About linlewhammond

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Costa Rica: Safety:

The same precautions we took in Florida in a house a mile and a half from the beach. We did have a robbery. I caught him and he is in prison for 10 years. We had a very aggressive dog and alarm system.

Costa Rica: "Costa Rica's most endearing quality is its people":

I don't consider the cost of residency part of monthly budget, any more than furniture. Once it is purchased it is done.

Costa Rica: Is Costa Rica that much more expensive?:

I really don't know about the other countries. But when I pulled them up on blogs, it seemed their rent was not much different. Anyone can find a hole in the wall, but would you be comfortable enough? For us, we live alot cheaper here than in south Florida. But we do not have a car, nor do we want the complications of one - expensive gas, insurance, maintenance, possibility of an accident. Also, although a tad more complicated, we chose to buy a house after being here a year and a half. But the real estate insurance is about 1/10th of what it is in Florida. We also use Magic Jack to call a few in the U.S. and it costs about $60 a year and then we just have prepaid phone for local calls here which amounts to next to nothing. We rarely eat out but for us it is not important other than coffee drinks at cafe with friends 4-5 days a week. So I cannot compare with other countries from experience. But I believe that CR has from what I have heard maybe a better quality of life. Although we are very frugal in comparison to some people, when buying something, we usually don't go for the cheapest. We like quality. I have heard some people carry on about how expensive CR is, but when I see and hear how they live, well it would be expensive for them wherever they live. For instance, I know of a couple that is returning to Canada because they claim CR is too expensive. Yet, they chose to ship a lot of, what I would call junk here, at a high price. Then they walk nowhere, and take taxi downtown every day, and have him wait on them, They eat out at expensive restaurants, or eat in a way that is expensive and then gripe about the price. They have few if any friends. And now returning and hauling a bunch of their junk back. In watching them live, they just make alot of unwise financial decisions. I believe you need to choose what you want to splurge on and keep a within a budget if you need to - and just enjoy life.

Costa Rica: Water restrictions/rationing:

When we were in Florida, we had 2 rain barrels to use for plants and grass. I ordered on here from Super Rosvil but the company never bothered to deliver it. When rainy season starts, this year I am going directly to where they sell them and get one or two. I've seen them when on the bus to Alejuela.

Costa Rica: Ice / Hielo:

Haven't looked, but I'm assuming you will be near a fridge with a freezer to make your own. But suggest you bring a couple of those blue gel things to put in freezer. They last longer and are not as messy as plain ice. Get them at sporting goods departments or grocer. Might be here somewhere, but haven't looked.

Costa Rica: House Renting w ith Airbnb:

I have been looking into renting our house with Airbnb. In looking on internet, it is obvious that many are doing it. My questions are: 1. Are you satisfied with renting through this company? 2 I read recently, that it supposedly requires a license to do so. Have those renting out just ta single small house do that? If so, where is it obtained, and how much does it cost? 3 I also read that there is a new law that requires 13% tax for Costa Rica, as Airbnb is taking some of the hotel's business. Where is the tax paid? 4 If you are renting out just a small house, are we required to hire Ticos to clean it? Any feedback is appreciated.

Costa Rica: Where to stay:

If you want ideal temperatures without a/c bill and a small city where you can make friends easily, I suggest Grecia. Population of 17,000. Have lived here over 2 years and you could not pry me out for a million dollars. If you decide to check out, send personal message and will meet you in town for coffee.

Costa Rica: Initial planning visit:

My husband I have lived in Grecia for over 2 years. Be glad to meet for coffee and introduce you to others in a couple of cafes. Send me personal message a week or so before arriving.

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

I don't know what happened in your case, but would like to relate what a man told my husband today in a cafe. He said he was not feeling well, and went to doc in the US, who sent him to hospital and put in 2 stents and was charged $55,000. Then he returned to Costa Rica, and began to feel bad again. He went to doc in Grecia, who sent him to CIMA hospital in ambulance. The doctor was waiting for him when he arrived. The hospital performed the exact same operation for $1800. This time he feels good. So perhaps for some bad experiences, there are also good ones.

Costa Rica: Researching retirement:

I guess everybody's idea of what is enough money is different, but my husband and I spend about $1300 per month and have a wonderful life. To spend a budget of $3500, I would have to drive around in a taxi and throw quite a bit out the window!!! As far as needing $275,000 to spend on a home, I guess if I was on the coast and needed to several rooms for visitors, and wanted to live in air conditioning and sweating on a bicycle? For a comparison or option, you could live in 65-80 deg weather without an a/c, and visit the coast often in a car. As for us we have a gorgeous mountain view and walk to Grecia every day for exercise, and have coffee with Gringo friends every day and a church full f Tico friends who treat us as family.. Just for fun, look up greciarealestate.net and check out the rentals and sale of houses in Grecia. Good luck in your search for what you want.

Date Joined:

6/27/2014

Total Posts:

218

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