Comments on: This is Really Irritating! http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/ The Blog for Travelers, Retirees, Expats and anyone who needs to know the REAL Costa Rica. Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:41:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Brian http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/comment-page-1/#comment-17261 Brian Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:39:59 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/?p=638#comment-17261 The post that started this thread really does not surprise me, as Costa Rica DOES put on a good tourist face, but is very different when you have to operate in the REAL Costa Rica. I'm lucky enough to have married a Tica, and when we are of the right age, able, and the kids are OK, we'll likely move down from the States, but I know better than to try to live in CR year round. I have been down there a bunch of times, we have a family support network, we bought land close to Dominical, and are basically set up to go when we're ready, but I am aware enough to know that I'm Type-A, so Tico life takes getting used to. I see and hear people all the time that relate their horror stories of trying to move to CR, etc., and it comes down to being unprepared and trying to live an unrealistic dream. I know enough to admit that I'm a New Englander, and I fully intend to spend the warm part of the year here in CT for the rest of my able life. I'm still youngish, so we'll see - I might decide to enjoy the weather in CR anyway. Bottom line - what you said was good advice, Tim. You HAVE to check this place out for a while before you go selling your house in the States, it may not be what you expect. If you can deal with the differences, which I get used to one by one, it's a heck of a place that offers a lot, but you'd better do your research, and SPEND TIME ON THE GROUND, it's the only way. Thanks for a great site, Tim! The post that started this thread really does not surprise me, as Costa Rica DOES put on a good tourist face, but is very different when you have to operate in the REAL Costa Rica. I’m lucky enough to have married a Tica, and when we are of the right age, able, and the kids are OK, we’ll likely move down from the States, but I know better than to try to live in CR year round. I have been down there a bunch of times, we have a family support network, we bought land close to Dominical, and are basically set up to go when we’re ready, but I am aware enough to know that I’m Type-A, so Tico life takes getting used to. I see and hear people all the time that relate their horror stories of trying to move to CR, etc., and it comes down to being unprepared and trying to live an unrealistic dream. I know enough to admit that I’m a New Englander, and I fully intend to spend the warm part of the year here in CT for the rest of my able life. I’m still youngish, so we’ll see – I might decide to enjoy the weather in CR anyway. Bottom line – what you said was good advice, Tim. You HAVE to check this place out for a while before you go selling your house in the States, it may not be what you expect. If you can deal with the differences, which I get used to one by one, it’s a heck of a place that offers a lot, but you’d better do your research, and SPEND TIME ON THE GROUND, it’s the only way. Thanks for a great site, Tim!

]]> By: don derkach http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/comment-page-1/#comment-17254 don derkach Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:45:07 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/?p=638#comment-17254 Great web site! Took a Caravan tour of c.r. last year. Our tour guide said tourism was the number one industry here so I can't understand why the huge potholes on the main roads aound Arenal and other places are tolerated. Manuel Antonio state park was decrepit and hard to get around. Our bus driver was exceptional and a gifted driver. Had to be. Roads are terrible. Parts of the country are pretty but it is shocking to see what passes for middle class homes and the bars and coils of razor wire over the businesses in San Jose. Traffic is horrific. If tourism is so important costa rican officials have a lot of work to do. But, overall it was a good trip and Caravan did a fine job hustling us all over the country for eight days. Hotels were excellent and we took some dancing side trips to Castro nightlub in San Jose and Fiesta casino in Alajuela. I even won at roulette. Whoever reads this, remember c.r. is still a third world country and if you visit be very careful but also be gracious to the people. Great web site! Took a Caravan tour of c.r. last year. Our tour guide said tourism was the number one industry here so I can’t understand why the huge potholes on the main roads aound Arenal and other places are tolerated. Manuel Antonio state park was decrepit and hard to get around. Our bus driver was exceptional and a gifted driver. Had to be. Roads are terrible. Parts of the country are pretty but it is shocking to see what passes for middle class homes and the bars and coils of razor wire over the businesses in San Jose. Traffic is horrific. If tourism is so important costa rican officials have a lot of work to do. But, overall it was a good trip and Caravan did a fine job hustling us all over the country for eight days. Hotels were excellent and we took some dancing side trips to Castro nightlub in San Jose and Fiesta casino in Alajuela. I even won at roulette. Whoever reads this, remember c.r. is still a third world country and if you visit be very careful but also be gracious to the people.

]]> By: Tim http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/comment-page-1/#comment-16958 Tim Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:40:36 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/?p=638#comment-16958 Sadly, your issue is that you came here 100% unprepared. It is common. 1. Anyone who buys land or property here without living here for at least one year is just plain STUPID and deserves to lose $$$. 60% of those who move here leave within one year and those people ALWAYS pay too much, buy in the wrong location or open themselves to fraud. 2. You are 100% <em>incorrect </em>regrading Ticos, but I am 99% sure that <strong>a.)</strong> You have not learned Spanish, a requirement to fit in, and <strong>b.)</strong> your exposure to Costa Ricans has been in clubs, bars and on the street. Further, as you do not speak the language, you just hang with other North Americans in those same locations. 3. Yup... there ARE people who had residency issues, but I know of NOT ONE who had issues who did their homework, contracted with a GOOD residency attorney, and learned the process BEFORE starting it. Just common sense. I know at least 700 people who never had a issue, including my sister who came and received her pensionado residency in 7 months. Costa Rica is perhaps the easiest country in the world where you can live legally. Yup... I am sure there are bad cops. Thank God there are none in other countries. Again, it appears to me that you hang out in doubtful locations, probably never even applied for residency (or you would not have made such a silly comment), and have had dealings with the police on a "professional" basis. I have never had to deal with the police in my many years of living here. Finally, your comment about cheap sex? I guess that pretty much tells readers where you do spend your time. NOTE: For readers who do NOT want surprises and who do not want to be in the 60% who leave, <a href="http://blog.therealcostarica.com/the-real-costa-rica-tours/" rel="nofollow">my tour</a> prepares you for everytning, good and bad,that you will encounter here. Sadly, your issue is that you came here 100% unprepared. It is common.

1. Anyone who buys land or property here without living here for at least one year is just plain STUPID and deserves to lose $$$. 60% of those who move here leave within one year and those people ALWAYS pay too much, buy in the wrong location or open themselves to fraud.

2. You are 100% incorrect regrading Ticos, but I am 99% sure that a.) You have not learned Spanish, a requirement to fit in, and b.) your exposure to Costa Ricans has been in clubs, bars and on the street. Further, as you do not speak the language, you just hang with other North Americans in those same locations.

3. Yup… there ARE people who had residency issues, but I know of NOT ONE who had issues who did their homework, contracted with a GOOD residency attorney, and learned the process BEFORE starting it. Just common sense. I know at least 700 people who never had a issue, including my sister who came and received her pensionado residency in 7 months. Costa Rica is perhaps the easiest country in the world where you can live legally.

Yup… I am sure there are bad cops. Thank God there are none in other countries.

Again, it appears to me that you hang out in doubtful locations, probably never even applied for residency (or you would not have made such a silly comment), and have had dealings with the police on a “professional” basis. I have never had to deal with the police in my many years of living here.

Finally, your comment about cheap sex? I guess that pretty much tells readers where you do spend your time.

NOTE: For readers who do NOT want surprises and who do not want to be in the 60% who leave, my tour prepares you for everytning, good and bad,that you will encounter here.

]]> By: Mario http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/comment-page-1/#comment-16953 Mario Sun, 06 Dec 2009 07:23:04 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/?p=638#comment-16953 My experiences with Costa Rica has been good and bad.l was held up at a night club but the idiot took my credit card but no cash.l speak to many Americans who bought real estate there and lost money when they sold it.Most Ticos l met want to be your friend only if you plan on spending money on them.Most Ticos are never on time if they arrive at all to an appointment.The horror stories of people who want to get residency there and how dificult that is especially if you hire an attorney and or even married to a tica.Police officers there rarely care unless you bribe them.But beautiful women cheap sex and warm temperatures when its freezing cold here in the U.S. makes many forget the imperfections there. My experiences with Costa Rica has been good and bad.l was held up at a night club but the idiot took my credit card but no cash.l speak to many Americans who bought real estate there and lost money when they sold it.Most Ticos l met want to be your friend only if you plan on spending money on them.Most Ticos are never on time if they arrive at all to an appointment.The horror stories of people who want to get residency there and how dificult that is especially if you hire an attorney and or even married to a tica.Police officers there rarely care unless you bribe them.But beautiful women cheap sex and warm temperatures when its freezing cold here in the U.S. makes many forget the imperfections there.

]]> By: Lynds http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/comment-page-1/#comment-16819 Lynds Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:35:48 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/?p=638#comment-16819 I have been living in Costa Rica for over 3 years. Coming from Canada, it's been tough adjusting to certain things.. I love it here, but somedays, I just want to get out.. Culture shock I guess.. Things I love: nature, beaches, surfing, taking it easy, jungle. Things I don't like : Crime --yes it exists... Watch the local news in the morning.. there are several murders EVERYDAY. Drug cartels, police corruption, gangs, etc.. This one has been hard for me to "get used to".. I keep thinking that one day I will adjust to that.. But I'll admit, I miss the freedom I had back in Canada. Also, the dishonesty... People will lie to you to save face... I'm not saying you can't trust people here, just use caution.. I have some really great friends here (ticos) but not many.. I just find it hard to "fit in". I try. Trust me.. But people stare at me like I'm an alien wherever I go.. just cause I look different.. Costa Rica has the good and the bad.. You have to find what you love about it, and live it.. Try to deal with the negative stuff... And yes, there is stuff that will drive you right nuts!! Try going to the bank, or ordering a sandwich... It's such a process. I know why people complain... they want a better CR, they want it to progress...I agree there are a lot of people who sell CR as being paradise.. Well part of it is, but it's still a country like anywhere else, it still has it's problems.. It is irresponsible to tell travelers or others that there is no crime here.. It could potentially give them a false sense of security.. Maybe if you come from a crime ridden place, you won't find it so bad, but for others coming from SAFE places, it could be scary.. I remember the first time I came here and saw guards and police totting huge ass guns.. I really had never seen that before in Canada.. Trust me, they have them for a reason. And you can't blame foreigners who live in a foreigner neighbourhood. They want some of the comforts of home, be with other foreigners.. I get it.. Now I'm not saying go out with all your bling bling, but most people dont' want to move here to diminish their quality of life. We dont' all want to live in a tico shack with no hot water.. That's not being a snob... That's just being someone from a first world nation. I applaud this blog for being honest. That's all.. Some people think the complainers are pessimists, I think sometimes they are, sometimes they are just being realists about their own experiences. It's good to look at both sides. just try and have fun whatever your experience is.. Life is about experiences, whether they are good or bad! I have been living in Costa Rica for over 3 years. Coming from Canada, it’s been tough adjusting to certain things.. I love it here, but somedays, I just want to get out.. Culture shock I guess.. Things I love: nature, beaches, surfing, taking it easy, jungle. Things I don’t like : Crime –yes it exists… Watch the local news in the morning.. there are several murders EVERYDAY. Drug cartels, police corruption, gangs, etc.. This one has been hard for me to “get used to”.. I keep thinking that one day I will adjust to that.. But I’ll admit, I miss the freedom I had back in Canada. Also, the dishonesty… People will lie to you to save face… I’m not saying you can’t trust people here, just use caution.. I have some really great friends here (ticos) but not many.. I just find it hard to “fit in”. I try. Trust me.. But people stare at me like I’m an alien wherever I go.. just cause I look different.. Costa Rica has the good and the bad.. You have to find what you love about it, and live it.. Try to deal with the negative stuff… And yes, there is stuff that will drive you right nuts!! Try going to the bank, or ordering a sandwich… It’s such a process. I know why people complain… they want a better CR, they want it to progress…I agree there are a lot of people who sell CR as being paradise.. Well part of it is, but it’s still a country like anywhere else, it still has it’s problems.. It is irresponsible to tell travelers or others that there is no crime here.. It could potentially give them a false sense of security.. Maybe if you come from a crime ridden place, you won’t find it so bad, but for others coming from SAFE places, it could be scary.. I remember the first time I came here and saw guards and police totting huge ass guns.. I really had never seen that before in Canada.. Trust me, they have them for a reason. And you can’t blame foreigners who live in a foreigner neighbourhood. They want some of the comforts of home, be with other foreigners.. I get it.. Now I’m not saying go out with all your bling bling, but most people dont’ want to move here to diminish their quality of life. We dont’ all want to live in a tico shack with no hot water.. That’s not being a snob… That’s just being someone from a first world nation. I applaud this blog for being honest. That’s all.. Some people think the complainers are pessimists, I think sometimes they are, sometimes they are just being realists about their own experiences. It’s good to look at both sides. just try and have fun whatever your experience is.. Life is about experiences, whether they are good or bad!

]]> By: Mike S http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/comment-page-1/#comment-16809 Mike S Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:33:28 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/?p=638#comment-16809 Thanks Tim for the extremely valuable information contained in The Real Costa Rica and the Real Costa Rica Blog. We are coming to Costa Rica in early 2010 on a fact finding tour. We have visited twice and we are now considering a move, but as you have indicated over and over, one must carefully investigate and live in the country for a while before making the big decision. Thank again Mike S Thanks Tim for the extremely valuable information contained in The Real Costa Rica and the Real Costa Rica Blog. We are coming to Costa Rica in early 2010 on a fact finding tour. We have visited twice and we are now considering a move, but as you have indicated over and over, one must carefully investigate and live in the country for a while before making the big decision.
Thank again
Mike S

]]> By: Dennis http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/comment-page-1/#comment-16731 Dennis Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:15:50 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/?p=638#comment-16731 I must be living in a different country then I thought, This is still Cost5a Rica. The crime rate here is lower then my former home of Tampa Fl where they had 4 seperate gang shootings in one night last week when I was visiting, I got on a plane and came home the next day where i fell safer. Yes there is crime here don't i hear about it third or forth hand, huh has it been made bigger than it really was. I don't know I never have any problems so far, How about the person that said that Jaco beach was hot and humid, DUH where are you from all beach areaseven in the states are hot and humid..... I must be living in a different country then I thought, This is still Cost5a Rica. The crime rate here is lower then my former home of Tampa Fl where they had 4 seperate gang shootings in one night last week when I was visiting, I got on a plane and came home the next day where i fell safer. Yes there is crime here don’t i hear about it third or forth hand, huh has it been made bigger than it really was. I don’t know I never have any problems so far, How about the person that said that Jaco beach was hot and humid, DUH where are you from all beach areaseven in the states are hot and humid…..

]]> By: Tim http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/comment-page-1/#comment-16665 Tim Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:45:53 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/?p=638#comment-16665 Well if that is what you got out of it... probably worth reading again from the beginning. You missed the point... completely. Well if that is what you got out of it… probably worth reading again from the beginning. You missed the point… completely.

]]> By: Dean Hughes http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/comment-page-1/#comment-16638 Dean Hughes Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:18:48 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/?p=638#comment-16638 Well...this is one huge informative site. Of ALL the information you can absorb.....it comes down to a varible common denominator.....DO NOT BUY....and...CRIME IS A REAL PROBLEM !!!! After so many folks cramming this into your head.....why not just shut the site down....It's the only thing you get.... Well…this is one huge informative site. Of ALL the information you can absorb…..it comes down to a varible common denominator…..DO NOT BUY….and…CRIME IS A REAL PROBLEM !!!!

After so many folks cramming this into your head…..why not just shut the site down….It’s the only thing you get….

]]> By: Tim http://blog.therealcostarica.com/2009/02/23/this-is-really-irritating/comment-page-1/#comment-16612 Tim Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:32:52 +0000 http://blog.therealcostarica.com/?p=638#comment-16612 <strong>Once you have found the area you really want to live, after renting and testing, I think it makes sense to buy a house. Purchase prices are cheap compared to rents in Costa Rica. It is common to see rents about 10% (per year) of purchase price — e.g. a place selling for $200,000 rents for at least $1,000 a month. In North America rents are normally 5% of value. Of course it is true that the house will take a long time to sell, so be sure (as one can be sure) you won’t be changing your mind. </strong> I have lived here for many years and I have never yet found one good reason to buy a home here other than maybe to rent it out. Houses are easy to buy and VERY hard to sell... and most folks pay too much as they have no idea how much to pay. There are no tax advantages... your $$$ is tied up. You cannot move when/if you want. Rent? The laws protect the renter but NOT the owner/buyer. Sorry Len... I am not with you an that part of your comment. Once you have found the area you really want to live, after renting and testing, I think it makes sense to buy a house. Purchase prices are cheap compared to rents in Costa Rica.

It is common to see rents about 10% (per year) of purchase price — e.g. a place selling for $200,000 rents for at least $1,000 a month. In North America rents are normally 5% of value. Of course it is true that the house will take a long time to sell, so be sure (as one can be sure) you won’t be changing your mind.
I have lived here for many years and I have never yet found one good reason to buy a home here other than maybe to rent it out.

Houses are easy to buy and VERY hard to sell… and most folks pay too much as they have no idea how much to pay.

There are no tax advantages… your $$$ is tied up. You cannot move when/if you want.

Rent? The laws protect the renter but NOT the owner/buyer.

Sorry Len… I am not with you an that part of your comment.

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