surfdog12
American looking for information about Costa Rica
Forum posts
83
Contacts
1
About me
American
Registration: 05 October 2021
Best bank for paying utilities remotely
Hello, I'll be getting a bank account to be able to make utility payments (water, electric and internet) on our home that is under construction. Does anyone recommend one over another for being able to manage utility payments remotely?I'm not keen ... Read More
Water access on a new build property by surfdog12
Can anyone comment on how their water is billed? Is it metered or a set monthly cost?We need water but are having a hard time due to no new municipality connections being offered.Our options are sink a well (Artisianal or Perpherated) and then hook ...
edwinemora, that is the problem...But the original farm that sold us our property does have a well and we are offered use of it. That process will require an investment on our part so we are looking at all our options.Since you said you have a meter ... Read More
Water access on a new build property
Can anyone comment on how their water is billed? Is it metered or a set monthly cost?We need water but are having a hard time due to no new municipality connections being offered.Our options are sink a well (Artisianal or Perpherated) and then hook ... Read More
Does anyone know containerhomes.net ? by Laura Spiers
We want to but just a regular shipping container. The owner seems reputable online but they want payment in full upfront. Any recommendations?thank you
When our two homes were being built, the first thing the contractors did was build a modest bodega to store tools, etc and to give workers a place to stay. They left at least one person to watch over things overnight and on the weekends. When the ... 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
I just bought on the coast and will now plan building a home. It's not going to be as easy as building in the states but if you know that, you can ready yourself for all the problems and then do the best you can. Good luck! Read More
Does anyone know containerhomes.net ? by Laura Spiers
We want to but just a regular shipping container. The owner seems reputable online but they want payment in full upfront. Any recommendations?thank you
I saw raw containers ~3k delivered a couple years back if that helps. You may want to seek out companies that work in Limon and are more focused on repurposing raw containers than those companies that make their livelyhood off creating finished ... Read More
Thinking of retiring to Costa Rica by GuesTPoster1307233
Hi All,My name is Millie and my husband and I are thinking of moving to Costa Rica. We are planning to travel there soon to scout places to live. We are interested in renting for now. Any advice on where the safest urban locations to look ...
If you want safe, warm urban living I would suggest looking at Merida Mexico. I have been to Liberia, San Jose and La Fortuna and they all seemed dirty and unsafe. -@BlackwatchMexico? Did the Cartels leave?I used to love going to Mexico until it ... Read More
Criminal background disqualifies. by kosinakim65
What would disqualify an US citizen from obtaining a pensioners visa. If you have a link or knowledge of requirements I would be grateful for the helpthank you kim
Check out : Outliers legal......Even though this legal firm in Costa Rica went bankrupt and took off with all their clients money, they have a very good web page of information about everything..... -@edwinemoraDid they actually take off with ... Read More
Young family - which part of CR should we move to? by cvanlijnden
Hello everyone,my wife and I (both 37 years old) are thinking about moving to Costa Rica in about 3 years. We also have a daughter who is currently two years old, and a Labrador who just turned 4. We will be visiting the country soon on a holiday to ...
Move to CR and rent for the 1st year. Uvita is nice and has a good expat community if you get into one of the higher end places like Elan.Nosara has a large expat community but is ridiculously over-priced. Granted, that's all relative depending on ... Read More
Hand-dug Well by Saucey
I am considering buying land in remote area in golfito region close to ocean, about 2 km away. Wondering if anyone has experience drilling /digging for water in this region? What is a price range I should expect for a hand dug well for a personal ...
Good information here. It makes more sense buying an old place to tear down / remodel if new water rights are so prohibitive and slow. Read More
Put in offer on Property in La Tigra by Stephano1
Hello Everyone. Brand new to Forum.. I have been reading posts all day and find them very informative. We took a vacation and included some house hunting while in CR Dec 2022. We fell in love with the country and property on the same trip. We are in ...
@surfdog12 Thank you for your response. Very helpful. Any areas I should be wary about on the purchasing side? Thanks again. -@Stephano1I would suggest viewing the other responses in this forum. Granted some are very glum but, not without reason. If ... Read More
Put in offer on Property in La Tigra by Stephano1
Hello Everyone. Brand new to Forum.. I have been reading posts all day and find them very informative. We took a vacation and included some house hunting while in CR Dec 2022. We fell in love with the country and property on the same trip. We are in ...
You are brave. The more I learned over the 12 + years and more than 20 trips to CR is that vacation is quite different than being a resident.Granted, my vacations are more resident like, but the real estate purchasing side is rather complex. Of ... Read More
What I learned building in a gated community in Costa Rica by Justagirl8870
Hello! Another update from Justagirl and not because I have the time but because I honestly hope and pray that less and less people throw their life savings and life dream into a garbage disposal. It is a painful grind. selling lots and a dream is ...
@Justagirl8870 Thank you for taking the time to post this information. Where is your community? Nosara? Tamarindo? Read More
Border-free crossing to Panama and Nicaragua by Vanillacello
So my question is this: Is there anywhere on/near the Pacific coast where one can cross the borders to Panama and Nicaragua without going through a border-crossing?Ok, hear me out! In our family we have a competition where the goal is to have been ...
Paso Canoa also has no fences and you can simply cross the center divider between streets on the CR and Panama sides.聽 Read More
Why do so many people leave Costa Rica after moving there? by samramon
This question is often asked because while there are no absolute numbers it seems to be generally agreed that 30-60% of people move back to their home country within the first 5 years or so. I hope the moderators will allow this discussion because ...
Thai food - @LlhollySeriously... That and proper Sushi are the things we long for most on our trips to CR Read More
Why do so many people leave Costa Rica after moving there? by samramon
This question is often asked because while there are no absolute numbers it seems to be generally agreed that 30-60% of people move back to their home country within the first 5 years or so. I hope the moderators will allow this discussion because ...
@Henrych聽 I cannot believe the response to my comment. I am a very private person but will open up some. I live in a very rural area in Pennsylvania. We have rattlesnakes, copperheads, brown recluse spiders, black widows, coyotes, mountain ... Read More
Getting Medication in Costa Rica by Symmetry01
How do americans get the medications they need? What are the average costs of medications compared to costs in USA. For example, my wife needs Percocet for sciatica and that runs up to 30 dollars a month after our insurance coverage. What is the ...
In Uvita yay went to the farmacia yesterday. I can get all my meds without a Dr except for Ambien and Percocet so I'm totally happy - @ZiminarAlso speaking of Uvita the new clinic is really nice. We used Mora Valdez Advanced Dentistry, to have a ... Read More
Why do so many people leave Costa Rica after moving there? by samramon
This question is often asked because while there are no absolute numbers it seems to be generally agreed that 30-60% of people move back to their home country within the first 5 years or so. I hope the moderators will allow this discussion because ...
Born and raised California. I moved out when Obama got reelected and I have no regrets. The song (take California) by the propeller heads says it good. Most my family has moved out also. Police state聽 - @davidraycr1234聽Why did you not ... Read More
Why do so many people leave Costa Rica after moving there? by samramon
This question is often asked because while there are no absolute numbers it seems to be generally agreed that 30-60% of people move back to their home country within the first 5 years or so. I hope the moderators will allow this discussion because ...
@MauroN聽 I wouldn't ever live in Calif, as it's very expensive, and people there are so into themselves, it's psychotic. - @Nic53聽And you heard this from someone on the internet?I live in So Cal and think for the most part the people are ... Read More
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.聽 I know it's not law, and may never be, but I'd sure like to read the enti...I would expect it only means new investments. ... Read More
Basic list of vaccination schedule in CR for children.
Conspiracy theorists are entertaining to say the least. Problematic for society, but entertaining. Read More
Basic list of vaccination schedule in CR for children.
:-) Off the deep end of the pool, not knowing how to swim, and without even a floaty. Seriously, where do you get this information from? Please post some peer reviewed studies that contradict all other science research to date. It's not ... Read More
Basic list of vaccination schedule in CR for children.
Theres us, the educated and theres the sheep who will follow orders and go back to sleep 馃槾. Goodnight idiot liberal foolThe problem is your education does not come from sound sources. Hence the crackpot moniker. Read More
Basic list of vaccination schedule in CR for children.
Crackpot anti-vaxxers basing their opinions on psuedo-science and cult-right info... Seriously, what makes people willingly jump down rabbit holes and forego common sense? Real world experience: We got vaxxed, and boosted as well as wear masks ... Read More
TELEVISION IN COSTA RICA by mburk
I live in Jaco Beach and have cable but get very few English speaking or US channels. Can someone help me as to how to receive numerous TV channels please?
I've used the free FortiClient VPN to allow access to shows in the US while in Costa Rica. 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 ...
Sad to hear. Come back to trump world it really sucks here.If there's any justice in this world, Trump World will soon be prison. And hopefully it includes many of his supporters that would rather support a Russian invasion of a sovereign state ... Read More
The best age to move to Costa Rica by Cheryl
Hello everybody, No two people experience expatriation in Costa Rica in the same way, depending on their age and personal situation. We would like to know more about you and ask you to share with us when you decided to move to Costa Rica. How ...
I had money until this Stock Market correction... Now I'll be living down by the river in a VAN. Read More
New members of the Costa Rica forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 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 ...
Can anyone suggest a great place?Palm Springs seems to meet your goals. Read More
Costa Rica reality vs fantasy? by marianne817
Hello all, I have been considering Central America for part-time relocation (maybe 4-6 months per year.) I am currently in Heredia, house-sitting for two weeks and will then work my way up the Pacific coast for two weeks until leaving for ...
I neglected to add the link to the Ticotimes article, regarding Digital Nomad visaThanks for this... I would qualify under the Investors loophole where purchasing a property over 150k qualifies. Read More
Costa Rica reality vs fantasy? by marianne817
Hello all, I have been considering Central America for part-time relocation (maybe 4-6 months per year.) I am currently in Heredia, house-sitting for two weeks and will then work my way up the Pacific coast for two weeks until leaving for ...
I spent a week in SJ abandoning my house and nothing happened other than stripped pineapple plants. My doors are symbolic, just a finger push required to open (I'll be replacing them). Locals knew that I was away. I purchased a 2008 Fortuner ... Read More
Costa Rica reality vs fantasy? by marianne817
Hello all, I have been considering Central America for part-time relocation (maybe 4-6 months per year.) I am currently in Heredia, house-sitting for two weeks and will then work my way up the Pacific coast for two weeks until leaving for ...
Today, at this moment, I am more positive than otherwise. I just need more time to see if my "pura vida" will work here.Knowledge is power. Costa Rica is a tourist destination so everything is initially painted from that perspective. ... Read More
New members of the Costa Rica forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 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 ...
Except 2 incidents:Thanks for your stories on corruption from the side of police encounters. I've visited the country over the past 12 years some 20 times and never had anything like this happen to us. We were there a couple weeks ago and got ... 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 ...
Some say the gods protect foolsThat explains a lot and here I thought I was just lucky :-) Thank you for taking the time to type up your response. Really appreciated. Read More
Costa Rica reality vs fantasy? by marianne817
Hello all, I have been considering Central America for part-time relocation (maybe 4-6 months per year.) I am currently in Heredia, house-sitting for two weeks and will then work my way up the Pacific coast for two weeks until leaving for ...
Now, I am going to sell my new house, which I have purchased while being in Canada (mistake), rent for a while and then decide if I need to stay here at all. All depends on the events in Canada. Come, rent, feel and then decide otherwise you may ... 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 ...
What resources re: painting are you referring to? The landscapes and nature or cost and availability of supplies?Yes, the landscapes, flora and fauna. I can bring my own (Acrylics) though I am moving to mixing acrylics with oils and it will be ... 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 ...
To me, my area in Costa Rica is far safer than my neighborhood in Los Angeles where the odds are 1 in 18 will be a victim of violent crime. .... It鈥檚 all relative.Our area in So Cal is definitely safer than Costa Rica. Reasons for wanting to ... 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 ...
Perhaps you would like to start a thread about the negative side of being an expat. This one is about why you wanted to move.Fair enough. I do try to help out others on other forums that were missing the unfortunate negatives, much like ... 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 ...
Hi Julien, While being a moderator with vested interest in a warm cuddly environment portrayed to those that may be seeking to become Expats, the realities of this should outweigh the warm and fuzzy marketing aspects.Reality is fine, and the ... Read More
The driving force of your expatriation in Costa Rica
I'm actually surprised so many Trump followers like Costa Rica. I would have thought since they clearly prefer Fascism they would like Nicaragua or some such place. They are actually burning books (1933 much?). They think insurrectionists ... Read More
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 ...
If it goes through it will be a pretty sweet deal. Basically, I can get a base line Hilux in Nicaragua for $30k. The same vehicle in Costa Rica is $43k. Both are brand new from Toyota Dealers. Read More
Bill of Law N. 22156 - Investors of over $150k - 2 vehicles tax free
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 ... 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 ...
This is very sad but I don't see any relationship between the initial post and yours = you are completely off topic This topic is aimed to be positive, but once again you're turning a positive thread into something negative.Hi Julien, ... Read More
The driving force of your expatriation in Costa Rica
... but when and if Donald Trump regains the Presidency I will leave the US and come to stay. If I haven't retired before then...I will not live in a place where the leader is ...He'll probably be in jail so it will be hard for him to even ... 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 ...
The carnage on our highways has taken quite a few North Americans away also,last month and they were just here for tourism.Carnage? What carnage?Like machine gun fire? Being a tourist for so many years we've always had a privileged view of the ... Read More
Any advice on how to move to Costa Rica by samcharlot123
I'm looking to leave America for Costa Rica. I live in Atlanta. Kinda tired of the excessive development, over- populated, hustle that exists here. I would love to get some information about the process of moving to Costa Rica; getting a visa, ...
I've had my Google Voice account for some 10+ years so not sure how they determine if your number is a US based one or not. I believe you get assigned or get to pick a number. Then once you have this number you can "forward" those ... Read More
Any advice on how to move to Costa Rica by samcharlot123
I'm looking to leave America for Costa Rica. I live in Atlanta. Kinda tired of the excessive development, over- populated, hustle that exists here. I would love to get some information about the process of moving to Costa Rica; getting a visa, ...
The one thing I haven't read, but maybe it's posted somewhere: Make sure you change all of your online accounts contact info for your cell number. My "404" Verizon number was tied to Amazon, Social Security and other accounts that ... Read More
Best inexpensive materials to build a house by kurtarita5
Planning to build our small house on property that we own. It's located between Orotina and Tarcoles. Any ideas on buying materials in a package deal. We're planning on doing our own construction if possible. Prefab would work for us. Any ...
Is it the sip panels that attract/contain heat?It's literally Styrofoam sandwiched between two sheets of USB plywood. I would expect it has very good insulation properties. Read More
Best inexpensive materials to build a house by kurtarita5
Planning to build our small house on property that we own. It's located between Orotina and Tarcoles. Any ideas on buying materials in a package deal. We're planning on doing our own construction if possible. Prefab would work for us. Any ...
Also look into SIP panels they look like a great option as wellSIP panels seem nice but you also have to have reinforcement where your windows are so the bars can't be easily pulled out. SIP Panels are USB (oriented strandboard) with foam in the ... 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 ...
You guys are making me reconsider my purchase as I'll be leaving the house unoccupied for months at a time. Granted it has window security as well as steel doors on the storage. But all the comments on theft paints a very bad picture. Read More
Any advice on how to move to Costa Rica by samcharlot123
I'm looking to leave America for Costa Rica. I live in Atlanta. Kinda tired of the excessive development, over- populated, hustle that exists here. I would love to get some information about the process of moving to Costa Rica; getting a visa, ...
Being someone that is just buying now, the reality that selling could take years and could be at a loss, IS something to be aware of. Couple that knowledge with the average purchaser sells and leaves CR after a couple years, presents a very ... Read More
Any advice on how to move to Costa Rica by samcharlot123
I'm looking to leave America for Costa Rica. I live in Atlanta. Kinda tired of the excessive development, over- populated, hustle that exists here. I would love to get some information about the process of moving to Costa Rica; getting a visa, ...
Ive been here for four months, bought a house by Corcovado. There are almost no tourists here.Corcovado...Cool. I'll wave to you from the other side of the Gulf. Read More
Real estate lawyer needed by cherylcov
I am purchasing a home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and would like recommendations on an english speaking lawyer. Can be located in San Jose if they will handle the closing.
Edwinemora, yeah the Danny Fowler story is still in play. But hopefully a clean title means a clean title down there. Read More
Real estate lawyer needed by cherylcov
I am purchasing a home in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and would like recommendations on an english speaking lawyer. Can be located in San Jose if they will handle the closing.
Anyone with Attorney recommendations for the Pavones coastal area? Looking to close a real estate purchase as well as create a Corporation for the transaction? Thanks in advance. 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]
It's truly hilarious when the conspiracy theorists can't research general scientifically accepted information but feel compelled to run with fringe tidbits from unreliable sources. I'm doing research! But, research regarding taking 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]
That would be Super Genius compared to anti-vaxers! :) And if this is not the forum for this, why do you keep spouting nonsense? It was a serious question, are you one that thinks you don't need follow the rules of the country you are in or an ... 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]
JBuonopane12, I agree with Nancy also. I think many people will be glad to hear that people with those opinions will not be frequenting Costa Rica. What's your opinion on going into a business that asks you to wear a mask? Are you above that ... 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]
Those that think they are better suited as virologists when not holding the credentials are what? geniuses? The reason for getting the vaccine is because it's for the better good of society. If it was not for all the people that did not use 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]
We just fly out of San Jose and while at the local Marriot there was this fine US citizen walking around without a mask in the hotel while the notification on the door clearly say masks required when in public spaces. So we get on the elevator and ... 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]
Cool. Nothing worse than people that don't represent our best. Costa Rica does not need those people that think they are above the requirement and it's even worse when their choice is selfish and idiotic. Bbbb Bye Read More
Looking for friends. Housing, suggestions by Shesabuddha
[Hi, I鈥檓 beginning the journey of research and planning to move to Costa Rica. I am semi retired from healthcare and business and am now pursuing my artistic and creative endeavors. I read somewhere to beware of crime and saw a do not travel ...
Chem-trails and G5? Read More