Surffeaver
American expat in Costa Rica
Forum posts
57
Contacts
8
About me
American
Lives in Brasilito, Guanacaste
Speaks English spanish
Registration: 15 October 2017
San Jos茅: walkable areas to live by zencorgi
We have been researching various countries to move to for some time and Costa Rica is near the top of the list. The San Jos茅 area is attractive because of the availability of health care and we are planning a trip there in the early summer to ...
Edwin Mora is correct about the congestion. We are living temporarily in Cariari, Heredia because our daughter is attending classes at Instituta Aeron谩utica. The traffic is insane. To go anywhere within a half hour hour, we need to give ... Read More
Move to the coast by fisherj1012
Just beginning our quest to relocate to Costa Rica Looking for roccomendations for wherr to look on the west coast
Buenas Tardes, A little tongue in cheek comment from Edwinemora about the most expensive places being the best,but he's correct about crime,water, power outages,and bad internet service. Rent first for six months in the location you choose,because ... Read More
Drivers License by mjgbenoit
We are new residents as of Oct 23rd. What is the exact next steps and timelines to apply for our drivers license?
Buenos Dias, You may use your valid Canadian drivers license as long as you carry your passport while you drive. The first step to get a CR drivers license is to make an appointment online, get a" dictamin medico" from a local clinic which is a ... Read More
Banking in Costa Rica by nbsvest
does anybody have info on rates foe money market or savings in Costa Rica?
Hola, In the past year or so I've been victimized by credit card fraud here in Costa Rica(estafa is what it's called in Spanish) There's been 5 instances of estafa,3 were purchases in the U.S.,and two here in Costa Rica. The purchases in the U.S. I ... Read More
Buying forever or Renting forever in Costa Rica?? by tjuckufarley
I'd love to hear both sides of the above question - and the valid reasons why. Buying versus renting. This I believe will be very informative.Thanx
Hola, I started visiting CR in 1987 and came to Guanacaste on that vacation. In subsequent visits I went to Jaco, Dominical,Puerto Viejo, Osa,Quepos,even spent some time in the Valley. I knew i wanted to get into pesca deportiva as a retirement ... Read More
Buying forever or Renting forever in Costa Rica?? by tjuckufarley
I'd love to hear both sides of the above question - and the valid reasons why. Buying versus renting. This I believe will be very informative.Thanx
@daveandmarcia. Hola, I recommend that you rent for at least your first year that way you can find the area that suits you best. When you find a zone you like keep renting for awhile so you can figure things out, then buy or build. Building a house ... Read More
Hair stylist job by antoinettecoetzee19
I'm a qualified hair stylist with 30 years experience in the industry and would like to relocate to Costa Rica. Any advice on job opportunities will be welcomed
@antoinettecoetzee19 Hola,Buenos Dias, it's illegal for you to be employed here in pura vida land since the unemployment rate is so high for Ticos . Your only option is to open your own studio. Que tengas suerte馃槑 Read More
Building a house near Avellanas by El jefee
Hi All, my name is Jeff. I recently bought a lot near Avellanas and have a five year plan to build a house. Looking for architect/builder recos!
Hola, when you start construction on your house you need to be there, and go by once a day if not more. People talk nice,but this place is full of theives,and liars. One of the drawbacks of living here. I would suggest building a nice high wall ... Read More
Eco Lagarto Development by cratedivision
We are looking at renting a place a Eco Lagarto but after reading some of the reviews, are now skeptical. Are the roads really as bad as what these reviewers are saying? Is it close to a beach? We would like to rent on the Guanacaste coast for 2 ...
@cratedivision Buenos Dias, Playa Lagarto is indeed a little remote,but that gives it ,it's beauty. Less people around. Santa Cruz is only 40 minutes away, all you need is there,banks,grocery store, hardware, gas ,todo! There are a few pueblitos ... Read More
Eco Lagarto Development by cratedivision
We are looking at renting a place a Eco Lagarto but after reading some of the reviews, are now skeptical. Are the roads really as bad as what these reviewers are saying? Is it close to a beach? We would like to rent on the Guanacaste coast for 2 ...
Buenas Tardes, I just passed through Playa Lagarto last week on my way to Marbella for a surf. Yes the road is in pretty bad shape right now,but passable in two wheel drive. La Municipalidad comes in and re grades it usually the beginning of ... Read More
visiting costa rica with intent to reside long term by CollSush
hello all, we are a couple heading into retirement and looking to more to an affordable, yet enjoyable place to live out our sunset years. costa rica and the area around lake arenal being one of the options that come highly recommended, we would ...
Hola,I'm pretty amazed at the trouble the expats on this vlog have living here.I have many Tico friends,hardly any expat friends because the gringos endlessly complain.Sure some of the things you go through here will make you pull out your ... Read More
Americans and Canadians - What made you move to CR? by usexpat707
American and Canadian members - I am curious to know what made you move to CR and what keeps you going there? I visited CR for 2 weeks almost 10 years ago. For the last year or so, I have been researching how it would be to live there on a longer ...
Hola, I've had an itch to move to C.R. since my first trip there in 1987. The pueblo I live in now didn't even have electricity back then.Went back several times on surf explorations/ fishing trips in the 90's. The reason I immigrated ... Read More
Single male retiree from US - dating options by usexpat707
I am a single male in US, just turned 50. I am considering relocating to Costa Rica, and live a relaxed, semi-retired lifestyle. This will be a new chapter in my life, and I will be re-inventing many parts of it. Fortunately I have enough means that ...
Hola,I've been married to my Tica for 17 years.When we met I was 44 and she was 22. We have two beautiful kids together, a boy and a girl,we live on the beach in Guanacaste and have a beautiful life.I was warned about all the things that I read ... Read More
One way ticket to CR, will it cause any issues at the immigration? by Henrych
If I have a one way ticket to San Jose, will I have any problem at the airport immigration? I'll be applying for the temporary residence in Costa Rica upon arrival. All Canadian paperwork will be available.
Hola,the airport you are departing from will need to see your Costa Rican residency card before departing for Costa Rica. Pura Vida. Read More
Bank Accounts for transfer of Social Security by Pinedog
My wife and I will be coming to Escazu, San Jose in Costa Rica from Boca Raton, Florida in the next 6-12 months when I retire. I bank with Citibank, which I know has a branch in San Jose, but can someone help with advice on choosing a bank that ...
Buenas Tardes, I get my social security direct deposited into my Banco de Costa Rica account every month.The U.S.government charges me $6.00 to do this.I set this up through The U.S.Embassy social security office.They have a ph.# on the embassy ... Read More
Purchasing in a development by Justagirl8870
Please share your tips and advice for buying homes in developments in Costa Rica.
Do yourself a favor,buy an existing home already built,or rent.Unless you are willing to be at the building site everyday,and have your materials guarded at night you will be pulling your hair out.Just sayin,,pura vida... Read More
Is a car necessary? by bermarsh
How good and widely available is public transport/buses? I have travelled around Mexico, Central and South America using buses, but not for day-to-day transportation. I'm thinking of if I reside in a town such as Grecia or San Ramon.
Buenas,owning a car in Costa Rica is not cheap.They are expensive to purchase, maintain,and drive.The roads here for the most part are not adequate for the amount of cars there are now.Traffic is congested in most areas,and driving at night is not ... Read More
US Embassy in Costa Rica by Justagirl8870
Anyone using the US Embassy for assistance while living as an expat in Costa Rica?
Hola,if you're a victim of crime,report it to the local police.The U.S. Embassy has helped me in a lot of ways.I got my children's "birth born abroad" birth certificates,and the their U.S.passports.My passport has been renewed a ... Read More
How can expats help fight crime in Costa Rica? by MalibuTerri
Hi, my name is Terri and my husband I am live in White Rock British Columbia and have bought a 2nd home in Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. We have traveled extensively and never any place twice except for Costa Rica because though small is ...
Hola,it sounds like cratedivision has had bad luck here in Costa Rica.My experience has been pretty good.I've been here 18 years,and have had two instances of crime in that time.My first trip here my rental 4runner was broken into while I was ... Read More
Children integration in a new school in Costa Rica by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Moving abroad can be particularly hard on children. For any parent planning a move to Costa Rica, it is of utmost importance to make sure they do everything in their power to make sure their children聮s transition is as smooth as ...
Buenos dias,my kids were both born here in Costa Rica so integrating was not a problem.Both speak fluent spanish,and english.We did return to California for a couple of years when I had a health issue.There we enrolled them in public school.It was ... 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 ...
Buenas,most people move to Costa Rica to retire,or in some cases to start a business.Rarely people come here to work.Low wages,and almost zero benefits are the reason.I retired at age 43 so I wasn't eligible for my company pension or social ... Read More
Clearing your belongings through customs in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, During one聮s big move abroad, shipping personal belongings to the host country can be stressful. Customs regulations differ from one country to another and you never quite know what to expect when trying to recover your belongings ...
Buenas,this last post by yeshua39 is indeed heartbreaking.When I moved here I just sold everything on craiglist,and carried important papers,my laptop etc in my luggage.I bought most of my household stuff in liberia,or Santa cruz.Shipping stuff ... Read More
Popular Cars/SUVs in Costa Rica by Josefbh
What are the most popular cars/SUVs in Costa Rica in terms of reliability and easy access for repairs? Weighing whether or not to sell my Prius prior to moving there.
Buenas,Toyota's are by far the most popular.Nissan,and Mazda are a close second.Hyundai is another good one to have.I personally have owned 3 Toyota's here,two pickups,and one four-runner,and never had a problem with repairs or parts..I ... Read More
Keeping fit in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Keeping fit during your time in Costa Rica is of utmost importance. How about sharing with us and your fellow expats how you keep healthy in your host country? What are your daily health hacks in Costa Rica? Do you exercise ...
Playa Dominical is awesome,been there many times.Milo57, good luck with your move,,tuanis... Read More
Planning for Baby in CR by dcatosjo
We are planning to move to CR soon, and expect to have our second child there. Can anyone share details of what maternity coverage looks like under CAJA, and what items are cheaper/ make sense to bring from the US vs buying in CR? We have lots of ...
Buenas Tardes,when we had our children there the cost was $1400 for a c-section.Our last one was born in 2006,so not sure what it would cost in 2019.I can say that the care is equal to that of any top hospital in the U.S. or Canada,pura vida... Read More
Keeping fit in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Keeping fit during your time in Costa Rica is of utmost importance. How about sharing with us and your fellow expats how you keep healthy in your host country? What are your daily health hacks in Costa Rica? Do you exercise ...
Hola Todos, when I first came to Costa Rica I noticed how wholesome the food was.The first thing I did was shed 20lbs by switching to that wholesome program.Here in my pueblo there are no McDonalds,Taco Bells or KFC's.What there is,is plenty of ... Read More
May Retire To Costa Rica Soon by jrickpick
Planning on making a one month visit to Costa Rica to see if I really want to retire there. Any suggestions or advice to offer for my adventure? Thx Rick
Hola,vacations are short,retirement is the rest of your life.Stay six months to a year and travel to all parts of this beautiful country.The red tape and requirements in Costa Rica will really wear you down.Be prepared for the greatest test of your ... Read More
Caution in trusting Ticos by sporto505
Below is an AM Costa Rica article about yet another gringo who was killed for money by Ticos/Nicos who were alerted to a possible easy payday by someone who worked for the gringo. This has to be at least the 6th version of a familiar story all ...
There are bad people everywhere you go in this world including the town you just left in the U.S. or Canada.Here is one story I would like to share with the readers of expat.When I first moved here in 2001 I bought a country place near the beach.I ... Read More
Buying property by DebP
Is it best to use an attorney...or a Real Estate agent??
All this above is true.Find a reputable attorney not associated with the seller or the real estate company you are working with. Read More
Language barriers in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Costa Rica. What is the official language in Costa Rica, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is it possible ...
Buenas Tardes, Costa Rica is an awesome place to live.It definitely has its problems though.Getting yourself set up here in a place that works for you should be one of your first objectives.When I first came here I traveled to all areas of all ... Read More
Good Immigration Lawyers by MississippiBill
I would like to solicit input on good immigration lawyers. I understand that ARCR offers this service but have heard that local lawyers may be just as good and considerably less expensive. Please advise with your recommendations. Thanks Bill
Most attorneys in Costa Rica simply take your money,and do nothing.They call you when they need money for "gastos" (expences). As far as the immigration process is concerned,be prepared for a truly stressful experience as it will try your ... Read More
Dealing with loneliness in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to Costa ...
Buenas Tardes,I can honestly say I dont,or have ever had a loneliness problem here in Costa Rica.In our pueblito,half of the people that live here are related to my wife's family.The other half of the full time residents are very nice hard ... Read More
La Paz School vs CRIA/Living in CR with kids by Christinebala
Hello, We are going to be moving to the Guanacaste area and would love some input on the two private international schools we are considering(La Paz and CRIA). My son will be 9 this summer and going into the 4th grade. He does well in school and is ...
Hola, We have a friend who teaches at La Paz,and what we hear from her,and other parents this school is excellent.They run their school year the same as in the U.S.,they teach in english,and is accredited to U.S.schools.Cria is the same.I have a ... Read More
What Countries / Places are Sunny in the Costa Rican Rainy Season?
Buenas Tardes,here in Guanacaste the weather is drier and hotter than the rest of Costa Rica.The rainy season starts later,and ends sooner.You are not going to find that all day Sun this time of year.For example,this morning was ... Read More
Parenting in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Being a parent can be challenging, and even more so when moving abroad, but it can also be an enriching experience. Tell us more below about your role as a parent in Costa Rica. How are you experiencing your parental role in ...
Hola,raising kids in Costa Rica is a challange.There are lots of bad things a young person can get into namely drugs,and alcohol.Good parenting comes into play here.I talk to my 13 year old son frequently about this,and point out people here in our ... Read More
A Visit to the Central Valley by Ellen B.
My husband is retiring this spring, and we are looking at the Central Valley area as a potential place to move. Mosquitoes love me way too much so the beach area is a no go, plus the air conditioning bills would be super high. We plan to look at ...
Pesky little buggers,they are called sancouros,we have them here at the beach in the Rainey season. Read More
A Visit to the Central Valley by Ellen B.
My husband is retiring this spring, and we are looking at the Central Valley area as a potential place to move. Mosquitoes love me way too much so the beach area is a no go, plus the air conditioning bills would be super high. We plan to look at ...
From December through the end of semana Santa no need to worry about mosquitos here in Guanacaste.Just like clockwork the beginning of April the northeast winds die down and allows for a more westerly seabreeze.Humidity increases allowing for a ... Read More
Cooking like a local in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in Costa Rica. What are some of the most popular local dishes that are ...
Samramon,hola,,mi suegra,and mi esposa are the cooks in our house.We never eat out,don't want to.pura vida Read More
Cooking like a local in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in Costa Rica. What are some of the most popular local dishes that are ...
In our house we eat papaya,and drink delicious costa rican coffee,fresh baked bread from the local panaderia for breakfast.Lunch and dinner is comida typica.Casados con pescado fresco del mar,pollo,o bistec.Fresh salad or veggies,home made black ... Read More
Bringing my surf board to Costa Rica
Hola todd33, you won't need to show any paperwork at the aduana for your surfboard,but it's always a good idea to bring a copy of the receipt with you.I had a board stolen from me here once and I got it back because I showed an officer of ... 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 ...
When you visit costa rica for the first time you will be mesmerized by the beauty of its people.If you come as a single person,man or woman,you need use caution in starting a relationship with someone you barely know.Costa Rica is a poor country,so ... 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 ...
When you visit costa rica for the first time you will be mesmerized by the beauty of its people.If you come as a single person,man or woman,you need use caution in starting a relationship with someone you barely know.Costa Rica is a poor country,so ... Read More
Playa Potreo by cheekimunki30
I'm looking for a place in Playa Potreo. Anybody have thoughts on that location? Safety, friendly people, affordability, etc? Thanks.
This time of year playa potreo is very dry,with temps in the low 90's,and high 80's. Windy,which gives the beach a natural fan.I dig the weather here.Shorts,tank tops,and sandals are the wardrobe.Rainey season is nice because the showers ... Read More
New members of the Costa Rica forum, introduce yourselves here 聳 June to December 2017 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 ...
There is crime everywhere ,every place on the planet.Every barrio has its problems.I agree to stay away from the Carribean side,unless it's a quick trip to surf.Everywhere else in C.R.,you will be fine if you don't stumble home drunk from ... Read More
Looking for a new home. by James $ Sarah Darling
Hi I'm James Darling from Oklahoma USA, Looking to find a new home for Sarah and I, I will keep my political views to ourselves, However I wish to move so Sarah and I can be together, It seams that the immigration service is truly lacking , So ...
Hola James and Sara,my bride,and I went through the same thing your going through.We married in 2004 in Costa Rica,had two beautiful kids,and decided to come to the U.S. and applied for a green card at the U.S. embassy.Three long years it took,and ... Read More
Planning for Baby in CR by dcatosjo
We are planning to move to CR soon, and expect to have our second child there. Can anyone share details of what maternity coverage looks like under CAJA, and what items are cheaper/ make sense to bring from the US vs buying in CR? We have lots of ...
Buenos Dias,yes that was Hospital San Rafael Arcangel.The ph.number is 506 2690 5500 2666 1717,y our doctor was Dr. Walbin Sanchez. Buena suerte! Read More
Planning for Baby in CR by dcatosjo
We are planning to move to CR soon, and expect to have our second child there. Can anyone share details of what maternity coverage looks like under CAJA, and what items are cheaper/ make sense to bring from the US vs buying in CR? We have lots of ...
Hola,if you plan on having your baby through the caja,you will be going to a public hospital,not a good experience.I recommend a private hospital.We have had two children this way and we paid around $1400 each time with a private room,everything ... Read More
Moving back to Costa Rica by Surffeaver
Moving back to Costa Rica soon after health issue.Need two things,first I take isinopril for blood pressure,anybody know if it's availible there?Also we need a good pickup or SUV 4WD for 15 to 18 grand. Thanks
Thanks Dave for checking on lisinopril for me.The price is about the same as here in the states.gracias... Read More
Moving back to Costa Rica by Surffeaver
Moving back to Costa Rica soon after health issue.Need two things,first I take isinopril for blood pressure,anybody know if it's availible there?Also we need a good pickup or SUV 4WD for 15 to 18 grand. Thanks
Buenos noches,can you give me more info about your 4runner,also did you find out anything about the availability of lisinopril in CR. Gracias Read More
Moving back to Costa Rica by Surffeaver
Moving back to Costa Rica soon after health issue.Need two things,first I take isinopril for blood pressure,anybody know if it's availible there?Also we need a good pickup or SUV 4WD for 15 to 18 grand. Thanks
Need to renew my tarajeta de residencia once we return my wife and two kids are citizens. Read More
Moving back to Costa Rica by Surffeaver
Moving back to Costa Rica soon after health issue.Need two things,first I take isinopril for blood pressure,anybody know if it's availible there?Also we need a good pickup or SUV 4WD for 15 to 18 grand. Thanks
It is lisinopril,my mistake.I'll check back later about the 4 runner,gracias.. Read More
Moving back to Costa Rica
Moving back to Costa Rica soon after health issue.Need two things,first I take isinopril for blood pressure,anybody know if it's availible there?Also we need a good pickup or SUV 4WD for 15 to 18 grand. Thanks Read More