[itsbutch]

How true! I’ve noticed the same thing here in Costa Rica. I would say the places that price their items even higher than the state prices are going after the Gringo trade. Sad to think that, and unfortunate for the local residents.

I recently noticed the same at Price-Smart and at Office Depot.

Has anyone been to the Denny’s near the Fiesta Casino? They charge state side prices too – BUT they don’t pay their employees state side wages…….

Let’s all hope tha Wal-Mart will be a better place to shop for ALL!

[itsbutch]

Marcia

I am a vet, just moved to C.R. in June. I know where CIMA is (I think) is it sort of behind Price Smart?

Do you happen to know the cost of medical care there? Would I just go in with my VA card or do I have to do something else before hand.

Thanks for any info you can post!

Don Foster

[itsbutch]

Guru

I can “STRONGLY” suggest that one sell and buy again, based on experience. I am not blaming anyone but myself – I didn’t do my homework. Had I dug deep into the idea of shipping – I probably would not have; based on what I have read, and heard from others.

I got rid of a house full of furniture and “stuff”. What I tried to bring were some English Dinnerware (old) and now broken, a Llaque chandelier (expensive) broken and now useless. Some of my family crystal – suprisingly most of it made it just fine. Art collection (etchings) – broken glass on a few – that can be replaced. Then, my mother died on May 2, 2006 at 95 years old and I had a lot of her “old crystal pieces” and other old pieces – dishes, serving pieces, silver coffee/tea set etc. Most of my mom’s stuff was delivered broken. The reason I put on the damages to mom’s stuff is because I carefully wrapped all glass in paper and then in bubble wrap, marked all the boxes fragile, glass or breakable. These boxes received the most damage and these boxes looked like they had been tossed across the warehouse a few times

Had I known this was a problem with others, and had I investigated the shipping company’s, I would have done this alot differently. I probably would have bitten the bullet – sold or given away everything. Donated the antiques of my mom’s to some charity in her name and left California with my three suit cases (first class treat on my final trip from California to Costa Rica on June 7 2006), my dog and said “Good-bye to the OLD and Hello to the NEW” I can tell you all that it would have been a perfect move for me had I not shipped those 211 cu. ft. of “The I Can’t Live Without Stuff” – by the way, I am living without most of it now anyway – it was either broken or was in one of the 6 boxes that I am missing.

Good Luck All – Costa Rica is a wonderful place. A suggestion too, when you move to Costa Rica, loose the attitudes that you may have built up in the US or whereever – you’ll find that the local Tico’s are wonderful, friendly giving people and “without attitudes”. Don’t exploit them, don’t misuse them ………….Show your love and friendship and you’ll get it back 10 fold.

[itsbutch]

Guru

Thanks, I know I am in a bad spot here, and I have decided to just take this all as a lesson. Hopefully, I’ll never do another move, but I do hope that others will read this and learn from it, especially what you just wrote.
I made a trip today to the local dump site, got ride of all the damaged stuff, including 4 apple boxes full of broken glasses, crystal, dishes etc. I can live without this stuff, as well as the stuff that was “missing”.
This is the only problem I have had during my move to this wonderful place I now call home – Costa Rica. I have made wonderful, generous, and giving friends. The Tico’s have given me so much help and encouragement. I have a beautiful home in Atenas, I furnished it with furniture from Sarchi and other local places. I bought an auto, without problem, I have finally filed my residency papers (that was a little touchy – but I did it myself). I am not discouraged at all, but I feel better now that I have accepted the blame for the damages; being my packing, their packing or whatever. I don’t want to dwell on this any longer, there is much to much good here in Costa Rica for me to let a few broken dishes and some missing boxes detract me all this good that is here waiting for me.

I really wish there was a published article or something that one could go to when thinking of moving from one country to another. My suggestion is “Sell everything” and “Buy what you need in your new country”

Thanks Again –

[itsbutch]

I know exactly what you are talking about. I have been doing the same thing too and I have heard the same stories as you. I was even told that I can pay “someone” $50 and they’ll get my passport stamped. I don’t want to put my residency in jeopardy, so I am doing the right thing too. I have posted to this sight basically the same question as you and the only answers that I went by are – “Legally you must take the 72 hr trip”. I have talked to some people that pay $50 to $200 for a stamp – but in my mind, they are taking a chance that I don’t want to take. I just finished applying for residency and hopefully I won’t have to take the 72 hrs trip again – BUT – I honestly must say that I have enjoyed the trips.
My only suggestion is – “Do the right thing” You and I are here because we chose to enjoy this wonderful country, so why not follow the rules. Yes, there are probably more that are trying to cheat the Costar Rica rules, by working for cash, paying for stamps to the passport and god knows what else. I sleep well at night and don’t look over my shoulder during the day! Life is Beautiful – in Cost Rica….
Good Luck….

[itsbutch]

I called California Consul and Washington DC consul last week with the same question about 90 days or 6 months on the Police report. Both confirmed 6 months. I also asked about the possibility of an FBI report being required in the future. That’s a true statement too. It’s in the process of becoming another requirement for residency. The police report requirement will be discontinued and the FBI report will replace it. Apparently the police report is not enough to keep the “Bad” guys out of Costa Rica. I was also told that if your papers are filed that a new police report IS NOT REQUIRED….and I have heard from others and other internet contacts that one will be required…some day it might be easier for the residencey process.

[itsbutch]

Scott

I juest checked with the American Embassy in CR and they are not aware of the exact changes, but agree that the FBI report will be required rather than the Police Report. My question is, since my lawyer drug her feet and didn’t get my papers completed within the last 90 days, and with my living in CR and not the US……I was wondering if you, by chance, you have any idea on how I would go about getting the FBI report. I would like to get it before “the rush”. I have made the required 72 hr. trip out of CR, so I guess I have another 90 days? Also, my lawyer kept telling me that she couldn’t get an appt. for my fingerprinting…..is there a way I can do that without her and without appointments.
Thanks,
Butch

[itsbutch]

Thanks GringoTico………Just the info I needed. I’ve heard good about this place but I just couldn’t remember the name and it was an island so this must be the place…Butch

[itsbutch]

David
Javier called me last night at 9PM from Los Angeles. He told me the same as you stated about the fingerprints etc. I’d like to work with a local lawyer. Javier claims that he files all the residency papers in Los Angeles?
I am going to take a 3 day trip to Columbia (a friend recommended the trip – it’s $200 for 3 days – included hotel, food and airfare)
Javier quoted me over $2000 for each of us – too much, I am sure there must be a less expensive way.

Besides this situation, I am going thru a bad experience with Global-OC on my shipment of goods they picked up in Califonia on 5/22/06 – estimated delivery for 7/1 – now it’s estimated for 11/26 delivery – Different forum discussion!

I WOULD BE VERY HAPPY TO GET THE YOUR RECOMMENDED LAWYERS CONTACT INFORMATION………

I am so confused………I call my lawyer and she has yet to return a call. I bought a car 3 months ago and I am still waiting for her to do the legal work for me……..unfortunately she’s the sister of a friend and he’s been the biggest help to us in other matters IE finding a house, a car, all around great person!!!!
Thanks David, I appreciated all you help!
Butch

[itsbutch]

Trisha
Thanks for the email address, I copied and pasted your nice mesg to my email to him……..I am confident that they’ll be the ones to get the job done!
Thanks again
Butch

[itsbutch]

Maravilla
Can you give me the contact info for Javier and his sister…Please!
Thanks!
Butch

[itsbutch]

Bill,Maravilla and Scott

Thanks so much for the info…….I’ll definately contact the brother and sister team. I haven’t yet paid the lawyer because she has done nothing except tell me the “I thinks”
Thanks to you all and to We Love Costa Rica.com, I have gotten so much good info from this site.
Butch

[itsbutch]

Scott
Very well said – I hope this ends their arguing!
Butch

[itsbutch]

Marvilla……
Good choice, not to respond to any more of r2d2………

[itsbutch]

Marvilla
I understand exactly what you are saying and I basically agree. Maybe if you had stated in the beginning that you paid at least the minimum wages, took out taxes etc. it would have came across a lot better. We all need a helping hand, as I did when I moved here to Costa Rica. I met a very very nice Tico couple and they helped me thru the system legally. I have a nice home, live well, and enjoy this wonderful country, and I contribute most of this to meeting these two people.
The Mexicans that you helped, I am sure, look upon you as I look upon my Tico couple. I couldn’t have done it without them.

I also agree about the Mexicans being “workers” you never see any other ethnic group standing in front of Home Depot awainting someone to hire them as day workers. Granted, they are probably paid under the table etc. but then again they want to work. I have seen so many beggers in the US and I don’t recall seeing a Mexican standing on the corner with a sign “Work or Food” or “Help Me – I’m Hungry”

I also understand the other replies you received. I just hope that your helping was not employing them at less then minimum wages. My sister was guilty of this. She had a Mexican restaurant and hired all illegals, exploited them, and used them to their fullest ability. She would brag about helping them, when in fact, she was helping herself a lot more than them. When one would act up, be late, even drop a plate she’d use the their illegal entry etc against them. I never really cared for the way she used these people. They are human and should be treated as such. She was almost using them as slaves to her business and we all know that the “slave” thing is long gone.
Don’t argue your point anymore with Lotus, it’s not worth it to upset yourself and give Lotus anymore fuel for the fire. Lotus is also right in the thoughts and feelings posted. Some people have an obsession to do the right thing, exactly as it should be, not stepping aside for any reason. Fortunately or unfortunately, I am one of those people, but I cannot expect everyone to be like me. I understand you and I understand Lotus.

God Bless You Both………Butch

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