About carolvaughn

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

United States

HR/Relo
Professional:

Provider of Expat-Related Services & Products

Some Forum Posts:

Costa Rica: What happened to Ann Bender?:

Whatever happened to Ann Bender, widow of American multi-millionaire and accused of his murder in Perez Zeledon? "Crazy Jungle Love: Murder, Madness, Money & Monkeys" , a new book documenting the tragic story of this couple's life in Costa Rica will be released in June. Learn the backstory by attending a lecture with the author on Fri., March 31st, 2017, 12:15-2 PM, Bazooka's Restaurant, San Isidro de El General. Free lecture, but stick around to chat with the author and have a great lunch. Call to reserve or get info: 6036-4283, or carolvaughn2012@gmail.com.

Costa Rica: Cell Phone / Hotspot:

I use a Magic Jack which plugs directly into my computer. It's wonderful, as long as there is good internet. Where I live, the internet is iffy -- MJ is only good if the internet access is good. We often lose internet during storms. Type A individuals do not do well here. CR will cure you of that condition very quickly!

Costa Rica: expats leaving CR:

The 2017 World Happiness Report for 2017 was just released, and Costa Rica came in at #14. Panama was in at #25. USA has never cracked the top ten. worldhappiness.report/ed/2017/ Just more ways to track our choices!

Costa Rica: Seriously Considering Retirement options:

Another great response Sherman!!

Costa Rica: Life In Costa Rica Is A Gamble:

The story of the death of this Canadian is a terrible tragedy. People visiting CR need to realize that we are still a developing country, with average family income well below that of US or Canada. Given that understanding, just about anyone could have warned him not to go out alone with fancy photographic equipment. It was a recipe for trouble. I come from the Capital of the US, and I certainly would not expect a different result if I went out alone with valuable equipment. I would expect to be mugged. It's tragic that his death happened in CR.

Costa Rica: Billed USD $15,481 for Nine Days Hospital Stay, What Happened?:

Try to negotiate with the hospital. Take someone who speaks good Spanish with you. Be humble. Good luck!

Costa Rica: How many US citizens are presently living in Costa Rica:

The estimate for all Americans living here is closer to 150,000, taking into consideration the many who are Perpetual Tourists, those with no visas at all, and those here illegally. Doubt that Embassy will provide you with other information, citing concerns for privacy for American citizens.

Costa Rica: Buying a business in CR:

You can manage your own business, i.e, keep the books, order supplies, manage payroll, hire/fire, etc., BUT if you are caught busing a table, or waiting on a customer, or unloading supplies & equipment -- you could be in big trouble. Costa Rica protects its workers, and wants them to do the labor, not you. Opening a business is encouraged, in part to provide more jobs for Ticos.

Costa Rica: White wine?:

Grapes for wine do not grow in Costa Rica, so all wine is imported. There is average white table wine from Argentina, Chile, and mixed, sold under brand names Clos (biggest) and others. Boxed wines are very popular, and more environmentally responsible. Can be purchased at most grocery stores, liquor stores, and some corner pulperias. Costs about $7-8. Sigh.

Costa Rica: New law for short term renters:

A new law preventing tax fraud now requires (primarily tourists) who rent houses, apartments or condos for periods less than a month to pay sales and rent taxes. Please see: www.costaricareport.com/2017/01/ short-term-renters-now-must-pay- tax for more information.

Date Joined:

8/15/2013

Total Posts:

262

Posts/Day:

0.20