Expat Advice: Financial Issues in San Juan, Costa Rica

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

San Juan

Which banks do you use? If you have a local account, which bank do you use? How do you like it? Do you also have an account in your home country? Which bank? Do they charge for ATM withdrawals? Do they charge a lot for international wire transfers? How has it been working with them from abroad? Do you use a special international wire transfer service? Do you use an online bank? If so, tell us about them.

I have a real estate and military background. Of all the places I have done business and lived in around the world; Costa Rica is the most devious, unfriendly, gouging, and expensive place I have visited. Tried to do business there. The lawyer stole my money and another over charged me by 4 times normal fees. Ticos generally dislike "Gringos" and try to rip off visitors in every way. Deeds Titles and the law are all stacked against you and if the thieves and robbers don't get you the lawyers and courts will. Consider yourself warned.

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What advice would you offer others about banking as an expat in your country? What do you wish you had known about banking when you first arrived?

Stay away from Costa Rica.Gringos are considered fair game. Your account is not safe.

What sort of challenges or frustrations have you encountered as an investor living overseas? Please describe.

Deeds and titles are not good. Lawyers are crooks.