[Imxploring]

[quote=”pharg”][quote=”Imxploring”]
Some advice…. don’t spend the money moving the majority of your stuff. The environment up by the lake will most likely not be kind to it. Just some advice based on experience. [/quote]

There are others who would offer the opposite advice. A former frequent contributor to this Forum, who frequently offered helpful advice, has a blog that discusses this question of -to move [your stuff] or not to move- here:
http://www.enjoycostarica.co/blog%5B/quote%5D

Two issues come to mind. The first, having been in the moving business many moons ago is that people tend to bring way too much stuff when making a major move. I’d do moving estimates for folks and would spend half my time explaining why they should sell or give away a good part of the things they were planning on moving. Perhaps not the best “sales” pitch but I was very sucessful because people really appreciated the honesty.

The second issue with moving furniture and other “stuff” to the lake area is the environment. A lot of items made in the US use fiber or composite material which will NOT do well in a more humid area. You can of course run an air conditioner or dehumidifier non stop to correct that situation in the house but the electric bills will kill you! The weather in the mountains near the lake is very different than near the beach.

I’ve had friends bring entire houses of furniture and “stuff” that didn’t last a year… did one really think leather furniture, a baby grand piano, or a collection of paperback books were going to make it in the tropics? Many people also don’t take into account the size difference in the rooms that may exist between a US style home and a Tico style home in CR. That over sized Thomasville furniture and giant wall unit might not look as good, or be at all functional in a smaller home in CR.

One final consideration is the fact that many folks don’t last long in CR when relocating. Once again it’s an issue subject to debate but worth throwing into the equation. If the original poster has visited CR a number of times and is comfortable with moving and staying in CR it’s fine. If this is an “experiment” or a sudden move to escape the US they might be better off placing their items in storage in the US until they’re sure they’ll be staying, then once settled have the items they feel they really need or want shipped to CR. It would be a shame to pay to move things they consider important TWICE…. the cost and risk of loss or damage can really add up! Once again it’s important to know one’s self when making decisions like this. Everyone is diffent.

You live and you learn, but with the cost, bother, possible damage, pilfering during transport, and the need to downsize and simplify your life in retirement…. I’ll stand by my suggestion.

BTW…. There are a lot of folks that would argue that you’d be better off bringing a car (even with the import tax) than taking a chance on a used car purchase in CR as you plan to do. Once again… all a matter of opinion.

[Imxploring]

[quote=”chuck696969″]Anyone have a good moving company for moving from Washington state to Nueva Arenal?

I would be retiring there around August of this year and
would want door to door service.

i will be moving all my belongings and furniture with me.
and will buy a car when i get in country.

i will not be bringing any vehicle.

It will be my wife and 2 small toy poodles headed to a new life in Costa Rica on a social Security Pension.

I have been told by my Costa Rica Lawyer that i used in buying my property over looking Lake Arenal that most expats use ABC Shipping.

Anyone have experience good or bad with this company?

Thanks,
Chuck Major[/quote]

Some advice…. don’t spend the money moving the majority of your stuff. The environment up by the lake will most likely not be kind to it. Just some advice based on experience.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

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[quote=”johnnyh”]My main concern was that a crypto communist like Villalta was thoroughly rejected by the Costa Rican people. That in itself is great news![/quote]

Too much recent history in Central and South America with his type…. (ie Hugo, Zelaya, and Danny to name a few) for folks to fall for that type of game in CR. As myopic as folks memories can be at times the recent, and in the case of Nicaragua on going, history had to be on voter’s minds as to the direction they want to take CR politics.

Fortunately (from those I’ve talked to) Costa Rica apparently also had a really good tourist season the last few months which gave a bit of a boost to the economy and the folks voting. Had we seen a poorer season the results might have been a little different!

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[quote=”sweikert925″]That report tends to prove two things. First, as so often happens, honest taxpayers will wind up having to pay a higher cost because of tax cheats and second, imxploring’s paranoia about Gringos being the target of some dastardly plot to gouge them is just that – paranoia.[/quote]

Come now Steve… like I told you previously…. Paranoia in the unfounded fear people are out to get you! In this case they’re just out to get your money (nothing new there when it comes to governments that have made promises they can’t keep and spent the future today)… and after you relocate to CR for a while (or anywhere that a true divide exist between the haves and the have-nots)… you’ll understand.

Until that happens… you’re entitled to your opinion as to the motivation and true intentions of the folks running CR… just as I am mine. The difference is mine in based on 8 years of actual experience, yours is based on a Google search! LOL 😉

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[quote=”pixframe”][quote=”sweikert925″]

As for the subjectivity of the assessment, I found [url=https://www.welovecostarica.com/members/cfmbb/messages.cfm?messageid=B6726885-24E8-5ED2-F1E2E0E58F7CEC89#B6726885-24E8-5ED2-F1E2E0E58F7CEC89]this comment posted here way back in 2009[/url] that explains why that may be.[/quote]

Quite the disincentive to live frugally within (or beneath ones) means … which, apparently, will, like old soldiers, fade away by 2019. From Tico Times (January 15th) http://www.ticotimes.net/2014/01/15/change-in-calculation-of-monthly-deductions-confuses-cajas-insurance-holders%5B/quote%5D

Nice pick up on that information Pix… Seems there are some major adjustments coming to CAJA rates to address the dire financial situation CAJA faces… and as much as they say it was NOT the case (No, I’m not being paranoid Steve) should CAJA at some point in the future request a TOTAL income report (as I had postulated in a prior posting), not just what one “declares” to meet the minimum for residency, from expats there are going to be some major changes in rates for foreign residents. Workers in CR are in for some big changes too. Avoiding taxes is a sport in CR. At least the increases are being phased in over time!

You had to guess when they made CAJA participation mandatory for residency that they had something up their sleeve, its another cash flow to fund the promises made to CR citizens. The argument that folks (expats) were using the system or some type of burden while not being covered by insurance didn’t really fly. As anyone that has had to use medical services in CR that was not covered by CAJA knows… they want a deposit (cash or credit card is fine) or payment before treatment.

Tapping expats is a ground ball…. they can’t vote… and most of the folks in CR think we all have money trees in perpetual bloom back in the land of milk and honey!

[Imxploring]

[quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”Imxploring”] Scott’s source seemed to indicate higher numbers. And as much as I would like to believe the numbers you posted are correct Steve… they are second or third hand information. Scott’s source has been a reliable provider of information for a number of years.[/quote]
Well I should let Scott speak for himself but I took those higher numbers to be the TOTAL percentages that [b]self-employed persons[/b] pay for [b]both Health Coverage AND Disability & Death [/b]. Only the healthcare portion is generally assessed against pensionados.

If you go back to [url=http://www.costaricalaw.com/Immigration-and-Residency/costa-rica-mandatory-registration-with-social-security-for-residency.html] this link I provided earlier[/url] you’ll see the combined assessments for the 2 programs range from 11.5% to 18.34%, but the healthcare only portion ranges from 5.5% to 11% – which matches what people have actually reported having been assessed recently.[/quote]

Once again I find it hard to believe that NO firm government source can be located that provides fixed numbers for this fee as it is being applied to expats. The very idea of the “post” residency application approval “interview” being where the true numbers are fixed doesn’t seem very fair or reasonable.

I guess as with any new law time will fine tune it and make it clear as to what is really going on. But even with the range you’re mentioning the idea of paying $700/month for CAJA as a part time resident for the services provided makes no sense.

Friends recently withdrew their application when the attorney gave them an idea as to how the “new” CAJA rates would impact them. As “snowbirds” they spend 4-5 months per year at their home in CR. The idea of obtaining residency was to make it possible to stay the entire time and not have to jump out of the country at the 3 month mark to renew their tourist visa. But to pay 12 months of CAJA at the rate they were given made little sense. Paying out of pocket or using private care (with US based insurance reimbursement) and using travel insurance with an evacuation benefit in the case of a serious issue made much more sense financially.

I guess if David’s info was correct the idea during the “interview” process is to bulk up your living expenses as to lower what the interviewer might think they can get from you. LOL Once again I don’t see that as very fair or reasonable, nor a way for such a cost to be fixed. But then again perhaps they’re engaging in some dynamic pricing to see just how much they can get from folks.

[Imxploring]

[quote=”davidd”][quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”Nansie”]I’m new to this forum but Imxploring you “nailed” it. :wink:[/quote]
I see one of our regular users has created a new alter ego for himself.[/quote]

I was paying 17300 colones per month and its now 20225.. so it went up 3000 colones.

[/quote]

Great deal…. but I’m guessing you’d still go private for anything beyond the simplest of medical needs! 🙂

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[quote=”sweikert925″]I have finally gotten around to requesting and getting access to the user forum message board that [url=http://www.arcr.net/]ARCR[/url] runs and there are several comments from people who posted the ACTUAL percentages they were assessed under the new law – rather than some of the horror stories that we’ve seen posted here.

One user posted on August 26, 2013 that she had knowledge of 2 couples, both having $1500 of declared income. One couple paid $120-130 (8%) and another paid $90 (6%).

Another comment was posted on June 27, 2013 from another user who said that he wound up assessed at 9% of his declared income.

I wish we could get more FACTS posted here and fewer rumors.[/quote]

I think we all wish the folks running the show in CR would simply publish the laws with firm numbers so that people knew what they were dealing with (re: CAJA Contributions) before applying for residency. Scott’s source seemed to indicate higher numbers. And as much as I would like to believe the numbers you posted are correct Steve… they are second or third hand information. Scott’s source has been a reliable provider of information for a number of years.

Once again the uncertainty of the assessment and the subjective nature of it’s calculation (at the end of the residency process) is another example of how CR is shooting themselves in the foot in attracting retirees. Gringo pricing in government services doesn’t sit well with any of us. But after this next election the issue may be moot anyway. We’ll all know EXACTLY what direction things are headed in the treatment of expats.

[Imxploring]

[quote=”costaricafinca”]We have to use the 3G, too, and it is [b]awful[/b][i][/i]!! ICE told us that in February, they will have a new tower nearby that [i]should[/i] improve the service…”:roll:[/quote]

A lot has to do with tower location. On the top of the mountain looking down to Arenal I have direct line of sight to the ICE tower… I guess the term they use in describing quality real estate also applies to a quality 3g internet connection here in Costa Rica…. “Location, Location, Location!” 🙂

It could also be the “stick” modem you’re using or the WIFI router you’re using to distribute your signal in the house. Might be worth swapping setups with someone to see if they have the same issues at your location. My neighbor has issues using an iPhone connection as a hotspot while my dedicated Kolbi stick modem and router work perfectly. The dedicated internet setup (Modem stick and Zoom Router) cost me less than $100. I use another Kolbi account for cellphone service.

[Imxploring]

[quote=”davidd”][quote=”Imxploring”]Any other ideas on a better internet connection up my way in Arenal?[/quote]

I am not sure.. but ICE has the new launch of the 4g service..

pretty fast plans for like $50 per month for 10 mgs.. but they have a 15 gig limit download.. so I don’t know what your consumption would be.. and I am not sure if they have it by you.. I would think so but this is costa rica and nobody other than sweikert knows how difficult things can get here :D:D:D:D:D:D[/quote]

Thanks for the info! As I come and go between NY and Arenal I have a Kolbi 3g prepago plan that has worked out very nicely. The ability to only use the service as needed is a big selling point, and it isn’t too bad for my current use and the price.

My friend down at ICE also hooked me up with a travel router (Zoom… plug in or battery powered) I plug my modem (stick) into when I travel in the country that provides a WIFI hotspot I can share with those travelling with me. Pretty good set up that has served me well.

I’m hoping that a 4g plan similar to the one I have now becomes available. When I do spend longer periods in CR the internet speed will become an issue.

Thanks again!

[Imxploring]

[quote=”Doug Ward”][quote=”Imxploring”][quote=”sweikert925″][quote=”Imxploring”]I’d love to hear about it, your observations, and any questions.[/quote]

Thanks for asking. I went into a fair bit of detail about it on [url=https://www.welovecostarica.com/members/cfmbb/messages.cfm?messageid=47FFF102-24E8-5ED2-F1F8936BC8D93D01#47FFF102-24E8-5ED2-F1F8936BC8D93D01]this thread.[/url][/quote]

Next trip come a little further north to the Lake Arenal area, You might really enjoy it! Lots to do and see, beautiful scenery, a great and growing mixed expat community, and some wonderful Ticos![/quote]
Just make sure and not bring anything of value.:roll:
I’ve got two prison guard buddies in Nicoya that well know the notoriety of the Lake Arenal area.
Thieves per capita it’s a tie with Limon ![/quote]

We like to spread that information in the prisons… keeps the bad guys thinking that the area has been picked clean so when they get out they look elsewhere for their next big score! All part of a reverse marketing scheme the locals came up with. 🙂

I have to assume if the prison guards have this information it’s because the bad guys are getting caught and sent to the house of many door and few keys.

We did have some cattle rustlers from Guatuso hit the area a while back. The locals blocked the roads, stopped them, and wanted to burn their truck and “extract” some punishment before the police arrived… can’t say I would have stopped them!

[Imxploring]

Any other ideas on a better internet connection up my way in Arenal?

[Imxploring]

Seems they have less expensive plans with lower connection speeds that would serve most regular folks. So the cost can be a lot lower for us non “power” users.

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[quote=”davidd”]Sprite

aside from being in that comfort zone of 100 mgs.. why would you need that speed??? I operate my 6 figure business complete online.

What I do is I use a small company here called JAPI

I have a point to point dedicated connection 10mgs down 10 mgs up

only used by me not shared so ths would be the same as a 20 mgs shared here

cost me $265 per month

now I run some high end software that need high speed internet so i have 3 seperate VPS located in Germany that run all my software

I pay $50 per month for each and my speeds there is 300megs down 300 megs up

and I just communicate with those.. and there you have it 🙂

PS. BUT maybe…. just maybe… if we ask Sweikert he could set us all straight on the facts and tell us which way would be the best way to go lol

[quote=”sprite”][quote=”pebo1″]You’re right this is not the US so Net speeds for the price don’t compare nor do the prices of cars! This is CR.

I think you can purchase satellite feed for the speeds you seek albeit likely very expensive.[/quote]

I checked their site (Japi) Dave…. looks pretty cool. Only problem is that as of right now their coverage map looks as if the Central Valley (and a bit beyond) is only where it’s available. I hope they expand to the lake area. The 3g Kolbi service is not bad (basic web surfing, e-mail, and some lite Youtube viewing) when it works (I’m lucky have line of site to a tower and get good service) but I’d love to be able to stream video on a regular uninterrupted basis! 🙁

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[quote=”cfoutz”]Imxploring

Thanks, that is the type of ideas that I am looking for. Let’s all think and be creative with this and it will help everyone, who knows it may even help you.

Thanks[/quote]

I’m lucky (or the beneficiary of good planning) I have a nice pension and health insurance benefits locked in as of now… but you never know what the future brings so I like to be prepared!

I do know that when I do pull the plug and retire and spend more time in CR that I’ll be looking for something to do… be it for profit or not. I’ve already worked out a treatment and outline for a book I’d love to work on from CR. They say that everyone has one good book in them… I hope you find yours….

Best Wishes.

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