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Moving to Costa Rica to Test the Waters

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daveharsch6
  4/11/2021 14:43 EST

My wife Janice and I plan to move to CR for one year to see if we really want to retire there (Escazu area). Questions I have are:

1) Should we begin the residency path or just wait until we are sure?

2) How do I pay for things (rent, utilities, auto, auto insurance, medical insurance) if we don't have a CR bank account?

3) What is our best option for private health insurance? My wife requires oncology services and medications.

4) We plan to rent first. We have pets, so if I cannot find a furnished property that allows pets what is the process and cost for transporting home goods to CR? Or or there opportunities to rent furniture and other household goods?

WeOld
  4/11/2021 15:06 EST

8 reasons people leave CR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbGMngGx2xk

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RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
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Kohl
  4/11/2021 15:25 EST

Good questions!

No, wait until you are settled in an area you feel comfortable in, before applying for residency.
Rent during this time, which will allow you to stay for a few weeks or months then move to another area with ease.

You can open a basic bank account while still 'a tourist.'

Most private healthcare insurance providers do not cover preexisting conditions. However, once you have gaining legal residency in CR, you will be covered by the socialized healthcare system there. Unfortunately, the this system can make you wait for a long time to see a specialist or have surgery. Most expats do purchase private insurance or pay 'over the counter' for Rx's and private doctors.

No, there are no rental facilities for renting household goods. Unless in a nice rental property, you may not get what your actually require.
Prices for shipping your goods will vary from each business. Best to contact companies that are based in CR. Suggest you contact Charles Zeller at https://ship506.com/tag/charles-zeller/ and https://ship506.com/
Hope this helps...

Kohl
  4/11/2021 15:44 EST

Agree that that Youtube video offers good info.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbGMngGx2xk

AshfordTravel
  4/12/2021 15:40 EST

Just our 2 -cents worth. It was VERY difficult opening a bank account under "tourist" status. We had to first get our expediente (no small feat, took months) and than have our attorney accompany us to the bank. Only BAC would open an account for us on tourist status. Plus you can not transfer more then $ 10,000 per month unless your have temporary residency ("DIMEX" card). It has been 30 months since our application was accepted for temporary residency. Still not awarded due to a relatively new additional requirement which has effectively frozen all application. I strongly suggest you visit Outlier Legal and read their very informative articles written by the attorney founder of the firm, Rafael Valverde who went to Law School in New York.

AshfordTravel
  4/12/2021 15:43 EST

By the way we live in Escazu, absolutely love it! It is the easiest area to transition too as it is very Americanized plus mazing weather. If you want more details about this area PM me. Before choosing Escazu we spent time in multiple other locations (beach - VERY HOT!, etc.), so maybe can help.

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