Ginger Firestone
American expat in Costa Rica
Forum posts
44
Contacts
3
About me
American
Registration: 20 April 2021
Bill of Law N. 22156 - Investors of over $150k - 2 vehicles tax free by surfdog12
Does anyone have any experience with this? I'd like to buy a new Toyota Hilux and the new law seems to pave the way for Investors of >$150k to bring in two vehicles without duties taxes. I'm wondering if this means the Toyota Dealership ...
I'm wondering if they mean you count what you've already invested here or if it's new money only. I know it's not law, and may never be, but I'd sure like to read the entire bill. Read More
The driving force of your expatriation in Costa Rica by Diksha
Hello everybody, Moving abroad, to a destination such as Costa Rica, is often the result of careful consideration. It is a major life decision and one that should not be taken lightly as the implications are so diverse. We would like to know what ...
My reason for leaving the USA was political - when Obama got re-elected. I looked up just about yin the world to figure out where to go. I took into account the basics. Those basics were cost of living, quality of life, good doctors, stable ... Read More
Costa Rica now requires vaccine passport as of Dec.1st, 2021
To "follow the science" doesn't follow anything. So many scientists don't agree with each other - not this vaccine, not climate change, and so many other controversial topics. Everything seems to have become political. We fight ... Read More
Moving to Costa Rica solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to Costa Rica is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing for ...
Hi. I am a single woman who moved to Costa Rica - didn't know the country, didn't know anyone here, didn't know the language and I'm a senior. I am also not sorry I left the USA for here. I don't like city life so I moved to a ... Read More
Costa Rica now requires vaccine passport as of Dec.1st, 2021 by kohlerias
Copying some more info. on both [url=www.ticotimes.net]Ticotimes[/url] and [url=https://www.facebook.com/OutlierLegal/]Outliers Legal[/url]
At least there is still take out. Got to make the best of things. Read More
Costa Rica now requires vaccine passport as of Dec.1st, 2021 by kohlerias
Copying some more info. on both [url=www.ticotimes.net]Ticotimes[/url] and [url=https://www.facebook.com/OutlierLegal/]Outliers Legal[/url]
I have not read that, but I hope you are wrong. I am fortunate in that I am retired so I can't be blackmailed into taking it. It will affect my lifestyle if it goes through, but I'm adaptable. Since none of my family is going to get the ... Read More
Costa Rica now requires vaccine passport as of Dec.1st, 2021 by kohlerias
Copying some more info. on both [url=www.ticotimes.net]Ticotimes[/url] and [url=https://www.facebook.com/OutlierLegal/]Outliers Legal[/url]
I, for one, refuse to get the jab. If that means no more international travel, so be it. I guess I'll spend that money locally with cosmetic surgeons instead, getting nips and tucks instead. Read More
What are you missing in Costa Rica? by Diksha
Hi everyone, Living in Costa Rica, on the long or short run, it is completely normal to feel homesick sometimes. We would like to know what you are missing the most about your home country in Costa Rica. Do you miss any aspects of your home ...
Yes, the standard is not the same, but one adjusts and with care packages from visitors, can pretty much live a laid back life. No, entertainment is not up to snuff. If you are not an outdoor enthusiast there really isn't much to do in the ... Read More
What are you missing in Costa Rica? by Diksha
Hi everyone, Living in Costa Rica, on the long or short run, it is completely normal to feel homesick sometimes. We would like to know what you are missing the most about your home country in Costa Rica. Do you miss any aspects of your home ...
I miss my church most of all. We had a very active one and mass was held in English mostly, but also Spanish. We also had the books to follow along with as well as the words to all the hymns we sang and soft seats with padded kneeling benches. On ... Read More
Safe and quiet place in Limon city? by gyorgy
I plan to stay three months in Costa Rica and fancy Limon city as something unique. I've seen some warning of crime, is this serious if I lead a modest, thrifty lifestyle? Also I've seen that this city is laid-back during the day but ...
Limon is getting a face lift, but it's still Limon and crime is still there. Criminals don't look at how you have been living; if you are American or any foreigner actually, you are a target as they think all of us are rich. I'd pick ... Read More
New members of the Costa Rica forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Costa Rica forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) 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 ...
OK, I'll be the one to say it. If you have never lived at a beach before (lived, not visited) then I'd suggest you just rent there first. What they don't tell you is about the never ending sweeping of sand out of the house and if you ... Read More
Is Turrialba a "DON'T-BUY" for real estate in Costa Rica by holisticdoc
My friend and I want to buy a small farm in La Argentina, Turrialba, but a builder friend warned against it for the following reasons: * the property owner may have over priced the land * the active Turrialba volcano and problem of ash, plus ...
I hope you kept my email addy. If we are going to talk about personal stuff, then I'd prefer to talk directly to you and not to the whole community. Your idea of exploration is a good one. I can tell you about the pros and cons of different ... Read More
Is Turrialba a "DON'T-BUY" for real estate in Costa Rica by holisticdoc
My friend and I want to buy a small farm in La Argentina, Turrialba, but a builder friend warned against it for the following reasons: * the property owner may have over priced the land * the active Turrialba volcano and problem of ash, plus ...
I'm actually about a 45 minute drive away from Turrialba and no, we don't really get the ash much. The volcano blows in the other direction so we are safely tucked away in the mountains. Read More
Is Turrialba a "DON'T-BUY" for real estate in Costa Rica by holisticdoc
My friend and I want to buy a small farm in La Argentina, Turrialba, but a builder friend warned against it for the following reasons: * the property owner may have over priced the land * the active Turrialba volcano and problem of ash, plus ...
I bought from the owner without an agent. Agents want a commission, it's as simple as that. I was saved the pressure of a sales agent, as well as seeing what I wanted to see, not necessarily what was in the agent's listings. I did pay ... Read More
Solar energy - panels by Dominique Schreiber
Hello everyone, I just bought a little traditional house in S谩mara, Guanacaste, and would like to have feedbacks from expats using solar panels or having considered using them as energy source, before deciding whether or not installing them. ...
I bought a solar system from a Swiss company located in San Jose (or Cartago I think). I did not buy the back up battery system with it so I'm still on the grid with ICE. And, no, they won't buy my extra electricity - they still get to ... Read More
Packages from the U. S. by oilandgas7
What is the best and safest way to have a package sent from the U. S.
I'm sure (ok, so pretty sure) if you have mail delivery at your house (depending on where you live), you have decent postal service. Where I live (in a rural area) we have to use the post office box and the best way to get your mail (and ... Read More
Update on our Development/house building experience by Justagirl8870
I write this update with exhaustion in my breath but I am so appreciative of all of the support during our journey that I wanted to offer this for those that gave those encouraging words. August, 2021, almost 6 years after taking the bait, home ...
I am so sorry you and others got swindled by these scam artists. I didn't buy into a gated community (although it was advertised as such) and only bought the lot. NO HOA - would never buy into that again. I got my own builder (at least he ... Read More
Simple banking by Henrych
Simple but important question: If I open an account at the bank branch (e.g. BCR) in one city will I be able to do banking at any location and any branch of this bank? How is their online banking? What we take as a norm in the US or Canada can be ...
I agree, banking in CR is a nightmare. However, just be thankful you are here and not in the states with the fubar Biden administration. Read More
Costa Rican Spanish Lessons by GuestPoster286
Being aware that Spanish in Costa Rica differs from other places, I don't know where to best find online classes. Any suggestions appreciated for a senior slow learner,
Well, my experience has been dismal. There are language schools in the San Jose area, but it's a 3 hour drive each way, so that's not an option for me. The private lessons were $20/hr and that gets expensive really quickly, not to mention, ... Read More
Maintaining your home in Costa Rica by Justagirl8870
For anyone who owns a home in Guanacaste, Costa Rica- what has been your experience with cost/maintenance of your home? My husband and I recently bought a home in a community and though the process was daunting, the maintenance experience has been ...
I loved those floors too in the states, but when I built, couldn't find any decent vinyl at all. Read More
Maintaining your home in Costa Rica by Justagirl8870
For anyone who owns a home in Guanacaste, Costa Rica- what has been your experience with cost/maintenance of your home? My husband and I recently bought a home in a community and though the process was daunting, the maintenance experience has been ...
I don't live in your neighborhood, but I did build quality almost 6 years ago and yes, maintaining your home seems to be a constant here. Between the humidity and the heat, things just don't last as long here, not to mention that unless you ... Read More
Pros and Cons by GuestPoster314
I'm moving CR next year in the San Isidro area, near Mt. Chirripo. I'm curious what you guys have to say about the following... 1. Why did you move to CR & where did you move from? 2. What do you like about living in CR? 3. What do you ...
All I can say is that I don't keep my guard up at all and have no problems in the 8 years I've been here. Then again, I don't meet people online either. I feel comfortable and safe living where I do. Read More
Pros and Cons by GuestPoster314
I'm moving CR next year in the San Isidro area, near Mt. Chirripo. I'm curious what you guys have to say about the following... 1. Why did you move to CR & where did you move from? 2. What do you like about living in CR? 3. What do you ...
I've lived here 8 years. Moved from the states. I still love living here. I moved to get away from the Obama administration. I love my area (near Tres Eques), the view, the people. I love that the government isn't micromanaging my life ... Read More
Can I claim myself as a CR tax resident while on a tourist visa? by Hrs_jj
Hi all, I'm looking into moving to CR. And to begin with, I'll remain a tourist. My question is, if I'm a tourist and do "border runs" to stay in CR for more than 183 days, can I claim myself as a CR tax resident? I saw ...
I'm not a lawyer, but it seems to me, if you are a tourist that's all you are. You are not recognized as a resident. Read More
Registering a Canadian vehicle driven to CR by Henrych
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am planning to drive to CR all the way from Canada. I guess, the registration in Costa Rica should be different from when you ship it (I may be wrong here) since I drove it in. Any details on how to register my Canadian ...
I drove with my son, 2 dogs and a cat in a RV from NV to CR. My advice is to have lots of extra money for the bribes at the borders. We had no problems. We did get inspected at every border and a slight problem with the animals extra costs to ... Read More
considering by pranaman
Hi, I'm an American, and am considering going to CR for some time. I think we get 3 months, and if I'm not mistaken, we now need: 1 proof of health insurance 2 to fill out a health form in Spanish 3 proof on onward travel to extend the ...
Problem is that Nic has a higher crime rate and covid there is worse than CR. I can't answer for anything else, but I stay away from there Read More
considering by pranaman
Hi, I'm an American, and am considering going to CR for some time. I think we get 3 months, and if I'm not mistaken, we now need: 1 proof of health insurance 2 to fill out a health form in Spanish 3 proof on onward travel to extend the ...
The only way to extend your stay is to file for residency (or have the pandemic changing policy again). If you leave the country, expect to re-qualify to get back in. Just as a little advice - I bought my son a full year of covid insurance for ... Read More
Physical mail in CR by GuestPoster14788
Good morning all, I'm moving to Costa Rica next month and have a question about physical mail. I will be using Travelling Mailboxes to have my mail scanned online to read. This service will forward any physical mail I need. My question is if I ...
I guess others have better luck than I have. I have a box, but most of my mail never makes it to me. I even have packages that I had to pick up at the post office never happen to get there, even though the tracker says it did. I think they steal ... 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 ...
Yes and no to your post. If CR actually lived to the Catholic religion these kids wouldn't be getting pregnant until they were married and correct, no birth control as that too goes against church doctrine. Not being negative for their ... 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 ...
I am in a small village (just outside actually) called LaFlor de Chiteria. It's near (4km) of Tres Equis and about a 45 min drive to Turrialba. I don't have a land line, just a cell and I pay as I go - I have no need for a plan. I use ... 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 ...
Well, on paper, everything matched up. Language, money, Central America jungle living. The reality was nothing appealed to me to stay there or spend more time there. It left me cold, whereas CR was inviting to me in spite of the changes I'd ... 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 ...
I had to laugh because I also looked into Belize as on paper, it was the perfect place for me. They speak English there and use USD so no conversions with money. However, after going there a couple of times, I just didn't find anything that ... 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 ...
Most (not all) Ticas will expect you to take care of them and don't be surprised if they give you a list of the things they want you to buy for them. What you are looking for is a unicorn. And guess what? The men are also leeches. 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 ...
First things first - I moved when Obama got re-elected (against all odds). I'm not sorry. loved Trump, but am happy here. Now that I see what is happening in the states with Biden and the democrats, not a chance in Hell I'd move back - I ... Read More
Investigating best way to retire in Costa Rica by Bamistad1
Hello, I was born in Argentina, European parents, I am also British & Canadian Wife Mirta is Peruvian, my wife and I are seriously looking into retiring in the southern part of Costa Rica. We are both fluent in Spanish as well :) I have just ...
If this is where you end up, welcome. As for medical, you can't get national insurance until you both have your temporary residency card and then the cost is very reasonable. I believe it's based on what you claim as income and your age ... Read More
Paying Cash for a Car by ecklest
Hi everyone, I will be moving to Costa Rica this year and have a question about buying a new car. I want to pay cash for a new Toyota Land Cruiser which lists (in Costa Rica) for about $67k USD. My question is, what are my options for ...
Yes, I've heard that Escazu was the Beverly Hills of CR and it's why I didn't want to move there. I mean seriously, why bother coming to another country if you want to only be around your own? I moved for political reasons and while I ... Read More
Cats and dogs by Pearlette
Looking for information regarding bringing cats and dogs into Coats Rica
Well, you have to drive or fly to get them here - and you don't see them at all in a plane - plus, I've known more than one show dog to escape and never be found after flying them for a dog show. I didn't like not being able to see ... Read More
Paying Cash for a Car by ecklest
Hi everyone, I will be moving to Costa Rica this year and have a question about buying a new car. I want to pay cash for a new Toyota Land Cruiser which lists (in Costa Rica) for about $67k USD. My question is, what are my options for ...
Wow, what a different experience I have had compared to yours. I am an older woman living alone in a rather remote area and feel perfectly safe living here. I am in a native area, not an American enclave. I totally agree with not buying a new ... Read More
Moving as a family to Costa Rica - all advice welcome! by brogan6
Hi friends! My husband and I currently live in Colorado and we are hoping to make the move to Costa Rica in January. We have a 1.5 year old and another baby on the way. We are trying to decide on a place to live as well as the best way to get ...
I have lived here for 7, almost 8 years now. Personally, I wouldn't want to live at the beach with young kids, especially not unless you like sweeping up sand all the time. Also when it storms you will get hit hardest and it's hotter at ... Read More
Cats and dogs by Pearlette
Looking for information regarding bringing cats and dogs into Coats Rica
I moved here with 2 dogs and a cat. I had to have them checked out by my vet and a health certificate issued, showing all shots up to date. We drove from NV to CR and other than charging us in each country for them, we had no problems bringing ... Read More
Traveling to Costa Rica by neffdave
My partner and I are planning and 2-3 week trip to Costa Rica in April. We know to return to the states we need a Covid test done 72 hours prior to the flight. This can change April we know but for now, are their clinics in most cities in CR that ...
I believe that any hotel that you stay at should be able to provide you with that information - or if you are staying with friends, you can ask them, they are sure to know. I thought I read where you could even get the test at the airport (but that ... Read More