@Surffeaver
American expat in Costa Rica
Forum
56 posts
Contacts
8
About me
American
Lives in Brasilito, Guanacaste
Speaks English spanish
Registration: 15 October 2017
Activity
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😎 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