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No that is not rambling , too few people give enough details to paint a picture in one´s mind of how processes work. Thanks for the information.
I´m just curious how the process works using local or regional banks versus U.S. banks. In the U.S. there are automated underwriting systems used to qualify borrowers based on credit report and the info provided on the application for instant approvals. As long as you can provide proof of the requested documents per the automated findings, Fannie Mae or Fredie Mac for example will purchase these loans from the lenders, making the loan pretty easy to get done.
I imagine your loan package has to go to some committee in the banking system here for a decision and then to processing if approved. This manual approach maybe takes some time, anyone have the number of days or months to get approved and closed using local banks that they would share with us.
Recently remodeled our home near the UCR, it was infested with termites. Instead of trying to treat the problem, we basically removed all the wood in the roof and ceilings and walls , used Gypsum and metal throughout, also had the electrician update all the wiring , outlets , etc. We still used some wood trim , but the trick is to remove all traces of termites, otherwise any new wood will eventually be plagued. Our contractor we hired inspected the house and showed us all the flaws. They do sell Cedar here, which can be used , naturally pest resistant, or you can have treatment done to lesser wood for protection . I don´t know of an actual inspection sefvie , we just hired a local electrician to take a look and the contractor did the rest.
Someone mentioned the Chinese are like rats. How many are in Costa Rica today ? I see plenty of Chinese restaurants, but everywhere I go, malls, beaches, mountains , grocery stores , I hardly see any in general public. Must be hiding in the gutters ? I don´t see a problem with a person just because they are Chinese. This is Costa Rica not China , if Chinese government doesn´t give a damn about anything, that´s them. It´s up to Costa Rica to limit development, place and actually enforce safety and environmental standards. If Chinese investment hurts us, shame on CR not the Chinese. Hopefully the CR government won´t look the other way when they start sending $$ for needed projects here.
Looks like you have some choices to contact. Henry Badilla at Costa Rica Express speaks English, doesn´t hurt to ask for a quote on tour packages .
You have any idea what areas in the country you are interested seeing and what kind of tours interest you ? Your daughter can probably tell you what she had planned. I have friends that manage Costa Rica Express, the oldest travel agency in Costa Rica, they handle tours as well, I can put you in touch if you need it, there English is so so.
Banco Cuscatlan for example uses Bank of New York, ABA @ 021000018 to credit account no. 8900112190 of BCO Cuscatlan CR , assuming you use Banco Cuscatlan in CR and can get your pension into Bank of New York.
Someone else in the link mentioned using Banco Nacional as an inexpensive way to have funds transferred form the US banks .
MB Financial does not charge ATM Fees on any ATM machine around the world by maintaining a $2,500 balance in their free checking account .
You can use the debit cards for free.
Haven´t had any problems personally in CR over the last 20-25 years. I do remember on the first visits , very safe , travelled alone not a problem . Today it is different, have had friends / family robbed recently. But I try and stay clear of problem areas and zones and just take good precautions , stay aware.
But I remember back in the early 90`s I was held at gunpoint in Chicago for a petty amount of cash. In Nov. of 2005 , in Chicago´s south Loop, I was strong armed from behind, I was hit in the head and had a slight concussion after falling into the sidewalk again strking my head. All for my watch and wallet. This thug got a $1500 watch and charged $150 in gas, in exchange for my beating.
So I personally feel pretty safe around here .
I spoke to immigration last month about returning to CR in this manner. I do not have residency although it is applied for. They told me that this is not good enough, you actually have to have the residency completed. So they told me I required a ticket out of CR if I re-enter.
But, immigration doesn´t have a system to verify if you have a return ticket as you enter CR. Their system is simply if they ask you at the counter for proof, but I doubt they do this. The airlines are the ones that may request this and maybe even require proof, not immigration, since the airlines adhere to immigration policies set by each country. Each airline probably handles this differently.
I just returned from a trip abroad and neither the airline ( TACA) or immigration asked me for proof of a return ticket and I didn´t have one. I am prepared to purchase one if needed at the counter in case I am the exception one day.
