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It has been rainy…I agree. I have (unfortunately) had to drive back and forth to San Jose from Guanacaste 4 times in October, and this past monday was the worse, taking double the time to get home. The other times it took 6 1/2 hours (usually 4- 4 1/2 hours). But we got home safe, and that is what counts. We got re-routed through Atenas/Orotina then up the Pan American Highway. There were two road closures and a bridge out in Belen (which will be out for a few more days). I just picked up my friend from the Liberia Airport (which is OPEN and running normally I must add) and the road is perfect from Conchal to Liberia. It’s Santa Cruz to Belen, which is impassible and will be for the next 3 months according to my sources. This too shall pass… I’d like to think!
Kmen: I would never buy a property, land, home or condo, without have a reputable attorney do a title search. You owe it to yourself to make sure the title is free of liens, encumbrances, etc before deciding to purchase. Now, buying title insurance, that is one thing I wouldn’t recommend as Stewart Title and most other major title insurance companies have too many exceptions to make it worth my while. If buying from a developer, make sure that everything is on the up and up (which I think Scott has checked that out already) and that they have the financial backing to finish what they start! Buena suerte.
Becky 🙂
Charlie: As a tourist, you are allowed to bring in your own personal effects without being taxed. Only residents get an exemption. A lot of people confuse this. If you bring in a DVD player and they bust you for it, you’ll have to pay taxes. It happened to my dad several years ago before he got his permanent residency. Of course, it all depends on WHO you get at customs. It’s hit or miss. However, if you are making a donation, just say that if they ask. I wouldn’t bother declaring it, but rather you’ll have an answer for them if they do ask you. I think you’ll be fine.
Just an FYI if anyone cares: I did have to claim my goods at the Liberia airport (as the person obviously saw me bringing in NEW goods). They don’t just have to be ‘personal items’. Remember, that the reason you are exempt is because these items cost a lot more here in CR because of the import taxes, which is what you avoid with your Residency exemption. So, I am banned for another 6 months. Pura vida!
Charlie: I am headed back to Costa Rica as we speak with a playstation, car stereo, and other things. I am declaring it. Why? Because once when I didn’t declare my car parts brought from the states, they declared it for me. I am a legal resident, and as such, you are allowed to bring in $500 of goods tax free every six months. If I didn’t have electronics in my bags and extra suitcases, I don’t bother claiming the things I bought abroad. However, when they stamp the back of your passport (bonificado via la aduna which it will say, you will not be able to bring ‘goods’ back into Costa Rica tax-free for another six months. Good luck. 🙂
Hi all:
I had emailed all that had asked, but just found out that the few properties that were available, have since been booked. Sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance. I would try and check out Craigs List Costa Rica or google Escazu rentals or try contacting local Escazu Property Management companies. Good luck.
magdav:
I just got a great short term rental for 4 weeks in Escazu (San Rafael de Escazu), great area, close to everything but away from the traffic. I am renting it December 10th for a month. It’s a 2 BR/ 2BA condo, fully furnished, with cable/internet. If interested, I can email you the info. Good luck.
Chris’ article was extremely informative and made my and my husbands decision on getting satellite internet much easier. Since it is the best (and only real) choice for us, his article solidified my thoughts on the issue. He makes technical issues seem easy even for us non-internet savvy folks! Muchas gracias. Your article is MUCH appreciated. Becky
I found horseradish (to my amazement) at Pacific Breeze Gourmet in Comunidad (near Liberia in the Do It Center Commercial Center). I can’t fill you in on where to find Lima beans or the other products you asked for. If you find a specialty imported food stores (which Pacific Breeze is) you’ll find many hard to find things. Otherwise, have a friend bring you what you miss!
Also, I have had an easy time finding Brie, Havarti, Feta, goat cheese and the like… Most nice grocery stores carry those cheeses.
Edited on Aug 23, 2007 13:35
I would also recommend Playa Conchal, (Surfside) Potrero and Penca. Close enough to services of Tamarindo and Flamingo, but far enough from the crazy Tourist element. Conchal and Surfside both have High Speed Internet. Beautiful beaches and lots to do if you are an outdoor type person!
I was able to renew my car one time (90 days two times). After that you have to pay the taxes and register the car OR leave the country with the car (note if you come back you must pay the import taxes) OR leave the car in a bonded warehouse until you pay the taxes.
Buena suerte. Becky*Scott said it would be OK to post my car for sale on this thread*. It’s a 2006 Nissan Xterra (from the states) that I shipped to CR. It’s a 4×4, automatic, AC, 6 CD changer, tint, alloy wheels, new all-terrain tires V6 off road edition, 23k miles. Great condition, one owner (me). Great car with many upgrades. Asking $29,000 OBO. If interested, please email me privately: Becky at mediatica26@yahoo.com
Raynesmommy: I am currently pregnant (for the 1st time) and my husband and I plan on having the baby in Costa Rica (we are from Tampa, FL originally). The quality of care I have received thus far has been wonderful. I can’t complain. I have many friends that are from the US & Canada who have had babies here and have had great experiences. Depending on where you are in the country, you will have more of the commercial aspect of entertainment for kids near the central valley, but I find that there is plenty to do near the beach (where we live) as well, just different things to do. If you want to email me privately, feel free: mediatica26@yahoo.com
Becky
Macfarlane: You can’t drive cars over the border if they are rentals. The rental car companies cannot get Nicaragua insurance for the cars, so they do not permit those to go over the border. I drove to Nicaragua with my own car (that at the time was registered in the USA) and it was a headache. Had to do it to renew my entry for 90 days for purposes of putting off registering the vehicle. If you drive a car with Costa Rica plates that is NOT a rental, you have to get a Permiso (permit/permission) from the government to go over the border. You then will take 2-4 hours at the border doing the paperwork for yourself and the car to cross over into Nicaragua. You will have a ton of little kids running up to you saying they want to ‘help’ you with the process and it can be overwhelming if you don’t speak Spanish. You have to also purchase Nicaraguan Auto Insurance for about $12 US. You will need the original title of the car, your passport, and insurance documents. If I had to go to Nicaragua again, I would fly Nature Air (commuter flight) or take a bus. Much, much, easier option! Good luck.
Edited on Jun 22, 2007 13:21
