Ginger Firestone
American expat in Costa Rica
Forum posts
44
Contacts
3
About me
American
Registration: 20 April 2021
Activity
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
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 Ticotimes and Outliers Legal
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 Ticotimes and Outliers Legal
[Post under review] Read More
Costa Rica now requires vaccine passport as of Dec.1st, 2021 by kohlerias
Copying some more info. on both Ticotimes and Outliers Legal
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 Sámara, 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