[critterhill]

Thanks to everyone for their recommendations. We will check them out and determine which lawyer best suits our needs.

We are counting the days to moving to Costa Rica!

[critterhill]

What didn’t your friends like about the area? Or what was missing?

[critterhill]

Thanks so much, David!

[critterhill]

kwhite, unless I overlooked it, you failed to mention:

estate tax
hospital district tax
3.8% tax on home sales

I’m sure there are more taxes to add the list that we just can’t think of right now.

[critterhill]

San Isidro del General. Sorry I didn’t clarify.

[critterhill]

Saltwater, I must address one thing you mention…..your choice of beer. Now if you were really a good ole boy, you’d drink REAL beer not that lite crap. lol

Also, if you do like beer, there are some micro-breweries popping up across the country. Volcano Brewery, about 8 km north of Tilaran on Lake Arenal, has some excellent brews. I also understand,and will find out myself in a few months, that Cartago Brewery has some good ones as well. I think they are moving location (can’t remember where) this summer.

Now I’m still looking for some good, inexpensive wines. In the meantime, I’ll have to do with a box of Clos when I visit and move.

[critterhill]

Thanks for the AA reminder. I thought I’d looked at them but will do so again. Just today, I’m trying to order shipping crates that will are airline approved. Of course, what’s advertised as airline approved isn’t always accepted by the airlines. It’s a maze but our pups are worth it.

[critterhill]

I am just now researching this very topic for our move next year. Check with Delta. They are the only airline I’ve found from Texas to Costa Rica (with one short layover in Atlanta) that allows dogs to fly as checked baggage with no need of a broker. The cost I’ve been quoted is about 1/10 of the cost of using a broker and shipping as cargo.

Delta may be your answer. Good luck.

[critterhill]

It’s a very pretty area. I’m not a beach person at all, but I must admit I love Manual Antonio and Dominical.

When Herradura is mentioned, I think of the salt water crocs in the area. Or is that a myth? I really don’t keep up with it because I’m not a fish.

I would bet almost anyplace in CR is an improvement over LA.

Good luck and enjoy. We hope to make the move in 3 1/2 years when we retire. I envy you making the move at your age.

[critterhill]

Damon, you are not stupid. Sometimes we just get caught up in the moment and forget crap.

May I ask why Herradura over other places?

[critterhill]

Have you tried vrbo.com, home away.com, or airbnb.com to find something? When we visit, these 3 sites are how we find our places….and our rentals have always been VERY reasonable.

[critterhill]

Davidd,

Does this 82 year old gentleman write what he publishes? It’s my understanding that if one is a decent write, it is easy to “publish” ebooks since there’s no printing or minimal, if any, upfront $s involve.

This topic would make an excellent thread.

[critterhill]

Davidc, I concur that the logistics of the $ and property transfers would be THE key. We’re trying to absorb all info we can to make our future move as painless as possible. And I know that even with meticulous planning, we’ll still have some unwanted surprises.

[critterhill]

I have several friends who are very aware of how to save their family estates. The problem, in their cases, is that 70 and 80 year old parents don’t comprehend the need. After all, they have a will in place and they believe that is all they need to do.

Another issue is the expense of setting up a trust/partnership which I’ve been told can run in the $5 – $10 thousand range. If taxes don’t break you, lawyer fees will!

[critterhill]

If you are planning to be in Costa Rica for up to 3 weeks, you can stay in different parts of the country. I agree with Victoria that the Arenal area is worth a visit. Taking a 1/2 day or so traveling from one lodging site to another is a day of adventure. We put 500 miles, give or take, on our car each time we visit. We’ve stayed in so many places, and had so many adventures.

Some folks prefer to vacation in a resort atmosphere similiar to what they can find anywhere in the states and eat at chain restaurants. Some, like us, prefer to stay in houses and mingle with the local Ticos/expats, shop at the local markets, eat at the wonderful roadside sodas, and travel the countryside. Only you know your vacation “style”.

I envy you going in March. I won’t be back for another 8-9 months……

[Author]

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