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In terms of taxes and proposed new taxes in Costa Rica. A wise Costa Rican friend always reminds me, “Just wait, and see. The dog’s bark is often worse than his bite.”
In terms of the TSA. Adding insult to injury, we are inspected by minimum wage, low educated federal employees; and, several have been arrested for stealing from passenger luggage. Not to mention, several have been fired for sexual misconduct on the job.
Adriana,
No insult intended, however your post borders on a solicitation. There are doctors and nurses in my family. They did not initiate forum posts, rather; they provided medical services through international organizations. However, once you become a legal resident of Costa Rica, you may seek employment as a nurse.I carry several lighters, back and forth between the U.S. and Costa Rica. In all the years, neither U.S. nor Costa Rican security; has confiscated my lighters. However, I must say, I always fly into Liberia. The SJ airport has had numerous U.S. and Canadian citizens attempt to smuggle marijuana and cocaine back to the U.S. or Canada. Even if they are not carrying drugs, often there is still residue in their clothing or bags; which will initiate a detention and questioning. In my case, I always receive “Profiling Treatment” and extra security checks, once I return to my east coast airport. I must admit, I do look like a Tico! I play the game with them, then I politely ask to see a supervisor, once he or she arrives, I present my Department Of Justice federal credentials; and have them apologize to me in public. Odd, everytime I arrive at the airport in Liberia, I always get smiles and an Ola!
Being the new kid on the block, and home owner in Guancaste; socializing with expat gringos has been a mostly rewarding experience. Fellow expat gringos have provided me with their vast experience and networking channels, and in some cases; have been my tour guides, business advocates and financial advisers. From my experience, there are cliques in every expat community. These cliques tend to be strongest among the expats with large disposable incomes. Let me be blunt, Costa Rica is no different than North America, in terms of the expats living and working in Costa Rica; you are either a have or havenot. If you are a have, open doors and opportunities are vast.
Foreign Tax Credit
1.Tax must be imposed on you.
2.You must have paid or accrued the tax.
3.The tax must be legal.
4.The tax must be income tax.
5.Use Form 1040, Schedule A.
6.Use Form 1116, and attached to Form 1040.Reference: http://www.irs.gov
We have a home in Guancaste, and live there part-time. We wanted some custom made wooden furniture constructed thoughout our house. A Tico friend took us to a lumber yard, to meet the owner/custom builder. The owner/custom builder showed us the woods, and explained that the quality of wood varies, within Costa Rica and imports to Costa Rica. While we were in the lumber yard, I saw rows upon rows of excess remaining wood, from prior projects. Scouting various lumber yards, may produce the wood and price you are seeking.
maravilla,
There is a combination post office and UPS delivery point, near me in Playas Del Coco. Is that what you are referring to? However, they use a Costa Rican address. They also charge a low monthly fee.A monthly check deposit to my BCT bank in Costa Rica, is a great secondary option. Especially in light of the fact that BCT clears checks in seven days. I have used USAA, Bank Of America, Pentagon Federal Credit Union credit cards in Costa Rica, all charged a foreign transaction fee. However, my new CapitalOne credit card and debit card, charge 0% transaction fees. The information in regard to having new credit cards sent to Costa Rica, was very informative, I am also exploring all viable options, in that regard.
You have to see and experience it yourself! I have lived in several major cities around the world, visiting is one thing, living there is another. I currently live in a major northest U.S. city, and cannot wait to depart on a full time basis to Guancaste. I do enjoy the museums and eateries in SJ, on a day trip! In terms of crime, it is everywhere, learn tactics that make you less of a target.
kevin,
Unfortunately yes! I deep sea fish in Costa Rica, unfortunately, I have the same effect on fish! (smile)One thing the military taught me was, things and people are not always as they appear. Having come to Costa Rica the last 14 years, and now living there part-time; I have been fortunate not to have been robbed or have my home broken into. Criminals size you up as a potential target, and expats are easy prey. I am always in combat mode and I always maintain the 1000 yard combat stare, thanks to PTSD; it also helps that I am still in excellent body building shape.
We purchased a beachfront in Guancaste, in 2009. And plan on buying another property in Costa Rica. I utilized and will again utilize, the services of an expat American, real estate broker. He is knowledgeable, efficient, honest and a mover-and-shaker. For example, he was able to obtain a 40% discount from the seller, of our first home. I can provide you with his name,etc. via a personal message.
