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Rita,
I believe the new immigration law states that you cannot apply for pensionado status while youre inside the country. You must begin the application process prior to coming. You might want to check your plans with a CR attorney just to be sure.
Guru,
Your excellent posts on this forum have always lived up to your handle. However, I fear your disdain for CAFTA may be getting the better of you.
According to the Ministerio de Hacienda (Tico IRS), here is an itemization of taxes collected in 2005:
Social Security Tax 32%
Income Tax 17%
Property Tax 3%
Sales Tax 42%
Import Tax 6%As you can see, taxes on imports account for a small part of the equation, and the burden need not be shifted entirely to the “small farmers and laborers”.
Furthermore, the whole idea of making trade “freer” is to make it more efficient. This means lowering the cost of goods and services for consumers, as well as shifting precious public resources from propping up inefficient enterprises to investing in activities which have competitive advantages. The net benefit to the country as a whole is obvious, though certainly not pain-free. Whether this net benefit trickles down to the ordinary Tico is an internal political matter.
I understand why many people do not like these “free trade” agreements (quotation marks added as sarcasm – nothing’s free), and I do agree they are far from perfect. However, the alternative of isolated economies and governmental promotion of inefficiency is worse.
Costa Rica is not a “third world” country. It is developing rapidly, and the number and quality of professionals is astounding. Not only do I believe they are ready to play in the big leagues, but they desire to as well. Furthermore, I believe the Costa Rican CAFTA negotiating team has been much more able and aggressive than its regional counterparts.
Globalization is shoving these “free trade” policies down all of our throats. Either we adapt, or slowly wither and die. Remember, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
Personally, I still don’t think people appreciate the strategic benefit CAFTA would provide to Costa Rica – more so than any other country in the treaty. Given its political stability, high level of education, and large middle class, I believe CAFTA would help consolidate Costa Rica’s position as the administrative business center for Central America. If CAFTA goes through without Costa Rica, Guatemala will remain in that spot, to the great detriment of all Ticos.
Anyway, what you or I think does not matter. Costa Rica is apparently a much more evolved democracy than the U.S., as it’s sending the question of CAFTA to the people in a binding resolution. The Ticos themselves will decide their future, and live with the consequences.
It’s hard to say which way it will go, although I imagine they will reject it. Costa Rica’s idealic past is just too good for most people to willingly let go of. If that’s the case, it won’t be the end of it. The high cost of isolation will become apparent, and eventually people will realize that integration is the only option.
Chubascos is great. It’s in a town called Fresas on the way to Poás. Mostly tourists and pricier than the real “típicos”, but big portions and very much worth it.
Ram Luna is a mirador above Aserrí. Nice restaurant/bar and great view, although the food’s not the best and the prices are high. Tiquicia above Escazú is a better bet, if you can get there. You’ll have to ask for directions as you go, and believe them when they point up an impossibly angled dirt road. The food is much better, there’s entertainment, and the owner is usually around to meet and greet. He even appeared at his establishment on the program “Wild On”, but he still remains a true Tico through and through.
I wouldn’t call a “soda” a fast food joint. This is where the most typical food is served, and the most inexpensive. Ask for a “casado”, a mainstay dish with a bit of everything. It’s fast because they always have everything prepared, even though it may take hours to do so. The Central Market in San Jose has some terrific sodas, just keep your wallet in your front pocket…
Jubert’s in Quepos is fantastic for seafood. Don’t be dissuaded by the less-than-attractive look to it, but do bring bug spray for the no-see-ums under the tables. Another great, and extremely inexpensive, seafood restaurant is “El Barco de los Mariscos” in Santa Barbara de Heredia. They have their own boats out of Quepos and they truck it up daily. Their place is huge to accommodate the crowds.
I’ve yet to find a decent typical restaurant in Puntarenas, or a good Mexican restaurant anywhere in Costa Rica, although Chinese restaurants are everywhere, and usually a good bet (but not always). Tin Jo in San Jose is exceptional.
On the way to Arenal there’s a good typical restaurant called “La Vaca Loca”, and another good one in Zarcero called “Doña” something or other.
On the road from Puntarenas to Liberia there are a few good typical restaurants on the right. The best of them has an Indian name for “communal thatched roof hall”, but for the life of me I can’t remember it. “El” something-or-other.
There’s a mirador above San Rafael de Heredia, but the food is not good. However, on the way there’s a great typical soda called La Casita. Just above that there’s a road that forks off to the left which leads to Las Chorreras, open for lunch only on the weekends. Their fajitas are to die for.
In Flamingo Beach try Maria’s. It’s typical fare, exceptionally prepared and generous servings, although outrageously priced like everything else in that Gringoland town (still my favorite CR beach though).
The pollo asado anywhere is great. The secret is the wood they use – from coffee bushes. Try the pickled onions that come with it.
A noble thought. Unfortunately, in the Costa Rican physical world your camera will be lifted before you can say “Ohm” twice as you meditate with your eyes closed in Parque La Sabana or on any coastal beach.
I used to be trusting philipbennie, but I learned the hard way. After being pick-pocketed twice, had my old used car broken into no less than seven times to steal the spare tire or a 20 colon coin left on the dash, my simple home broken into and my living room windows stolen (that’s right, my living room windows) the first time I left it alone for more than one hour, my dog poisoned, been shorted exchanging money on the street, ridiculously overcharged by various vendors for being a Gringo, and expertly conned on a few occasions, I’m afraid my positive energy has ebbed a bit.
Once I became acclimated and appropriately traumatized and paranoid, I was able to avoid all these pitfalls. Don’t fool yourself, this is one of the biggest hurdles us trusting Gringos (translation: “Stupid”) face when relocating to Costa Rica. Most Ticos are wonderful, honest people, but appropriately paranoid nonetheless, given the environment in which they live.
Wire it. You can’t lose it, and foreign bank checks, even though certified, can take several weeks to clear depending on their origin.
Chariotdriver,
I fail to see the practical use of a GPS unit for a typical tourist in Costa Rica. Tom Tom, MapQuest, and other mapping applications rely on standardized addresses, a rarity in Costa Rica. It’s tough enough just to find an accurate paper road map of anything other than San Jose and the main national highways, much less most other towns, and these are only used by tourists.
Directions are based on landmarks, many of which are long gone. Tom Tom would have a fit if you fed these actual addresses into them:
From Matute Gomez’s house (an ex Venezuelan dictator who died half a century ago), 100 meters south, 50 meters west, white house on right after barking dog…
From El Higuerón, (a tree in Lourdes that fell down over a decade ago), 50 meters south, after Doña Titi’s house…
The bus station “La Coca Cola” is called that because the Coca Cola factory was there more than 30 years ago. Even now there is no sign which designates the place as “La Coca Cola”…
I can understand GPS applications for real estate valuation & assessments, utility lines placement, and other such uses, but if a tourist is using it to find their may out of a jungle, well, they already made a big mistake…
Maravilla,
Your generosity and egalitarian nature will surely go a long way to make you a part of the Tico fabric in your new neighborhood. However, it seems to me that you are kidding yourself. As much as we’d like to think that everyone in “my neighborhood” is my friend, there are always people on the margins, and these people may have even less scrupulous friends and relatives that pump them for information. You have described the beautiful amenities included in your home, and any Tico who sees this will know that you are a person of means. Whether you like it or not, this makes you a prime target.
It’s impossible to hide what you did in building your home from the construction crew, and that’s always a risk. You may like these workers (who work hard for very little money), and they may like you. But that doesn’t mean they’re not tempted. It also doesn’t mean they’ll keep it a secret.
Face it, you’re the nice Gringa (i.e. naive and easy pickins’) who has money and leaves her door unlocked during the day (announced online no less).
Maravilla, there are bad people out there. You’re still a newcomer, and you may have the idea that just being nice to everyone will keep you safe. I fear it won’t, and I recommend you develop a healthier sense of paranoia. If you don’t now, you surely will after the first incident.
The rest of this posting is directed to everyone in general, not specifically to Maravilla.
No matter where you live, it is advisable that you keep your door locked at all times. This costs you nothing. Knob locks are worthless, as they can be opened with a butter knife. Deadbolts are better, but they also can be opened in one second with the right ramming tool (referred to there as a “pata de chancho”). Believe it or not, these ramming tools can even blow through a metal gate door with a deadbolt in the same amount of time. The best lock is one that has a vertical rod which goes up into the top frame and down into the floor. This will make your entrance as strong as the actual door and frame. For a rear door you should consider all metal, including the frame, which should be attached to the rebar inside the block wall.
All windows MUST be barred, using bolts that go through the block walls. I’ve seen some ornate bars that don’t look half bad.
This leaves the roof as the weakest component, and there’s really nothing you can do about that, except don’t keep valuable things in your home small enough for them to carry out the roof.
Dogs are good, and bringing them inside or keeping them caged outside at night will protect them from poisoning. Many Ticos regularly ask strangers to feed their dogs meat laced with cayenne pepper so they learn never to accept food from unknown sources.
High walls around the property is good, but very expensive. Top it with broken glass, although understand that they can just put a board down to get over it. Concertina wire is more expensive, but is no barrier either as it can be easily cut. The actual wall is the key, as although it won’t keep people out, it’ll make it hard to carry larger items away.
Alarm systems are good as well, but can be disabled easily by cutting the electric (unless you have a generator).
The more urban, the greater the need for all of this. Your Tico neighbors will spend a great deal of money on this security, and if you don’t, guess who will become the easiest target.
Disturbing? Yes! Want to live in a bunker? No! Hate the idea of walling up your beautiful view? Absolutely!
Alternatives:
1. Own nothing of value, and keep your curtains open so everyone can see that.
2. Have live-in help, and NEVER leave your home alone, even for an hour. Unless you subscribe to item #1, you still must have other minimum security measures built into your home which match or beat your neighbors.
3. Buy a condo in a secure community.
So much for home security. As for when you’re out and about, don’t drive expensive cars, don’t carry lots of cash, and don’t wear valuable jewelry (or valuable-looking jewelry). Don’t venture into San Jose alone at night unless you really know your way around. To avoid theft, always park in a lot, or assure the “cuida carros” that your pay them when you get back. In San Jose walk with a purpose, not like a gawking tourist. Beware someone coming up to you on the street to engage in conversation.
Other than that, feel free to roam at will, day or night, alone or accompanied. Except for parts of San Jose and a few other more urban areas and tourist locales, the threat is usually not a personal safety issue.
One more thing, no matter where you are, the time of day or night, or how many people you’re with, your stuff will walk unless you keep an eagle eye on it.
Costa Rica can be a paradise, but only if you properly protect yourself. Ticos are duly paranoid, and you need to be as well.
Just zoom in a bit on GoogleEarth and the smaller airports appear. Tobías Bolaños airport in Pavas, on the west side of San Jose, is the main GA airport. Your plane should be safe there, as well as the two international airports of course. The only way I’d leave a plane at most other strips is if I had arranged for security, as they have no facilities, or fences for that matter.
Scott Benson is right about flying VFR in IMC. Add tropics to mountains, and there is no VMC for very long. It’s a small country, and there aren’t that many planes up in the air at any given time, so pilots basically keep track of each other on CTAF (in Spanish).
I would advise any pilots new to the country to fly to each new airport or strip with another pilot with local experience, as there are many informal, non-written procedures that help maintain separation. Landing at Tobías Bolaños from the west is a trip. Because of the Santa Ana foothills you have to pancake down from up high and in close.
You do need to know that CR is intrinsically a far more dangerous place to fly single engine planes than in the U.S. There are virtually no flat clear areas if you have to bring it down, the weather conditions are volatile, there’s nobody to tell you what you’re about to run into, and the mountain passes can get bumpy and soupy. This is particularly true in certain spots where the Pacific and Atlantic weather systems collide. VFR pilots should stick to early morning flights. Also, a 182 or better is advisable, given higher altitudes required to get in and out of the Central Valley.
If you do fly down from the U.S., I’d love to hear about it – flight paths, gas stops, customs & immigration hassles & costs, etc.
Good luck!
David,
Do you know what their criteria is for defining a “perpetual tourist”? Two re-entries? Three? Where’s the line?
Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad
chariotdriver,
Tourist visas are valid for 90 days, and can be extended for another 90. Leaving the country for 72 hours will enable you to start anew. Unless you’ve overstayed your visa, or are otherwise not conforming to its restrictions, I don’t see how, or why, they would bar your re-entry. The crackdown on “perpetual tourists” is directed at those who are deriving some sort of income or other economic benefit within the country, either through employment or business activities, without the proper permissions. Reading through this forum should provide you with all the details you need for now.
If you have downloaded the free Google Earth software, it will show you where almost all the landing strips are. You’ll want a broadband connection.
Are you flying your own plane down or do you intend to rent one there?
Jerry,
My apologies for assuming the worst. Given your experience in the car business in the U.S., I would definitely encourage you to look into the same business in CR. I know a bunch of Ticos who have made a lot of money importing cars. Of course, they have connections in Customs, and they have intimate knowledge of the process and costs involved. There’s no reason why you couldn’t also develop these contacts with a little leg work and persistence. You obviously already know where to get your inventory from.
I can find no fault with putting major assets in separate corporations. I do the same in the U.S., and it’s the cheapest insurance around. Of course, the bigger the asset, the more important the separation. It is, however, a very Gringo way of doing things, given the litigious nature of our society. Happily, Ticos are not at all quick to bring legal suits. As always, the more you have, the more you need to protect it.
Glad to hear your Galloper is diesel as well! The next thing you should check out are propane conversions. I rode in a cab there last summer that could switch between the two, and propane is cheap (many Ticos have propane stoves).
Delivery problems arise much more for packages entering Costa Rica than those leaving. Outgoing mail doesn’t get waylaid by customs, and is usually sent to a country that has more clear and concise addresses.
Also, Fed Ex, DHL, and ARCR definitely don’t “circumvent” customs, they just specialize in effectively dealing with them.
Contrary to what some have said on this forum, I don’t believe that Banco Popular in Miami is the same as the one in CR. If there is any relationship at all between the two, it is not strong enough to offer any appreciable benefit to someone trying to consolidate their international banking services. To the contrary, three of the four state-owned banks, Banco de CR, Banco Nacional and BICSA have strong relationships with major international banks, as do many privately-held banks doing business in CR.
Banco Popular in Costa Rica seems to be almost a quasi-governmental institution. It holds pension assets paid through the CAJA (social security) system.
Jerry,
As everyone knows, most of all Ticos themselves, Costa Rica is buried in bureaucratic red tape. As a result, for practical reasons government institutions generally grant the same rights to people who apply for different statuses as they do to those who have already gained them. As such, the INS, immigration, police, ICE, etc. will treat applicants for residency in the same fashion as full blown residents. You should have no problem.
The other good news is that the car you bought is ideal. Gallopers are ubiquitous there. The only question is if the Gallopers sold there differ in any way from the one you bought here, introducing the possibility of problems or extra expense with maintenance and/or parts.
My question is, after all you’ve read and participated in this forum, why you didn’t choose to buy the vehicle once you got there? The reasons are obvious – the hassle and expense of transport, importation, and possible differences in models.
I suppose that, even with this knowledge, people may still feel more comfortable acquiring such an important asset where they fully understand the language and the laws.
Good luck to you! I wish I were as close to moving back there!
Edited on Mar 24, 2007 05:09
