DDTica
American expat in Costa Rica
Forum posts
93
Contacts
2
About me
American
Speaks Spanglish
Registration: 29 March 2011
Cost of living in Costa Rica by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Costa Rica. Don't forget to mention where in Costa Rica you are living. How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares ...
Jerry, You do realize this is on the public forum and it was only by chance that I read this posting. If you want to ask me anything, please directly message me. The biggest issue US expats have is adjusting to the diet and slowing down ... Read More
Looking for 1 bedroom apartment near Escazu (Budget max 600 USD/mo) by oszelmarc
I'll be relocating to Costa Rica this August and I haven't found any apartment yet online.... I plan to stay at a hotel for 2 to three weeks while looking for an apartment but it would be better if I would have a place to go to directly from the ...
Thank you for your kind words. I am happy to help. October is certainly not shorts and flipflop season. In fact, bring a fleece, especially staying in the central valley. Grey windy days can be surprisingly chilly. For the most part, it is an ... Read More
Looking for 1 bedroom apartment near Escazu (Budget max 600 USD/mo) by oszelmarc
I'll be relocating to Costa Rica this August and I haven't found any apartment yet online.... I plan to stay at a hotel for 2 to three weeks while looking for an apartment but it would be better if I would have a place to go to directly from the ...
http://www.encuentra24.com/costa-rica-en/classifieds This is a good place to start. Craigslist isn't bad either. Good luck Read More
Friends in Costa Rica, help me out! by AskChrisEdwards
Hola friends and amigos. Chris here...veteran traveler since I was 17. Now 31, I am currently in playing in Colombia but wanting to spend a hot minute in Costa Rica by the coast or possibly the canyon for a few months. The last time I was there I ...
Since you live in Montezuma be very careful where you buy your fish. Currently fisherman are not allowed to harvest from the Nicoya gulf because of a red tide, so I try and buy deep water fish. Farmer's markets are certainly the way to shop, but ... Read More
Friends in Costa Rica, help me out! by AskChrisEdwards
Hola friends and amigos. Chris here...veteran traveler since I was 17. Now 31, I am currently in playing in Colombia but wanting to spend a hot minute in Costa Rica by the coast or possibly the canyon for a few months. The last time I was there I ...
Food prices are about double than in the US. That is all across the board: meat, veggies (even bought at farmer's markets) and shelf stable. Fish is super expensive and where I am living now, I can see the ocean and I buy off a back of a truck...and ... Read More
Cost of living in Costa Rica by expat.com
Hi everybody, It would be very useful to talk about the cost of living in Costa Rica. Don't forget to mention where in Costa Rica you are living. How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica? > accommodation prices > public transportation fares ...
Jerry, I would be careful about following the above posts since they are all 5 years old. Many things have changed since then and prices are very high here, especially for food (and I am quite frugal). Unfortunately, you need to be "boots on the ... Read More
banking by jerry reid
My wife and I will be retiring soon to CR. The question I have is when we move we will be applying for a Pensionado Residence and I have heard that you could not open a bank acct. until you are approved. How do we open an acct. to live on until we ...
EVERYONE gets the apostle. Beware of ARCR too. Read More
banking by jerry reid
My wife and I will be retiring soon to CR. The question I have is when we move we will be applying for a Pensionado Residence and I have heard that you could not open a bank acct. until you are approved. How do we open an acct. to live on until we ...
Yes, Bottrader you are correct. Residency should only take little over a year. During that time, I rented and became accustomed to CR. It was a good time to leisurely browse for property and get a firm handle on what I was in for. Flower44: I hope ... Read More
banking by jerry reid
My wife and I will be retiring soon to CR. The question I have is when we move we will be applying for a Pensionado Residence and I have heard that you could not open a bank acct. until you are approved. How do we open an acct. to live on until we ...
Andrea, it is true about lawyers, but I was very lucky and mine explained to me every detail and how to use check and balances, so I did not feel helpless. Unfortunately, that is not the case with most expats. The stories I have heard and witnessed ... Read More
residence status by jerry reidelbach
Hi, does anyone know if one applies for Residence does he have to leave CR in 90 days if he is still waiting for his results or can he stay while his residence is being processed? Jerry
It's only a nightmare if you have a shitty attorney and good attorneys are not cheap. Expect to pay $3000-$5000 per application. That includes EVERYTHING: attorney fees, permits, fingerprints, paperwork, cedula, bond, etc. I see so many people ... Read More
banking by jerry reid
My wife and I will be retiring soon to CR. The question I have is when we move we will be applying for a Pensionado Residence and I have heard that you could not open a bank acct. until you are approved. How do we open an acct. to live on until we ...
You could open an account with HSBC or Scotia Bank in the US since both are found here too. But it may depend on where you want to live since both of those banks are located mainly in the Central Valley. Read More
looking to buy property in Costa Rica by rachmels
Greetings, Looking to buy in Costa Rica.Along the beach.Any advise as per location would be greatly appreciated. For now we will be hoping to use for a couple of week a year and rent to cover the costs of the property.However retirement is fast ...
Also, something that all real estate agents "fail" to mention is that you will never own concession property. All beaches are owned by the government. You only lease them. So that place you spent millions on with the soft sandy beach can be stripped ... Read More
looking to buy property in Costa Rica by rachmels
Greetings, Looking to buy in Costa Rica.Along the beach.Any advise as per location would be greatly appreciated. For now we will be hoping to use for a couple of week a year and rent to cover the costs of the property.However retirement is fast ...
My best advice to you is to rent for a year, at least. I would stay on the Pacific side and look around for what fits you. Unless you have a ton of dough to spend on taxes (up to 4% of the property value!!!), you will not live on the beach, or here ... Read More
Members Living in Costa Rica by rendrag
I am curious to know how many people that post here actually live here. Seems to be many self proclaimed experts that have only visited here a few times. Just sayin'.
Three plus years and counting! Married to a Tico too. Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
There are many laws here, but unlike the US, it is difficult and expensive to have them enforced. It is just better the air on the side of caution and look at every purchase with a critical eye. Read More
single woman considering move to costa rica by sherryring
Hi everyone - I am an active young looking 60 year old woman about to be divorced. NOT looking to meet a man but AM looking to move to Costa Rica possibly which I fell in love with many years ago and make many friends. i just returned from Panama ...
The nearest hospital to Dominical is in San Isidro de General, which is a good size city and supports much of the area, as opposed to going to San Jose. I also know they built a new CIMA hospital just outside of Liberia too. Both of these places ... Read More
Looking for help finding a place to rent. by Daniel_fregia
I travel down to Costa Rica very often and I am thinking about making a more permanent move. I would really aprreciate anyone that could give me any valuable knowledge that they might have. I currently work for a drilling company off the coast of ...
There is a lot round where I live worth a good look. The rainy season can be particularly tough here because few roads are paved. Right now many are battling dust, but if you come in the rainy season, many roads are impassable. Just keep that in ... Read More
Cost of Autos in CR by sfriedman39
I'd like to get some idea of what it costs to purchase and maintain an auto in CR. Also what it might cost and transport an existing one down there and how it is done.
The way it was explained to me was: Costa Rica wants to be carbon neutral so they levy super high taxes on older, less gas efficient cars and less on newer cars (less than 3 years old). Import taxes are still crazy high as far as I am concerned and ... Read More
Looking for help finding a place to rent. by Daniel_fregia
I travel down to Costa Rica very often and I am thinking about making a more permanent move. I would really aprreciate anyone that could give me any valuable knowledge that they might have. I currently work for a drilling company off the coast of ...
I live on the southern end of Nicoya peninsula. It is the dry season now and things are rather crispy but there is a lot of wildlife and many beautiful beaches. Further north it gets even drier this time of year but there are many places to fly in ... Read More
Safest areas
Aserri is a lovely place and I agree with alot you have said, but the majority of crime I have seen happen to the people I know has nothing to do with drugs, gangs or sex. It is mainly fraud (land, business, even immigration), extortion (Ticos ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
I cannot help you with tours. Sorry. I know they are out there but maybe somebody else can pipe up and help you. You should do a new forum post asking that. You might get better feedback. $13,000 will get a good vehicle. Get the biggest one you can ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
Be prepared for sticker shock when you buy a car! They are double anything in the US. And don't think importing one will be cheaper since taxes here are nearly 50% the value of the vehicle. I suggest buying from an expat. They seem to be a little ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
I did mention Atenas (I just spelled it wrong...oops!)It has a hardy expat population and there should be ample rentals around. LaGarita is close by and very similar. I like the area. Lots of rolling hills and places tucked into them. I regards to ... Read More
Safest areas
Crime is certainly an issue here and it seems to be getting worse, with no real end in sight. A lot of the crime is targeted towards expats but it also has to do with the lifestyle you lead. There are two options: Sink tons of money into reliable ... Read More
Looking for a place my husband & I can retire comfortably on $25K a yr by Karen111
I'm looking for a place my husband & I can retire comfortably on $25K a year that is: - close to ocean - doesn't have high humidity all the time - safe - friendly people toward Americans Costa Rica looked good until I found out about the huge bug ...
What you are asking for is unrealistic about any place in Latin America. The closest you can get here is northern Guanacaste area. It's dry, for half of the year, and close to the ocean but crime has been rising exponentially here, especially for ... Read More
Questions from a newbie by DivineStar
Hi newbie here, my hubby and I are planning our move soon to Alajuela, CR. I am very anxious and excited. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing a new life away from where I have been. What are your favorite things about living ...
I almost forgot! Do yourself a huge favor and buy a good map! There are sooooo many places here with the same name or very similar names, even I get confused! Don't trust Google maps either! They show a road near me that only can be done on ... Read More
Need feedback about incorporation attorney/ service in Costa Rica by jdaniels
I need to set up a company in Costa Rica. Dear experienced members, would you please share with me your actual experiences. That means who did you actually use, what was your experience like, good/ bad/ indifferent, etc. I am coming for a trip ...
For real estate and my immigration paperwork. He also represents my friend's business, and did contracts, business/real estate deals for others I had recommended him to. So far we are still all friends! What I like, is that there are no hidden fees ... Read More
Questions from a newbie by DivineStar
Hi newbie here, my hubby and I are planning our move soon to Alajuela, CR. I am very anxious and excited. I'm looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing a new life away from where I have been. What are your favorite things about living ...
First things first; letÂ’s just take off the rose colored glasses. Living in Costa Rica is really no different than living anywhere else in the world. Some aspects are truly amazing and some are truly depressing. All immigrants face some serious ... Read More
Need feedback about incorporation attorney/ service in Costa Rica by jdaniels
I need to set up a company in Costa Rica. Dear experienced members, would you please share with me your actual experiences. That means who did you actually use, what was your experience like, good/ bad/ indifferent, etc. I am coming for a trip ...
Do not hesitate to contact the website I provided. What I like most about him is that if he cannot do what you need, he will tell you so and find someone who can. MANY attorneys here will take on anything, regardless if they have experience, just ... Read More
Need feedback about incorporation attorney/ service in Costa Rica by jdaniels
I need to set up a company in Costa Rica. Dear experienced members, would you please share with me your actual experiences. That means who did you actually use, what was your experience like, good/ bad/ indifferent, etc. I am coming for a trip ...
That is true, but only if you do not have status in Costa Rica. Once you have your immigration status, you can get all your services without a corporation. I know a lot of people who are only here for a few months and then go back and still have ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
Palmares and San Ramon are nice quite places where you can find cheap land and low crime. Not many expats, so Spanish is a must. billymac2- It is very difficult for expats to work here, unless it is under the table or you have a specific work visa ... Read More
Need feedback about incorporation attorney/ service in Costa Rica by jdaniels
I need to set up a company in Costa Rica. Dear experienced members, would you please share with me your actual experiences. That means who did you actually use, what was your experience like, good/ bad/ indifferent, etc. I am coming for a trip ...
First off, why do you need to buy a corporation? Are you starting a business? Because what I have learned is that people (expats) buy corporations because they believe (told by unscrupulous attorneys) that they NEED to buy a corporation to “protect” ... Read More
Jaco or Quepos by dhasti01
Can anyone tell me about these two town's? The ups and down of each. We are in our mid 50's so does not have to be "party town". Looking to rent long term close or on beach!
No on Jaco. Very shady there. And ugly. Quepos is nicer and Manuel Antonio is there too. Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
Things you will notice in CR. There are tons and tons of properties for sale. It's a buyerÂ’s market...but the prices will never reflect that. There are an incredible amount of micro climates. You can go from chilly, windy, sunny, steamy, soaking in ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
If you want hot and convenient, then look into Northern Guanacaste, Liberia and west. It has pretty much everything you need without going to San JoseÂ…too much. BUT it is full of expats and the rent will reflect that. You might find some nice places ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
Costa Rica is not a pedestrian friendly country, regardless of where you live. Sidewalks are often broken or severely uneven, or missing all together. Some have huge culverts you need to step over and open grates that can easily swallow a whole ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
I have gotten to travel pretty much all over the country for several years and each place has its own unique beauty. People who love the lush green jungle life soon may complain about the rain. Those who want it drier, then complain about the heat. ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
Try Atneas. Grecia is warmer than most of the Central Valley and higher in the mountains. It's much like Santa Anna. Seattle it is absolutely not. There are two seasons here: wet and dry. It is like that were ever you live in Costa Rica. And when it ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
What would you like to know? :D Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
Hola, I suggest make a new conversation line asking about relocation. List your age and what exactly you are looking for and that way you can get specific information. Costa Rica may look tiny on a map but it is difficult to get around. For ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
Attorney fees were $1500 and then approximately another $1500 for immigration fees, paperwork, couriers, etc...There are tons of tiny little steps you need to take into consideration. Many people said to me "Oh, $3000 is too much. My guy only ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
No. It's not. You are getting the "blue-eyed tax". Better get use to it. I paid $3000 all in, with many extras too. Since you are in the states it may be cheaper because you can obtain all your legal paperwork there. I told you, contact ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
Residency depends on your lawyer. Recent processing times have been up to 12 months and that has more to do with the volume of immigration cases being processed, but ONLY if your lawyer submits the documentation correctly. Do not tolerate your ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
You need to have residency to open a bank account now. HSBC and Scotia Bank are two international banks that you can open in the US and use here. If you are planning on immigrating and buying real estate, I strongly recommend getting a good lawyer. ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
Grecia is nice, but it all depends on what you are looking for. Make a list of what you want and be open to travel around a bit. Everyone is always so hot for the west side of the Central Valley, but I think Orosi is one of the most lovely places to ... Read More
Mountain roads
Then don't live on the Caribbean side. The main road, and pretty much the only one, is a crazy drive over a jungle mountain that leaves me breathless at times! At least the highway on the Pacific side has guard rails. In all truth, you will have a ... Read More
Healthcare in Costa Rica by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Costa Rica ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Costa Rica? Thanks in advance for ...
I don’t think anyone on this post is an “unhappy ex-pats who look for the bad in everything, think CR is one big conspiracy, etc”. In fact, that is what I like about the posts on this site. People seem honestly invested in giving people good advice. ... Read More
Healthcare in Costa Rica by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Costa Rica ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Costa Rica? Thanks in advance for ...
Scottico, is correct. Get private health insurance. I have been to the big downtown hospital and it was awful! The hospital in Puntarenus is horrifying. If you are on the Caribbean side and require "advanced" medical care, you are better off with a ... Read More
advice re health insurance by sirisweet
Hi, I have read tons about health insurance in Costa Rica. But everyone keeps contradicting each other! I do have preexisting conditions and will need some medications, plus access to some specialists. Right now I have a fairly low monthly income. ...
INS is the only one in CR and I am unsure on pre-exisiting conditions. You would have to call directly and find out. There may be world-wide carriers that would cover CR too, but I don't know who. Good luck! 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 have used Outlier Legal Services and I find them to be extremely straightforward and reliable. They are very approachable and keep me well informed of the progress of my cases. I have dealt with so may other so called "lawyers" here, who just seem ... Read More
When they don't notarize but you need it....
In order to obtain an apostille, the letter should be signed before a notary public. If the state retirement agency does not provide you with the letter signed before a NP, you can have a NP certify a copy of the letter which can be sent for ... Read More
advice re health insurance by sirisweet
Hi, I have read tons about health insurance in Costa Rica. But everyone keeps contradicting each other! I do have preexisting conditions and will need some medications, plus access to some specialists. Right now I have a fairly low monthly income. ...
The private care here is wonderful. Not as much as the US, but it is not cheap either. I would bet all of people you hear rave about the health care are talking about private practices and private care is quite lovely. You can get private insurance ... Read More
advice re health insurance by sirisweet
Hi, I have read tons about health insurance in Costa Rica. But everyone keeps contradicting each other! I do have preexisting conditions and will need some medications, plus access to some specialists. Right now I have a fairly low monthly income. ...
I am cover under CAJA through my husband. Last month I needed medical attention, so I went to the CAJA hospital. It was the worse experience of my life. It was dirty, humiliating, and they botched the procedure resulting in me having to go to a ... Read More
Retiring from military
Archer, I know there are some immigration categories that allow expats to work in Costa Rica. Check the following link and see if any applies to you http://www.outlierlegal.com/Immigration-Services-Costa-Rica.html Read More
Safe Deposit Boxes by MississippiBill
Are Safe Deposit Boxes readily availkable in most banks in Costa Rica?
Hi Billy, I know some banks offer the service, such as Banco de Costa Rica. Try bancobcr.com. They have an option for English on the top right of the page. Read More
Opening a bank account in Costa Rica by Julien
Hi all, is it difficult for expats to open a bank account in Costa Rica ? Which documents are required to open a bank account in Costa Rica ? How long does it take to open it ? Is there any restriction for expats regarding the services ...
Hi, The US cannot seize accounts in CR. Instead, a court in the US can request a Court in Costa Rica to seize the account, and the request cannot be just because, they need to have probable cause. What this means, is that for the average folks, ... Read More
Cost of Autos in CR by sfriedman39
I'd like to get some idea of what it costs to purchase and maintain an auto in CR. Also what it might cost and transport an existing one down there and how it is done.
Hi, My husdand and I drove down from the US twice. Once from Chicago and then from Florida. Whether you drive the car down or ship it, you will be allowed to have a temporary permit for 90 days. After the 90 days, you will have two options, you ... Read More
Possibly Relocating to Costa Rica by armymom1953
Hi everyone! My husband and I are exploring the option of early retirement and moving to Costa Rica. We are looking for a furnished 2 bdrm rental preferably close to a beach. Would like to keep it $800 US dollars or under. We also prefer the warmer ...
A decent house is hard for $800. Your best option is to move around a bit and see what you like the best. Wifi can be found in most hotels. Try on the off season too, since prices may be lower. Good luck! Read More
visa lawyers
I recommend looking at the website for Outlier Legal. I found them to be friendly and very informative, not only on immigration but my realestate issues as well. outlierlegal.com Good Luck! Read More
Hello from Paris, France by rod&clo
Hello Everybody, we are a french couple who have lived abroad in Spain and French west indies for 7 years and are now back to France in the basic arrogant french style ;) We are now very much looking forward to move to another country such as ...
It's true. A French bakery/eatery opened in Cobano only in June and all the expats flock there. They even went back to France to buy more equipment to keep with demand. Read More
Doing business in Costa Rica by Julien
Hi, are foreign investors welcome in Costa Rica? Is it complicated to register a company in Costa Rica? What is the procedure? What is the corporate tax rate in Costa Rica? Is it easy to recruit? Any advice you would share with ...
An honest mechanic and a reliable attorney are the best businessness in CR. Read More
Residency Requirement by MississippiBill
I read that as part of applying for residency you must be fingerprinted in Costa Rica. Since I will be there in November, before starting the residency application process, would it be wise to get the fingerprinting done at that time? If the ...
San Jose is not really a "walking" city. Town centers like Escazu and Santa Anna do have a small central areas, but nothing like we are use to in the US. I have been through the other towns, but I don't know them well enough to give you a fair ... Read More
Residency Requirement by MississippiBill
I read that as part of applying for residency you must be fingerprinted in Costa Rica. Since I will be there in November, before starting the residency application process, would it be wise to get the fingerprinting done at that time? If the ...
There are options you should consider when it comes to residency and many people will tell you differing things. I sugguest contacting www.outlierlegal.com The lawyers speak English and are very responsive to inquiries. I used them for my paperwork ... Read More
November visit to Costa Rica by MississippiBill
My name is Bill and my wife is Jean. We are seriously considering retiring in Costa Rica, probably the Central Valley area. We have never been there but are planning our first scouting visit at the end of November. We will be treating this as a ...
It's not cheap. Expect to pay around $1000 for a decent furnished place. It is really tricky to get around San Jose, so try to find an area you fell comfortable in and go from there. Escazu gets all the press but San Pedro and Curribat are pretty ... Read More
November visit to Costa Rica by MississippiBill
My name is Bill and my wife is Jean. We are seriously considering retiring in Costa Rica, probably the Central Valley area. We have never been there but are planning our first scouting visit at the end of November. We will be treating this as a ...
The Time Out Tavern is the go-to place in Escazu for the ex-pat community. Really good hamburgers too. They can be found on Facebook. Read More
November visit to Costa Rica by MississippiBill
My name is Bill and my wife is Jean. We are seriously considering retiring in Costa Rica, probably the Central Valley area. We have never been there but are planning our first scouting visit at the end of November. We will be treating this as a ...
Be careful. The end of November can get quite messy around here. LOTS of rain. How long are you staying? Everyone will give you differing opinions of living here but everything completely depends on you and your outlook on living in a Central ... Read More
Legal services
Regardless of what you do in Costa Rica (even just buying a car!) you need a lawyer. I have used outlierlegal.com for everything from my immigration papers to real estate and even some tax issues, and they have been fantastic. English is spoken and ... Read More
Hi
I've up in Tres Rios a few times and it is very nice! I cannot remember exactly, but there was a nice small plaza/mall behind a McDonald's that had some great places to eat and hang out. Curridabat is close to you and has a lot going on. There are a ... Read More
Hi
Where do you live in San Jose? There are tons of places to meet people but it all depends on where you are staying. Granted, anything I suggest will be on the low-key side. :) Read More
Legal advice
You are very smart to seek legal consul, especially when purchasing property. I have used a great lawyer for many things. He is a US educated Costa Rican lawyer, perfectly bilingual and just an all around nice guy too. Good luck! D Rafael Valverde ... Read More
Doing business in Costa Rica by Julien
Hi, are foreign investors welcome in Costa Rica? Is it complicated to register a company in Costa Rica? What is the procedure? What is the corporate tax rate in Costa Rica? Is it easy to recruit? Any advice you would share with ...
There is truth in everything that has been posted. Just expect the unexpected...and get a good lawyer. I have a great lawyer you can contact and he speaks fluent English: outlierexpat@gmail.com Good luck. Read More
Question about bugs by lakedreamer
Hi I have a question about bugs in Costa Rica. I have to admit that I am somewhat fearful of bugs. Spiders, and large bugs. What I'd like to know is are bugs a problem over there? By problem I mean do you see them in your homes? I can accept ...
Um...this is the tropics. Bugs are everywhere. From ginormous to tiny fast moving ants. Doesn't matter: city or country. Many will take up habitat in your car too. So if you are asking this question, you will have issues. Did I mention the reptiles ... Read More
Moving to Costa Rica for just one year - location advice? by karenru
Hi all, My family and some family friends will be starting a year abroad in CR in July 2012. None of us have been there, though my husband and I are going on a scouting trip in February. We are becoming a bit overwhelmed with the details, mostly ...
Wow. That's interesting. While we went to PA on the caribbean side for a vacation, CR immigration was kicking back to PA some USC's. It was ugly. I don't know how it all washed out but there was lots of drama. The officer gave me the stink eye but I ... Read More
Contact for finding long term rental in Costa Rica by montanafamily
My family (wife and 3 young children) are planning to move to Costa Rica for 6 months. We don't know where we'd like to go except that we will be on a somewhat tight budget and want to expose the kids to Spanish language and Costa Rican culture. ...
So many questions. My best pointers are: montanafamily 1. Tight budget = problems. If you are going to relocate your family, you cannot have a tight budget. Tight budget means that you are going to sacrifice your family's comfort in some way. ... Read More
Bringing my rescued dogs to Costa Rica by anyr1954
My husband and I, together with our four rescued dogs and possibly a fifth one that we are fostering want to move to Costa Rica from Miami, Florida by the middle of next year. The problem is that two of our dogs are Pugs which are too big to fit ...
Have you tried Delta? delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/domestic_international_pet/index.jsp PS. Do NOT try and ship them by boat...unless you know the Captian or know of someone bringing down there ... Read More
did anyone drive to CR? by dannyjoe87
Probably going to drive to CR but have read about some pretty high import taxes on vehicles and things. Has anyone already been this route? Any suggestions?
Dangerous? Not really. Have common sense. Be polite. Be prepared. And speak Spanish! Your ability to communicate clearly is what will save you, in bribes and time. Case in point: after hauling ass throught GT we got to the El Salvador border just at ... Read More
did anyone drive to CR? by dannyjoe87
Probably going to drive to CR but have read about some pretty high import taxes on vehicles and things. Has anyone already been this route? Any suggestions?
False. How can you say you're another nationality if your ID is your passport, you're driving a US plated car, and all you speak is English? You WILL pay bribes or you will spend hours in the police station/border crossing. But I guess that is your ... Read More
Great English speaking lawyer here in CR
I moved to Costa Rica six months ago. Certainly, I did a lot of reseach prior to the move, and I still constantly review the Expat.coms. Unfortunately, I have come across a number of sad stories of people getting taken advantage of here in Costa ... Read More
did anyone drive to CR? by dannyjoe87
Probably going to drive to CR but have read about some pretty high import taxes on vehicles and things. Has anyone already been this route? Any suggestions?
Drive only during the daylight hours. Carry good maps. We had a Thule, but I would refrane from having anything else on the car (bikes, kayaks, etc). The roads are not as bad as they say but have a vehicle that can handle rough spots. Our Subaru ... Read More
did anyone drive to CR? by dannyjoe87
Probably going to drive to CR but have read about some pretty high import taxes on vehicles and things. Has anyone already been this route? Any suggestions?
I did it and it was fantastic! BUT...there is ALOT you need to know and yes, import taxes are wicked. It can be done. It will take about two weeks, give or take. I really wish I had more time to spend on the trip but we were on a schedule. You need ... Read More