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Another item I have learned. When you exchange the $US monthly amount to Colones, they will give you a receipt for the exchange as proof of funds.
If you have enough colones laying around without needing the monthly exchange… Turn right around and exchange right back into dollars. This will keep inflation at bay and you will have a receipt for pensionado satisfaction. You will only loose about three colones for every dollar or 1,800 colones (US$3.52) You will have to calculate if this is worth oit to you, keeping an inflation rate of about 13% per year.
Pura Vida
Bill MaesHowdy
Chase Bank has no affiliation with any bank in Costa Rica, other than wire transfers.
My wire transfers are manually initiated at this time. I go into the bank or initiate online.
Fees are charged on both ends. Chase charges US$20 for the transfer, then there is a US$15 amount that either goes to an interim party or Banco de Costa Rica. Whether I send a small amount or a chunk of change, the fees are always the same, about US$35.
In Costa Rica I use Banco de Costa Rica for their many branches, teller machine and that I have the ability to make online debit payments for water, electricity and cell phone. I am not aware of any of the other banks offering these online services.
I was moving an amount at the teller window from one BCR account to another BCR account and the bank wanted to charge me US$40 to move the money. Knotheads… So I used a little ingenuity and asked them for the US$ in my hand and told them I would hand it right back for deposit into my other account… Every bank in CR tries to charge a fee for anything.
It didn’t take long, as she disappeared around the corner, and came back with a smile and told me they would “Wave the Transaction Fee”…
You must be smarter than the average bank teller and manager.
I don’t see a need for a bank affiliation in the US with one in Costa Rica, other than when using checks for immediate payment.
Ask away. I’m full of it…
Pura Vida
Bill Maesrahulthack
I was referring to the author, not your intelligence.
You only Cut ‘n Paste the chart from another source.
Bill Maes
Downtown San Jose… I would stay at the El Presidente or Holiday Inn.. El Presidente is a little difficult to fine, but it is right on the pedestrian mall downtown. Both have secure parking.
Holiday Inn (506) 222-24-24
reservations@aurola-holidayinn.comEl Presidente (506)256-11-65
http://www.hotel-presidente.com/Enjoy
Your best bet would be to transfer funds to another bank institution in the States. Find one that will transfer to Costa Rica.
I transfer funds to Costa Rica via Chase Bank.
There… Problem solved…
Tell us where the property is located and mayby someone can recommend a topographer for that area.
Bill Maes
Denise
I am not a doctor, but it doesn’t sound like food poisoning. Food poisoning doesn’t last for that long.
There is another problem that could be causing the symptoms, Dengue disease. This is transmitted by the female Dengue Mosquito. This disease is wide spread in Costa Rica and this sure sounds like the illness.
This is what I found on the internet:
Most common in older children and adults. Typical symptoms may include:
– Sudden onset of fever (lasting three to seven days)
– Intense headache (especially behind the eyes)
– Muscle and joint pain (ankles, knees and elbows)
– Unpleasant metallic taste in mouth, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain
– Flushed skin on face and neck, fine skin rash as fever subsides
– Rash on arms and legs, severe itching, peeling of skin and hair loss
– Minor bleeding (nose or gums) and heavy menstrual periods
extreme fatigueDengue fever treatment:
– See a general practitioner (GP) immediately.
– Wear insect repellent. If you have dengue fever, mosquitoes that bite you may pass dengue on to other people.
– Your doctor will advise you to drink plenty of liquids and to take paracetamol for fever and pain. Do not take aspirin because it can affect blood clotting.The most important item to help take care of this disease until you see a doctor is to have her drink plenty of fluids… water and juices…
Edited on Jun 25, 2006 18:24
Wear shorts when you want to do so and feel comfortable…BUT use insect repelant.
Wear long pants if you are walking through grass… This keeps the “noseeums” off and deters the misquitos…
If you do wear shorts and you don’t use insect repelant, be sure to carry anti-itch cream for the 3 AM wakeup call…
The following information was retrieved from: http://www.residencyincostarica.com
This is a little vague and doesn’t answer all your questions. I would suggest that you contact the Costa Rican Consulate in your area for updated information.
“Those seeking rentista residency and the advisers who guide them are trying to get the application papers filed as soon as possible.
The problem is that the new immigration law contains a clause that doubles from $60,000 to $120,000 the money a married rentista must have. Although the clause is in conflict with another section, those who deal in helping foreigners with residency expect immigration officials to accept the most strict version.
The immigration law has been passed but does not go into effect until August. One company involved in residency applications, Residency in Costa Rica, said it strongly recommends that rentista applications be filed not later than the first week of July 2006.
Single persons who seek rentista status and those who seek pensionado status face no changes in financial capability in the new law. A single rentista must show that he or she has $60,000 in a bank and agree to change $1,000 a month into colons.
In addition to an extra $1,000 a month income for a spouse, rentistas have to show income of $500 a month for each minor child.”
Bill Maes
DAVETANS is correct in his statement about renta4x4incostarica.com renting bad pieces of equipment.
My friends experienced a bad rental from this company. I was witness to this rental, as I arrived at the same time and waited for the junk car the rental company delivered. They even delivered a different car than was rented.
If you want a good rental company that have good 4×4 vehicles, I would recommend:
http://www.crtropicalrentacar.com/
Bill Maes
bill.maes@denver-homes.comThat is the most perplexing and nasty road I have ever traveled.
It is said that the money has been available for several years now, but I have yet to see that much improvement.
When I do travel the road, I always manage a stop at the “Bumpy Road Cafe” on the South side of the big river. I don’t know the river name, but it has a large one lane bridge.
Bumpy Road Cafe has a very limited menu, but the atmosphere and peacefulness is terrific. There is an old man, about 180 by his appearance, who sits in his chair taking day long siestas at the home next door.
This break is the only way to enjoy the nasty road.
Edited on Jun 12, 2006 07:01
I have transfered from by US based Chase account into the BCR with no difficulty at all.
There is one perplexing item that no one can give an answer… There is an additional US$15 missing from the funds transfered into the account. Chase and BCR don’t have an answer. It’s like it never existed.
If you do transfer a large amount, you may have to prove what you are doing with the large sum, as in the instance of a property purchase, using a contract as proof.
Some other reading is here https://www.welovecostarica.com/members/forum/openthread.cfm?forum=1&ThreadID=407
Enjoy Costa Rica
Bill MaesI have read that Medicare will take care of you outside the US, IF you are retired military or ex military. It was not clear when I read this which one had eligibility.
If this is the truth, it is NOT fair for the common folks.
Rita
I don’t know the costs of 1″ PVC in Costa Rica, but to run the 1 km will be less expensive than drilling a well and getting it to functionality.
We have asked several people in CR for the under ground water rivers and acquifers and no one seems to know what we are talking about. In the States we can get all types of maps to find a perfect drilling spot, but in CR, it will be a hit and miss.
US$75 a meter is a price we have received for well drilling, with no guarantees that we will get the water we need. Then there is the costs of a holding tank, concrete block, of 10,000 gallons for about US$4,000, then we will need a pump to keep adequate pressure in the line, then the cost of monthly maintenance and keeping the holding tank clean. Then there is the problem of having the water tested and keeping the chemicals around to keep the water safe.
If he is making an offer to help upgrade the current water line from the local municapility, then I would recommend that you take him up on his offer and get a 2″ line. Then step down to a 3/4″ line into the house. This will be far less expensive and cumbersome.
