You're more likely to get faster and more reliable internet in Panama than any other Central American country. No matter who you go with, it can vary day to day and neighborhood to neighborhood. Claro, in particular, is used to providing bad service but their employees are well trained to blow you off. I`d go cable in a big city rather than 3g in the boonies. Again, service can vary from neighborhoof to neighborhood,as can the power failures.

JGitaldez, I have land on the other side of the Nature Refuge from you, a little south of Astillero up on the hill overlooking Punta Conejo. . . I'm curious, how much did you pay per square foot? did you contract an established group of builders that work for another extranjero or did you simply assemble a group of your own? . . . I was going to start construction this winter - Oct-Dec, but I was just going to hire a group that is already established in the Rancho Sentana/ Guasacate area (run by gringos) and I was worried about getting ripped off and not getting the steep discount on labor that I know is readily accessible. . . If you want to email me in private to discuss numbers my email is michaelweb710@gmail.com about building class A housing , I built one in a beachfront lot in Huehuete here in Carazo and it was a 7 month deal with local labor and good security , the project came out under budget by 34 percent. It was a 5 br 3 bath two stories,,,,still the nicest in the area.

I can do just as you described. For $5000.00, it would cost me $80+. I thought this could be done for $1.00? What I can't understand is why you can't transfer money from your US account with a US dedit card when you have an account with these banks. You are the first person I have ever heard of that has this problem. Our procedure is walk up to the counter, present your debit card on the bank you wish to withdraw funds from, tell them how much you want up to your limit and they take your card, put it in the little machine, make out a withdraw slip, ask for your address and phone number and put the money in your hand and/or your bank account. Which ever you choose. Have never had any trouble and the waiting period is how ever long it takes to sign the receipt. The problem sounds as though it may be your card and not the bank?

volunteering at the animal rescue please let us know about the program please let us know about the program

Glad to know you are moving to Esteli its a good city i have been living in Esteli for about 4 years let me know when you will be here so we can meet. I have wanted to start restoring some cars for some time know. I believe that you can import Classical or Historical cars that are older than 10 years old, but I don't know what the Nicaraguan Government classifies as Classical or Historical. This link displays the law about importing vehicles (in Spanish), but I would check very carefully before you import or drive your vehicle to Nicaragua. http://www.dga.gob.ni/preguntadetalle.cfm?recordID=75

The get together is We'd. Jan. 21st at 12:30 PM CT. The restaurant is Rincon Pinareno. It is two to three blocks S. Of the Central Park on 1st Ave. NE. The get together is in Esteli at Rincon Pinareno at 12:30 PM on January 21st. The restaurant is across the street from Enanoal, the water co. On 1 st ave. NE. About two to three blocks south of the Central Park and Catholic church.

The papers are easy. Name, passpost number, birthday, where you are going, etc. It is not difficult. The blank forms I just happen to have are in Spanish and English. Small print, don't forget your glasses and a fine point pen. Print in caps. When you go into immigration on the Nica side, there will be someone selling the forms. Buy a dozen and take the extras home with you. Next trip you can fill them out at home before you go. I pay 10 cords a form. Both forms will fill out the same except for the last question - country are leaving and country you are entering. The border is very calm and tame these days. No mud, just dust. The three days is for the customs exemption coming back into Nicaragua. You're supposed to be out of the country 3 days to claim your $500 exemption. You can ask for "Conejo" on the Nica side, if you want a guide the first time. He'll guide you through the process for $5. Peñas Blancas is as easy as it gets, and everyone there is very friendly and helpful. Most Costa Ricans speak English, and Nicas cannot resist "Can you help me please?"