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Let me guess… another fool that sent money sight unseen and now isn’t happy? Do we have to visit this whole Paragon thing again? Bill apparently didn’t reply last time “issues” were raised here so I think the matter is pretty much resolved as we all thought it would be… another Dirty road to nowhere with people “owning” lots that aren’t worth anyhwere what they paid for them.
People really need to use Scott’s site and do their homework… all the info is there! People like Scott and the VIP members here have the experience and knowledge that makes your dream of buy, moving, living, or starting a business in CR a REAL possibility!
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
No box springs in CR… just be sure if you have your beds custom made that they adjust for the proper height. I really don’t find myself missing the box spring…. nor the cost! Be sure you purchase a good mattress which should be easy since you’ll be skipping the cost of the box spring.
Pellet and air guns are available in CR… bought mine at an agro/farm supply business in Tilaran… nice .177 SS rifle… 1000ft/sec… nice shooter. It was about $100.
Soflodoug… I guess the grass is always greener somewhere else. But I have to ask once again, just what experiences did you have in Costa Rica that soured you to the place? In the spirit of sharing the good and bad about CR with the folks that look to this board for advice and information, please tell us what happened to YOU. We’d ALL benefit from your experience. I see you have no love for the police, did they victimize you? Did they not solve a crime that you were the victim of? Did they somehow insult you? Please… do tell….
I also wonder just what it is that happened to SoFloDoug in CR that soured him so much? Perhaps he’ll share his experience?
Petty crime is not new to ANY culture. Costa Rica is no different. Many situations are the result of folks walking around in paradise and forgetting that HUMANS are the main problem, but can be dealt with by observing some simple and basic rules. The very same rules that you’d follow ANYWHERE. The sad fact is that many people on vacation let their guard down. It’s very easy to walk around in a cloud enjoying the beauty of CR.
I’m guessing that based on your username (SoFloDoug) that you’re from southern Florida… is crime much better there? How about drugs? Poverty? Petty crime would be a blessing as VIOLENT crime (last I checked) was much worse there then in CR. As for your current push toward Panama… have you checked the problems there? Major drop in new money coming in as it seems a good chunk was dirty in origin. I also seem to remember they recently had to suspend shooting of the new James Bond movie due to uncontrol violence in the area… if Bond couldn’t handle it… what chance does a casual tourist or expat stand? 🙂
There is good and bad everywhere. Most of us know that. Most of us can also avoid the bad with a little effort and enjoy the the good all the more!
Great move! Wonderful dream and one we all wish comes true!But have you done your homework? Scott touched on it at the end of his posting… as well as some other points. I think the FIRST and most important issue is residency. What are your plans for staying in the country legally? What status do you plan on applying for? Since you don’t seem to be at retirement age there may be a rather large deposit or business investment required to apply for residency.
First off don’t do anything until you have a plan and the information you need to make this dream a reality. Read the numerous articles and postings on this site. Get an idea of what your doing and how to make it happen without major problems.
You have the first step in place… the dream… now work on the rest! Best of luck!
I love this route from the Airport to Arenal…. we take our time, stop for lunch, and enjoy the view! Much less traffic than CR #1… and as you said…. the views and the mountains are spectacular! Worth the time and effort!
Sorry to hear about the problems you’re having! I guess it’s a two part problem, and I have to say the way the car rental company tried to improperly/illegally charge your credit card for the first car exchange (not your fault) really makes the second problem (kind of your fault) a no brainer. Cancel the credit card NOW and ask for a detailed bill from the rental agency for the rental and the damages to the second car. I’d be in no rush to pay these folks since it seems they are NOT on the up and up! You know in good faith that you owe them for the rental and the damages, but seeing how they tried to skin you I’d drag my feet and let them CLEARLY document the charges before you do anything!
The damages sound like a cracked oil pan, the charges they tried to place on your card are well above the cost for the parts and the repair in CR. Please let us know the company, I’d like to avoid them if possible.
Edited on Mar 30, 2008 17:01
There are nicely priced properties in the Lake Arenal area and Terry is a great guy to see. You’ll find the Nuevo Arenal and surrounding areas a bit more expensive but the town and the shopping is worth it depending on your transportation situation. The bank in town (Banco Nacional) has an ATM that works find with US debit cards, I use it all the time. There are many areas around the lake (with/without lake and volcano views) that you might find attractive. Talk to Terry, tell him what you need and what you can spend and I’m sure you’ll find your slice of paradise!
Hey David! Seems I hit the nail on the head… so what are you and your bride to be planning for as a business? My advice…. Make is something simple, something you enjoy, something different, and something that doesn’t seem like work! If you manage that you’ll be WAY ahead of the game! Let us know your plans, I’m sure there are folks here that can offer advice and help in making your dream a reality! I hope I’m one of the folks invited to the wedding! Pura Vida!
Edited on Mar 28, 2008 09:42
David from Olympus…. I’m not sure what it is you’re looking for my friend. I know you had the issue of residency status on a pension and the wife/not a wife thingy… I think we cleared that up after some time. You now know she would NOT be covered under your pension status unless you are married to each other.
Now it seems there is still an issue of working (for someone) in CR. I’m not sure what sources you’re looking at that tell you that you can other than under very limited exceptions that I don’t think you fall into. You mentioned ARCR, a great resource, and I located the information in seconds and posted it here. It seems pretty clear to me as it would to most folks. Is there something I’m missing here? Is it still your contention that you can work as an employee for someone? And I’d have to ask… why would you? If you go to the CR government site (http://www.ministrabajo.go.cr/Macros/Salario/Salarios%20Minimos.htm) and see what the set minimum wages are for different work classes you’ll see they are quite low by the standards Americans have. I would NOT plan on finding work, you’ll do better making it. And there’s no rules saying you can’t. My advice is to start a small business, something you and your lady enjoy. I think you mentioned she quite artistic? Perhaps small gift shop/gallery. How about a gringo hotdog stand on the side of the road with free coffee and travel advice? Great way to meet people and make the days go by! Not to make your millions… but enough to pay yourselves a little income and keeps you happy. Live the dream and enjoy every moment.
Sometimes in life we get answers to questions that we don’t want to hear. I’ve dealt with that problem for 23 years as a police officer. People come to me seeking advice or an answer to a question, when the answer isn’t the one they want they continue to look for the “right” answer… the one they want that fits their goal! I call it “Shop a Cop”…. I’ve seen it over and over. They’d rather take the “advice” of a someone that gives them the answer they want than believe the real one. But the very fact that they continue to seek an answer tells me that they know the right answer but don’t want to be guided by it. They seek “validation” from some authority… not for parking (lol)… but for the answer they want to use to the question they have. I’ve gotten to the point now that when I get “shopped” I say “If you already have the answer why do you continue to look for it?” If they continue to debate the answer/advice I have given them I politely tell them ” I have answered your question. I’d be more than happy to continue, but you apparently have your intentions in mind and it’s not my job to change that. Do as you want, don’t follow my advice… I’d me more than happy to repeat it for the jury at your trial and see what they think… I can use the overtime!”
Edited on Mar 27, 2008 07:20
I cut and pasted this right from the ARCR website. Seems pretty clear to me.
Pensionado
*Requires proof of US$600 per month income from permanent pension source or retirement fund.
*Must remain in country at least 4 months per year.
*Can claim spouse and dependants under 18 years of age.
*Cannot work as an employee.
*Can own a company and receive income.Is there still a question?
It really is a function of where you intend to live and store your books. Costa Rica has so many different micro-climates that the best move would be to use a dehumidifier unless you’re living in an area that has little or no humidity. It’s amazing how a couple of miles or feet of elevation can change the climate here in CR. The Central Valley is pretty dry but even there you’ll find that the green season can cause problems. For the money I’d invest in a small unit just to be on the safe side. If your collection includes works that have more than personal value it’s the best move!
Edited on Mar 23, 2008 14:16
