celferis
American expat in Costa Rica
Forum posts
47
Contacts
3
About me
American
Lives in Playa Junquillal, Guanacaste
Registration: 10 December 2015
Condominio Loma Verde by celferis
Hola: Does anyone have any experience -positive or negative - with buying a lot and building a house at Loma Verde, outside of Tamarindo? Thanks.
Thanks. And actually the internet is better than what I have now. So I'm all set with that. And thanks for the good tip about the overhang. Appreciate the feedback. Read More
Condominio Loma Verde by celferis
Hola: Does anyone have any experience -positive or negative - with buying a lot and building a house at Loma Verde, outside of Tamarindo? Thanks.
Yes, I was there last week and there were about 6 homes built, and about another 6 under construction, not quite completed. The pool is done, as are the sidewalks and the curbs; streets are nicely paved. Read More
Condominio Loma Verde
Hola: Does anyone have any experience -positive or negative - with buying a lot and building a house at Loma Verde, outside of Tamarindo? Thanks. Read More
Pet friendly? by Jenskiba
Hello, My husband and I are considering retiring internationally. We are just starting the conversation. However, I currently own my own business as a dog trainer. This means that dogs are an important part of my life and I'm trying to get a ...
We brought our 2 year old Lab with us. There was some paperwork and coordination with the airline involved, but it wasn't difficult. The timing of the shots and treatments was harder. And you have to get a vet that knows how to fill out the ... Read More
Common misconceptions and clich茅s about life in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Old clich茅s die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Costa Rica can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Costa Rica? What are ...
Before we moved here, everything we read said we wouldn't be able to get reliable internet service. Since I work online, that was a big concern. Even after we arrived in Playa Junquillal, locals told us to expect a six month wait for ... Read More
House insurance
Hello: Friend of mine is buying a house in San Juanillo (Guanacaste). Can anyone recommend a broker for insurance in this area, or should she just go right to INS office? Thanks... Read More
Accessing Hulu TV
Anyone having any success watching shows on Hulu in Costa Rica. I tried using TotalVPN. I could bring up the Hulu home page (which I couldn't do before), but when I tried to watch a show, a notice came up that Hulu didn'[t recognize the ... Read More
Netflix/Streaming by celferis
Hello: I noticed all the info I could find on the Internet and in this Forum is several years old, and I am sure the technology has changed. Does anyone have up-to-date info on best company to use to get the US version in Costa Rica? I saw US TV NOW ...
Thanks. We also access Hulu via the Internet so we'll make do with that if Netflix continues to be a problem. Read More
United PetSafe program
I did verify with brokers in Costa Rica and United, that a broker is,required in San Jose but not in Liberia. Thanks for that feedback. Makes me glad we will be on nonstop from Mewark. Thanks for responding. Read More
United PetSafe program
Thanks. I did check with them, the temperature restriction only applies to snub-nosed dog breeds. I have a Labrador, so they will take her any time of the year...The only issue still pending is whether or not I need a broker in Liberia. I am getting ... Read More
Netflix/Streaming by celferis
Hello: I noticed all the info I could find on the Internet and in this Forum is several years old, and I am sure the technology has changed. Does anyone have up-to-date info on best company to use to get the US version in Costa Rica? I saw US TV NOW ...
OK thanks for that info.. We'll check it out... Read More
Netflix/Streaming by celferis
Hello: I noticed all the info I could find on the Internet and in this Forum is several years old, and I am sure the technology has changed. Does anyone have up-to-date info on best company to use to get the US version in Costa Rica? I saw US TV NOW ...
Pebs. Well aware of where I'm going. You have your Youtube; I would like to have my Netflix, until such time that my Spanish is proficient enough to watch local TV. I, too, do not anticipate spending hours in front of any screen, but I would ... Read More
United PetSafe program
Hello: Has anyone used this program recently to transport pet dog? We are travelling from Newark to San Jose. My understanding is that, if dog is on same plane as we are, then a customs broker is not necessary. Thanks. Read More
Netflix/Streaming by celferis
Hello: I noticed all the info I could find on the Internet and in this Forum is several years old, and I am sure the technology has changed. Does anyone have up-to-date info on best company to use to get the US version in Costa Rica? I saw US TV NOW ...
Would like to watch on computer screen... That's how we do it now, just regular PC with very large PC monitor..... Read More
Netflix/Streaming
Hello: I noticed all the info I could find on the Internet and in this Forum is several years old, and I am sure the technology has changed. Does anyone have up-to-date info on best company to use to get the US version in Costa Rica? I saw US TV NOW ... Read More
Do you need to be a resident, to get a CR drivers license? by Coloradomike
My USA drivers license expires this October, 2016. I am wondering if I can get a CR drivers license and not worry about my USA drivers license.
The reason I am applying for residency is so I don't have to be bothered with those border runs every 90 days. Guess I won't be driving then. Thanks for answering. Read More
Do you need to be a resident, to get a CR drivers license? by Coloradomike
My USA drivers license expires this October, 2016. I am wondering if I can get a CR drivers license and not worry about my USA drivers license.
I am applying for rentista residency, but of course, it takes almost a year to get that approved. In the meantime, can I show the proof that I have applied? Will that suffice to get a driver's license? Otherwise, I'm going to be stuck here ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Costa Rica? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
Good information. In Junquillal, I see a lot of drivers on little Vespa scooters. Do you know if you need a special license for those, and if they can go on the highway? Thanks. Read More
Matapalo, Guanacaste by celferis
Anyone familiar with the condominiums at Cabo Velas in Matapalo, Guanacaste? Any opinions?
We looked briefly when we were there in November....When we get down there (hopefully by this May!!!), we'll take another closer look. Thanks. Read More
Matapalo, Guanacaste by celferis
Anyone familiar with the condominiums at Cabo Velas in Matapalo, Guanacaste? Any opinions?
Yes, I'm aware of that situation. Thanks for the heads-up. Read More
Matapalo, Guanacaste by celferis
Anyone familiar with the condominiums at Cabo Velas in Matapalo, Guanacaste? Any opinions?
Are those the Villas Ventanas? We have seen those.... Read More
Matapalo, Guanacaste by celferis
Anyone familiar with the condominiums at Cabo Velas in Matapalo, Guanacaste? Any opinions?
Ah that makes sense, because I asked about a ground-level entry with three bedrooms, and the guy said they had one for re-sale. Anyway, we are rethinking based on Mauron's comments. Have had enough of terrible roads and it does seem to be in the ... Read More
Quarantine permit for dogs??? by celferis
Hello: Bringing 2-yr old Labrador one-way into Costa Rica this Spring. I already have the airline/kennel requirements, know what I need from my vet, etc. But I am seeing that a Pet Quarantine Permit is also required. Apparently, you can file ahead ...
Thanks Pebs... After the fact, I found out that the quarantine permit is only required if I am bringing in dogs for commercial reasons, not as family pets. Read More
Quarantine permit for dogs???
Hello: Bringing 2-yr old Labrador one-way into Costa Rica this Spring. I already have the airline/kennel requirements, know what I need from my vet, etc. But I am seeing that a Pet Quarantine Permit is also required. Apparently, you can file ahead ... Read More
Matapalo, Guanacaste by celferis
Anyone familiar with the condominiums at Cabo Velas in Matapalo, Guanacaste? Any opinions?
We already have a condo we will be renting for 6 months to a year before deciding what we want to do. But I was considering these condos to buy. Read More
Matapalo, Guanacaste by celferis
Anyone familiar with the condominiums at Cabo Velas in Matapalo, Guanacaste? Any opinions?
MauroN - thanks for that detailed description. That is exactly the sort of information I was looking for. Read More
Matapalo, Guanacaste by celferis
Anyone familiar with the condominiums at Cabo Velas in Matapalo, Guanacaste? Any opinions?
Yes, the Matapalo near Tamarindo. Read More
Matapalo, Guanacaste
Anyone familiar with the condominiums at Cabo Velas in Matapalo, Guanacaste? Any opinions? Read More
International health insurance by celferis
I know that, in addition to the mandatory CAJA, many expats have their own private international health insurance plan. I have Googled a few; premiums seem to be extremely high. Cigna seemed to be the lowest. We are under 55-59, in excellent health, ...
Thanks to all for the suggestions.. I will check them all out... Read More
Border Run To Nicaragua To Renew My Driver's License by samramon
We are applying for residency so do NOT have to leave the country... EXCEPT to renew the driver's license. Let me clear up a misconception out there about renewing your license: Some say "The worst that can happen is you will get a ticket ...
Thanks, that was very informative. We have been wondering how to solve that dilemma, as well. Read More
90 Day Stamps? by Rickyracer28
Can anyone tell me if they have had trouble asking for a 90 day stamp at customs and getting it even though our tickets are for a 30 day return? I have already called the airlines to check on a change but they want $500 to change return date. We ...
I just came back.... I only stayed for 12 days but my passport was stamped with a 90-day visa. Immigrations doesn't look at your airline ticket; they ask you how long you are staying, say 90 days. Read More
Hauser Consulting for immigration help
Thanks, but I never said I have never visited. I have been to CR many times, all my research is complete, I have several friends and clients in CR, rental place is picked out and waiting, US paperwork in the process, etc. Read More
Hauser Consulting for immigration help
Hello: Does anyone have any experience with Hauser Consulting in Escazu for getting assistance with residency applications? I have an immigration expert helping me now (haven't paid anything yet) but am concerned that she is a one-person ... Read More
International health insurance
I know that, in addition to the mandatory CAJA, many expats have their own private international health insurance plan. I have Googled a few; premiums seem to be extremely high. Cigna seemed to be the lowest. We are under 55-59, in excellent health, ... Read More
Buying computers by celferis
Hello: Anyone have recent experience with buying computers, monitors, keyboards, televisions, other small electronics in the Guanacaste area?? Not so much concerned about the price, but how easy is it to buy these things? We are considering buying ...
Thanks everyone with all the great advice. We will definitely find a way to bring our computer, at least the hard drive, and the laptop. Read More
Buying computers
Hello: Anyone have recent experience with buying computers, monitors, keyboards, televisions, other small electronics in the Guanacaste area?? Not so much concerned about the price, but how easy is it to buy these things? We are considering buying ... Read More
Moving to Junquillal in spring 2016 by celferis
Hello, My husband and I are planning to move to Junquillal in spring 2016. We already have a condo picked out, which we will rent for a year. We will also be bringing a parrot and a dog. I have information about both of those already. I am working ...
Thanks. We're going to rent one of the condos for a year, while we are looking around the coast. The heat and humidity don't bother us at all, so we will probably stay in Guanacaste. But just to be sure, we want to scout around before we ... Read More
Moving to Junquillal in spring 2016 by celferis
Hello, My husband and I are planning to move to Junquillal in spring 2016. We already have a condo picked out, which we will rent for a year. We will also be bringing a parrot and a dog. I have information about both of those already. I am working ...
Oh great, look forward to meeting you when we get down there. Matt showed us around the lots and homes, but we felt more comfortable with the condos. sincerely, Cheryl Read More
Moving to Junquillal in spring 2016 by celferis
Hello, My husband and I are planning to move to Junquillal in spring 2016. We already have a condo picked out, which we will rent for a year. We will also be bringing a parrot and a dog. I have information about both of those already. I am working ...
Yes, south of Tamarindo -- that's where we are headed. The Tierra Pacifica condos..... Read More
Moving to Junquillal in spring 2016 by celferis
Hello, My husband and I are planning to move to Junquillal in spring 2016. We already have a condo picked out, which we will rent for a year. We will also be bringing a parrot and a dog. I have information about both of those already. I am working ...
Thanks. I had received other recommendations earlier but they were all in San Jose and I would prefer to deal with someone more local. Read More
Parrot from USA to CR by celferis
Hello, I am trying to take pet parrot from New York to San Jose. I can't find an airline that will allow me take the bird in the cabin, although I have heard other people say it can be done. Does anyone have any recent experience with ...
Thanks, but my problem is finding an airline that will accept the bird in the cabin. And not all airlines require use of a broker; just FYI - United has a PetSafe program where you don't need a broker. Unfortunately, right now, they have an ... Read More
Parrot from USA to CR
Hello, I am trying to take pet parrot from New York to San Jose. I can't find an airline that will allow me take the bird in the cabin, although I have heard other people say it can be done. Does anyone have any recent experience with ... Read More
Moving to Junquillal in spring 2016
Hello, My husband and I are planning to move to Junquillal in spring 2016. We already have a condo picked out, which we will rent for a year. We will also be bringing a parrot and a dog. I have information about both of those already. I am working ... Read More