Sanbuenaventuraman
Canadian expat in Costa Rica
Forum posts
58
Contacts
1
About me
Canadian
Lives in Uvita
Registration: 15 December 2011
Moving to Costa Rica from Toronto by LimitlessX
Hey guys, Glad to be here. I'm new to this forum, and from Toronto, planning to move to CR to start a new lifestyle in this beautiful place. Just need some words of advice from you guys who have been there for a long time. [b]Is it a good ...
Hello Sam, Some people claim they are leaving Costa Rica because of the economy. Showing that a Tico must work for one hour to buy one beer is evidence that there is something very wrong with the economy here. There are many items which are ... Read More
How has your life changed in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Has your life changed since you moved to Costa Rica? If so, in what way? Tell us more about all the changes in your life regarding your family, job, or friends. What about your frame of mind? How would you define your mood? ...
I discovered that about half of the expats I've seen down here in Costa Rica have turned into alcoholics, perhaps from having too much time on their hands. This video provides so evidence on my claim. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtWjbAL-e1c Read More
Moving to Costa Rica from Toronto by LimitlessX
Hey guys, Glad to be here. I'm new to this forum, and from Toronto, planning to move to CR to start a new lifestyle in this beautiful place. Just need some words of advice from you guys who have been there for a long time. [b]Is it a good ...
Hello Pebs, You read it wrong. A Tico working at the minimum wage here in Costa Rica only earns enough to buy one beer in a restaurant here in Costa Rica. I asked a couple of Tico's about this situation and their reply was "That's ... Read More
Moving to Costa Rica from Toronto by LimitlessX
Hey guys, Glad to be here. I'm new to this forum, and from Toronto, planning to move to CR to start a new lifestyle in this beautiful place. Just need some words of advice from you guys who have been there for a long time. [b]Is it a good ...
Hello Jay, Perhaps the Canadians you know are much wealthier than those I know, and have no problem accepting inflated prices on automobiles, home prices, or an 80% import tax on appliances etc. The people I introduced to Costa Rica love the ... Read More
Moving to Costa Rica from Toronto by LimitlessX
Hey guys, Glad to be here. I'm new to this forum, and from Toronto, planning to move to CR to start a new lifestyle in this beautiful place. Just need some words of advice from you guys who have been there for a long time. [b]Is it a good ...
I brought down about twelve Canadian retirees to visit us "that were looking for a place to retire", and not one of them made the decision to retire in Costa Rica, they found it too expensive for food and automobiles, and the cost of homes ... Read More
Moving to Costa Rica from Toronto by LimitlessX
Hey guys, Glad to be here. I'm new to this forum, and from Toronto, planning to move to CR to start a new lifestyle in this beautiful place. Just need some words of advice from you guys who have been there for a long time. [b]Is it a good ...
Be sure to get on a bus route to town, buying a car here is insane, it's a waste of money. We take a bus to town for about 80 cents, and a taxi back with the groceries for $3. Read More
I'm moving to Costa Rica on May 2 by dseabaugh1
Should I wait until I get to Costa Rica to set up a bank checking account and a mail office box ?
Good luck opening a bank account in Costa Rica "although I heard they finally might be allowing foreigners without status to do that". We had too much hassle with opening a bank account here so we just use our credit card and use online ... Read More
Locations to consider living in Costa Rica by briner
My wife and I are looking for feedback on locations that would provide the following: - very safe - reasonably priced - nearby to golf and beach (within several miles) Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. Ralph and Marian
You must rent for a month and investigate all the different climates that exist in Costa Rica. I would strongly suggest that you stay totally clear of the Limon area "especially if you are white". A Canadian teacher was just robbed and ... Read More
Moving to Costa Rica from Toronto by LimitlessX
Hey guys, Glad to be here. I'm new to this forum, and from Toronto, planning to move to CR to start a new lifestyle in this beautiful place. Just need some words of advice from you guys who have been there for a long time. [b]Is it a good ...
This is funny... you obviously haven't done any home work. When you get to San Jose airport the Customs office might as to see your return flight ticket, which must be inside 90 days, it depends on what agent you get. You can't stay more ... Read More
The holiday season in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Are you about to celebrate the holiday season in Costa Rica? In many countries and cultures, the festive season is the time for happiness and reunions/gatherings. Is it so in Costa Rica? How do Costa Ricans celebrate this very ...
Thanks for that post Kohlerias, I walked past the police station in Parrita last week and noticed that the police motorcycles were parked inside the building next to the officers desks, how sad is that when police can't even park their ... Read More
The holiday season in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Are you about to celebrate the holiday season in Costa Rica? In many countries and cultures, the festive season is the time for happiness and reunions/gatherings. Is it so in Costa Rica? How do Costa Ricans celebrate this very ...
Life does not need to treat me any better as this has been a fantastic place to live, it's just an unfortunate situation that so many young people have nothing more to do with their lives than to get involved in petty theft. Anyone who plans to ... Read More
The holiday season in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Are you about to celebrate the holiday season in Costa Rica? In many countries and cultures, the festive season is the time for happiness and reunions/gatherings. Is it so in Costa Rica? How do Costa Ricans celebrate this very ...
Petty crime is a major problem throughout the country no matter what region you are in. The young guy we caught two years ago on our property now works for us as a gardener, he was just desperately unemployed and actually hungry. My wife is ... Read More
The holiday season in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Are you about to celebrate the holiday season in Costa Rica? In many countries and cultures, the festive season is the time for happiness and reunions/gatherings. Is it so in Costa Rica? How do Costa Ricans celebrate this very ...
Well.... we were planning on having a pleasant Christmas season (not Holiday Season) again this year, but unfortunately my neighbour had to fire on two wanna be thieves last night and one is in bad shape. It's truly sad that the petty theft ... Read More
Best place to live on the Pacific Coast by tomrich
We are moving in August 2017 to Costa Rica and would like to get some recommendations on an ideal coastal town at the Pacific Coast, not too touristy and expensive and not too many expats and no highrises. Looking forward hearing from you all!
Be sure to check out the distances to groceries and hospitals etc. Some of the locations in the mountains take up to an hour to get down from. Also make note that if you get too high you'll be living in the mountain fog until after lunch time ... Read More
Ed from Austin retiring to Costa Rica. by ezflaw
Hello. My name is Ed and I live in Austin, Texas. I am an avid birder and have visited Costa Rica three times over the past few years. I will be retiring in the next 18 months and am researching the possibility of retiring in Costa Rica. I ...
I can't speak for all Tico's.... but the ones here in the Paritta area seem to have a dislike for Gringos. The few that reside around this town seem to have gained a reputation for exploiting the locals by paying very low wages "and ... Read More
Best place to live on the Pacific Coast by tomrich
We are moving in August 2017 to Costa Rica and would like to get some recommendations on an ideal coastal town at the Pacific Coast, not too touristy and expensive and not too many expats and no highrises. Looking forward hearing from you all!
We like it close to Parrita, we have a great beach called Bejuco. We don't need a car here, the bus goes to Paritta every half hour for only 400 colones. Our town has about 50 stores and even a Walmart... Maxi Pali. Bejuco Beach Read More
Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Costa Rica can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Costa Rica? What are ...
Hello Expat Dave, It is rare to have someone agree with my statements, thank you for being so truthful and honest. Read More
Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Costa Rica can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Costa Rica? What are ...
I found that we adjusted to life here by accepting the Tico lifestyle and not trying to change it in any way, and to admit all the disadvantages of living here to friends and relatives, and to not glorify anything "to help justify our decision ... Read More
Moving 4 cats from SC to Costa Rica by K-RAE
I'm moving to Nosara, Costa Rica in August and need to move 4 cats with me. Where do I start?
TerrynViv has always been critical of those who express their basic rights to free speech in this forum, and even advises people to ignore posters who express views which do not sugar coat life here in Costa Rica. Read More
Moving 4 cats from SC to Costa Rica by K-RAE
I'm moving to Nosara, Costa Rica in August and need to move 4 cats with me. Where do I start?
Yes "TheWizz" you are correct.... they do much better when they grow up in the Costa Rica environment, and know what the dangers are. A cat on a leash "that's funny", do you stop and pick up his poop when taking him for a ... Read More
Moving 4 cats from SC to Costa Rica by K-RAE
I'm moving to Nosara, Costa Rica in August and need to move 4 cats with me. Where do I start?
I guess there are people on this earth who would allow their relationship with four cats to change their retirement plans.... LOL Some people do not realize the dangers which imported cats face when brought into this country. Our neighbor ... Read More
Robberies in Tamarindo by amourdelavie
I just had to leave Costa Rica asap so changed my dates of departure...I stayed at Marrey\ZullyMar hotel in Tamarindo and was robbed $6,000us ,100,000colones and 200$Ca the son of owner came to help me with the old safe and saw the money...two ...
You are correct to a point. Flaunting your riches does bring face to face robberies, but in Costa Rica even the poor have their homes broken into. It's actually easier to break into a poor persons home in Costa Rica than it is to get into a ... Read More
Robberies in Tamarindo by amourdelavie
I just had to leave Costa Rica asap so changed my dates of departure...I stayed at Marrey\ZullyMar hotel in Tamarindo and was robbed $6,000us ,100,000colones and 200$Ca the son of owner came to help me with the old safe and saw the money...two ...
Based on population verses the number of murders..... Costa Rica has a murder rate problem which is much greater than in Alberta. http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/02/17/costa-rica-saw-important-increase-in-violence-says-oij-director Read More
Robberies in Tamarindo by amourdelavie
I just had to leave Costa Rica asap so changed my dates of departure...I stayed at Marrey\ZullyMar hotel in Tamarindo and was robbed $6,000us ,100,000colones and 200$Ca the son of owner came to help me with the old safe and saw the money...two ...
Petty theft is a hobby down here. Even the monkeys took my hose and left it up in a tree. I had to get my wife to climb up and get it. One guy (a few years back) had his bathroom stripped of the toilet and sink. Read More
Robberies in Tamarindo by amourdelavie
I just had to leave Costa Rica asap so changed my dates of departure...I stayed at Marrey\ZullyMar hotel in Tamarindo and was robbed $6,000us ,100,000colones and 200$Ca the son of owner came to help me with the old safe and saw the money...two ...
Never leave a home unattended. One lady took her dog to the vet, gone two hours and lost her fridge. The security guards at (some) gated communities get paid commissions from thieves for advising them when homes are vacant. Read More
Robberies in Tamarindo by amourdelavie
I just had to leave Costa Rica asap so changed my dates of departure...I stayed at Marrey\ZullyMar hotel in Tamarindo and was robbed $6,000us ,100,000colones and 200$Ca the son of owner came to help me with the old safe and saw the money...two ...
Killers know where there are no police presence in Costa Rica. http://news.co.cr/after-gruesome-murder-tamarindo-beach-gets-more-security/38240/ Read More
Robberies in Tamarindo by amourdelavie
I just had to leave Costa Rica asap so changed my dates of departure...I stayed at Marrey\ZullyMar hotel in Tamarindo and was robbed $6,000us ,100,000colones and 200$Ca the son of owner came to help me with the old safe and saw the money...two ...
There are more murders in Tamarindo than there are in the Jamaican city of Limon. http://www.ticotimes.net/2016/02/16/costa-rica-killing-rampage-leaves-5-family-members-dead Read More
Building a house by joelrobin
Is it a good idea to buy property now and build in two or three years from now in Costa Rica? Or should we rent for a while and buy a house already built?
Rent for at least a year and examine the variety of climates we have here at different altitudes. Never buy any property unless the deed is shown to you first, and a letter from the municipality indicating you can build on that land. Make sure ... Read More
Reasonably Priced Business Lawyer Recommendation? by LOLPuertoRico
Hi, Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced, English speaking, business lawyer in/near San Jose to handle an injunction? I was quoted nearly $4000 and I just can't imagine that is an average cost. This request is time sensitive. Thanks!
If you are a Gringo... don't expect anything at a reasonable cost down here, as it is standard procedure for Tico's to charge you more. I am not joking. Read More
Moving 4 cats from SC to Costa Rica by K-RAE
I'm moving to Nosara, Costa Rica in August and need to move 4 cats with me. Where do I start?
Is this a joke? Four cats coming into Costa Rica will be a source of food for some animal down here, unless you live up in San Jose. My suggestion.... don't bring your cats here. Read More
Ed from Austin retiring to Costa Rica. by ezflaw
Hello. My name is Ed and I live in Austin, Texas. I am an avid birder and have visited Costa Rica three times over the past few years. I will be retiring in the next 18 months and am researching the possibility of retiring in Costa Rica. I ...
Be sure to rent and not buy a home here for at least a year. If you plan to eventually buy a building lot "be sure you see the deeds to the lot", and a letter from the municipality indicating you can build on that lot. There are a lot of ... Read More
bringing seeds into Costa Rica by lauramacpherson
We will be in Costa Rica for 4 months. I wanted to grow some veggies and herbs while we are there. Does anyone know if you are allowed to bring unopened seed packets from the US into Costa Rica? Thanks. Laura
Put the seeds in your luggage and they will get through. If they are in closed packages they will be less suspicious. We bring in Sun flower seeds. Read More
Has anyone used UPS in Costa Rica? by Coloradomike
Has anyone used UPS? How can you use UPS when Costa Rica does not have any street addresses? Can you have it sent to a Post Office for pickup? I need an important document sent in rapid time from the USA.
The cost of sending parcels from North America to Costa Rica is astronomical. Read More
Building a house by joelrobin
Is it a good idea to buy property now and build in two or three years from now in Costa Rica? Or should we rent for a while and buy a house already built?
At this time many people who built large retirement homes are now trying to sell them "as the cost of electrical power has increased dramatically", and they cost a fortune to keep cool. The standard built Tico constructed homes are ... Read More
Environmental protection in Costa Rica by Kenjee
Hi, Environmental protection is a challenging issue for all the countries around the world. Would you say this issue is deemed of significance in Costa Rica? Is the country going green through initiatives like waste management and selective ...
The types of septic systems permitted in Costa Rica are insane. The Costa Rica government has to adopt the same sort of septic systems used in North America. Read More
Robberies in Tamarindo by amourdelavie
I just had to leave Costa Rica asap so changed my dates of departure...I stayed at Marrey\ZullyMar hotel in Tamarindo and was robbed $6,000us ,100,000colones and 200$Ca the son of owner came to help me with the old safe and saw the money...two ...
Tamarindo has the highest rate for missing Gringos in all of Costa Rica. Read More
How much does Canadian govt tax on International income? by Julie et bri
How much does the Canadian govt tax us on international income ? Can someone help me with this ? Is it a deal breaker ?
Our neighbours here decided to save themselves all the grief connected with living in Costa Rica full time so they only do 180 days here (as allowed by provincial law in Canada), and the other half of the year in a trailer park in Northern Ontario. ... Read More
Essentials to live in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Costa Rica, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Costa Rica? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
Check out Ashley Furniture in Costa Rica, it's an American operation that carries furnishings. ** Read More
Essentials to live in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Costa Rica, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Costa Rica? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
I think you better rent down here for a month or two before you think of bringing anything. In the past four years that we've been here "75% of all expats we've met have returned to North America or Europe", usually because of ... Read More
Essentials to live in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Costa Rica, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Costa Rica? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
If things are not in new packaging "they've never bothered me at the airport", even the TV came in with no problem. Other items that seem to be worth less than $500. have been ignored, such as the lawn mower. I do not know the limit. Read More
Essentials to live in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Costa Rica, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Costa Rica? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
Unwrap everything so it looks used if you want to avoid problems paying taxes. Read More
Essentials to live in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Costa Rica, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Costa Rica? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
I think you are entitled a certain amount, like $500. per year, you'll have to check. I had someone bring a lawn mower and they just showed the bill of sale, we did the same with a TV etc. There must be a site that tells you the amount of new ... Read More
Border Run To Nicaragua To Renew My Driver's License by samramon
We are applying for residency so do NOT have to leave the country... EXCEPT to renew the driver's license. Let me clear up a misconception out there about renewing your license: Some say "The worst that can happen is you will get a ticket ...
The major problem Costa Rica is having is not just people involved in money laundering and drug running "it's vagrants". "beach combers", and thieves. Many Nica gangs come down, .. rent a house, and go on stealing sprees. ... Read More
Border Run To Nicaragua To Renew My Driver's License by samramon
We are applying for residency so do NOT have to leave the country... EXCEPT to renew the driver's license. Let me clear up a misconception out there about renewing your license: Some say "The worst that can happen is you will get a ticket ...
It's a fully paved highway all the way to the Panama border, plus you can stop in at Golfito if you want to buy some duty free items.. including brand name appliances at amazing prices. There are even bus tours out of of the San Jose area. ... Read More
How much does Canadian govt tax on International income? by Julie et bri
How much does the Canadian govt tax us on international income ? Can someone help me with this ? Is it a deal breaker ?
Also note that Pensionado status is also not granted to anyone who cannot provide a police clearance report. Read More
Essentials to live in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Costa Rica, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Costa Rica? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
The best way to get everything you want at North American prices is to simply invite friends and relatives to visit you, and have it come with them as luggage. We had a lawn mower brought in with a grandson's 50 pound weight allowance. The ... Read More
How much does Canadian govt tax on International income? by Julie et bri
How much does the Canadian govt tax us on international income ? Can someone help me with this ? Is it a deal breaker ?
Thanks James, your provide great information to everyone. Read More
How much does Canadian govt tax on International income? by Julie et bri
How much does the Canadian govt tax us on international income ? Can someone help me with this ? Is it a deal breaker ?
The Canadian peso sits at 73 cents US today, which is not a good time to have the Canadian government seizing 25% of pensions. Read More
Renting a car for a vacation trip around Costa Rica & into Panama by Richintucson
I'm planning an 8-10 day trip for my wife and I (around the beginning of 2015) to check out Costa Rica as a possible retirement location. I'd like to rent a car, and travel along the western coast, but also would like to visit the David, ...
I could be wrong... but I don't think a car rented in Costa Rica can be taken into Panama. Read More
Looking for Furniture Stores by lafdbuf
I am looking for furniture stores located within 50 kilometers of San Jose. Hopefully with comments on personal experience with these stores.
Try buying furniture in Costa Rica when converting Canadian pesos to colones. The Canadian peso is only worth 73 cents today. Read More
How much does Canadian govt tax on International income? by Julie et bri
How much does the Canadian govt tax us on international income ? Can someone help me with this ? Is it a deal breaker ?
Hi James, from what I understood "this man (not my friend as you say) never worked a day in his life in Canada", so he was not entitled to CPP. I think he ended up with an OAP because he was over 65 and in the country twenty years. He ... Read More
How much does Canadian govt tax on International income? by Julie et bri
How much does the Canadian govt tax us on international income ? Can someone help me with this ? Is it a deal breaker ?
Thank you so much for the explanation, it would be interesting to know what benefits the Canadian government provides to people who live abroad and still send them tax dollars. I met a Chinese millionaire who has lived in Markham Ontario for ... Read More
How much does Canadian govt tax on International income? by Julie et bri
How much does the Canadian govt tax us on international income ? Can someone help me with this ? Is it a deal breaker ?
Why would you report income to the Canadian government that you earned in another country, although I do realize that Canada does need more money to feed and house the vast number of Syrian refugees they just took in. Read More
International health insurance by celferis
I know that, in addition to the mandatory CAJA, many expats have their own private international health insurance plan. I have Googled a few; premiums seem to be extremely high. Cigna seemed to be the lowest. We are under 55-59, in excellent health, ...
Medipac is the best, not sure if they sell it where you are located. 1-888-633-4722 Read More
Looking for Furniture Stores by lafdbuf
I am looking for furniture stores located within 50 kilometers of San Jose. Hopefully with comments on personal experience with these stores.
Go to the town of Sarchi, there are many furniture stores there. Read More