More Questions from Readers

Here are some more questions that I have received either by email or from the main web site, The REAL Costa Rica. I think these may be of interest my readers and these are not covered on the main web site.

1. How do you find a housekeeper or nanny?
2. Do you have links to websites that can help direct someone to a reputable place to buy a car?
3. Are you able to buy and keep lizards or gecko’s in a home in the city or just outside the city? If so, which one’s are best for eating the creepy crawlies? A monitor lizard?

1. Finding a good housekeeper is just incredibly hard. I normally had to hire and fire between 6-8 people each time I have had to hire or replace a housekeeper before I found a winner. Problems range from just plain poor work to stealing from the home. There is no easy way. You put the word out in your area. If there are guards, tell them you are looking. Make up signs and post them on all routes near your home (ONLY in Spanish!)

2. Not really. First, find a reputable mechanic to check any car you might wish to buy. Then check first with neighbors. Next check La Nacion for listings. Some have had good luck at this web site. Last, read this post as it may affect what you buy!

3. Sorry. They all eat creepie crawlies but I am not an expert. What I do know is that you can have them or cats, but not both. Cats consider them a fine snack!

Can you tell me about the seatbelt laws?

They are required in Costa Rica. Take your baby’s car seat with you unless you plan to make it a gift to whomever you leave it with,

Can you obtain a CR driver’s license without actually living in CR?

Nope. You have to be here. Also read this.

My husband and I have been tossing around the idea of a move to CR in the future. We homeschool our children and would like to know what the laws regarding homeschooling in CR are.

Many people do it here. Take a look at the ARCR Forums as there are numerous articles there.

As to the bug problem in The Real Costa Rica; if building a new home in C.R. is the insect repellant built into the walls of the home at building available in C.R.?

Homes here are built with concrete, not wood. This is not an issue.

I will be retiring to Costa Rica on Oct 14th. I as of yet have not been able to come up with a method of transfering my ocial security & pension checks to Costa Rica. I certainly do not want them mailed.

You may arrange to have the funds deposited into your account at Banco Nacional de Costa Rica. I think the money goes first to your US account and then here. This service may also be offered by Banco Popular, but I am only sure of the first.

1 Can I keep my valubles in my hotel room without maids stealing them? &

2 How big is Costa Rica compared to a state?

1. Depends on the hotel and the quality of the safe. Beware of keys.

2. Costa Rica would fit inside West Virginia.

I’m considering a cruise on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in August. One travel companion is concerned about mosquitos. She thinks the mosquitos will be less of a problem in April. How bad are the mosquitos in general and is there a significant difference between April and August?

Big difference! April is the dry season. August is the rainy season. Read this.

Does Medicare cover health expenses in Costa Rica?

Not if you live here.

Hi, I’m am a solo female traveler going to Costa Rica in two weeks. I’d like to carry a small canister of mace with me for emergency situations. could you tell me if this is legal?

Yup.

Can you tell me where I might be able to find the actual mailing address (apartado) for businesses in Costa Rica? I can find their physical address and directions but not a mailing address.

If they do not have a web site, or you cannot call them, then you are pretty much out of luck.

Is there a nursing shortage in Costa Rica as there is in the United States?

No. And remember you could not work here anyway without Permanent Residency. Further, the pay for a (registered) nurse is about $300-400 per month. Last, I would doubt the Colegio de Enfermeras would certify you.

Well that is it for now. For those of you who submitted questions as far back as June, I am sorry. I am up to over 750 emails per month and I just do this when time permits.