mail66
Canadian expat in Costa Rica
Forum posts
39
About me
Canadian
Registration: 14 March 2023
Early Retirement by emmajmanogue25
Looking to retire in Costa Rica, i have US and UK citizenship, my sister will be retiring with me, she is UK citizen. Where do we start?
if you go to the search engines and put in *** certified appraiser you will see the 25 years of ex pats experiences it is always best to see long term info Read More
Living in Costa Rica certainly has its advantages! by crbooks
The lower cost of living is one of them. And having a lower cost of living will help you do the things you enjoy like dining out frequently, traveling, and going out for drinks with friends. Without having to sacrifice your other expenses like your ...
since the average wage of a university graduate in costa rica is about $800 to $1200 month and i see most living a decent life in decent houses maybe not luxury with pool and tennis it makes me wonder how anyone could spend $5000 month to live herei ... Read More
What I learned building in a gated community in Costa Rica by Justagirl8870
Hello! Another update from Justagirl and not because I have the time but because I honestly hope and pray that less and less people throw their life savings and life dream into a garbage disposal. It is a painful grind. selling lots and a dream is ...
while we have heard of people who have not had good experiences in my 32 years of building and buying here i have been quite pleased vs the states maybe because i started out using a licensed appraiser and advisor angela jimenez rochayou can see her ... Read More
Recommendation for a Relocation Agent by ChrisJohan
Hello,I'm a French living in Sweden for the past 20 years, with my husband (Swedish) and we are looking for a new country to live.The Costa Rica seems very interesting and we are planning to spend one month on place beginning of next year.The ...
most need a lawyer since the process is so slow for residencyhowever many people just go out every 6 months for 3 days and never get thissome go for bargains in panama or miami but you can do this without paying anyone if you are willing to stand in ... Read More
Recommendation for a Relocation Agent by ChrisJohan
Hello,I'm a French living in Sweden for the past 20 years, with my husband (Swedish) and we are looking for a new country to live.The Costa Rica seems very interesting and we are planning to spend one month on place beginning of next year.The ...
there are no official real estate agents since anyone can be an agentthe difference is those (like angela jimenez rocha) are licensed architects or engineersyour best idea is contact various people and ask them what is their background and how long ... Read More
Recommendation for a Relocation Agent by ChrisJohan
Hello,I'm a French living in Sweden for the past 20 years, with my husband (Swedish) and we are looking for a new country to live.The Costa Rica seems very interesting and we are planning to spend one month on place beginning of next year.The ...
ask for angela jimenez rocha certified appraiser and advisor Read More
I want to rent a furnished two bedroom place in Costa Rica by Barbarasweinberg
I’d like to be in either the Central Valley or near the blue zone
see orbitcostarica site Read More
Senior living apartment, wifi internet
we have a luxury modern apartment inside walled estate close to the golden mile of escazuthis is for senior living all inclusive wifi electric cable tv water security guard $599 monthonly for long term rent real references requiredcall 88271314 or ... 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 ...
i left new york city in 1991 where i paid $3000 month for a one bedroom modern apartment which included a parking space in midtownin costa rica todaythe same one bedroom modern apt in escazu will run about $1200 monthin santa ana about $800 ... Read More
Visiting soon and need to plan by Jtuck2
Hello, My husband and I are coming to visit on March 23 for two weeks. We need some help deciding which areas to visit and we need to book places to stay.We want to familiarize ourselves with expat communities in the Central Valley area to see if ...
my wife just came back from playa hermosa in guanacaste and said hotel there bosque was quite nice and not crowded like tamarindo which is close bythe big problem with first time visit is the distances are so far that most do not realize to visit ... Read More
Visiting soon and need to plan by Jtuck2
Hello, My husband and I are coming to visit on March 23 for two weeks. We need some help deciding which areas to visit and we need to book places to stay.We want to familiarize ourselves with expat communities in the Central Valley area to see if ...
look for the web site orbitcostaricaadvice for where to retire in the central valley Read More
Where should I even begin? by edwardguaschino
I receive 100% p&t from the VA and I am getting to the point mentally where I just can’t handle the states anymore. Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic both offer retirement visas. Where should I even begin to look at Costa Rica? Id ...
@edwardguaschinoread blogs from retired gringos who have lived in costa rica for decades not newbies Read More
Are Orotina & San Mateo areas safe? by Michael Trainor
Hello everyone....I have been looking on Air BnB at some places to stay during an Apr 6 - 13 visit. I am a senior citizen (very healthy) who walks about 6 - 8 miles per day, so I don't mind walking....I prefer it. So I rcvd a response from an Air ...
after 32 years of living in costa rica when i first arrived in 1994 the country was tranquil and safe almost everywhereanyone who reads the newspapers in costa rica for local people instead of the hype for tourists will discover anywhere outside of ... Read More
US citizen with Costa Rican business, need help with taxes by Ashley Gee
Hi community! I am a US Citizen with a Costa Rican business. I would like to know if anyone has a recommendation to a US based Accountant that has knowledge of Costa Rican Taxes.
danilo jimenez speaks perfect english cpa Read More
Pursical area by Simplepuravida
Does anyone know much about the Altos de Antigua in or near Pursical? I see land for sale there but would like to know more about it, before we take a look.
my wife was appraiser for the mutal in puriscal for a lot of years and the problem there is the sesmic questions otherwise it is a great area for rural living but i see the crime is up there lately Read More
Why do so many people leave Costa Rica after moving there? by samramon
This question is often asked because while there are no absolute numbers it seems to be generally agreed that 30-60% of people move back to their home country within the first 5 years or so. I hope the moderators will allow this discussion because ...
i retired here in 1994 and i have watched 100s of gringos leave costa rica mainly because they have the same mistakes they made in north americathey get hooked up with low class women or think they can live on the beach for $500 month next to 4 ... Read More
Managing child-related expenses in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Embarking on an expat journey to Costa Rica with children presents unique challenges, particularly concerning the financial considerations related to raising kids. Whether you are planning to relocate to Costa Rica or have already ...
private schools are the only option for real education and they are expensive from $600 month to more than $1200 month and usually you pay 12 months not 9our grandkids have one at $600 month which is very good but they also have to pay for supplies ... Read More
Expenses needed to live in CR by bhu11163
Am seeing a lot of posts on different sites saying in CR it is very expensive to live there. If living a modest single life how much might a person need per month to live there? Thanks!
32 years ago when i arrived in costa rica the only books available stated $600 monththis was not correct at that time and today the least amount for a safe life is no less than $1700 monththe problem of this type of blog is the specific explanations ... 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 ...
@tjuckufarley if you search this expert on the internet for advice about real estate and life it may help you understand costa rica **** 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: ...
i hired an appraiser who worked for the government authorized housing savings and loan bank 22 years ago since i was aware of the lack of data and integrity in the real estate market since there is no license requiredunlike the states there is very ... Read More
Accommodation and meat cost by praxiswebcam0r
Hi everyone. I am exploring different countries to retire to and Costa Rica is one. And while everyone raves about the low cost of fruits and vegetables, I am more concerned with the availability of meat from ruminates (cow, lamb etc) quality and ...
@praxiswebcam0r you have to understand how to use craigs listfind the section where it says real estatethe look for furnished apartmentsthen enter alajuela on that sectionafter 32 years of living in costa rica offering rental units craigs list is ... Read More
Accommodation and meat cost by praxiswebcam0r
Hi everyone. I am exploring different countries to retire to and Costa Rica is one. And while everyone raves about the low cost of fruits and vegetables, I am more concerned with the availability of meat from ruminates (cow, lamb etc) quality and ...
if you go to craigs list you can see the 2 bed 2 bath condo with pool tennis lake real 24 hour gated security for $600 month you can enter alajuela to the search at craigs list for furnished condosany price less than that in costa rica is probably ... Read More
Your first days in your home in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Do you remember the first time you set foot in Costa Rica? One of your main concerns must have been the settling down process in your new home. Share your experience and tell us what it was like to find your new home in Costa ...
nice place to live ifyou have financial secure income above $1500 month sometimes more if you need a carfind someone to trust which is almost impossible in this country but maybe it is same for any expat in new countrycosta rica is no longer ... Read More
Your first days in your home in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Do you remember the first time you set foot in Costa Rica? One of your main concerns must have been the settling down process in your new home. Share your experience and tell us what it was like to find your new home in Costa ...
@mail66 nice Read More
Day one of planning by Ken Mack
Hello all,Please explain what most people do about vehicles?Do you buy there? If new and paid for do you ship it and register it in Costa Rica?BestKen
after 32 years living in costa rica central valley i realize most people think they need 4x4but i had one and almost never used it my wife was an appraiser for the local banks here and was going all over the rural areas and purchased a jimny when ... Read More
Thinking of retiring to Costa Rica by GuesTPoster1307233
Hi All,My name is Millie and my husband and I are thinking of moving to Costa Rica. We are planning to travel there soon to scout places to live. We are interested in renting for now. Any advice on where the safest urban locations to look ...
*** Read More
furnished condo $599 month pool , tennis, lake, 24/7 security
we have one vacant condo of 2 bedroom 2 bath with huge terrace in the concasa complex fully furnished located 4 miles west of santa ana and pricesmart off the beach highway route 27 still close to all services in san jose but away from the traffic ... Read More
Required Real Estate license in C.R by jkp39
Considering retiring in San Jose area. Have a current R.E. Lic since 81 in the US. Need current information on selling Real Estate / License / suggestions in C.R. Need to communicate with connected / informed person in the market .
as of this date there is no license for real estate agentsmany lawyers, accountants, engineers, architects (especially those who work as appraisers) are licensedyou can see info on angela jimenez rocha licensed appraiser in costa rica on the site ... Read More
Useful links for newbies
angeal jimenez rocha 33 years certified licensed appraiser in costa ricayou can see her info on the internet under her name Read More
Your first days in your home in Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Do you remember the first time you set foot in Costa Rica? One of your main concerns must have been the settling down process in your new home. Share your experience and tell us what it was like to find your new home in Costa ...
after 32 years of living in paradise the following is the advice i would givedo not live in remote areas since almost all of the services you will need are in the central valley the price of land has risen so far that development has moved to areas ... Read More
Looking into to retire is CR by oshudofsky
Hello everybody,I am a Dutch single mom and will be retired at the end of 2024 and one of the countries I am looking into to retire is CR. Despite the great weather, nature, animals, etc. also because I will have just a not to large pension and the ...
we have several 2 bed 2 bath condos in alajuela with pool, tennis, lake with supermarket inside the 2000 unit complex which we rent for $600 month which includes serious gated armed securityyou can see the info on this site orbitcostaricaas to the ... Read More
San Ramon - we want to retire by natalilevasseur
Hi my name is Natali - and my husband and I are from Alberta Canada and we would like to buy a house in San Ramon and to live there 6 months a year. What is the best way to find a house we are looking for a three bedroom and if possible a pool. ...
i agree that a large percentage of people who want to live in paradise do not stay long termhowever the main problem is having the right expectations and making sure of not getting a bad deal on renting or buying or making the wrong locationafter 32 ... Read More
Process for rentista visa by sakoseyan
Hi I'm thoroughly confused so hope someone who knows the process can help. I've December interview for rentista visa but I'm told I should transfer over the sizeable deposit funds for visa now. All seems rushed as no immigration ...
before you purchase real estate the best idea is to find an appraiser who works for one of the mutuals for many years since they are more conservative than the regular bankssuggest you read about angela jimenez rocha who has worked as an appraiser ... Read More
Young family - which part of CR should we move to? by cvanlijnden
Hello everyone,my wife and I (both 37 years old) are thinking about moving to Costa Rica in about 3 years. We also have a daughter who is currently two years old, and a Labrador who just turned 4. We will be visiting the country soon on a holiday to ...
i arrived in paradise in costa rica in 1995it is still paradise for those who actually understand there is no free lunchthere are lots of nice decent people here but most of them do not have real smartsof course there are lots of scam artists here ... Read More
Post-Covid-19 situation in Costa Rica by Mickael
Hello everyone, [b]The COVID-19 pandemic[/b] had a huge impact on the world, including on expats' lives. Travel restrictions, business closures, budget cuts, and health measures have created unprecedented challenges for those who have chosen to ...
i have membership in the best low cost medical care in private hospital in costa ricayesterday i went to the doctor since i have had a cough for several days and was tested for covid at a chargeof $20 for the test and it was negativethe doctor ... Read More
What I learned building in a gated community in Costa Rica by Justagirl8870
Hello! Another update from Justagirl and not because I have the time but because I honestly hope and pray that less and less people throw their life savings and life dream into a garbage disposal. It is a painful grind. selling lots and a dream is ...
suggest you read the info regarding angela jimenez rocha who is licensed appraiser for last 33 years for the banks and the government housing instituteyou can see her info on her web site if you google her name 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 ...
@Blackwatch this is one reason that the government is not thinking what is best for the expatsthe best would be for the government to let expats that out health insurance with the government owned insurance co INSthat way you have choice of private ... Read More
Looking into to retire is CR by oshudofsky
Hello everybody,I am a Dutch single mom and will be retired at the end of 2024 and one of the countries I am looking into to retire is CR. Despite the great weather, nature, animals, etc. also because I will have just a not to large pension and the ...
i came to costa rica in 1994 and found life to be wonderful compared to nyc i married a tica angela jimnenez rocha who has been an appraiser of real estate for the last 33 years for the banks and the court systemthe most interesting fact last year ... Read More