About thebackdoctor

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Panama: No co-habitation in Panama???:

Another possibility is Ecuador. It is fast becoming a popular retirement point and only requires $800 a month for pensionado. I don't know what, if any, other benefits they offer for pensionados.

Panama: It's here...No there!:

That sounds an awful lot like David / Boquete. Check them out online.

Panama: healthcare for now healthy people:

Nice answer BG, is the Chiriquí Hospital a private or government hospital? Is there much of a difference between the two in Panama? In Costa Rica there is a major difference. Thanks.

Costa Rica: 1 year in Costa Rica..Advice:

You need to give a little more information. Basically, where would you like to live? Beaches, mountains, farmland, etc. You can live comfortable in most areas of CR on $2000 a month. I live in Tamarindo, which is a surf / tourist town on the Pacific coast in Guanacaste. Yu will have to leave every 3 months, this is true, but you don't have to stay out. The rules have changed and you can turn right around and return after 2 hours. The 2 hours is a Nica rule, not CR. However, Nicaragua can be interesting to visit for a couple of days at first. The most important thing I would consider is the cost of living here vs other countries. CR is the most expensive in Central America and really has nothing more to offer than Panama, or even Nicaragua which is a very poor country. You might even look at Ecuador, which is becoming a popular retirement spot now. Good luck.

Panama: having a house built while you are in the states /:

Very bad idea anywhere in Central America. You should always be there to oversee the project or you have no idea of what you will get.

Costa Rica: Costa Rica Beans & Rice:

There are two distinct versions of this staple food. The general version is called Gallo Pinto and is very basic. The other is the Caribbean version and is often just called rice and beans. It includes more ingredients such as coconut milk and is far tastier. You can probably find both recipes on the internet. The Gallo Pinto version is the national food.

Panama: Pensionado Visa:

Thanks for the very helpful information. I am also planning a move to the David / Boquete area in the near future. One question, just to be clear. The $3000 was for 2 people, correct? So an individual would be somewhere around $1500? Thanks again.

Panama: realistic budget:

Pollokeeper, are you quoting for the PC area or somewhere else? I know living in PC is much more expensive than, say, David or some of the smaller beach towns. Thanks.

Costa Rica: Living in Costa Rica:

Costa Rica is no longer the bargain that brought many people here and many are leaving because of it. I also live in Tamarindo and expect it to be a little higher so no surprise there. However, gas (over $5 a gallon) and electricity is the highest in Central America and the government is adding new laws and taxes on a regular basis. If you want good quality living at half the price look at Panama. Avoid Panama City as it is expensive but check out David and Boquete. I think you will like what you find there.

Costa Rica: SSI IN CR? IS IT LEGAL?:

Thank you DelfinRosa, this has been getting confusing. I have collected my social security in CR the entire time I have had it and have a CR contact address for them. Now I realize people are talking about a supplemental check. I think others here may also be confused.

Date Joined:

6/19/2014

Total Posts:

36

Posts/Day:

0.04