sporto505
American expat in Costa Rica
Forum posts
96
Contacts
5
About me
American
Lives in Santa Ana
Speaks english, hopefully Espanol soon
Registration: 02 March 2015
Preventive care in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As an expat in Costa Rica, taking care of your health would be one of your main priorities. Preventive healthcare plays a crucial role in keeping fit and healthy. We therefore would like to invite you to share your insights on ...
@Cheryl I suppose if I was fluent in espanol and perhaps a bit more patient the local CAJA clinics might have worked better than my experience. But every medication I requested required another specialists doctor to prescribe it. The result was a ... Read More
Which city would be the best inexpensive place, preferably near water? by Jusk
Hi, im looking to explore places (apartments etc.) to consider moving to in CR. Which city would be the best inexpensive place, preferably near water?Would consider mountains, river and farm areas as well.
@Jusk Every thing in Costa Rica is expensive. Some are just more expensive than others. If you want less expensive stay away from all tourist areas, meaning principally Tamarindo on the West and Puerto Viejo on the East. Stay away from Limon on ... Read More
Cost of living in Costa Rica in 2024 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in Costa Rica, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in Costa ...
The cost of livin g in CR in 2023 continues to be an expensive place to live. Over the last ten years the cost of living here has increased significantly, mostly since 2022 forward when inflation hit the US and then CR.Rent is dependent ... Read More
Email penpal insights about Costa Rica by bhu11163
Hello I’m new to this forum and am planning on visiting Costa Rica for the first time,and possibly moving there someday. I am retired,live alone,and hope to receive good insight into how it is for a retired single person to live there.Thank you
Hi. Sorry for the delay in responding. My computer went on vacation. I have lived in the Central Valley of Metro-San Jose for almost nine years. I moved down here at age 62 when I retired. The pros are the culture, the large majority of people, ... Read More
Wanting to move from Canada by tjuckufarley
Hi AllMy Wife and I are ex South Africans that moved to Canada in 2002. We are Canadian citizens now, and have been for a long time. As most of you Canadians know; life in Canada has changed much over the last few years. So - as the average middle ...
To anyone thinking of moving to CR and working, "Dave y Marcia" know the rules. They have been here for some time. To those needing any kind of lawyer I urge them to do their due diligence verifying and speaking to prior clients and anglos from ... Read More
Secure your financial assets as an expat in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, As we navigate the exciting world of living and working in Costa Rica, it's essential to make informed decisions about our financial future. We’d love to hear about the different investment options available for expats: ...
My experience dealing with CR banks is their approach is so paranoid and their understanding of how property sales documentation in the US has changed in the last 5 years is so limited that it is impossible to work with the banks here. As a result ... Read More
The cost of Living in Costa Rica in 2023 by Mickael
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience on the evolution of the cost of living in the region or city where you live in order to answer future requests for information from new members of the site who would like to ...
The cost of food items or any other item imported from the US has gone thru the roof in 2023. If your content to live on beans, rice and local produce you can still live and pay a reasonable amount for food. Rent depends on where you live and ... Read More
Moving dogs from USA to costa rica by laurenqmeeks
Hello all, hubby and I are trying to spend an extended period of time in Costa Rica and would like to bring our dogs along for the adventure. We have two large German shepherd mixes that are not service animals. the hitch of everything is that none ...
In 2017 I flew my dog from the US to SJO. There are significant rules that are required to do this in terms of dates/vet appointments, overnight mail to and back from the USDA. I flew via American Air. The cost was around $200. There is a cutoff ... Read More
Place to move in CR with my only income of social security by edram1961
Is there any affordable place to live with all amenities like rent food cable internet gas ligth health insurance for less than $1000 us dollars a month in CR?Please let me know thanks
@Blackwatch // Why buy a vehicle and plan on storing it for the majority of the year? You would save yourself some $ and likely a lot of headaches if you just rely on ubers and taxis (metered only ) during your short stays here.?? Just a thought. Read More
Inflation in Costa Rica in 2022 by Mickael
In the various media, inflation in Costa Rica is becoming increasingly important. This is becoming a concern for some, with fears of an impact on day-to-day budgeting. Today, how does inflation in Costa Rica impact on daily life? Which ...
INFLATION is here in Costa Rica at the grocery stores. most things seem to have risen 20% in the last few months. a bit shocking at the checkout counter. What I used to buy for 60,000 colones is now 90,000 or more. posted Nov. 7 2022 Read More
19% healthcare tax on retirees in CR by Blackwatch
I have been researching the details of retiring in Costa Rica. Recently there have been changes to the Caja or healthcare and retirement program. After March 16, 2022 if you become a resident under the pensionado program you have to pay into the ...
From 2017 onward I was previously registered with CAJA ( as a pensionado ) and paid about 27,500 colones per month. During the covid pandemic I was told I did not have to pay the monthly sum for X months. In the fifth month from the pause in ... Read More
Getting Medication in Costa Rica by Symmetry01
How do americans get the medications they need? What are the average costs of medications compared to costs in USA. For example, my wife needs Percocet for sciatica and that runs up to 30 dollars a month after our insurance coverage. What is the ...
t@davidwwatsonjr : Dr. Watson I presume? just joking. Hard to resist that one. :) Read More
Moving to Costa Rica solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to Costa Rica is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing for ...
I moved to Costa Rica, alone in January 2015. I didn't know anyone but met my first honest good hearted tico at the airport. Marvin was and remains a taxi driver. He was there to pick me up at the request of an acquaintance of my daughter who ... Read More
Update on our Development/house building experience by Justagirl8870
I write this update with exhaustion in my breath but I am so appreciative of all of the support during our journey that I wanted to offer this for those that gave those encouraging words. August, 2021, almost 6 years after taking the bait, home ...
Wow. what a tale of woe and experience. You should start listing yourselves as CR construction consultants for the perils of local development. People buying/building houses here would be well advised to learn what can go wrong. And it would ... Read More
Packages from the U. S. by oilandgas7
What is the best and safest way to have a package sent from the U. S.
If one goes to the Correo CR website, it states that personal packages (not letters) from the US are considered the least important type of mail and thus are the last to be delivered. It states you will wait for two months before it is even looked ... Read More
Buying vacation property near Uvita by klordson40
Hello, This is my first post here and I have joined so I can gain valuable insight from others on the same path. We are currently looking for vacation rental properties near Uvita/ Dominical. I currently still live in the US, but we vacationed in ...
If you want an HONEST and very good lawyer who lives in San Jose metro area and specializes in Mortgages/Real Estate, contact Fabiola Ruiz. I can recommend her from personal use. Her contact info is ruizasoc@gmail.com. Her phone is ... Read More
Mild Climate/Family Location by wrevans02
I will be bringing my family of four, 2y/o and 4 y/o boys included in that. Where should I be looking if I need a mild climate for health reasons and can buy the things I need for my family without traveling too far. Doctor, school, groceries, ...
Wrevans02. Mild climate is the central valley most of which is San Jose, but there are a lot of small surrounding towns as well. Cost of rent varies greatly depending on what you want and where you are looking. A two bedroom Tico casa that has a ... Read More
Placing Canadian/American check into Costa Rican bank account by Henrych
Ladies and Gentlemen, A million dollars question. Can I place a regular check from my Canadian checking account (could be in CAD or USD) into my Costa Rican bank account, so I could regularly refill my CR account (instead of wire transfer). Any ...
Hi. I use two banks here. BAC website has both an english version and an espanol version. it is a user friendly website and offers decent telephone support in english if needed. I use it to pay my bills which include Kolbi phone and internet, ... Read More
Placing Canadian/American check into Costa Rican bank account by Henrych
Ladies and Gentlemen, A million dollars question. Can I place a regular check from my Canadian checking account (could be in CAD or USD) into my Costa Rican bank account, so I could regularly refill my CR account (instead of wire transfer). Any ...
Hi. Sorry for the late response. I was NOT charged any fee to deposit my check in BAC. Read More
Costa Rican Spanish Lessons by GuestPoster286
Being aware that Spanish in Costa Rica differs from other places, I don't know where to best find online classes. Any suggestions appreciated for a senior slow learner,
Rosetta Stone is not worth the money they were asking last time I looked. Duolingo and SpanishDict are both free with minimal ads or ad free with a small charge. Both are great and work great together. Those are the two I use. Duolingo offers ... Read More
Pickleball courts in Escazu or around San Jose by Minnesota1
Hello, I am looking for a place to play pickleball indoors or outdoors. Any recommendations will be appreciated. Thank you
I believe Cariari Country Club has a pickle ball court. It has a big tennis club/facilities. I was at the Shrimp Shack the other day and think I saw such a court. Call the club and ask for the Tennis department. ( hable espanol? ) Read More
Placing Canadian/American check into Costa Rican bank account by Henrych
Ladies and Gentlemen, A million dollars question. Can I place a regular check from my Canadian checking account (could be in CAD or USD) into my Costa Rican bank account, so I could regularly refill my CR account (instead of wire transfer). Any ...
Hola. I can't confirm Canadian checks because I only deposited an American check on several occasions. I asked the bank teller who asked her supervisor who said yes. I deposited the check and it cleared in about four days, which was much ... Read More
Single male retiree from US - dating options by usexpat707
I am a single male in US, just turned 50. I am considering relocating to Costa Rica, and live a relaxed, semi-retired lifestyle. This will be a new chapter in my life, and I will be re-inventing many parts of it. Fortunately I have enough means that ...
haha. well more or less. but we do not live together. she has her own casa. She wants me to live with her in HER casa at some point in the future. When it gets to the planning stage I'll get some updated advise. Thanks for the headsup. Read More
Single male retiree from US - dating options by usexpat707
I am a single male in US, just turned 50. I am considering relocating to Costa Rica, and live a relaxed, semi-retired lifestyle. This will be a new chapter in my life, and I will be re-inventing many parts of it. Fortunately I have enough means that ...
IMHO, Costa Rica is a great country to live in but not a good country to learn espanol in. Ticos talk fast and cut off syllables in their words. It is to me almost impossible to understand because even if you can recognize a word, in spanish ... Read More
Physical mail in CR by GuestPoster14788
Good morning all, I'm moving to Costa Rica next month and have a question about physical mail. I will be using Travelling Mailboxes to have my mail scanned online to read. This service will forward any physical mail I need. My question is if I ...
Physical mail delivery is an issue in Costa Rica. I would go to the post office when you get into your house and ask them if they will deliver the mail you expect will be sent. If the answer is no, or maybe or well try, I would ask them about ... Read More
Investing in Costa Rica by Diksha
Hello everyone, During your expatriation in Costa Rica, you might have been made aware of interesting investment schemes (local or international). Whether one wants to make money grow, protect oneself or prepare for retirement, investment is ...
Bridge loans. That was the answer to my question to the guy I met at an expat group meeting. A Canadian. I had asked him what he did for a living. He explained all about it and i was going to think about it. The more I thought about this ... Read More
Expat interest in politics in Costa Rica by Bhavna
Hello everyone, As an expat, your day-to-day life in Costa Rica is impacted by decision-making at the political level in your host country as well as in your country of origin. We would like to know how involved you think expats should be in the ...
I wish I could read and understand the espanol spoken here in Costa Rica. The speed of speech and the dropping of syllables off word endings leaves me clueless. But I do wish there was an outlet for gringo questions. Such as what is the ... Read More
Is it legal to import hemp fiber to CR? by Kimberllay
Hi folks, I have a construction company that builds using industrial hemp fiber (www.hempcrete.ca) and have been invited to CR to do a workshop on how to build with the remarkable material. I would need to import a container of fiber. My client ...
Si, I agree you should contact an import agent, or a lawyer who works in that field. and this surprise will be the biggest one, the customs office here will want you to pay tax/duty on the value of that container you are shipping in. You need to ... Read More
Caution in trusting Ticos
Below is an AM Costa Rica article about yet another gringo who was killed for money by Ticos/Nicos who were alerted to a possible easy payday by someone who worked for the gringo. This has to be at least the 6th version of a familiar story all ... Read More
Language barriers in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Costa Rica. What is the official language in Costa Rica, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is it possible ...
I have lived in CR almost four years. I will be the first to say that I have not studied real hard, but I have tried to learn espanol. My biggest problem is understanding "Tico" espanol. Not only is the local dialect spoken extremely ... Read More
Embassy and banking issues by Guestposter6510
OK, so everything you are to read I have all the emails (and recorded phone calls to SS) between myself and the embassy to prove what I am saying?! I opened a bank account here with Banco de Costa Rica and when I tried to fill out the form to move ...
I think you should drive down to the embassy AFTER you make an appointment. with the advent of terrorism, our embassy's now require all US expats to make an appointment or they won't see you. You can do this online. YES, the embassy ... Read More
Affordable attorney sought by holisticdoc
I am looking to hire a licensed Costa Rican attorney for a real estate closing and title registration. Please share your referrals of lawyers you have worked and who are trustworthy as well as competently experienced.
I have used three or four lawyers here to date. Two well known firms in San Jose, a single lawyer in San Jose and one in Guanacaste. All three in San Jose are very competent. This single , is most economical and like one other, specializes in ... Read More
Getting Medication in Costa Rica by Symmetry01
How do americans get the medications they need? What are the average costs of medications compared to costs in USA. For example, my wife needs Percocet for sciatica and that runs up to 30 dollars a month after our insurance coverage. What is the ...
There are some farmicias that won't ask for a script from a doc for something like Tramadol, which despite the mania going on in the states over pain medicines, is not an opioid. However, my experience following gallbladder surgery here, is ... Read More
House Sitting in CR by aconnors2003
Professional Interior Designer in Chicago, looking to move to CR. Have heard of families looking for reputable caretakers of their homes in the off season. Any ideas how to get the word out or other expat blogs you recommend to get to know ...
lol. no. it was from San Jose to Managua. It takes two hours to cross the border, or at least it took my two buses two hours to cross the border. Read More
House Sitting in CR by aconnors2003
Professional Interior Designer in Chicago, looking to move to CR. Have heard of families looking for reputable caretakers of their homes in the off season. Any ideas how to get the word out or other expat blogs you recommend to get to know ...
The bus ride to Nicaragua is a L-O-N-G ride. 11-12 hours. Bus is less expensive but one can also fly to Panama round trip for about $200. I have been told one can fly into Nicaragua as well but have not taken that flight. Re: housesitting in ... Read More
Free and low-cost leisure activities in Costa Rica
sorry there is nothing low cost in costa rica. it cost as much as Albuquerque NM for rent and more for food at Automercado and anything else one wants to enjoy in the city. but the beaches are still free. Read More
The best apps for expats in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share information regarding some of the apps that have helped to facilitate your move abroad in Costa Rica. This will help expats-to-be who are making the move as well. Which apps did you use while preparing your move ...
Without doubt, WAZE is the best app for Costa Rica. I have been living here for three years. The first two years, the only place I saw with any street names was downtown San Jose. Recently I have noticed a few more areas are putting up street ... Read More
Traffic in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Costa Rica, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people ...
I live in Cariari, a small town 10 minutes from the airport, off ruta 1within the greater San Jose Metro area. the traffic within Cariari is very little given that there is only one small commercial center in this town around the golf course. ... Read More
Keeping in touch while living in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the best ways you've found for keeping in touch with friends and family back home while living in Costa Rica? How frequently do you stay in touch with loved ones? Are there local equivalents to common instant messaging ...
Hi SanRamon: First, I currently use magic App on an iphone. I don't know if it can be turned off or not. I do close the open app along w/ any others I have used and they all close. My phone has never told me I have an app running in the ... Read More
Keeping in touch while living in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the best ways you've found for keeping in touch with friends and family back home while living in Costa Rica? How frequently do you stay in touch with loved ones? Are there local equivalents to common instant messaging ...
yes, the magic app is ONLY for calling US numbers or for US numbers calling you. if you wish to call any local CR number you will want to dial direct from your CR number, whether it is a kolbi, moviestar or claro sim card. "Ssmith338 is ... Read More
Keeping in touch while living in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the best ways you've found for keeping in touch with friends and family back home while living in Costa Rica? How frequently do you stay in touch with loved ones? Are there local equivalents to common instant messaging ...
You do NOT need the magic jack. that was only for land lines. the MagicApp is solely for mobile phones. And the fee is $10 per YEAR !! good deal. I use Kolbi for my CR carrier so there is no need for any thing from a US provider. gk The ... Read More
Keeping in touch while living in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the best ways you've found for keeping in touch with friends and family back home while living in Costa Rica? How frequently do you stay in touch with loved ones? Are there local equivalents to common instant messaging ...
The best most economical way to communicate with people back in the US is by installing the app, Magicapp on your phone. It costs $10 per year. Once you pay, you select a phone number from magic app’s list. People can call this number and ... Read More
Cost of living in Costa Rica - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Costa Rica, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices ...
I have lived in the San Jose Metro area for just over two years. During that time, I have rented two bedroom units in Los Yoses San Pedro, Santa Ana and Cariari. The unit in Los Yoses San Pedro was $500 per month. It was nice but basic. No hot ... Read More
Are you happy in Costa Rica? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Costa Rica? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
good words Dave. I like your insight. it is all true Read More
Are you happy in Costa Rica? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Costa Rica? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
If it were not for the traffic.!! I am retired. As a result, I can usually skip the worst hours where the entire San Jose metro area is clogged with cars. But that means staying off Ruta 1 ( General Canas autopista ) between the hours of ... Read More
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT by mburk
I live in the US but purchased a condo in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica. Would like to open a checking or savings account there. What is needed and/or how hard is it to open an account?
lol. well this just shows that everyone has their own experience. When i first arrived I tried to open an account at Scotiabank. Could not do it. Then a business acquaintance was able to open one up for me at banco nacional prior to my cedula. ... Read More
Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Costa Rica can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Costa Rica? What are ...
Crime? Before I moved here, the blogs had me worried about my car, my wallet, and anything else not tied down. My experience is just the opposite. I have lost my iphone twice and been called by someone who found it to come pick it up. I have ... Read More
Customer care in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Costa Rica ...
The largest exposure new expats and visitors have with customer service in Costa Rica is the wait staff at restaurants and bars. The custom here is very different from the rush rush US. In the US, the establishments ( and the tip based waiters ... Read More
Bringing a hand gun to Costa Rica
This is posted May 9, 2016. I recently attempted to bring a hand gun with me to Costa Rica. I have been living in the San Jose metro area for over a year. I was back home for a month and decided I should bring a pistol with me to keep in my ... Read More
Border run to NIcaragua July 2015 by sporto505
I just returned from my first border run. previously I had used my return airline ticket from my initial move down here. This time I did not want to spend a day in flight back to USA, nor buy another ticket back here. So I took Ticabus to ...
Hi Pebs. I am still around. a nice thing about this website is it sends me an email when someone posts a topic I have made a comment about. I do not know what website my co-bus rider used, only remember it was an online Canadian website. But ... Read More
Good Immigration Lawyers by MississippiBill
I would like to solicit input on good immigration lawyers. I understand that ARCR offers this service but have heard that local lawyers may be just as good and considerably less expensive. Please advise with your recommendations. Thanks Bill
I opted for the pensionado status. Once I left ARCR, and used Johanna @ costaricaimmigration experts, she did the communicating for me at the CAJA office. I was going to be charged $200 or 10% of my social security payment. But Johanna walked ... Read More
Towns to Relocate to in CR- Your suggestions? by rroberts924
Hi, I'm brand new to this site and I'm trying to get information or suggestions on towns to consider if I relocate to CR next year. I'd like to find a small, relaxing location. Not remote, but not crowded or overrun with tourists. ...
If you want american's you have only a few options. one is Escazu where you will pay high price for rent or housing. And it is pretty crowded. or Atenas, where you will be about 30 minutes from metro area San Jose. It is a small town w/ ... Read More
Good Immigration Lawyers by MississippiBill
I would like to solicit input on good immigration lawyers. I understand that ARCR offers this service but have heard that local lawyers may be just as good and considerably less expensive. Please advise with your recommendations. Thanks Bill
Keep reading. the "pensionado " requirement is $1,000 per month. there are two more types left. One requires something close to $60k. The other requires a much larger deposit in the country. By far, for other reasons, the best ... Read More
Good Immigration Lawyers by MississippiBill
I would like to solicit input on good immigration lawyers. I understand that ARCR offers this service but have heard that local lawyers may be just as good and considerably less expensive. Please advise with your recommendations. Thanks Bill
call Costa Rica Immigration Experts. Johanna Alvarez. She is very good. you can find their website by their company name. I enrolled w/ the ARCR program. It did good initially, but once I got my resolution of approval, their customer service ... Read More
Good Immigration Lawyers by MississippiBill
I would like to solicit input on good immigration lawyers. I understand that ARCR offers this service but have heard that local lawyers may be just as good and considerably less expensive. Please advise with your recommendations. Thanks Bill
Todays date is 11/28/15. I tried the ARCR route. While my initial meeting was good, the follow thru of the lawyers there was less than good. The one staff in charge of all the paperwork is way over worked. She had a foot stack of applications ... Read More
Driving in Costa Rica by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Costa Rica? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
LOL. Thanks for letting us know that red light rule. I would have never guessed. I feel much better about my own driving now, knowing that.! Read More
Driving in Costa Rica by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Costa Rica? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
Yes, I agree, rush hour in San Jose is absurd. I don't go there at that time anymore. The government bans all cars with license plates ending in 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, etc, with the respective day of the week, M-F. It doesn't even begin to help. ... Read More
Driving in Costa Rica by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Costa Rica? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
" that kinda crap". As I mulled over this term it occurred to me this goofball conduct exhibited by Tico drivers, is perhaps one thing I find most endearing about this country. whether it is double parking on a busy street, or making a ... Read More
Safety in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Costa Rica? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think ...
yes, I agree single family homes are a big target here in CR. Both for Ticos and foreigners. cash and laptops appear to be the quick primary items of theft. It is hard to speak to anyone who has lived here any length of time who does not have a ... Read More
Driving in Costa Rica by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Costa Rica? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
Hola samramon. I live in Santa Ana. I regularly drive to Heredia and San Pedro weekly, along w/ occasional trips to the Ocean etc. I suspect that Ticos drive pretty much the same way regardless of where one lives in the central valley. I think ... Read More
Getting Medication in Costa Rica by Symmetry01
How do americans get the medications they need? What are the average costs of medications compared to costs in USA. For example, my wife needs Percocet for sciatica and that runs up to 30 dollars a month after our insurance coverage. What is the ...
All the medicines I bought in Nicaragua were authentic medicines, just like the ones I buy in CR. all were boxed and labeled by their manufacturer. Read More
Driving in Costa Rica by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Costa Rica? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
I love the driving habits of Costa Ricans. Compared to what I saw in ABQ. NM, and cities like Chicago or Phoenix, Costa Ricans are much more tolerant, much more courteous, and use a whole lot more common sense in getting around. My experience in ... Read More
Getting Medication in Costa Rica by Symmetry01
How do americans get the medications they need? What are the average costs of medications compared to costs in USA. For example, my wife needs Percocet for sciatica and that runs up to 30 dollars a month after our insurance coverage. What is the ...
In July 2015 I used my US doctor scripts to refill my meds. I am not yet in CAJA so cost was direct w/ pharmacy. Cost of generic tamsulosin and tramadol was very expensive here in CR. I had to do a border run for my drivers license. I went to ... Read More
Moving to Costa Rica in a month. Want to bring my little dog.
the exam within ten days of departure is to be sure the pet does not have rabies or other disease as there can be some delay in showing of symptoms. thus the requirement of the rabies shot more than 30 days and then the exam w/in the 10 day ... Read More
Moving to Costa Rica in a month. Want to bring my little dog.
Mike. You can get the most current requirements from the US Embassy website. I brought a 40lb dog down here two months ago. I had to get a rabies shot MORE than 30 days from departure. Then I had to have the dog examined with 10 days of ... Read More
Safety in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Costa Rica? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think ...
I have lived in Santa Ana for six months. I know and am friends with several tico families. All of my dealings to date with ticos are positive. I have found them to be honest, fair and helpful. Yes, there is opportunity theft, but so far, I ... Read More
Exchanging currencies
bring small bills like $5 and $10 bills for your taxi ride. FYI, some cabs have a flat fee to and from the airport. Last time I used one it was $30. The current exchange rate ( july 2015) is still around 530 colones to the dollar. So if my ... Read More
Costa Rican cuisine by Priscilla
Hi, When living abroad, tasting the local cuisine is part of discovering the country. What is your favorite food in Costa Rica? What is the local speciality? Share with us the local tastes of Costa Rica and why not your best ...
when it is made right, "olla de carne" is amazing. It is a beef/vegetable soup/stew. When made right the beef is very tender, the broth savory and aromatic. One amazing component is the use of yucca root. Similar to a potato in ... Read More
Border run to NIcaragua July 2015
I just returned from my first border run. previously I had used my return airline ticket from my initial move down here. This time I did not want to spend a day in flight back to USA, nor buy another ticket back here. So I took Ticabus to ... Read More
Friends and Housing by crysti
Hi, I'm moving to Costa Rica in July as I have just been hired at a school in Escazu. I'm a high school English teacher. I'm looking to make connections with ex pat groups for friendship and networking. I do, of course, need to find ...
the advise given to me was to NOT rent anything until you get down here and see it and the owner/agent in person. worked for me. I would recommend it. Second issue is transit. how do you intend to get around? lots of buses but if your not ... Read More
I want to work at a bar and possibly open one by Shoe2007
Hello all!! I'm Elizabeth from Texas. I'm about to be 26. I love to travel and want to live in Costa Rica for a few months, possibly more. Looking to go mid to end of October or beginning of November. I'm going to Europe in August but ...
yes, I agree. Do NOT rent any property until you are down here, and can look at the property w/ the agent/owner. Then look around the unit to see what is going on, morning, noon and night. then consider renting it. :0) Read More
I want to work at a bar and possibly open one by Shoe2007
Hello all!! I'm Elizabeth from Texas. I'm about to be 26. I love to travel and want to live in Costa Rica for a few months, possibly more. Looking to go mid to end of October or beginning of November. I'm going to Europe in August but ...
there are areas of Costa Rica that are inexpensive for rent, and others that are very expensive. The popular beach resorts in Guanacaste area and the Central Valley around San Jose are all expensive. Look at areas like San Isidro de General south ... Read More
Moving a pet successfully to Costa Rica? by Ruby on the Road
Hi- My boyfriend and I are actively considering moving to Costa Rica at the end of the year. Our dogs are our kids and moving without them is not an option. I have looked in to pet relocation, which seems like the safest option, but the quote was ...
There is a paper posted by the US Embassy. It states an import certificate is only necessary if the owner of the dog does not fly on the same flight as the one the dog is on. another reader on this forum states this has now changed. who knows. ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Costa Rica by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Costa Rica. What recommendations would you ...
hola amigo. If heat and humidity do not bother you, check out the southern part of the country. Verdant and lots of animals. if you prefer dry heat, go to guanacaste. Playa Tamarindo and Hermosa are both cool. The first is busy and the latter ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Costa Rica by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Costa Rica. What recommendations would you ...
A man's perspective: 1. The first couple months are not the time to save dollars. Bite the bullet on a rental car for a couple months and use Waze on your smartphone to find your way around. Waze is remarkably easy once you start using it. ... Read More
Cost of living in Costa Rica 2015 by expat.com
Hi all, We invite you to talk about the cost of living in Costa Rica in 2015, with an updated price listing. Don't forget to mention in which city of Costa Rica you are living in. How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica? > ...
delivery to San Jose. ? how many peanuts are we talking about?? Read More
New members of the Costa Rica forum, introduce yourself here - 1st quarter of 2015 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Costa Rica forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Gracias Melissa. What a pleasure to have a knowledgable Tico offer to help !!! I am on playa hermosa now but will have a couple questions when I get back to Santana. gary Read More
Quesions about Costa Rica by sporto505
So Edward1958, would you please be kind enough to expand on your comment in your 12 February 2015 post that someone needs to stress "you are a Canadian and not a gringo" when they get down here to CR? and further, that it is "very ...
Hi Fil. I am guessing someone in Atenas has already told you this, but if not there is a group of expats who meet every Friday afternoon at 2:00pm at a small bar called .........., in the mercedes barrio, just on the outskirts of Atenas. great ... Read More
Quesions about Costa Rica by sporto505
So Edward1958, would you please be kind enough to expand on your comment in your 12 February 2015 post that someone needs to stress "you are a Canadian and not a gringo" when they get down here to CR? and further, that it is "very ...
LOL. whoooo! I hope you don't see this guy regularly ! He may not be so happy to see you next time. lol if you find yourselves coming to my neighborhood, please text or call me at ............. I thought this was a private message. I ... Read More
Quesions about Costa Rica by sporto505
So Edward1958, would you please be kind enough to expand on your comment in your 12 February 2015 post that someone needs to stress "you are a Canadian and not a gringo" when they get down here to CR? and further, that it is "very ...
Thank you for the explanation. I hope in my small way to help reverse the universal reputation that exists of my compatriots. Read More
Quesions about Costa Rica by sporto505
So Edward1958, would you please be kind enough to expand on your comment in your 12 February 2015 post that someone needs to stress "you are a Canadian and not a gringo" when they get down here to CR? and further, that it is "very ...
Edward. I am already in Costa Rica. I have been for several months. I have also watched that video before, along with several other videos by those two guys and a few other individuals on other sites. There is some truth in it, but honestly, I ... Read More
Quesions about Costa Rica by sporto505
So Edward1958, would you please be kind enough to expand on your comment in your 12 February 2015 post that someone needs to stress "you are a Canadian and not a gringo" when they get down here to CR? and further, that it is "very ...
Thank you! sorry to be so dense on these tech things. Anyway, I just moved to Costa Rica after a couple prior visits. I started off in San Pedro, and now in Santana. What is most amazing here are all the micro climates that exist. walk a mile ... Read More
Quesions about Costa Rica
So Edward1958, would you please be kind enough to expand on your comment in your 12 February 2015 post that someone needs to stress "you are a Canadian and not a gringo" when they get down here to CR? and further, that it is "very ... Read More
New members of the Costa Rica forum, introduce yourself here - 1st quarter of 2015 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Costa Rica forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Julian. re: the new member introduction. I am tech challenged and do not see what link or button I click to post my intro. would you do a step by step so I know what to click to post my intro? thanks gary Read More
New members of the Costa Rica forum, introduce yourself here - 1st quarter of 2015 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Costa Rica forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
whoa! I was not aware the term gringo excluded a canadian. Technically it means foreigner. So I am a gringo. What is going to happen to me now? lol. pago mucho dinero? Read More