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While I think driving all the way down from Canada or the States would be an awesome adventure, I have heard more horror stories than praise for the driving trip. Political unrest in several countries, corrupt border officials, lack of available services (car repairs, parts, etc.) can all be issues that can make for a disasterous trip. With the price of gas I don’t know if you would really be saving that much by driving. One thing for sure though, you wouldn’t have the same adventure. In any event, if you do decide to drive, expect to have to pay several bribes along the way either at border crossings or check points along the highways.
This may be somewhat of a side note, but we have found ARCR to be of very little help. Their PO Box system in Miami is of little or no help and is very expensive. It took almost 2 months to recieve just a regular size envelope through their system…..no explanation as to the delay. It cost us over $8 for a standard 8×10 envelope with a thin shopping catalogue in it. In almost every case where ARCR tells you they have group discounts for you, we have either gotten the same discount or a greater one just by asking. Their travel help is worthless. We have no intention of renewing our membership and do not recommend their services.
You are not able to come to Costa Rica and work as a foreigner. You are able to visit CR as a tourist for 90 days at a time. You can apply for residency under several different criteria, but even then you can typically not work a job here in Costa Rica. You obviously need to do a lot more research before considering doing what you are talking about.
WE live in Esterillos Oeste on the pacific side. It’s 2.5 hours at most from the airport. We are just 22km south of jaco. The weather is great most of the time. Rainy season will be starting, but typically it’s sunny during the day and starts clouding up in the late afternoon. Temps right now are about 80 to 85, but fairly pleasant.
David, the explanation of requirement to pay state taxes is not totally accurate. Scott said it best…please, please check with your internationally informed tax consultant before taking any of the advice given here to the bank so to speak. Each State may have different tax laws regarding living in a foreign country. California offers the same expemption as does the Federal Govt. if your primary residence is in a foreign country. However, we have friends that moved from Mass. to work in England. Mass. does not have an expemption of State taxes for residence living and working outside the country. Since Mass. was their last known residence they have had to pay State income taxes for 8 years now and have not been back to Mass since leaving. To me, that is criminal. The bottom line though is definitely get professional advice when it comes to taxes.
Maravella, think twice about the chickens. They are substantially a lot more trouble than people think for them to really produce eggs of any significance. That is unless you are considering raising them simply for the meat. In either case, eggs and chicken are two of the cheapest food products here. I might not be telling you anything you don’t already know, just making a suggestion.
Wow…only $1000 a year for property taxes…..where was that. We are actually living per month now on the same amount we paid monthly in property taxes and association fee on our 1 br condo in San Jose, Ca. The ones that simply flee another country for a cheaper cost of living are the ones that end up going back after a year or two. I think to make it work you first have to have an adventurous spirit, and most people really do not. The vast majority of people have never traveled outside their own country and we probably have all met the ones that have rarely if ever traveled outside their own state. That works for some people….they are the dreamers and the “I wish I coulders” Hmmm, is coulders a word… :o) I really don’t miss the ho ho’s and the ding dong’s……but Krispy Kreme’s…..that’s another story.
bettybryan, I think I can save you a lot of time and frustration. Costa Rica is definitely not for you, unless you make some major changes in the attitude, You come down here and the first thing out of your mouth is your fight for womens rights then yes, you will be put into a catagory by the Tico’s. It won’t be as a second class citizen, it will be one of an ugly arrogant foreigner coming to tell the locals how to live. Your homework is obviously outdated. Women account for more than 50% of university attendance here and hold many positions of power and authority in their corporate structure here as well as in politics. The Tico’s don’t need you coming and telling them how it’s done, or even how you did it where you come from. Might I suggest you try France.
It’s been said a couple different ways but the bottom line really is that everyone is different. If they weren’t it would be a pretty boring world. One of the things we like so much about CR is it offers an abundance of choices. Jaco is definitely not for everyone, and I’m glad that Esterillos isn’t for everyone either. Although the whole central Pacific ic changing. You can’t stop progress……what ever one’s definition of progress might be. Jaco reminds us of Santa Cruz California. It’s definitely a place where a variety of non traditional individuals choose to make their sanctuary. I’ve said before, I do think Jaco will change eventually to become an upscale resort town….that may be 5 to 10 years off. So long term it’s probably still a decent investment. From strictly an investment stand point, Los Suenos is about 10 years old. A 2 br condo at the front of the development sold for $125K. Those same condos are $1 million now. I’d rather invest down the road a ways and don’t like the idea of the highrises or gringo resorts and communities. By the way Scott….the new mercado is open now and I have heard nothing but good reports about it. We are going to stop in for the first time today or tomorrow.
The IRS does offer an exemption up to a certain dollar amount for those residing outside the US. The amount varies based on if you are filing single or jointly with a spouse. You also need to check the requirements for State taxes from the State you left from because not all States offer the same exemptions for your State income taxes.
If your daily driving is basically to the stores or into town then lmost any vehicle will suit your needs. If you desire to go exploring on many of the back roads then you will definitely want a 4 wheel drive of some type. There are boat dealers in the San Jose area. There is no set policy by home owners selling or renting their house. Some will come furnished, some will not. There are a multitude of furniture and appliance stores throught the country. Once you get settled in an area you will most likely be able to find a local furniture maker that does custom orders for a fraction of the price you will pay in the retail outlets. We recently had a full size bed made out of beautiful solid wood. Total cost was $90.
I have met with both Bob and Jeff and walked through their Bejuco development that is almost completed. From everything I can see they are on the up and up and do what they say they are going to do. Their prices in comparison are not out of the ordinary. I live in Esterillos Oeste and have been watching the new site. They have recently started grating the road at their entrance, but from what I understand they only have all the paperwork for the 29 lots in the front to start building. The other lots, may take some months before everything is ready.
$1000 a sq foot….that’s supply and demand. You don’t have an inalienable right to live in the accomodation of your choosing, unless you work for it and can afford it. Thank God for free enterprise.
40 million in the US living below the poverty line…..who’s line? The average, below the poverty line family in the US has two cars, two televisions, telephone, a home they are at least renting and is probably being subsidized by a govt. program the rest of us pay for. They also have an endless supply of govt. and charitable programs supplying food in various forms. It’s only a guess, but many probably even have cell phones. Poverty is definitely a horrible thing, but please keep in context.
I would agree with you Scott. It was just a conversation I had with someone living in Panama, so I’m sure their opinion was somewhat biased, and it is true there are probably many more retirees in Costa Rica than in Panama. So based simply on numbers CR would fall under “most desired”. It was our most desired place, that is why we moved here. I have not researched it or actually seen any studies on it, but you are probably correct. What I did see first hand is some of what is attracting people to Panama in recent years. The better roads, cleaner cities, etc. I think in the long run that could eventually hurt Costa Rica. That being said, we love Costa Rica and it is our home. I would love to see CR take some of the steps that Panama has taken.
