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Costa Rica has, and will continue, to avoid a good part of the economic carnage we’re witnessing in many parts of the world. The mentally of runaway consumption never really took hold here, nor did the banks feel the need to fuel the fantasy of dreamers. The economy of CR is positioned to ride out this storm with it’s diverse markets and industrious people. There will be pain and the tourism sector will be hurt because of the fallout in other parts of the world… but CR will go on pretty much like it has for many years.
It’s not over until the fat lady sings… and even then we’ll have to wait and see! There’s going to be some changes… but NOTHING like the original proposals that were made. My best guess is the $1000 is for a married couple. These changes are nothing more than some housekeeping to keep the regulations in step with the economic realities of the cost of living in CR. Even so the $1000/month is a low number, so those that might think it’s unreasonable will have a hard time making an effective case that one (or a couple) can live reasonably well on a lesser amount.
My buddy used Dollar two trips ago thinking he was saving a few dollars and got hit with additional fees and insurance when he arrived. When he told them he was using his AMEX card and had a special rental insurance wavier program they declined to honor the rental rate he was originally quoted. They told him that to get the “special” rental rate quoted he HAD to take the additional insurance. After all that when he got back from the trip they had tried passing another charge for $85 dollars through via his AMEX. He disputed it and they dropped it when they were unable to provide a reason for the additional charges. He was NOT a happy camper.
I just jumped on the Hertz site and can’t see that they’re any less expensive, however I’ve never used them or had an experience with them.
While David is stressing the legal issue of working in Costa Rica there’s a much more important factor to be aware of. Your ability to earn a “living” is going to a tough one… you WILL NOT be able to compete with the Tico’s when it comes to developing an income. The payscale here is something you’re not use to seeing… please be aware of that before moving forward.
Starting a business and perhaps partnering with a local will be your best bet… making the capital investment and developing a business that’s unique… but even then… prepare yourself for a big change in your value system and your income expectations.
That is of course unless you’re looking to live a Tico life… growing your own food and such… the cold water showers will scare your wife away for sure! I’m not sure which is worse… cold water showers or hoping the electrical gizmo attached to the shower head doesn’t fry me!!!
Edited on Apr 21, 2009 10:36
I’ve used them a number of times. All with great results. This is their normal reservation method. They’ll have all the paperwork ready when you get to the airport. Are you flying into Liberia or SJO?
I’ve also booked them through CentralAmerica.com and they used the same system. The big difference was that when I did it this way they charged my credit card before I even arrived and issued me an e-mail voucher to present to Mapache when I arrived. I now go directly through the company.
If you’re flying into SJO I’ll contact my man at Mapache and have him deal with you directly. He’s Aces!!!
Try Mapache (Mapache.com)…. I’ve used them a number of times. They have a new office near the airport and will be there to meet you.
There are many different opinions and reasons people come and go. I don’t think there’s one reason above all that people leave nor can we pin down a number as to percentage that leave after moving here. We all have our own experiences with people we’ve seen come and go for any number of reasons. I can’t even go into how many folks I know (including family) that moved to Florida from NY and returned. One returned after 6 months… “Too hot” he claimed… that’s not a shock when your only other visits and research consisted of trips to FL in the winter! The funny thing was that most moved to Florida for many of the same reasons folks come to CR!
That being said… being prepared… having your eyes open… and doing your research (like reading this site and others) is the best way to not become one of them. Having the right attitude and realizing that you’re living in a different culture will smooth over many of the changes you’ll face. Some folks find them refreshing… and thrive… others can’t adjust and it becomes part of the reason they leave. Often these are the same folks that came to CR because they had the same problem from wherever they came. Sort of like the person that always has neighbor problems… they move from house to house… always landing somewhere they have “troubled” neighbors… not realizing that it’s THEM that has the problem.
There’s always going to be those wildcards that you can’t plan for… family issues, health, and getting “home” sick…. for many people a move to Costa Rica becomes an “all or nothing” move… others are lucky enough to be able to maintain homes back in there home country. There’s so many variables that go into being happy here.
Edited on Apr 18, 2009 09:04
I’m not sure if this is what you’re looking for but here’s a pretty straight forward explaination.
From Wikipedia.org….
Builder’s risk insurance is a special type of property insurance which indemnifies against damage to buildings while they are under construction.
Necessity
Buildings are subject to many different risks while under construction. They may catch fire, be damaged by high winds, or fall victim to other force majeure. A principle of common law is that any new construction or other improvement to land becomes property of the owner of the land – the title holder – once there has been an “improvement” to the owner’s site. The general contractor may be responsible for any losses caused by his own negligence, but the owner is responsible for most other losses. Builder’s risk insurance indemnifies against some of these losses.Coverage
Builder’s risk insurance usually indemnifies against losses due to fire, vandalism, lightning, wind, and similar forces. It usually does not cover earthquake, flood, acts of war, or intentional acts of the owner. Coverage is typically during construction period only.Who buys builder’s risk insurance?
It is usually bought by the owner of the building but the general contractor constructing the building may buy it if it is required as a condition of the contract.Alternatives
If the project involves renovations or additions to an existing building, the owner’s existing property insurance may cover the work under construction, obviating the need for builder’s risk insurance. (Policies vary.) However, in the case of new buildings under construction on vacant sites, the owner may not have an existing policy that provides coverage.Edited on Apr 17, 2009 20:32
We’ve had some great discussions here about the percentage of folks that leave Costa Rica for one reason or another. As well as the reasons they don’t make it. Check back in the forums and you’ll find some great info from a number of different viewpoints…
One of the biggest problems is the place is just so darn beautiful… and they fall in love… without really taking the time to get the full picture. Others are unable to adapt to a different culture and set of social values… yet others want CR to be like home… only warmer… cheaper and more beautiful.
Randy sent out an interesting e-mail on this topic just yesterday… I’ll cut and paste it… I have to say I can relate to what he’s saying… but I don’t think it’s the number one reason people leave…
>>>> We are constantly asked: “what is the number one reason why retirees LEAVE Costa Rica after moving here?
The majority of you will probably guess that it is the horrible roads… the bureaucracy that you have all heard so much about…or maybe the simple fact that you cannot learn to speak Spanish… but it’s not. The overwhelming reason why people leave Costa Rica? Pure and simple…it is because virtually all “gringos” are treated by locals as though they have money trees “back home”.
Many of you who read this will think we are crazy or bigoted…but the simple fact is that most Ticos see gringos are possible sources of money…something to be exploited.
Ticos are some of the gentlest, kindest people in the world. But it is definitely a fact that we are also a source of income for many …and that means that we are viewed differently. In a casual way, or in a social setting…this is not a problem. But for many, if a gringo needs work done, or perhaps a small construction job, or wants to buy land…the gringo is viewed as a “mark”. If you talk to anyone who has been here for any length of time…they will tell you the same… “you cannot trust Ticos”.
Well, we don’t agree with that analysis but we definitely think that it is prudent advice to everyone considering living here that they be aware that the possibility definitely exists and that “overcharging” or being taken advantage of is part of the culture. And face it, most gringos , in fact, do have more money than Ticos…but here it is almost a discriminatory attitude. This attitude should really not come as a surprise as it probably exists most places in the world. And once the newcomer is aware that the attitude exists a lot of things seem to fall into place.
This is the #1 reason why most expats or retirees leave the country AFTER settling here…without a doubt. In fact, many joke about the invisible words that seem to be tattooed on our foreheads when we officially move here… the word “fish” or “sucker”… that only others can see. You will often see the phrase “two tier pricing system” used. This refers to the simple fact that Ticos pay less for almost everything that gringos do…many times this is denied but it is an undeniable fact. Hotels even publish a two level pricing system… so do airlines…and restaurants. Discrimination? Yeah, it probably is…but here in Costa Rica , it is a fact of life for us gringos who live here. <<<<
I think we’ve all experienced what he’s talking about to some degree… but no more so than you do anywhere in the world. Being smart and knowing what things are worth will help you avoid this problem… since right now with this economy… most “gringos” are having a hard time keeping that money tree back home in bloom!
Edited on Apr 17, 2009 20:36
Highend overpriced products are always the first to suffer. And given how “hot” the market was I’m sure there was a lot of fantasy involved in the pricing. Prices will adjust… for two reasons…. the REAL value that people attach to their investments…. and their ability to afford them.
Stop down at a Benz or BMW dealer… sales are slow… not because the product is grossly overpriced… but because folks are adjusting their values… and seeing that they can’t afford the best in these troubled times.
There’s a BIG difference between folks buying… looking to flip and make a killing on a short time horizon… and those that see the beauty and value of RE in CR as an investment that they can enjoy.
Most of the folks here most likely fit the second… since the site is WeLoveCostaRica…. not WeWanttomakefastmoneyinCostaRica….LOL
The roads are in great shape compared to when I first visited… so have no fear about that! They’ve been improved greatly since Oscar became president and most of the complaints you’ll hear are based on old information. Besides… slowing down a bit on a bumpy road makes you enjoy the sites and the beauty a bit more! You’ll see things that you’d miss if you zipped by at 60mph!
As for the spanish skills… my first visit was a great sucess with only the high school spanish I was able to remember… and that was 25 years years old at the time!
Hey…. be an adventurer! With even the most basic spanish skills Costa Rica is great fun to explore on your own without a guide! It’s also one of the things that makes it very unique… you can rent a car and go off on your own! And you’ll find that many of the folks at hotels, shops and resturants have some english skills! It’s fun to try to communicate with folks and most are excited to try their english on you! That’s one of the things I enjoyed most my first visit… communicating!
I agree with Scott… January is a much nicer time to visit… besides depending on where you’re coming from… it’s wonderful to jump on a plane in 10 degree weather with snow and get off in CR enjoying 75 degrees and a breeze! Waiting will also give you a bit of time to brush up on your basic spanish and work out a plan as far as places to visit and explore!
Edited on Apr 17, 2009 12:39
As David said… I think we’ve all had a problem logging on from time to time. I was unable to do so for two days. I e-mailed Scott who responded within the hour, he checked my password and log on and everything was fine. But I was still unable to get on the site. It cleared itself late the next day. I guess it’s the nature of the beast… no reason to take it personally… I didn’t.
PS… Don’t give up on expressing a different opinion here… on any topic we discuss…. I’ve done so many times with many folks (including Scott) on this site. And engaged in some pointed exchanges. It’s what makes this site so valuable in my eyes… even when we can’t agree on an issue… we both ultimately learn something in the end!
Edited on Apr 16, 2009 06:52
