daveandmarcia
American expat in Costa Rica
Forum posts
357
Contacts
4
About me
American
Registration: 03 February 2023
Anything like a cashier's check / money order available in Costa Rica? by wondering9
Hello everyone, newbie here, writing on the off chance that someone might have a clue on this --I'm currently in San Jose, trying to gather my US documents for a residency application. (Yes, I know that's not the ideal way to do it, but it is what ...
This post is living proof of Americans who come to Costa Rica to make their life harder and more complicated....It is just the beginning... - @edwinemoraHaving been here for over 20 years, I can attest to the fact that Costa Rican bureaucracy, both ... Read More
Anything like a cashier's check / money order available in Costa Rica? by wondering9
Hello everyone, newbie here, writing on the off chance that someone might have a clue on this --I'm currently in San Jose, trying to gather my US documents for a residency application. (Yes, I know that's not the ideal way to do it, but it is what ...
wondering9, your dilemma is a real one. The simplest thing would be to get a friend or relative in the States to "run" these errands for you. That might involve chasing around to the Post Office or their bank for payment, but you could be confident ... Read More
Starlink subscription by janswhite
I’m living here in ciudad colon and thinking about Starlink subscription I’m an American and would like to know can I get it all in English and is it possible to make a link into the US so I can get all my streaming because they all come ...
Trying to sort this out . . .Your Internet Service Provider (could be Starlink, Kolbe, etc) gives you access to the Internet. From there, the router that's part of the Starlink "kit" connects to the Internet. Once you're connected to the Internet, ... Read More
Thinking about moving from Puerto Rico to Costa Rica by Joseph jacopelle
hello everyone please you can call me Joey I'm pretty informal I'm new here so I introduce myself you guys feel free to introduce yourself I could use some expat help that's for sure I'm clueless I know a little bit of Spanish from Puerto Rico just ...
My understanding is that your SSDI benefit will expire when you become eligible for your Social Security Old Age benefit. Since your SSDI benefit is not guaranteed for life, I think it will not qualify you for legal residency as a pensionado. Then, ... Read More
Costa Rica Rentista Visa: Need U.S. CPA for the income letter by gnostic
Hey everyone, I am currently pulling my hair out over the Rentista visa paperwork and hoping someone here has a solution or a contact.I easily exceed the $2,500/month income requirement through passive investment cash flow from my U.S. brokerage ...
I don't know if this will help or not, but it's worth investigating. Instead of trying to get a U.S.-based accountant to provide the document(s) you need, how about trying a "Public Accountant"* here in Costa Rica. The last time we went through this ... Read More
Lets crack a joke in this stress life by Guest6847
Many of us struggle with stress–at work and in our personal life. Like any problem, stress requires a strategic approach to conquer, or at least manage. Stress is real, but we always have a choice–we can let it consume us or we learn to ...
Rene Descartes walks into a bar and orders a martini. "Would you like an olive with that?", asks the bartender. "I think not", replies Rene and POOF!!, he disappears. Read More
Relocating with art - paintings and pastels by kathleentitus
I would like to move to Costa Rica from Michigan and my most important belongings are my large oil paintings and pastels. I am wondering how safe it is to ship fragile, sentimental items like one's own oil paintings and pastel with a mover? I am ...
In 2005, we moved from the beach in North Carolina to Costa Rica. That move was contingent on being able to bring our artwork, rugs and Labrador retriever. I did all the packing except for Max. It was a lot of work, but everything arrived intact. I ... Read More
Visiting CR at end of March 2025 by bpwald
Hi, my husband and I live in the Washington DC area and are considering retirement locations. We're looking at not-too-hot and humid places like the central valley in CR. Anyone with suggestions of towns to consider, places to go during our visit, ...
The fact, if it really is a fact and not yet another figment of edwines' vivid imagination, that a third of Costa Rica's population are Mora only serves to prove that even the least among us are, nevertheless, good at something. It certainly has ... Read More
Visiting CR at end of March 2025 by bpwald
Hi, my husband and I live in the Washington DC area and are considering retirement locations. We're looking at not-too-hot and humid places like the central valley in CR. Anyone with suggestions of towns to consider, places to go during our visit, ...
W. Edwards Deming emphasized data's crucial role in decision-making, famously stating, "In God we trust; all others must bring data," and "Without data, you're just another person with an ... Read More
Relocating and business opportunities. by egatewood
Moving, Cost of living, business opportunities
The cost of living in Costa Rica depends on your needs and wants. If you can be satisfied with what's locally available, there are plenty of affordable options. If you need or want a higher lifestyle, it'll cost you more. The point is that there ... Read More
Expat banking in CR by CR Jeanne
Afternnon all:What can ya'll tell me about banking in CR? I'll be a Pensionada temp resident when I arrive in June of next year. Im thinking I'll just transfer auto-transfer my monthly Social Security direct deposit from my US credit union into ...
edwinamora, above you wrote ". . Just getting residency for foreigners in Costa Rica is a scam . . .". In what sense of the term is getting residency in Costa Rica a "scam"? Are you saying that there are people who say they can and will move your ... Read More
Visiting CR at end of March 2025 by bpwald
Hi, my husband and I live in the Washington DC area and are considering retirement locations. We're looking at not-too-hot and humid places like the central valley in CR. Anyone with suggestions of towns to consider, places to go during our visit, ...
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 ... Read More
Autovalor for honda? by Gabardis
There is no honda brand in the list of brands! How do I estimate what is autovalor cost of honda accord?
Help me understand . . . Just what information are you seeking, and why? If you're trying to estimate import duty, that's one thing. If you're trying to resell the vehicle and need to know how much to ask, that's another. Or maybe you're trying to ... Read More
Translate feature on my phone by HOMERFROMLAWTON
i was trying to use lens feature on my phone and found out i has a translate feature. Going to be my crutch until i learn Spanish. i speak in English and it repeats in Spanish, you speak in Spanish and i hear English. Too little too late. i had ...
Apple's translation app serves us well as does Google Translate when we're online. I'm sure the Android app store will have similar offerings. I don't see a need for a separate translator.Waze is a location/direction finder which some users use to ... Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Costa Rica as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
We have used AeroPost for 20 years. They'll give you an address in Florida and deliver your mail and packages to their store nearest your home in Costa Rica. see www.aeropost.com There are other similar services including at least JetBox and ... Read More
Proper Prior Planning ... by DancingLions
Well, after *a lot* of research, planning, questioning, more research, and more planning, we're here. We have a beautiful home in the mountains outside of Atenas. We're renting for two years or more before making any further decisions about housing. ...
Above, you wrote, " . . if you buy a car there {in Costa Rica, that is} you don't have any import cost". That's not true. In the "normal" environment (excluding special treatment for aspiring expat newcomers) everyone pays the import tax and other ... Read More
Proper Prior Planning ... by DancingLions
Well, after *a lot* of research, planning, questioning, more research, and more planning, we're here. We have a beautiful home in the mountains outside of Atenas. We're renting for two years or more before making any further decisions about housing. ...
Above, you wrote, "We were thinking a Honda CR-V AWD."You see plenty of Honda CR-Vs here, but no or very few hybrids. That's a whole 'nother level of complication that the local support system is unlikely to be familiar with. Dunno if the one Honda ... Read More
Proper Prior Planning ... by DancingLions
Well, after *a lot* of research, planning, questioning, more research, and more planning, we're here. We have a beautiful home in the mountains outside of Atenas. We're renting for two years or more before making any further decisions about housing. ...
DancingLions, above I should have added that importing a vehicle of a brand and model that's commonly seen here will avoid some headaches. Many mechanics here are fully competent, but their familiarity has its limits. Too, parts are always an issue. ... Read More
Advice on Costa Rica reconnaissance trip by knackstedt374
Hello,My husband and I are retired and planning a trip to Costa Rica this winter to stay a month or two to scope it out and get some sun. We would like to find a base in a cooler area (some altitude), in a typical not too touristy community and ...
@knackstedt374, your plan sounds pretty good. A note of caution, however. Public transportation tends to be one-way only. So if you wish to go from town to town, you may be faced with having to take the bus from wherever you're staying to San Jose, ... Read More
Proper Prior Planning ... by DancingLions
Well, after *a lot* of research, planning, questioning, more research, and more planning, we're here. We have a beautiful home in the mountains outside of Atenas. We're renting for two years or more before making any further decisions about housing. ...
DancingLions, if you had a good experience with a Costa Rica-based shipper, I would suggest that you go back to him or her to manage shipping a vehicle here from the States. If you give the shipper the Vehicle Identification Number of the vehicle ... Read More
La Paz School vs CRIA/Living in CR with kids by Christinebala
Hello, We are going to be moving to the Guanacaste area and would love some input on the two private international schools we are considering(La Paz and CRIA). My son will be 9 this summer and going into the 4th grade. He does well in school and is ...
Yes, and still no concrete answer to what you assert is true. Read More
La Paz School vs CRIA/Living in CR with kids by Christinebala
Hello, We are going to be moving to the Guanacaste area and would love some input on the two private international schools we are considering(La Paz and CRIA). My son will be 9 this summer and going into the 4th grade. He does well in school and is ...
How many people was that? What's the exact number? And what's your source? Read More
Starlink Internet Access by daveandmarcia
Has anyone living here in Costa Rica bought and installed Starlink for Internet access? If yes, please share details. Where did you buy the system? Who installed it? And, most important, how satisfied are you with it?
Lucky you, lasertrk. When we came to Costa Rica in 2005, the only access to the Internet was via RACSA's dial-up service. On a good day, I could get 47kb until the telephone connection was dropped -- a virtual guarantee, and it didn't take long. ... Read More
Starlink Internet Access by daveandmarcia
Has anyone living here in Costa Rica bought and installed Starlink for Internet access? If yes, please share details. Where did you buy the system? Who installed it? And, most important, how satisfied are you with it?
UPDATE: We've now had Starlink installed for almost a year. The service has been almost totally acceptable. In the living room where the main Starlink router is located, I consistently get over 300mbs down and often just over 400mbs. Because ours is ... Read More
Pan-American Highway by HOMERFROMLAWTON
Has anyone ever driven it from America to Costa Rica. If so what do i need to watch out for. I will be driving a motor home. I do know it is safer to stay on the toll roads coming thru Mexico. Cartels love motor homes because there are a lot ...
I messaged you privately. Please read. Read More
Pan-American Highway by HOMERFROMLAWTON
Has anyone ever driven it from America to Costa Rica. If so what do i need to watch out for. I will be driving a motor home. I do know it is safer to stay on the toll roads coming thru Mexico. Cartels love motor homes because there are a lot ...
Meaning no disrespect, let me second your mention that you need to proofread what you write even at the "cost" of writing a little less. Too, it would be well to revisit the lessons you were taught in school about starting new paragraphs when you ... Read More
Motor Home by HOMERFROMLAWTON
We are definitely moving to Costa Rica but before we decide we want to make a tour of the country in our motor home before we decideto set down roots. I started looking for any rve parks where i can spend a day or a month so i can get electricity, ...
Er . . . ah . . . What else but self defense might one do with pepper spray? Read More
TRANSPORTING GOLD BARS by HOMERFROMLAWTON
I have some gold bars. There is no problem bringing them into country, there is no taxes, but I have a rule I never keep any more money on me that I can can afford to lose. There is no way I trust customs to just ship gold bars, so if there is ...
Some (maybe many) banks offer little or nothing in the way of safety deposit boxes, so finding a good home for your gold bars* may be more difficult than you think. *My opinion on gold, if you wish. Read More
Pan-American Highway by HOMERFROMLAWTON
Has anyone ever driven it from America to Costa Rica. If so what do i need to watch out for. I will be driving a motor home. I do know it is safer to stay on the toll roads coming thru Mexico. Cartels love motor homes because there are a lot ...
Purdy Motors is the importer for both Toyota and Subaru (and many others). Their annual offering of Subaru models is pretty limited, so by the time you arrive here they may be sold out of Outbacks (our current ride) or it may be that they never ... Read More
Pan-American Highway by HOMERFROMLAWTON
Has anyone ever driven it from America to Costa Rica. If so what do i need to watch out for. I will be driving a motor home. I do know it is safer to stay on the toll roads coming thru Mexico. Cartels love motor homes because there are a lot ...
Above, you wrote " but local mechanics do not understand our pollution control and do not have the equipment." That's not necessarily true.First, since we have annual mechanical inspections, mechanics typically have the same OBD code reader you have ... Read More
Pan-American Highway by HOMERFROMLAWTON
Has anyone ever driven it from America to Costa Rica. If so what do i need to watch out for. I will be driving a motor home. I do know it is safer to stay on the toll roads coming thru Mexico. Cartels love motor homes because there are a lot ...
So, if I understand correctly, you're thinking of bringing your motorhome and two new cars, right? If yes, then let me suggest that you give first attention to brands of new cars that are commonly seen in Costa Rica. First, local mechanics will be ... Read More
Language Interpreter Device by HOMERFROMLAWTON
i plan to move there and the only Spanish i know are the bad words i learned being a boy. I do plan to learn Spanish by going to classes when I move there, but until I do learn the language I plan to use an language interpreter device. ...
Learning useful Spanish is a daunting undertaking at which I have hardly succeeded. Many Costa Rican people (not just in touristy areas) speak passable English which they will be happy to practice on you. That, of course, does your effort to learn ... Read More
Motor Home by HOMERFROMLAWTON
We are definitely moving to Costa Rica but before we decide we want to make a tour of the country in our motor home before we decideto set down roots. I started looking for any rve parks where i can spend a day or a month so i can get electricity, ...
It will be illegal for you to possess a firearm or a stun gun and probably pepper spray. If you're caught with any of those (bows and arrows, crossbows, etc, too) confiscation is assured even if you're not arrested. Owning any of those will require ... Read More
Pan-American Highway by HOMERFROMLAWTON
Has anyone ever driven it from America to Costa Rica. If so what do i need to watch out for. I will be driving a motor home. I do know it is safer to stay on the toll roads coming thru Mexico. Cartels love motor homes because there are a lot ...
I've known a couple of parties who did, or tried to do, what you have in mind. One turned back after having suffered crossing through Mexico City. For them, currency was a huge headache since there was so much counterfeit U.S. currency in ... Read More
Motorcycle licensing by pedroamigo2014
Hello.Where do I as a 70 yr old apply for the medical exam(not a dictamen medico) as a prelude to a renewed 'bike license please?.I m a thru knee amputee so need that exam.Thanks.
You might also pose your questions to a local motorcycle dealer or repair shop. I'm not clear about what more involved an exam than the usual dictamen. Are you looking for an orthopedist's evaluation? Read More
Questions for retirement scouting visit in March by bpwald
Hi, my husband and I live in the Washington DC area and are considering retirement locations. We're looking at not-too-hot and humid places like the central valley in CR. Anyone with suggestions of towns to consider, places to go during our visit, ...
My recommendation is (short story) to use a Costa Rican container shipper to move your goods to your new home. Long story if you wish.Once you establish a bank account here at Banco Nacional or Banco de Costa Rica (and maybe others), for $6US per ... Read More
Immigration Attorney by 2runningwild
How do we locate a reputable immigration attorney in Costa Rica? The ads that I have found seem a little "sketchy". My husband and I have completed some of the work on our own, ie., our birth and marriage certificates are at an Apostille service ...
@ndbonnet and others, when you are soliciting advice about services, such as an attorney to guide your residency application through Immigration, it would be helpful to say what general area you will be living in. We have a crackerjack attorney who ... Read More
Road safety in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating roads and experiencing traffic in Costa Rica as an expat can be a learning experience. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats stay safe on the road in Costa Rica, ...
Okay, I guess I'll have to be the test subject.The driving experience in Costa Rica is neither better nor worse than in any american city. As is the case "up north" we have our shares of idiots and rolling wrecks, but for the most part driving here ... Read More
Visiting CR at end of March 2025 by bpwald
Hi, my husband and I live in the Washington DC area and are considering retirement locations. We're looking at not-too-hot and humid places like the central valley in CR. Anyone with suggestions of towns to consider, places to go during our visit, ...
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 ... Read More
SSA benefits letter apostille by Coladas
Hello all; does anyone have experience with getting a social security letter of benefits apostille? TIA.
Above, you asked, "Must the TRANSLATION and NOTARIZATION of the SSA Awards letter be done in C.R. by a notary/attorney? -OR- Can it be done in the States and appended to the packet for permanent residency application (or another reason)?"No ... Read More
SSA benefits letter apostille by Coladas
Hello all; does anyone have experience with getting a social security letter of benefits apostille? TIA.
Official activities in Costa Rica which involve presentation of any legal documents which are not originally issued in Spanish require that those documents be translated into Spanish by an approved translator. Not just any Spanish speaker can ... Read More
SSA benefits letter apostille by Coladas
Hello all; does anyone have experience with getting a social security letter of benefits apostille? TIA.
When I last needed a confirmation of my Social Security income*, I did it through the U.S. Embassy website (as above). The proof I got from the Embassy came already in Spanish or it was pre-apostilled. So there was no need for further processing. ... Read More
Joining In the Fray by Richtl
Hi Folks, I've been browsing this forum for awhile, and guess it's time to join in. My wife and I are in the process of moving from the Northeast US to Costa Rica. We've both lived in many places, and are entering this with few illusions. Also, I'm ...
edwinsamoron, above, you wrote, "I have nothing to lose by telling the truth...".When does that start? Read More
Joining In the Fray by Richtl
Hi Folks, I've been browsing this forum for awhile, and guess it's time to join in. My wife and I are in the process of moving from the Northeast US to Costa Rica. We've both lived in many places, and are entering this with few illusions. Also, I'm ...
edwin, we've seen and read about that which you know nothing, but one is compelled to ask . . . Is there anything about which you do actually know? Do you actually have knowledge of anything at all, any skills, experience, education? Or do you ... Read More
Joining In the Fray by Richtl
Hi Folks, I've been browsing this forum for awhile, and guess it's time to join in. My wife and I are in the process of moving from the Northeast US to Costa Rica. We've both lived in many places, and are entering this with few illusions. Also, I'm ...
edwin, Your unsubstantiated assertions serve only to make you look foolish and unreliable. Tell us how you know that, as you have stated before, 80.0% of aspiring newcomers to Costa Rica leave in the first two years. Show us the data. Cite your ... Read More
Joining In the Fray by Richtl
Hi Folks, I've been browsing this forum for awhile, and guess it's time to join in. My wife and I are in the process of moving from the Northeast US to Costa Rica. We've both lived in many places, and are entering this with few illusions. Also, I'm ...
edwinsamoron, I protest because there is a significant risk that someone unfamiliar with your prattlings will take them for fact. Tell us your sources. Give us the data. Then, what you write will be credible. Read More
Joining In the Fray by Richtl
Hi Folks, I've been browsing this forum for awhile, and guess it's time to join in. My wife and I are in the process of moving from the Northeast US to Costa Rica. We've both lived in many places, and are entering this with few illusions. Also, I'm ...
edwinsamoron, it maybe common rumor in whatever fantasy world you infest, but absent actual facts to support your assertion, it is not ". . .common knowledge {emphasis added} that just about all leave Costa Rica eventually and the majority in the ... Read More
Joining In the Fray by Richtl
Hi Folks, I've been browsing this forum for awhile, and guess it's time to join in. My wife and I are in the process of moving from the Northeast US to Costa Rica. We've both lived in many places, and are entering this with few illusions. Also, I'm ...
Bank recommendations: First, open an account at Banco Nacional or Banco de Costa Rica. There, you can have your Social Security deposited on the third off every month. Also, many, many commercial establishments here have accounts at one or both of ... Read More
Cost of living in Costa Rica in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in Costa Rica, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Costa Rica or already ...
Don't believe everything you read and don't believe everything somebody says somebody said. Look for the facts. Ask for the data. Know the sources of those facts and data. Then, maybe, believe it. Read More
Taxes for expats in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, When settling in and living in Costa Rica, you will also need to navigate the local tax system. In order to help newcomers and expats ease their tax-related experience, we would like to invite you to share your experience. What ...
U.S. citizens pay U.S. income tax to the IRS worldwide regardless of the source of their taxable income. (If there is a local income tax that's applied, it can be offset on one's U.S. federal income tax return so that there is no double taxation.) ... Read More
Cost of living in Costa Rica in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in Costa Rica, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Costa Rica or already ...
Everyone wants to know how much it costs to live here. Well, the straight answer is, "It depends."In Costa Rica, there are many more opportunities to determine one's own cost of living than what we nordamericanos are accustomed to. For instance, you ... Read More
Building a Home In Costa Rica by SaturnHelios
Hello everyone, I'm planning on moving to Puerto Viejo, Limon, Costa Rica in the near future and I'm currently saving money to build a home, but I'm having some problems figuring out the cost of per square meter/m2 I found this website ...
True in Costa Rica and everywhere else . . . You've got to be careful to understand what is included in any price quote and what is not. The "unincludedes" can add up big time (or, as someone we all love and admire says, "bigly").We got two price ... Read More
SSA benefits letter apostille by Coladas
Hello all; does anyone have experience with getting a social security letter of benefits apostille? TIA.
If you Google "U.S. Embassy Costa Rica", go to that site and look for the link to the "Federal Benefits Unit". There, you'll find a link to a page where you can request a letter that documents your Social Security Benefit. They'll email it to you in ... Read More
Do I need to travel to Costa Rica to sign documents? by Tufty
Hi everyonemy name is Steve. My brother lived in CR for many years but recently passed away. I live in the UK, and have been told I will either have to travel to CR to sign papers to get probate started, or someone will need to come to the UK to get ...
If you're a citizen of the United States, the U.S. Embassy in San Jose has a notary service that is recognized in all States. If you're a British citizen, then either the British Embassy here in Costa Rica or the British government in Great Britain ... Read More
COVINTEC construction experience by costaricahomebuilder
The Covintec system sounds great and makes sense on paper but here in Costa Rica all the input I have received from contractors who have used the system over the last 10 years has been negative. I am looking for some positive input as this product ...
If you've not learned this already, whether you're using your MediSmart membership or paying full price, many, many pharmaceuticals are available over the counter in Costa Rica without a physician's prescription. Exceptions include strong pain ... Read More
COVINTEC construction experience by costaricahomebuilder
The Covintec system sounds great and makes sense on paper but here in Costa Rica all the input I have received from contractors who have used the system over the last 10 years has been negative. I am looking for some positive input as this product ...
Regardless which of MediSmart's goods or services you avail yourself of, there will be an out-of-pocket cost. What I've seen online tells me that the greatest discount you can expect is 80% from one of the medical specialties. Everything else will ... Read More
COVINTEC construction experience by costaricahomebuilder
The Covintec system sounds great and makes sense on paper but here in Costa Rica all the input I have received from contractors who have used the system over the last 10 years has been negative. I am looking for some positive input as this product ...
In your current status as a tourist, you should have no problem obtaining travel insurance which will cover you here. You'll need to shop around. MediSmart is a medical care discount program run out of Hospital Metropolitano. It's not conventional ... Read More
Latest updates in labor regulations in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Labor laws and regulations are constantly evolving. Staying informed of these updates as an expat in Costa Rica helps you in navigating your professional experience and expat career. We would like to invite you to share the ...
Above, you wrote "Labor laws and regulations are constantly evolving."Could you please tell us what changes you are aware of? What laws have changed? Read More
HOW (step-by-step instructions) to apply for a pensionado visa by dwilhelms1
Hello all,I cannot find any information on a goverment or otherwise reliable-appearing site on how to apply for a pensionado visa. And the consulate in Denver is evidently closed. Any ideas on where to find such a place? Or is that not even ...
I think your paralegal friend could handle all of this without any participation from an attorney. Applying for legal residence is a simple and straightforward process as long as you adhere to the details. Read More
HOW (step-by-step instructions) to apply for a pensionado visa by dwilhelms1
Hello all,I cannot find any information on a goverment or otherwise reliable-appearing site on how to apply for a pensionado visa. And the consulate in Denver is evidently closed. Any ideas on where to find such a place? Or is that not even ...
rainagain, above you wrote, ". . . or you could even do it yourself... but that would most likely require excellent Spanish skills . . ." and you're right on all but one detail. The documents submitted to Immigration in support of a residency ... Read More
HOW (step-by-step instructions) to apply for a pensionado visa by dwilhelms1
Hello all,I cannot find any information on a goverment or otherwise reliable-appearing site on how to apply for a pensionado visa. And the consulate in Denver is evidently closed. Any ideas on where to find such a place? Or is that not even ...
Dunno about a "Residency Service" (see above), but an experienced attorney, one who has done a number of residency applications for others before you, will save you a lot of headaches. One slip up and your application will expire (remember the ... Read More
HOW (step-by-step instructions) to apply for a pensionado visa by dwilhelms1
Hello all,I cannot find any information on a goverment or otherwise reliable-appearing site on how to apply for a pensionado visa. And the consulate in Denver is evidently closed. Any ideas on where to find such a place? Or is that not even ...
There is an international treaty that forms the basis and establishes the requirements for the apostiling process. Many, but not all, countries have signed on. This treaty is a relatively recent development. It's come into existence during the ... Read More
HOW (step-by-step instructions) to apply for a pensionado visa by dwilhelms1
Hello all,I cannot find any information on a goverment or otherwise reliable-appearing site on how to apply for a pensionado visa. And the consulate in Denver is evidently closed. Any ideas on where to find such a place? Or is that not even ...
When you order the new documents you'll need (birth and marriage certificates, a FBI criminal record check, income verification, etc), you're likely to find yourself dealing with a company who has exclusive access to those records -- at a fee. They ... Read More
Questions for retirement scouting visit in March by bpwald
Hi, my husband and I live in the Washington DC area and are considering retirement locations. We're looking at not-too-hot and humid places like the central valley in CR. Anyone with suggestions of towns to consider, places to go during our visit, ...
Rule of Thumb: The lower the elevation, the hotter it will be; the higher, the cooler. At any particular location, the temperature doesn't change much from one "season" to the next. At about 4,200 feet above sea level, we have neither heat nor air ... Read More
Visiting CR at end of March 2025 by bpwald
Hi, my husband and I live in the Washington DC area and are considering retirement locations. We're looking at not-too-hot and humid places like the central valley in CR. Anyone with suggestions of towns to consider, places to go during our visit, ...
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 ... Read More
Private jet from IAD to SJO - Anyone interested? by SuzP
Hello. My partner and I and our three dogs are moving to Atenas at the end of the month. Due to a variety of reasons, we have decided to go the private charter flight route. We'll be flying on February 27 from Washington-Dulles to San Jose and are ...
Cennis, there are a number of professional animal transporters who do what you need all the time. In the U.S. (and maybe elsewhere), you must be licensed to put an animal on a plane if you do not actually own that animal. So anyone who offers this ... Read More
How to adapt to the expat challenges of everyday life in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Adapting to everyday life as an expat in Costa Rica can be both exciting and overwhelming: different habits, systems, and sometimes even unexpected surprises! Simple things like paying bills, using public transport, or even ...
Writing from the perspective of a reformed government bureaucrat, I think the greatest challenge any newcomer will face is the foreign (to us) bureaucracy. Whether you're dealing with the national or a local government, the bank, the health care ... Read More
HOW (step-by-step instructions) to apply for a pensionado visa by dwilhelms1
Hello all,I cannot find any information on a goverment or otherwise reliable-appearing site on how to apply for a pensionado visa. And the consulate in Denver is evidently closed. Any ideas on where to find such a place? Or is that not even ...
A couple of additional details . . .First, it will be easier if you deal with an attorney/notary close to where you live in Costa Rica. Post a question in this Forum asking for an experienced (it's important) representative near you to handle the ... Read More
recommendations for dental care in San Jose by virginiadodgemarvin
Hhi. My name is Heidi Vardeman, a retired Presbyterian minister who is located in the San Jose area. My husband has a spinal cord injury and uses a wheelchair, so our life in Costa Rica makes a huge difference in his quality of life. I'm going to ...
Here in Grecia, we have a good general practice dentist and her brother who is a periodontist. Their brother is a clinical professor of dentistry at Baylor in Texas. He frequently returns to Grecia and is available for consultation. These three ... Read More
Question- 3 things by LiveWire11C
I thought it might be fun to ask this question of those who have made the move to Costa Rica. Name 3 things: 1 thing you wish you had known before going to Costa Rica, 1 thing you wish you had brought and 1 thing you wish you had left behind.
We use a transhipper who charges $6US per pound to bring things from Doral, Florida to Heredia. That's the total cost. His brother will put your packages on the bus to your nearest bus station for a very modest fee. Bus transportation is widely used ... Read More
How did you decide to be expat? by procella
Hi, i wonder that what kind of circumstances caused you have left your place and become expat? Are you happy with living in your current place as expats? Did you leave anyone as you move abroad?
My wife and I were profoundly offended by Bush the Lesser's, Cheney the Elder's and Ronald Dumbsfeld's pursuit of not one unjustified war but two in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2003 and beyond. For years, I've told people "I'm from Toronto, eh?". To ... Read More
Contacting me
Dottie,This Forum has me blocked out for reasons I cannot imagine, and so far the Moderators have not resolved the problem. Please contact me via WhatsApp at **** or call me at ***/. My conventional email address is: ****Dave Read More
Cost of living in Costa Rica in 2025
This has nothing to do with the cost of living in Costa Rica (or anywhere else), but I am once again blocked from participating because my email address doesn't make this environment happy. This is not, a first.Is there any way to directly contact ... Read More
Cost of living in Costa Rica in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in Costa Rica, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Costa Rica or already ...
Thank you for sharing this, Terry. I have two observations to share.First, you have not included anything for the cost of your housing. It's my guess that you own your home outright, as do we, but whether you paid a lump sum at closing or pay on a ... Read More
Hospital Metropolitano Expands Coverage
Hospital Metropolitano, which is based in downtown San Jose, has facilities outside that city, too. They have just announced that they will accept U.S. Medicare Advantage enrollment to pay for emergency care and that they may expand that coverage ... Read More
Recommendations for a Real Estate Attorney/Notary Public in San Jose by jimforjim
Hi there,We're interested in purchasing a condo in the San Jose area and are now looking for an English-speaking attorney/notary public in San Jose that we can use to move the process forward. Can somebody recommend such a person who has done a ...
Nationwide, real estate sales/purchases are recorded in the National Registry which is the domain of the nation's notaries public. Those notaries are required to be attorneys. Since all such transactions are recorded in the National Registry, any ... Read More
Are you dead?
Sorry to get completely off track here, but I am once again blocked from this website because it somehow does not recognize the email address I've been using for about fifteen years including as a user of this forum. The website managers need to act ... Read More
Caja payment by Schempf
Is there a way to lower caja payment. I pay $350 a month.I am told to get a dentist appointment is just a waiting experience. I don't trust the hospital I'm told I have to go to. Went there once with stenosis of the aorta( didn't know yhrn what was ...
rainagain, above, you wrote, "Surgeries are typically not included." Actually, at least in some instances that's not correct. We have friends who have had a gall bladder removal and a breast biopsy, both done under the auspices of MediSmart. The ... Read More
Checking things out in March by dennisqdw
Like others, we have been to Costa Rica before, but are now thinking of retiring there. Or maybe splitting time between San Jose and New Mexico, where we currently live. We are coming in mid March to do some fact finding about where the best ...
We've been using SpaceX's StarLink Internet access system for about three months. So far, it has been flawless and, while speeds vary, we've gotten almost 400mbs download sometimes. The most current system is for sale here in Costa Rica for about ... Read More
Question to all the expats wherever you are! by Dina Slider
Hi all! I have a question and would like to hear all your opinions and answers! I appreciate it in advance. we all know how difficult moving countries is. We all know it’s definitely not all roses and sunshine… but if you had someone ...
Bhavna, for the past couple or three days, when I try to login, I'm prompted to request confirmation of my email address which I've had since about 2008. Then, the system replies that it cannot perform that function, so I'm locked out. Are you aware ... Read More
Expat banking in CR by CR Jeanne
Afternnon all:What can ya'll tell me about banking in CR? I'll be a Pensionada temp resident when I arrive in June of next year. Im thinking I'll just transfer auto-transfer my monthly Social Security direct deposit from my US credit union into ...
Uh, "exceptions" to what? Remember, "the government" to which you refer has little clout outside the U.S. If you can think of another country's death records to which SSA has access, please let us know. Read More
Expat banking in CR by CR Jeanne
Afternnon all:What can ya'll tell me about banking in CR? I'll be a Pensionada temp resident when I arrive in June of next year. Im thinking I'll just transfer auto-transfer my monthly Social Security direct deposit from my US credit union into ...
rainagain, above you wrote, "SSA is part of the gov't and 'knows' how to get the information 'out there' ... wherever a person lives." Unfortunately, that is exactly not the case.In the U.S., the Social Security Administration has access to the ... Read More
Importing Electric vehicles by jochsenfeld59
Has anyone imported an electric vehicle? We would like to get an idea of the cost of taxes. The cost will depend on whether we ship or not.
I think I can safely say that Costa Rica is more open to third-world manufacturers' vehicles because the safety and environmental standards are lower or non-existent. Read More
Expat banking in CR by CR Jeanne
Afternnon all:What can ya'll tell me about banking in CR? I'll be a Pensionada temp resident when I arrive in June of next year. Im thinking I'll just transfer auto-transfer my monthly Social Security direct deposit from my US credit union into ...
BNCR is not going to get hysterical about the loss of their fee for receiving incoming international wire transfers. They'll never notice the loss on their bottom line.As regards the postage, it's my understanding that according to the international ... Read More
Questions about Herdia, Heredia, CR by DocPhD
Hello. My husband (age 75) and I (age 67) are a gay married professional couple who are visiting Heredia, Heredia (the city center) next month from Jan. 11 to Jan. 20th. As Americans, we cannot tolerate the idea that DT will soon be back in the ...
If the heat is a health issue for you, then wherever you look, check the altitude. There are altitude apps for iOS and android. The higher the cooler; the lower the warmer (and by "warmer" I mean "hot".) Read More
Importing Electric vehicles by jochsenfeld59
Has anyone imported an electric vehicle? We would like to get an idea of the cost of taxes. The cost will depend on whether we ship or not.
Subarus are no more "inconvenient to own" than any other vehicle, common or rare. Pay for it . . register it in the National Registery . . put gas and oil in it . . pay the annual Marchamo . . go through the annual Riteve inspection now performed by ... Read More
Type 2 diabetic by beckinlbc
I am being prescribed Mounjaro because of my diabetes getting worse. I am also thinking about leaving the US with the political climate. Is this medicine available in Costa Rica and if yes, how much does it cost. Becki
My brief search for information on Mounjaro reveals that it appears to function by eliminating excess glucose from the blood via the kidneys. If that's correct (I'm not a doctor and never played one.), then your prescribing physician may be open to ... Read More
Expat banking in CR by CR Jeanne
Afternnon all:What can ya'll tell me about banking in CR? I'll be a Pensionada temp resident when I arrive in June of next year. Im thinking I'll just transfer auto-transfer my monthly Social Security direct deposit from my US credit union into ...
rainagain, above you asked, "Dave... Question about the $6 monthly fee... is that paid to Irwin Trust, or to BN? And.. does that mean you aren't paying for wire transfer fees?? Currently, BN charges me around $17 dollars to RECEIVE a ... Read More
Influx of new expats ??? by rainagain
Hello. This is not about politics... but, with the events of last night in the US... will we or should we, and our Tico friends and neighbors, expect an influx of new Expats in the coming months and years? ...May be interesting to ...
It's true that Costa Rica does not tax foreigners' incomes, but there's good news if you're serious about Portugal. While Portugal may tax U.S. SS benefits, the U.S. IRS Code makes provision for an offset. If you pay income taxes to another country, ... Read More
Importing Electric vehicles by jochsenfeld59
Has anyone imported an electric vehicle? We would like to get an idea of the cost of taxes. The cost will depend on whether we ship or not.
Every time I look out the front door, I see a Subaru, so I know they're sold and serviced here. We've actually owned three including the current 2023 Outback. Only this last one has ever needed a part, and that was a camera that's integral with its ... Read More
Expat banking in CR by CR Jeanne
Afternnon all:What can ya'll tell me about banking in CR? I'll be a Pensionada temp resident when I arrive in June of next year. Im thinking I'll just transfer auto-transfer my monthly Social Security direct deposit from my US credit union into ...
Just catching up . . .Social Security (and maybe VA) payments cannot be deposited into a bank outside the U.S. Some, but not all, Costa Rican banks, however, can offer a workaround. For Banco Nacional, at least, they can help you arrange to have ... 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 ...
rainagain (above) has it pretty much right. In Costa Rica, with rare exceptions, we don't "dine", we "eat". Read More
Adderall in Costa Rica? by jassalti
Hello, I just moved to CR from the US and I have been taking Adderall for over 20 years. Before, moving here I brought in my script and bottle to have a CR pharmacist verify that I could fill this medication in the future. I was told no problem, she ...
Eladio V runs a service which assigns you a customer number and gives you a mailing address in Doral, Florida. Your mail-in pharmacy can send meds to you there. Then Eladio forwards them (or anything else you chose to import) to his destination here ... Read More
Trustworthy Realtor by Nylado
I'm planning a trip to CR in the spring to search for a long term rental. May be interested in buying a home after a year. Which realtor do you think is top rated and trustworthy?
Like real estate agents, attorneys are local actors, so you must ask around. You may find it best to begin by seeking out fellow expats and ask them. You're going to need a combination attorney/notary to get anything legal done. Most, but not all, ... Read More
Shipping household stuff by CR Jeanne
Hey all,I've received quotes from some international movers that ship to CR, but they're all over the place. Can folks please share their experience in costs for container shipping? What I have barely fill a 20 ft container. I'd be shipping ...
There are compelling arguments in favor of shipping your perfectly good (and maybe emotionally important) things to your new home. That's what we did and, nineteen years later, we have no regrets. Want details? Just ask. Read More
Trustworthy Realtor by Nylado
I'm planning a trip to CR in the spring to search for a long term rental. May be interested in buying a home after a year. Which realtor do you think is top rated and trustworthy?
As for the "trustworthy realtor, first, there are no realtors in Costa Rica. There are only people of widely varying backgrounds and qualifications who have declared themselves to be real estate agents. Remember that real estate agents, here and ... Read More
Considering retiring to Costa Rica by davidhodory
Hello, David here.My wife and I are giving serious consideration to retiring to Costa Rica sometime in the next 3 to 5 years (in our late 50s / early 60s). We've vacationed in CR twice and found it to be pretty appealing, but realize fully that we ...
" . . if I wanted to look at homes in/around Playa Herradura (in around Los Suenos), what would be the best way to do that?"Google "real estate agents in Playa Herradura, Costa Rica. Or visit the area and check supermarket bulletin boards. Look for ... Read More
Exploring retiring in Costa Rica by UJH
We like to introduce ourselves to the ExPat community. We are Ursula & Dan Lowrey, retirees, living in Charlotte, NC and looking to spend the best years of our life in another country. We have made major moves to another country before (Germany, ...
We elected to have the Starlink dish mounted on our roof. Then, there's a cable that runs into the house to connect to the power supply and router all of which come in the kit. The dish could have been mounted to a post in the yard. The only ... Read More
Considering retiring to Costa Rica by davidhodory
Hello, David here.My wife and I are giving serious consideration to retiring to Costa Rica sometime in the next 3 to 5 years (in our late 50s / early 60s). We've vacationed in CR twice and found it to be pretty appealing, but realize fully that we ...
I should have added above that there is nothing like al Multiple Listing Service in Costa Rica, so no real estate agent is likely to have knowledge of properties beyond his or her own personal location. Folks who inquire about a "trustworthy real ... Read More
Shipping household stuff by CR Jeanne
Hey all,I've received quotes from some international movers that ship to CR, but they're all over the place. Can folks please share their experience in costs for container shipping? What I have barely fill a 20 ft container. I'd be shipping ...
Whatever else you do, use a Costa Rica-based container shipper. Getting a container to your current home, getting it to a port of exit, getting it to Costa Rica . . . those are all routine matters that anyone (maybe even me) can accomplish. The ... Read More