[kimyoa650]

I have to say, up in the guanacaste area, you really need screens. My daughter gets really bad reactions from mosquito bites and after only one night, her legs looked so bad from swollen bites.

[kimyoa650]

I read the entire thread and I don’t think scottbenson was trying to put you down. He simply was pointing out some of the negatives. I have to agree with him, everyone coming here must have a good financial plan, even when you think that you have already amassed a fortune. Once your saving account starts to go in the negative direction, that is always a bad thing.

We met a couple that moved here 3 years ago, with 3 kids. They said they basically moved around the country from Golfito all the way up and decided to settle in Playa Conchial. They have a very thriving business, the husband started a contruction co. and his wife runs a bakery/restaurant. She said that its tough, but her husband does a bit better to support them and also her business.

[kimyoa650]

In some ways I am a little eager to get back to the US. Not because I don’t like it here, but doing all that driving and travel can truly drag anybody down. I have to tell you, the most I enjoy here is when I do daily tasks of going to the groceries, cooking, watching TV, etc.

Yes, that offending scene was a display of bad taste. Although I would just assume the guy just had truly bad social skills rather than doing it for the sake of being mean.

Yesterday, I decided to see a doctor for the severe allergic reaction I had after swimming in Playa Conchial (it might be the water, or a sting on my back I got from something). Anyway, I went to CIMA and had to use their emergency service because all the doctors offices were closed on Saturday/Sunday. The attending doctor gave me a shot and pills to counter the allergy. ANyway, I have to say that CIMA is just as good as most of the hospitals in the US. Very impressive. The total bill came to $84 which included the doctor fees, shot, blood test. Not bad considering that in the US, even with my PPO coverage, it would have cost me close to that amount: $20 co-pay, $30 blood work. Medical costs int he US is really going out of control.

[kimyoa650]

I am not sure if the paperwork HAS to be done here in San Jose. These are things that those professionals will help guide you. However, I do think that if you are fluent in spanish and get a good lawyer here, then you could possibly do it yourself.

They have informed us that we need to stay at least 4 month/year. I am hoping we do make this jump permanently.

As for the stories, I’ll try the best I could. We are driving to Lake Arenal tomorrow and I am not sure if I get internet access at the places we’re staying. I do hope I have something interesting to talk about.

[kimyoa650]

Keith,

Unfortunately, at the moment the new rentista bank deposit is in effect, which basically is a blow for families trying to move down there. As far as I know, everyone trying to apply for rentista must meet this new requirement. Maybe they might revoke it later, but as of now its in effect.

We are not moving here yet, just getting the paper work done. If everything goes well, hopefully early next year we’ll move. Currently, we are staying only for 25 days. Mostly driving around and staying at different places. Because of kids, we have to narrow down our choices to the San Jose/Escazu/Santa Ana/etc. area.

I have to agree with you, the people and the country is wonderful. Way, way better than I had expected. The language is the biggest hurdle I can see, but in some ways its good that most ticos doesn’t speak english it will force us to truly learn their language.

Anyway, its midnight here now. Adios y pura vida.

[kimyoa650]

We just arrived here in San Jose last Monday. Its been great so far, except my wife got sick eating lobster at a very popular restaurant (seems high end too). Besides that, its been a nice experience. I keep changing my money at Scotia Bank, with the exchange rate at $1=c515. Much better, lets say way way better than the airport rate of c465/$1. Never use those airport money changers, its a ripoff.

Having colones is almost a must if you are going around the city and not only the tourist spots. Anyone know of a better exchange rate than Scotia Bank? Just want to know for future referrence.

Pura Vida.

[kimyoa650]

How about the Adventure Inn. Its about 10 miles from Santamaria Airport. They charged me $59/night last week and even reimbursed my $15 taxi expense. After taxes, I paid a total of $54.

[kimyoa650]

thanks for that detailed insight. All our kids are below 5 years old. That’s one reason I want to try to make the move now.

[kimyoa650]

I was thinking of enrolling them in a private school, but not those structured using US or European curriculums. I think enrolling them is not going to be a problem. CR is also accepting residency applications again, according to the person assisting us.

Thanks for all the answers.

[kimyoa650]

Hi,

I’m just wondering if you were trying to get the residency by doing everything yourself?

From what I have read from this forum, using a people that do this full time seems like the best option. It just seem like its not worth saving the $1300-$1500 by doing everything yourself.

[kimyoa650]

Thanks guys for the driving tips.

We’re all excited. I can’t help thinking that the show Dora the Explorer and Go Diego Go, are made by someone who just loves CR. All the animals (Spectacled Bear, blue morpho butterfly, sloth, linda the llama, etc. plus the name of the characters Tico the squirrel).

Adios amigos.

[kimyoa650]

Hi Koty,

My wife and I have been very good savers, and with the sale of our house last year and our retirement funds, as well as investments, we might be able to support our family for a while. It would be good to skim through the posts in this forum because its probably one of the most talked about topics.

Basically, I plan to simplify our life and cut back on the unnecessary spending that a typical US household consumes. How many type of cleaning solution do we really need? Infant shoes that costs the same as mine? These are just one of the many things that I feel you would have to give up, but for the better, no? I’ve lived in a less fortunate country before, the materialistic mentality of some families is not healthy in my opinion. I wish my wife can adjust, truth be told, I feel she is still on the fence.

One thing that might kill this for us is the staggering amount required by the new law for residency (we have 3 kids). I have contacted a guy (recommended on this forum) that specializes in helping with the immigration process. I’ll truly decide once I get all the answers. I wish you the best too. Keep in touch, hopefully our families meet in CR in the future.

[kimyoa650]

I’m not sure if the Banco Popular in CR is the same with the one in the USA. The one in the USA is the Banco Popular from Puerto Rico, and if you look at their website, it does not have any locations in Costa Rica.

http://www.bancopopular.com/welcome.html

I’m not 100% sure about this.

[kimyoa650]

Hi,

Can you kindly clarify for me? A 2006 Xterra is about $24000 here plus the tax ($10800) and shipping (?) it costs you more than $34800.

How much would the same vehicle costs if bought over there?

Thanks,

Tony

[kimyoa650]

$10800 just for taxes? Is this a luxury vehicle? It does sound like purchasing a vehicle locally might be more cost effective.

[Author]

Posts