stated time and then withdraw a one-time lump sum.

Details . . . Details . . .

Once again, Dave and Marcia, with their 20+ years of experience as expats in C.R. and background in US government, demonstrate wisdom and grace.

Gracias.

Pura vida.

Updates:

BANKING:

a. If one does not have a pensionista or rentista visa, own property, or is married to a Tico/Tica, 11 banks denied me the possibility of opening a bank account.

b. One [BAC] said I could do so after stamping out and showing residency for six-months.

c. A credit union permitted me to open an account, but it required excessive documentation that pertained to my landlord (fortunately, he cooperated with the process).

d. I speak Spanish fluently, which helped greatly, since the bank tellers at various locations or persons on the platform in my canton or in the provincial capital did no.

e. The local BCR's caja automatica/ATM used to dispense USD, and its ATM (along with the  Banco Nacional (BN) supply an option for instructions in English.

f. Unfortunately, the new ATMs at the BCR in my town do do dispense USDs (for some inexplicable reason).

g. One can get dollars inside during the limited banking hours, but ONLY if one has an account in the bank (which I do not, since I did not meet the qualifications).

h. For those with CAPITAL ONE 360 debit cards. BEWARE. Last month, this banking conglomerate bought out DISCOVER and KOHL's credit card divisions. Capital One 360 switched its MASTERCARD debit card to DISCOVER card. The card will work for purchases in C.R. It will NOT work for ATM cash withdrawals,

In colloquial English, "Dude, you're screwed," unless you have ANOTHER DEBIT card.

i. In my case, I have a CHASE debit card, but the transaction fees and currency conversions fees are higher than the prior situation with Capital One.

m. Now, to get USD, I have to travel 15-20 minutes (or more) outside of my town.

n. A major inconvenience, since I pay my rent in USD. monthly.

o. Unlike Panama, C.R. makes banking much more difficult for expats who are not wealthy and able to tie up large sums of cash in bearer bonds or investments of $50K or $60K/per annum for a year or two to be able to set up a bank account at MOST of the banks per their regulations.

p. I did find a Scotia Bank branch in the provincial capital with an ATM that dispenses cash. Unfortunately, each transaction is capped at $400.00, but at this branch, one could do multiple transactions on the same day, back-to-back.

q. Some banks limit the dispensation of USD from their ATMs at a capped amount of $500.00.

r. That means that people like me have to return or alternate or successive days to withdraw sufficient funds to pay rent.

s. For me, I find the banking situation to be one of the most vexing and cumbersome elements of transitioning to life in C.R.

HEALTH CARE:

a, I renewed a Medismart membership for just over $100.00 for six-months.

b. I took advantage of my membership various times in the prior half-year period.

c. I found the doctors to be excellent.

d. On average, I saved about 40% over the normal, out-of-pocket expense as a Medismart member.

e. Two of the doctors in the program practice in my canton, within walking distance of my home.

f. One is in the provincial capital.

g. I had reason to go to the Metropolitan Hospital branch in Lindora/Santa Ana for a battery of routine tests.

h. I also had some routine cardiology consultations and EKGs in the doctor's office.

i. I paid a fraction for the procedures in Lindora for what I would have in the States.

j. Likewise, the cardio visit and EKG cost me $85.00, a pittance compared to the States.

k. Medismart operates a pharmacy out of its HQ in the Metropolitan Hospital in San Jose.

l. They will make deliveries, but the drugs will not carry a discoiunt and one pays delivery fees for the motorcycle courier (I got mine overnight).

m. The claim that Medismart has a relationship with Fishel Pharmacies in Auto Mercados turns out to be misleading, insofar as no discounts obtain for Medicmart members.

n. FarmaValue has the least expensive "presecription" meds, and "seniors" with cedula or passport can get 15% off on Tuesdays and 10% off on Wednesdays, for those on a budget.

o. Not all prescriptions items are carried in any given pharmacy at any given time.

p. Wlarlart's pharmacy is well-stocked, but not inexpensive.

q. Insofar as possible, when I "stemp out" I fulfill my presscripitions in the USA, and pay a very low copay of $1.60 per scrip with my insurance.

r. Most of the Medismart doctors speak English (though for practice, my entire conversations with them took place in Spanish).

s. Likewise, Medismart has a dedicated phone life for native English speakers.

t. Medicamart also maintains an on-duty staff of physicians in the daytime and up to 10 PM to screen calls and direct the customer to a provider, if he or she has trouble navigating the website.

u. Virtually all of the providers use WHATSAPP for communication with the clients.

v. The patient is well served to have a TICO phone number with CLARO, KOLBI, or LIBERTY.

w. Medismart also has a pet insurance option.

x, I opted for the cancer care add on, @$2.00 USD/month more, and paid for the services, six-months in advance.

y. I had inexpensive travel insurance through SEGUROS POR VIAJE, a firm that caters to C.R. and other Latin America countries, based in South Florida.

z. After six-months, I replaced my travel insurance with Allianz, for a ridiculously lowe amount, booked through my US Airline when I booked a "stamping out"  R/T flight well in advance.

SHOPPING

a. I do combination shopping for food.

b. In out town, I visit some fruit and vegetable stands; a "Chinese market"; MegaSuper; a cheese store; and several bakeries.

c. I occasionally head into the provincial capital to shop at Walmart. I bought bedding and dishware and other kitchenware there. They have good supplies of frozen fish (like salmon), olive oil and avocado oil, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and avocadoes. Also, they have bulk items like rice, cereal, and snacks, along with alcoholic beverages like beer and wine.

d. Pequeno Mundo in the provincial capital has a good variety of foodstuffs, at better prices, generally, than Walmart.

e. El Rey is a good place to buy furniture and other household items.

f. I get a weekly delivery of many household and food items from a provider in my province.

g. I am delighted with the level of service from the co-owners, a Canadian from BC and his brother-in-law, a Tico.

h. I highly recommend MARKET & MORE (if you google them, you can set up an account).

i. For weekly orders over $120.00, delivery is free.

j. I get mine on schedule from UBER Fast drivers.

k. I find the quality of the food to be excellent: organic vegetables, frozen foods, delicious soups, snack cookies and crackers, excellent baked goods; and a huge range of household products, many from PRICESMART, but delivered to my doorstep via the Uber Fast driver.

l. It saves me the hassle of time and money and also provides quality products at competitive prices.

m. My small town has a GALLO appliance store, which is like a mini-Best Buy or P.C. Richards where I come from.

m. I recently saw online a sale on sheets for $12.00 USD for a queen-sized b ed, a fraction of what I would expect to pay at Walmart or elsewhere.

n. The canton has a variety of small shops and storefronts that include clothing and sporting goods shops, and even some souvenir stores. This shop also sells items like umbrellas and caps that provide shade from the sun.

o. I like to patronize the local businesses, just as I visit the barbershops in town and other local shops.

p.  I prefer to save money and cook at home, and do not eat out, even in the local sodas, pizzerias, and Chinese restaurant.

q, I occasionally visit the provincial capital to shop at AutoMercado and the vitamin shop in the same strip mall.

r. They tend to cater to expats and to be pricey, though the quality of the goods at AutoMercado and the variety tend to be quite good.

s. I do not own a car and travel by bus.

t. One of my neighbors told me that on the local bus run, since I am a senior, I would not have to pay the bus fare (even without a "cedula," the national ID and health benefit card).

u. It turns out to be true at least on the local routes from my canton elsewhere.

v. I have found this practice NOT to be true when traveling by bus to some of the outer provinces.

w. I am careful maintaining my budget, but I do NOT scrimp on nutritious and tasty food, which I often share with neighbors or the migrant farmworkers and their family on a nearby finca/plantation.

Many, many interesting insights  and observations. Allow me to add one more . . .

When we landed in Costa Rica, we resolved to use the local currency (colones, that is) to the greatest extent possible. That has worked very well for us and we'll continue to do so. There's no more having to wait for some clerk's math to catch up. No retailer has to call the bank to get the current exchange rates. And every ATM will dispense colones even from your dollar account. And, if you pay in dollars, you'll likely get colones in change which adds another layer of confusion.

Dave and Marcia set continually the gold standard on ex-pat.com.

I always find their commentary to be instructive and civil.

I always try to pay on my credit card to get the frequent flyer miles/rewards points.

This year, I have booked four (4) R/T flights for a scouting mission; arrival; stamping out on my tourist visa (and back); stamping out again after 180-days; and to attend a family wedding in the spring.

I pay taxes and fees.

Unfortunately, no frequent flyer miles accrue via these trips.

My preferred airline has rewarded me with significantly better seating (one time, bumped up TWICE to business class).

A code share airline is cheaper for miles spent, with a "triangle raid" and layover in a South American capital, but I will take the "red eye" to save 54,000 frequent flyer miles, which equates to $54,000.00 USD spent.

The code share airline makes me pay for seats on the non-US legs of the route, but they also serve hot meals on the flight.

The overnight fligh includes a hot dinner and a breakfast.

The gate and onboarding staff and crew I have found to be excellent.

I have flown my US-based airline for many years, and have rarely encountered any difficulties or delays.

I've never been big on carrying (or spending cash), and while I realize that the exchange rates and transaction fees can be annoying, I accept it as part of the "trade-off."

Even flights on sale by some Latin American carriers from SJO (Juan Santa Maria International Airport in Alajuela) to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Atlanta are pricey by my standards, unless one hits a very good sale.

I will always avoid scammers and avoid a land crossing at Nicaragua.

One day, for the experience, I will stamp out in Panama.

Flights from SJO to Guatemala and El Salvador are inexpensive, and sometimes a good airfare can be found to one of the cities in Columbia.

I am retired and on a tight budget, so I take full advantage of the frequent flyer options.

AMEX recently raised the annual fee on my card from $200.00 to $300.00 per year, but also expanded the routes to include Hawaii and Europe, with a once-a-year companion fair allowance.

I figure that I saved about $6,000.00 this year on frequent flyer flights.

I also get a free checked  bag and pay less for a second bag, when I am bringing back extra stuff for myself or for friends and neighbors.

By being in the States, I get to see family and friends and also take advantage of insurance for medical and dental needs.

My insurance also has an OTC (over-the-counter) provision, so I can buy about $230.00 worth of approved items (vitamins and other things included in the program) at a local drug store, which is much cheaper to get in the states and transport down than to buy in CR.

I also brought down a large amount of things that are hard to get here in bulk sizes and expensive, e.g. SKPPY"s Chunky peanut butter and Marie's Blue Cheese Dressing.

I can get comparable items in CR, but in smaller packages and not as good as my preferred brands.

I also stocked up in bulk on things like cashews, which cost twice as much here, and some other favorite snack items that are scarce of non-existent.

I love getting Tico products, but it's nice to fill the shelves of the pantry with some items that are treats for me and for my neighbors.

S/B companion FARE allowance...

PS--The OTC allowance from my insurance is @$115.00 for each quarter, so when I return I have an accrued amount for two (2) quarters, or six (6) months, therefore I have $215.00 of "house money"  to spend on items at CVS, my pharmacy of choice in the USA.

CRIME:

TICO TIMES featured a story this week concerning the decline of tourism in Costa Rica, resulting in the loss of 50,000 jobs in related industries, coupled with a town turn in expats relocating to C.R.

A principal reason appears in this STEM notice from the US EMBASSY in Pavas, issued this date (11/25/2025):.

These cautions should be read carefully and followed to

avoid the most dangerous and disastrous consequences of the uptick of crime in Costa Rica:

Security Alert - U.S. Embassy, San Jose, Costa Rica (November 25, 2025) 

Location: Costa Rica, country-wide

Events:  The U.S. Embassy is aware of recent property crimes, financial crimes, and robberies that have impacted foreigners in Costa Rica, including U.S. citizens:

Criminal gangs have targeted foreign-owned businesses and residences for crimes that included robberies, break-ins, and extortion.

Criminal gangs have targeted foreign residents and travelers, forcing them to withdraw large sums of cash from ATMs or to make bank transfers.

Tourists have reported break-ins and armed robberies at Airbnb's and other rental properties. 

Actions to Take:

Report all incidents to Costa Rica’s investigatory police (Organismo de Investigación Judicial or OIJ).  Official contact information and locations for IJJ can be found on their website.  Verify the identity of local authorities that approach you, request to see their ID, and if you have concerns, go to the closest OIJ office.

If you own a residence or business in Costa Rica:

Enhance your physical security at your property; consider installing security cameras and motion sensor lights.

Secure all valuables and minimize cash on hand.

Minimize your online presence and do not share information on social media that can identify your property, assets, or current location.

Institute clear security protocols for family, visitors, and/or employees.

Conduct a risk assessment of your property.

Consider neighborhood watches and regular engagement with local law enforcement.

If you are visiting Costa Rica:

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches.

Avoid traveling alone, particularly at night. 

Do not leave valuables unattended in your vehicle at any time.

Double check that your vehicle is locked; thieves often use signal blockers to prevent vehicles from locking with key fobs.

Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

Set daily withdrawal limits for your bank accounts, minimize funds kept in any one account, advise your bank of your travel plans in advance, and consider contacting your bank to discuss any concerns and security strategies.

Research your Airbnb, rental, or hotel in advance.  Ensure the property has strong security measures, and keep doors and windows locked.  Avoid properties with reviews that mention security incidents.

Purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for loss or theft of valuables while abroad.

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica 

+506 2519-2000 

ACSSanJose@state.gov 

https://cr.usembassy.gov/    

State Department - Consular Affairs 

+1 (888) 407-4747 or +1 (202) 501-4444 

Coupled with a DOWNTURN in..

Everything I said before that that this guy negated about some of Costa Rica's coastal  beach towns turning as dangerous as 'Port Au Prince,Haiti',he is  now reciting word for word !..Then he has his idol, that has rentals in Atenas that needs graphs, extensive studies,hardline research of the revolving door of the relocated naive that takes the bait.....Then leaving Costa Rica tucked-tailed out of here in droves, after declaring permanence in the new country,then,leaving in the middle of the night....Reality shoved into these two ,like a 'Ram-Rod' by today's alert by the U.S.Embassy.....Actually this alert was way too late...As some have had their remains returned back to their origins in a bag or the lucky ones leaving Costa Rica in total financial ruin..

@edwinemora

A further troll

Lacking English comprehension.

So boring.

FLUCTUATING CURRENCY: USDs

[Dollar drops 27% over three years].

<  Tico Times (1123.2025

Dollar Hits 17-Year Low in Costa Rica as Tourism Feels the Pinch

https://ticotimes.net/2025/11/23/dollar … -the-pinch

The colon has appreciated nearly 27 percent against the dollar over three years, from over ₡640 in mid-2022. This makes local goods and services pricier in dollar terms, cutting competitiveness. Exporters and tourism firms report lower incomes, with 75 percent of tourism businesses seeing reduced earnings last year.

Security issues add to the challenges, with rising violence noted as another barrier for visitors. Combined with the currency shift, these factors weaken the appeal of a destination long known for safety and nature. Ahead, groups push for steps to maintain edge. Targeting promotions on non-price value or local-currency deals might help. If rates stay low, high season from December could see fewer guests.

If one should elect to  subscribe to the daily WAVE app's  current conversion rate update indicator, one could plot the downward slope of the weakening of the USD versus the RC Colon.in recent years.

The exchange rate of the dollar has declined in recent years from 670 Colones to 494 Colones.

It seems to be dropping further on an almost daily basis.

Taken in conjunction with inflation and the effects of tariffs, many expats become further squeezed financially.

CR COLON