Rahstingo
American expat in Costa Rica
Forum posts
32
Contacts
8
About me
American
Registration: 21 July 2017
Meeting Americans
I鈥檝e been here for over 41/2 years. Married to Tica. All in all our relationship is good. Most problems are cultural. If you鈥檙e married to a Tica or Tico you know where I鈥檓 coming from. Nuff said! Part of the problem is she has her ... Read More
Being convincing to an employer in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Finding a job in Costa Rica is no easy feat. From applying for a job all the way to job interviews, the etiquette can be different abroad. Specially job interviews, that can already be pretty daunting, can feel even worse when set ...
I wish I could help. Not something I would ever consider. Would you actually take a job at the wages they pay here if you got one? I couldn鈥檛 imagine dealing with traffic to go to work for less than I made at 17 years old. Just curious. R Read More
motor scooters by jerry reidelbach
Hi,I will be moving to CR soon and would like to know what the requirements where on riding motor scooters in CR?
I have a question and can't seem to get clarification anywhere on internet. I have a car and a scooter. Most places have an assigned area for moto parking. Is it a LAW that you have to park there? Had a recent disagreement with a security guy ( ... Read More
Looking for customs broker in Costa Rica that works with Dogs by cluppens
I need a customs broker that will broker two dogs for me in Costa Rica. I also need them to get the health import certificates.
Maybe this guy can help. Josue +*** Read More
Speaking Spanish in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Spanish is essential for a successful integration in Costa Rica. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Spanish? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Any suggestions on WHERE to learn. Can't imagine going to the schools here. Some charge more than the average Tica makes per month! I am far from fluent but get by; however I don't under stand a much when I'm spoken to. *** Read More
Speaking Spanish in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Spanish is essential for a successful integration in Costa Rica. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Spanish? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Wow! Where do you live? I've been here 3 years and speak enough to be dangerous馃ぃ BUT don't understand when spoke. I do better texting. I've been looking for a class that teaches me "to speak and understand" without a ... Read More
Banking in Costa Rica and the US by lafdbuf
I am looking for a bank that I can make deposits into from the US. I own a house in CR and have a Corporation. I am not a resident and have not started the process for residency, yet. I have a bank account in CR, but I cannot deposit money into it ...
馃ぃ馃憡馃徎 Very inefficient and wasteful country. Went to Dr for an X-ray on my knee. Went to one window to give my name and ID. Then to another for a bill. Then to another to pay. The got a number to sit and wait!! Its a way for ... Read More
Banking in Costa Rica and the US by lafdbuf
I am looking for a bank that I can make deposits into from the US. I own a house in CR and have a Corporation. I am not a resident and have not started the process for residency, yet. I have a bank account in CR, but I cannot deposit money into it ...
$10k per person. But YOU HAVE TO DECLAER IT!!! Read More
Banking in Costa Rica and the US by lafdbuf
I am looking for a bank that I can make deposits into from the US. I own a house in CR and have a Corporation. I am not a resident and have not started the process for residency, yet. I have a bank account in CR, but I cannot deposit money into it ...
You are right but the paperwork is normal for here. Everything requires excessive paperwork and multiple offices. Read More
Banking in Costa Rica and the US by lafdbuf
I am looking for a bank that I can make deposits into from the US. I own a house in CR and have a Corporation. I am not a resident and have not started the process for residency, yet. I have a bank account in CR, but I cannot deposit money into it ...
This is an example of how Costa Rica makes EVERYTHING DIFFICULT! Way too much paperwork. Use you debit card! New Slogan for CR: Costa Rica, where we make EASY....DIFFICULT. Pura Vida. Read More
Banking in Costa Rica and the US by lafdbuf
I am looking for a bank that I can make deposits into from the US. I own a house in CR and have a Corporation. I am not a resident and have not started the process for residency, yet. I have a bank account in CR, but I cannot deposit money into it ...
I have mine deposited in my US bank in NC and use my debit card. 3 year and no problem. Only issue is if you bank changes your card. If someone send it on god knows when you will receive it. Needed a document for residency for NC. Took 6 MONTHS to ... Read More
Parcel Forwarding From US to Costa Rica by Raiden001
Hello everyone, I would like to ship a couple of pairs of shoes that weigh about 10 Lbs from the US to Costa Rica. How much would the shipping cost with any major carriers? Thanks for your input!
I've heard good things bout them and CR Nox as well. Let me Know how it works out. Read More
New members of the Costa Rica forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Costa Rica forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more ...
Beautiful country ( outside of San Jose!) great people but very expensive and very inefficient if you need anything involving government. Customer service is getting better but be prepared for a culture shock. Remember this is a third world country. ... Read More
Parcel Forwarding From US to Costa Rica by Raiden001
Hello everyone, I would like to ship a couple of pairs of shoes that weigh about 10 Lbs from the US to Costa Rica. How much would the shipping cost with any major carriers? Thanks for your input!
That's usually what I do as well BUT I've never had a problem with taxes however it just depends on custom agent. Best way is have someone bring them. Try shipping shoes and see what happens. Can't be but so bad. Put receipt with them or ... Read More
Parcel Forwarding From US to Costa Rica by Raiden001
Hello everyone, I would like to ship a couple of pairs of shoes that weigh about 10 Lbs from the US to Costa Rica. How much would the shipping cost with any major carriers? Thanks for your input!
Check out a company called CRbox. They have a service where you send products from Amazon EBay whatever to a Miami address and your orders are sent with other directly to CR. $10 definitely won't get much here. A certified letter is more AND ... Read More
House Sitting in CR by aconnors2003
Professional Interior Designer in Chicago, looking to move to CR. Have heard of families looking for reputable caretakers of their homes in the off season. Any ideas how to get the word out or other expat blogs you recommend to get to know ...
You are correct. My bad! Read More
House Sitting in CR by aconnors2003
Professional Interior Designer in Chicago, looking to move to CR. Have heard of families looking for reputable caretakers of their homes in the off season. Any ideas how to get the word out or other expat blogs you recommend to get to know ...
Panama, Nicaragua, USA...you just have to leave the coultry for 72 hours to get passport stamped to show you left. Before I was a resident I would go to Nicaragua. It's nice and MUCH cheaper than CR!!! Bus ticket is under $50 round ... Read More
Intercultural relationships in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share some fun anecdotes and information regarding intercultural marriages and relationships in Costa Rica. This will provide some insight to current and future expats regarding relationship norms in mixed relationships ...
Been here three years and you are exactly right. All my wife's friends have children. Hubbys are useless and one now cheats with her ex on his new wife ( maybe payback馃し鈥嶁檪锔�)Usually no child support BUT if it goes to ... Read More
How to deal with stress when moving to Costa Rica by Priscilla
Moving abroad is no easy feat. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with stress, so we invite you to share some insights regarding this topic. What are the main factors that contribute to stress when moving to Costa Rica (cultural adaptation, ...
I agree. Fairly stress free. A bit of culture shock though. Just forget everything you've ever known about efficiency! It doesn't exist here. EVERYTHING has lines...and you wait...for EVERYTHING! Waited 5 hours to get a Tico liscense and (no ... Read More
motor scooters by jerry reidelbach
Hi,I will be moving to CR soon and would like to know what the requirements where on riding motor scooters in CR?
Tuchee on George Bush馃槺馃挦 Another issue with the moto is that it has also increased taxes! I have a scooter (ok I get a little crazy sometimes but mostly at my own peril not others) and my wife has car. She pays maybe $40 more than i ... Read More
Traffic in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Costa Rica, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people ...
The Roads are as bad as the Traffic. With all the taxes here it makes you Wonder What they do with the money (left over from What polititians don't steal:) It's funny. I live near the Presidential office and...no holes in road! Also in ... Read More
Traffic in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Costa Rica, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people ...
Yesss it is nice to cruise by everyone. My wife won't ride with me so if we meet to eat, I'll be in my house half way through a movie before she gets home! LOL Last ticket I got was by San Pedro Mall. It was $8.00. Actually was cheaper than ... Read More
Traffic in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Costa Rica, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people ...
I can only add....NOTHING!! You are spot on!! Except you failed to mention the IDIOTS on motos!! Aaaaa I have a scooter! I didn't know until recently that it is actually LEGAL here to drive in between car up to a certain speed馃槣 I was ... Read More
Traffic in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Costa Rica, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people ...
Actually not sure. Always go on weekend. Maybe Breyer during week BUT the secret is to leave very early on Sunday. Friend tried and return trip was only 11/2. I think everyone leave early evening and then it becomes...hell! Read More
Traffic in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Costa Rica, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people ...
Yes it is illegal!! You take taxi or Uber. Ive been through it! Took me 3 weeks and 2-3 different offices because the officer didnt turn in my plates...until he decided to! I hope it contin煤es though! Many times you have a 2 lane road, ... Read More
Traffic in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Costa Rica, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people ...
Hmmm in my experience after over 2 years here it doesn't really matter. Example: 11/2 to get to Jaco Beach..not bad for most part. Return trip 3-31/2 hours. Areas where 2-3 roads converge into one with NO signs, no lights nothing. It just ... Read More
Traffic in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Costa Rica, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people ...
I live in San Pedro, San Jose area...I have a car and scooter by the way. Read More
Traffic in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Costa Rica, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people ...
Traffic is Horrible most of the time and HORRIBLE-er馃槺 During rush hour! 10 kilometers may take 30 minutes or more! A helicopter would be a great way to beat it, lol, but realistically...a scooter! That 30 minute, 10K in a scooter..maybe 10 ... Read More
motor scooters by jerry reidelbach
Hi,I will be moving to CR soon and would like to know what the requirements where on riding motor scooters in CR?
Saw you request about a mechanic. Not sure where you are but this guy is in San Jise area. Last Friday my scoiter just stopped running. I called this guy Cristian. He came to me...found problem..went do part and I was readi in 29 minutes. Charged ... Read More
motor scooters by jerry reidelbach
Hi,I will be moving to CR soon and would like to know what the requirements where on riding motor scooters in CR?
I think you'll find it easier than you think. I was a bit nervous the first week. Going in between cars was a new experience for me. It not legal in NC. Drivers here are used to it. Just be careful about mirrors!! Sometimes it looks like you ... Read More
motor scooters by jerry reidelbach
Hi,I will be moving to CR soon and would like to know what the requirements where on riding motor scooters in CR?
Hey guys...new here but I agree with you both on the moto drivers. They do drive like madmen and a lot are very disrespectful but the traffic here is unbelievably HORRIBLE and I think they are just trying to get from point A to point B in a ... Read More