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Costa Rica: I want the REAL truth:
Asking for the REAL truth on this forum is more challenging than asking the six blind men what an elephant looks like. I see that you have a 4-year old -- you should connect with my friend Emily at travelmother.com -- she and her husband live here with their two very young children. Her blog is wonderful and she would be a terrific resource. There's also another couple in Heredia with young kids who have a blog -- but I can't recall the name of it. My REAL truth: peaceful and happy even though I am spending a boatload on meds because it's going to take so long to get my pensionado. My husband and I love where we live -- I don't think we're starry-eyed -- in fact, I think we're realistic and understand that while this is not EXACTLY complete Paradise on Earth (hint: doesn't exist anywhere) I think our attitude, acceptance and integration gets us far. Peace out!
Costa Rica: retiring on social security:
If you want to get an idea of how one couple lives, my husband and I have a blog: paulandmarilynretire.blogspot.com.
We've been here since October and I post all of our expenses. Our rent is higher than we had planned on -- we hoped for $500/mo. but fell in love with a 3b/3b house that has an old tico house behind it that we use as a workshop. What we've found cheaper is 1) only using 1 car and taking the bus (we're right on a bus line) whenever possible. 2) NO heating or a/c bills!!! (we live on a mountain so the temperature is perfect). I would also suggest you check out George Lundquist's site: retireforlessincostarica.com. George does monthly tours of the Central Valley. We went last year, met LOTS of helpful people and were able to make a decision on where we wanted to settle. Couldn't be happier.
Costa Rica: Reality Check:
Hi, My husband and I have been working on living on $2,000/month and post the details on our blog: paulandmarilynretire.blogspot.com. Also, Paul and Gloria Yeatman post their details on retireforlessincostarica.com.
Obviously, the expenses we have and the choices we make are going to be different than yours, but I think you can get a good idea about what we spend $$ on vs. what you need to spend $$ on. E.g. we chose to rent a house that was more expensive than we'd originally planned, but there are so many wonderful things about it: location, view, weather, bus access, modern appliances, 2nd old house that we use as a workshop ... that we are willing to spend more in our housing category. Also, until we are on the CAJA, my medical expenses are between $200 and $500/mo. without any insurance. And leaving the country every 90 days is an expense you need to consider. Good luck!
Costa Rica: Lease question - colones or US $$:
We just received a new lease from our landlord. Six months ago when we signed our lease it specified the rent in colones with US dollars in parentheses. When the exchange rate was 500:1, this made sense, but now it doesn't. Our landlord has asked for this month's rent in dollars, which comes out to a lot more than if we paid him in colones. What are we legally obligated to do? Thanks! Have to sign a new lease and I want to be clear on our responsibilities.
Costa Rica: Two week trip logistics:
Vicodin is NOT available in CR. I had no trouble bringing in any of my prescriptions, but now that I live here, I have weaned myself off of all narcotics because they're such a pain (no pun intended) to get (oxycontin seems to be the easiest). You can get your bp and cholesterol meds without a script if you run out during your trip, but just in case they don't have your brand, you might want to bring enough to tide you over. Just make sure you bring enough Vicodin 'cause you'll be out of luck.
Costa Rica: Prescription Med availability:
I have similar medical issues (except for the pre-diabetes) and I can really empathize with your concerns. It has been a real challenge. In the states I was on MS Contin and Vicodin (among lots of other-non-narcotic meds). What I've discovered is: 1) there is apparently no Vicodin (hydrocodone + tylenol) in the country.2) The only MS Contin that was available was an injectible which I was willing to get. My doc said that there was one pharmacy in Alajuela that had it. We drove down and when we got there the the pharmacist said there was no more in the WHOLE COUNTRY until January (this was late November) but if he could get more he'd call me. (It was going to cost $160 for my month's supply). I had already switched to Oxycontin at night (I still had some MS Contin from the states) so I asked the doc to prescribe it 2X/day instead of hoping to get the MS Contin. So now I take Oxy 2X/day ($140/mo.) and it is not as effective (the MS was extended release and I guess the Oxy isn't). I do not want to increase the dose, so I just stop functioning at about 6 p.m. and go to bed. I don't know anything about other narcotic meds. I get a little nervous every month when it's time to refill, because I don't know whether or if the oxy will be available. I would give anything to be off of these, but I also don't want to be bedridden and inactive, so I guess it's a trade-off.
Costa Rica: poszukuje polskich ludzi mówi?cych:
I wish I spoke Polish but my neighbor Richard Krotoski does. He also rents nice apartments in the hills above Grecia. We stayed there when we were looking for a permanent location. http://escape-in-costa-rica.com/
Costa Rica: Bringing medium/large breed dogs to Costa Rica:
I can only tell you of my experience. We brought our two dogs (40 lbs., 60 lbs.) in October. Went through many permutations before we found American Airlines who shipped them as excess baggage for $175 each (from Miami). United would have shipped as cargo (totally different category) for around $400 each (weight dependent). We learned that if they come as cargo and arrive after 5 p.m. then they are considered imports -- might have trouble getting them -- paperwork and costs with various ministries. Also talked to a pet shipper who wanted $3500 (from Miami) and gave lots of dire warnings about what would happen if we didn't use them. With AA, dogs were checked in at reservations, carted to baggage and put on plane. In San Jose, we got them from excess baggage (right next to the baggage carousel) and handed over their paperwork to customs, wheeled out their carts to the sidewalk and done. Very important to get the right paperwork! PM me if you'd like more details. Good luck!
Costa Rica: Greetings and Request for information:
Welcome!! I would have to recommend George Lundquist's tour (you can google him to find out about it). We took it this summer and it was invaluable -- he takes you all over the Central Valley AND you get to meet many many expats who share their personal experiences. If you want a real treat when you go to La Fortuna, stay at Leaves & Lizards!!! It is absolutely wonderful. I wish you the best of luck -- you can always PM me for additional information or links.
Costa Rica: transporting two lap dogs:
If they (and they're carrying case) will fit under the seat in front of you, several airlines will take them -- you just have to shop their specific websites). Our dogs (who THINK they are lapdogs) were too big. We were going to go through United's PetSafe program which would have cost about $400/dog (based on weight of dog + crate). Turned out that the flight I'd booked was a "partner airline" and so that didn't work out (I'll be putting a more detailed account on my blog soon), but one IMPORTANT issue that I discovered is that if you go United and you arrive AFTER cargo is closed at 5 p.m. (that's if you're shipping your dogs through PetSafe, not in cabin), then they will be considered IMPORTS because you won't be able to get them out until the next day and that;s where the broker comes in and it gets complicated. We were very fortunate to find at the last minute that American Airlines accepts dogs as excess baggage (which is apparently different from CARGO -- don't understand that completely). It was only $175/dog and they (in their crates) showed up on the excess baggage belt in CR. Then I just had to show the approved paperwork and they went through customs with no problem.
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