Here is her email, and if the topic interests you (and you can deal with my rant)… read on!

My family plans to relocate to Costa Rica, and I would like to know what your thoughts are regarding the recent activity by the Costa Rican Congress ending it’s 84 year old insurance, and telecom monopoly (CAFTA). How do you think this is going to effect the citizens of Costa Rica that have enjoyed a universal health care system, and what do you think the implications are for Americans residig in Costa Rica, that have been able to partake in this system?.

From the tone of your comment, and I get a LOT of these emails/comments, you are one of those believing anything having to do with CAFTA and the big bad horrible USA must be bad for everyone else. If I am wrong, I apologize in advance.

But you got some words right.. just not the facts which are more obscure… so let me explain.

1. The telecom monopoly, like the vast majority of monopolies is a huge, cost wasting enterprise, employing tens of thousands of workers, and is roughly 7 years behind the rest of the world in providing the things over which they have responsibility (technology).

In addition, as with most monopolies it gives awful customer service at ridiculous prices (for Internet and power, not for cell service). The “high speed Internet”, when it DOES work, is painfully slow, and the vast majority of Costa Ricans have access only to dial-up modem service in their homes. It has held the country back economically. strategically, and educationally.

The cell rates ARE well priced, but of the two systems here, the only one that works at ALL is the old TDMA system popular in the USA back in the 1990s. It works great!!

The “new” GSM system is absolutely horrible, works at best only 90% of the time and does not work at all in many locations… yet the monopoly is telling many, many thousands of Ticos to turn in their old working cell phones and buy the new GSM phones. For many Tico families, this is a MAJOR expense. Gotta LOVE those monopolies! In 2009, they will discontinue the only system that works.

This telecom also controls the electric power. Last year we went days and weeks suffering brownouts and blackouts. This was the result of an astonishing lack of simple population planning, and numerous families and businesses suffered greatly. The president had to spend a TON of money buying emergency equipment just to keep the lights lit.

In the history of the world, there have been good monopolies I am sure, but the vast majority provided lousy customer service, a crummy product, at unfair prices… This is why monopolies were outlawed in the USA about 50 years ago.

This model fits here… because there is no competition, they do as they please while giving the customers the one finger salute.

Insurance

You wrote …”the recent activity by the Costa Rican Congress ending it’s 84 year old insurance… monopoly” and “How do you think this is going to effect the citizens of Costa Rica that have enjoyed a universal health care system”

You have things pretty mixed up. First, the congress had absolutely nothing to do with any of this.

The Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) was voted through by referendum…and was voted on by all Costa Ricans. The PEOPLE passed this treaty… not the congress. Hmmm. I wonder if the overwhelmingly super service provide by their telcom monopoly had anything to do with that vote!

After CAFTA passed, the congress had to alter existing laws to bring them into concordance with the terms of CAFTA that the PEOPLE OF COSTA RICA approved.

This is something that sorta grinds me in emails I receive… the perceived arrogance of those who think THEY know more than the Costa Rican people. I am not saying the writer said or implied this, but others have many times. The Costa Rican people are bright, intelligent, well educated people and right or wrong, they made their will known. Time will tell if it was a good decision, but I can assure you that never in my life have I EVER seen a more informed public on a topic up for referendum. Costa Rica could give civics lessons to any country in the world after the manner in which they handled the TLC (CAFTA).

So now there will be other insurance companies offering policies with wider coverages with larger groups and therefore possibly lower rates. There are dozens of huge international insurers who can now legally sell their products to those of us who live in Costa Rica. Now, perhaps a 50 year old women driver will not have to pay $1,400 per year for car insurance the same as her 19 year old son.

Oh… that’s right! There IS no compulsory insurance so only a very few people ever buy insurance because it can represent more than 10% of their annual income! Enjoy your next trip here! Drive defensively!

Your email implies that the “Universal Health Care” is going away. It is not. THE CCSS (CAJA) is alive and well. Good thing as my wife works for a CCSS hospital!

Oh… and to be clear… “Universal Health Care” is just socialized medicine… and just as in Sweden, Canada, England and other places, the system does not work for anyone except the very poor and seldom works well for them. Lines are huge. Several hours is common at my wife’s hospital. Generic medicine are prescribed to save money, but sadly they are purchased from a variety of countries and there is no quality control and therefore many medicines just do not work. I can vouch personally that that is true.

Waits for a doctors visit can take months and often DO. Waits for major surgery or even some minor surgeries can take years. The poor suffer with this crap as they have to… same as they will soon in the USA. Everyone else buys private insurance so they can see the doctor of their choice at the hospital of their choice a the time of their choice. For those of you who are “Universal Health Care” fans… I wish you well. It looks great on paper, but I have yet to see it work well. I can assure any middle class Gringo tht moves here that you will eventually get CAJA and buy private insurance in case you get sick.

So what do I think the implications are for Americans residing in Costa Rica, that have been able to partake in this system?. Not much… Nothing has changed, just more offerings and some of those are years away. If they use CAJA now, they will continue to use CAJA. If they buy private insurance now, they will soon have other options and perhaps better prices. If they are tired of paying car insurance as though they were an 18 year old male overdosed on testosterone… they will likely be happy with premiums that reflect their age, driving history and experience! Someone may come in and actually offer true hi speed Internet for less than $80 per month WITH reliable service and connections that actually do not die every day at 3 PM. Note I am referring here to TRUE high speed as you would find in most developed countries.

Costa Ricans will benefit I think by better services lower prices (or more for the money they do pay).

Even now, with the arrival of those big awful businesses from the bad ole USA, (like Walmart), customer service policies are changing country wide! Why imagine a Tico who can actually exchange a brand new and very costly TV (but one that was totally DOA right out of the box), instead of having to wait 3-4 months while it gets returned to the factory in Korea for repair!

Can you imagine?

And again… if I misread your email, I apologize… but that’s the problem with email… no visual or aural clues to clarify.  Also, enough others have written about how they hate the USA, big business, Bush, Obama, and God that I am just getting fed up with it.  As a famous bird once sang… Get Over It.

Easy answer! I have not a freaking clue!

Todays exchange rate of about ¢511.41 / ¢518.71 makes absolutely no sense whatever and to me, smacks of some serious manipulation.

I am not the only one who is raising questions about changes that fly in the face of logic. Sadly, Central Bank manager, Roy Gonzalez, rather than reply directly to the many questions, has stated more or less that we must defer to the vast experience of other central banks. Say what?? News flash! The dollar is DOWN. Just which central banker are you listening to? Certainly not the Federal Reserve as they most assuredly know the dollar is down.

Economist and expresident of the Central Bank, Rodrigo Bolanos, thinks that this strong growth that has occurred within the past few days due mainly to a change in the expectations of people. More people having dollars accounts. Say What #2 ??? Let me get this straight! The people decide the value of currency here? Well maybe if the colon were traded internationally in the currency market, but the colon has not yet attained the status of the Euro. Another news flash! There has ALWAYS been far more investment in dollars than in colones. That is why the Central Bank was so worried about “dollarization” in the Costa Rican economy.

The dollar is horribly overvalued here and probably should be floating arount the ¢470 area. The fact that it is not and is in fact being set at levels not reflective of how the dollar is really faring world wide indicates to me some serious hanky panky. Que sorpresa!

One the other hand, this is great news for those who ignored my warnings to get out of dollars (last fall) and later took it in the shorts when the dollar fell. Of course now that the people who DID heed my words are taking it in the shorts… though as they made a nice windfall last December, they actually have made money as they presumably earned interest on their wind fall.

My advice? Pay no attention to me. Take your best guess.

As logic (and the world economy) are clearly not what is affecting the US dollar, there is no point in even trying to make any sense of a system clearly controlled and manipulated by forces that we know not.

Me? As the colon is not reacting normally, I’ll probably split my $$$ equally in colones, dollars and euros, and try to figure out who really is manipulating the currency in Costa Rica.

Since then, I have received two more emails asking the same question, the most recent today. As I am one of those people who think for every person who will ask such a question, there are probably ten others who have not the courage to write.

So here is her letter and my reply for all those tattooed ladies coming to visit Costa Rica!

I have an odd question, I searched the entire site beforehand so as not to be a bother.. and wasn’t able to find any info on this topic (although this is probably the first time you’ve been asked about this, I’m sure). I am a 23 year old female student, and my concern is that my appearance may not be well received in some other countries, because I am quite heavily tattooed (arms and chest). I have never traveled overseas before, so I really don’t know what to expect. Also I’m sure it is a different outcome depending on which country you are traveling to. Anyways, your thoughts on those from Costa Rica’s attitudes/reactions towards this would be much appreciated. I’m a little nervous, but so excited to meet people and learn a new culture!

As I am not Costa Rican, I cannot give an opinion from their viewpoint, but I will generally speak in terms of North American women in general and what I have been told by a few Ticos male and female.

First, I think they will not care much, though of course you will be an oddity and be looked at with double-takes as I am pretty sure you are looked at now in Canada. Women with significant body tattooing are still not in the mainstream! I like tattoos, but I STILL look twice when a woman has more than just her “tramp stamp” on her lower back or a rose on her ankle or breast. A heavily tattooed women is going to catch attention!

Women here take their physical appearance FAR more seriously than NA women. Hands and feet are manicured (usually French), they dress to perfection, and even a trip to the mall gets the works. Of course in the country you do not see that as much. In any case, you almost never see a Tica walking around in sweats and tennis shoes if she is not actually exercising.

So saying this, most Costa Ricans sort of feel that NA woman really have no idea in the first place how to dress and appear in public (this more from the Ticas BTW). Thus my original comment that they probably won’t care very much. Clearly this also depends on where you are visiting… in the country. city, beach, or country.

I can just about promise this; No matter where you are, Ticos are FAR too polite to EVER say anything to make you feel bad or self conscious. That is simply not in their culture and they generally treat ALL people very well.

You MAY get a whistle or a comment, but THAT is the macho thing and is common, tattooed or not. All women get that!

If you wish to get tattooed here, there are many tattoo parlors. I do know they are regulated, but I do not know if they follow those regulations, so use common sense. Tough way to catch something serious!

Any Ticos reading this are welcome to comment below! Actually, anyone can comment!

Is residency required to obtain a driver’s license in Costa Ria and is a test required?

Not yet! However there is now a bill before lawmakers that requires this, and it looks like it has a good chance of passing. As your right to drive here is tied to your being in the country legally, this might spell problems for those here illegally (past their 90 or 30 day tourist visa).

Do you know if the CCSS insurance covers pre-existing conditions?

They do. I actually hope this changes and I think it must. Too many people are coming to Costa Rica with VERY costly illnesses and this places an enormous burden on the already financially strapped CAJA.

I loved your website, very helpful. I do have a suggestions; maybe you can include more information for MOPT offices, hospitals, clinics, etc; in other areas, like Guanacaste where the expat populations is very high.

The hospitals (CAJA) are listed in the Real Costa Rica. There are VERY few private hospitals in Guanacaste and the “clinics” would shock the average expat. This is why I have ranted about 400 times that if you are over 50, you should consider whether you wish to be 4-5 hours from quality medical care. Expats love that beach, but seem to forget that over 50, your chances of needing emergency medical care go way up. Even in San Jose. getting an ambulance and getting to the hospital can take an hour. Just two weeks ago, three persons died in Escazu (10 minutes from Cima Hospital) because the ambulance arrived 50 minutes after it was called. Consider this when moving here!

There are MOPT (Ministry of Public Transportation) in Liberia and Limon, but the reason I have not listed them is that I have been told my many expats that those offices cannot issue driver’s licenses and are not full service.  I’d love some feedback on this as I am getting mixed signals.

Your website is very informative. Thank you. Quick question: I have an opportunity to work in Costa Rica for a couple years (have been there several times). My wifes main objection is that she does not want to live where she cannot fluch (sic) toilet paper. Is it possible to rent homes with plumbing that can handle TP?

I was not going to answer this, but then I remembered why I wrote The REAL Costa Rica in the first place which was to debunk these generalities!

Yes, there are about a jillion places to buy or rent homes with toilets that can handle paper. This is one of those truly dumb urban legends that surface on occasion… probably based on either plumbing from the last century or places that used really cheap toilets. Also, there are some older homes where the pipes are too small. Easy to find out! FLUSH before you BUY (or rent)… something you should be doing anyway! Now if you are one of those people (read GUYS) who use about a half a roll to take care of your business, then you may have a issue.

Hello, my name is Dave, I am the fire chief at Nancy Run Fire Department I am trying to locate one of our old fire trucks that was sent to Costa Rica some time ago, I was seen at a parade called the fiesta palmares, see photo attached, I am hoping to find where it is currently located and contact information for the department that is using it. The fire truck is a 1964 Mack, yellow in color with the above listed fire company name on it.

So here is the photo (click to enlarge)! Any of you readers able to help? If so, email him at djb2328@rcn.com

When a cable company advertises cable modem speed 4 mb would that really be 4 mb? After reading your segment on the internet I wondered if they could really deliver that speed.

Probably not. I know I have never received even close to what I pay for (2MB). First, the infrastructure is generally crummy and second, you are sharing the connect with your neighbors. Order 50% more than you need and you will probably be happy. Also, expect a fair bit of downtime from the company you mentioned in your email.

We are planning our first visit for June 2008, and would appreciate any
feedback you have on the tentative following itinerary for myself, my wife,
and our two daughters, ages 11 and 9:

June 24 depart LAX – redeye
June 25 arrive San Jose around noon and take private van to Monteverde
June 26 fun and games in Monteverde
June 27 private van to Arenal
June 28 fun and games in Arenal
June 29 private van to Tamarindo
June 30 fun and games in Tamarindo
July 1 private van to Grecia
July 2 shuttle/van to airport, San Jose – LAX

I almost never answer these questions (or even reply) as I tell people I am not a travel agent. It occurred to me though, that this is a great example of why not to plan your own trip without the assistance of a good travel agent. Let’s take a look at this.

Monteverde is about 5-6 hours from the San Jose airport and about 2 hours from the Liberia airport. Is Liberia a better option?

Next, there are few vans that can handle the truly horrible road to Monteverde. A 4X4 is required. A tank would be better! Beautiful place though for sure! I love it!

Then to Arenal? Same issue. 4X4! Lovely drive – 2-3 hours depending on roads. Go North around the top of Lake Arenal.

To Tamarindo? 3-4 hours I am guessing. Loooong drive with young kids on bad roads (until you reach the Pan American Highway.

Tamarindo to Grecia? 5-7 hours. Lose a day just driving. Good roads though and a van would be OK.

You chose some GREAT places to visit, but after counting your drive hours (about 17-20 including the trip to the airport), you should be prepared for some grumpy kids and the perhaps serious loss of some vacation time. Now if you and the kids all really enjoy driving… well then give it a shot! You’ll pass through some beautiful country.

In summary, it is very tempting to look at a Costa Rica map and make plans based on what you THINK looks close. When traveling here, plan on an average travel speed of 20-25 MPH. Sound low? It is not. A 100 mile (150KM) trip here is at least 3-4 hours if you know where you are going. Bad roads are everywhere. Just this week I informed two of my tourist customers that the Pan American highway south is closed. They had no idea and had they followed their original plans, would have lost 6-8 hours getting back on track.

There are some excellent US based travel agents who really do know Costa Rica. Sadly, the majority read the same travel brochures and web sites you do and that is not enough. I always suggest a good Costa Rica based TA as they know what is happening here.

That’s it ’til the next batch.

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.

I am doing a midterm report on your website, and was wondering if you could answer some questions (10 or so) for my report. My report is due in a few days so hopefully I hear back from you soon.

I get about five of these each month. My response is always the same. Sorry kid. I had to do my own homework… now you have to do yours. It is a rule of life. You have 500 pages to work with. Go read it.

Yes, I AM mean. I spent a lifetime getting to be an old curmudgeon and I am proud of it.

Someone told me that Docker type shorts are unacceptable in the Central Valley.Long pants only.

Good question! Shorts of any brand are perfectly OK in San Jose on the street, hotels, restaurants, etc, BUT many government ofices and ministrys do not permit the wearing of shorts in their offices, nor will the State run psyciatric hospitals (don’t ask me how I know this).

Do shuttle drivers usually get tipped in Costa Rica as it is here in the US? What would be consired sufficient funds required to enter Costa Rica?

Everyone expects a tip including shuttle drivers, and as for how much cash to bring, how would I know that? You can always get cash here at an ATM. Bring lots. I expect a tip too.

I will be traveling to CR very soon and I would like to know if I am able to use any kind of credit card while I am there. You know like your most popular ones MC, VISA, DISCOVER, or AMERICAN EXPRESS.

All but Discover. Nobody accepts that card (except for me).

I have read in books on Costa Rica that children and babies drink coffee, is this true? Is it regular or decaf? How much do they drink in a day? One bottle?

When I received this, my first thoughts were, “How Silly!” Then, because this IS Costa Rica, I thought maybe I’d just better ask! Glad I did! In Costa Rica, it is not uncommon to give coffee to babies (in their bottle, with milk) and to young children. I found this astonishing! Having had the “pleasure” of the company of various two year olds at times in my life, I simply can not imagine a two year old on espresso! Good question!

I’ll be heading there for a month this summer with my firends(a group of girls) and I was wondering if you have time could you tell us what areas that are unsafe or any cultural information we should know about

When traveling here, be cautious. Crime is VERY comon, especially in San Jose and more especially, at night. Take taxis and don’t be out on the streets after dark in the city. In beach areas, it is the same. Travel together in groups. Do not carry valuables… and most of this is already covered in The Real Costa Rica as is cultural stuff. Did you read it?

we are planning on retiring in CR, are you allowed to bring plants in the country

Generally not… and definitely not without a ton of paperwork from both your country and Costa Rica. Also, not sure why you would want to? Brings to mind the old saying about bringing coal to Newcastle.

We actually love the accomodation and ease of living in a yurt. Do you know of any reason we would not be allowed to purchase land and put a yurt up, rather than build a house.

What’s a yurt?

Seriously, for those of you great unwashed who know not what is a yurt, I have provided a couple of photos. Yurts, among the oldest indigenous shelter designs, were originally conceived by nomadic Mongolians, whose Shamanist beliefs dictated the round shape that connects North and South, West and East.

The original ones did not have windows (not a good idea in Costa Rica), but the modern ones do and even have doors! Not sure about plumbing though… and if they do, you can sorta kiss off the privacy thing. Everthing and everyone is sort of “out there”.  I think though, you have to revert to the days of the privy! This might be ideal though for you aging hippie boomers who missed the communal thing… but I digress.

As there are few if any zoning laws in Costa Rica, and the few that exist are seldom enforced, I am guessing a yurt would not be a problem at all! Considering that many dwellings, especially in the country are little more than shacks, a yurt would seem to be a fine upgrade to the general vistas. Another good thing is that you can place the bars on the inside!

So come on down and build your yurt. You can commune! Why you could practice yoga in your yurt! (neat alliteration huh??) I wanna see it when you’re done!

Some of the questions are pretty good and my reply may be of interest to others… so here they are! As always, I generally do not edit emails though I DO protect the identity of the writer as, sadly, some folks appear to be borderline literate. I may also shorten them a bit showing only the relevant question.

I am gogin to be in Playa Grande area soon and would liek to know where teh nearest Catholic Church is. KNow of anyone I coudl email for wheres and whens?

This is a seriously Catholic country. As such you will never be farther than a few hundred yards from a Catholic church in nearly any town in Costa Rica.

What would be avg rent of a house 2 bdrm of a annual salary of 35000? near beach anywhere in costa rica

Huh?

One thing, do you have the names of some reputable dentists/doctors in CR that you could forward on to me? I will be travelling over frequently and badly need some attention to my smile!

I get a LOT of these emails. I generally do not make these recommendations except to those folks who have actually moved and are living in Costa Rica. Just like in the US, many (especially cosmetic dentists) are overpriced and cater to “rich” foreigners, and I will not assist in their promotion. I have a new dentist, and I will recommend her AFTER at least one or two years as it takes that long to determine if a dentist is doing a good job. Most can do fine for cavities… it is the more evolved stuff that takes time to evaluate.

… We plan on looking for a nice area that is safe, and friendly on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Any local knowledge you can give, or suggestions from your own experience would be great! Thanks. I am an avid surfer, so I will be bringing my board too!

First, the Caribean side is almost like a different country. It is generally hotter and more humid at any time of the year. It also (despite what many say), wetter. It is also worth a look if you are thinking about a move to Costa Rica. It is raw beautiful and not overbuilt.

However, I do not ever make recommendations as to where to live in this country. There are just too many options and I compare making suggestions as to where to live as me choosing what toothbrush is best for you. You have to try it. Time and again, I tell people NOT to buy anything when they first arrive. Spend at least six months to a year exploring the country. There are so many excellent choices, but where depends on you. Do you like the heat and humidty of the beaches? Many do. I do not. Other factors may include proximity to important infrastructure like theaters, shopping (not much on that coast BTW), and medical care. The latter is very important for those of you not on the sunny side of age 60! Medical care, and by this I mean serious emergency care, is generally not available at the beaches, east or west. Can you afford to be a 3-5 hour drive to San Jose if you suffer from any serious health issue? A stroke? Heart attack? While there are certainly facilities in these beach areas, they do not compare to the services offered in the Central Valley by the Cima or Clinica Bilblica hospitals or even the local CAJA hospitals.

In any case… LIVE here before buying. Learn the culture and the country, and remember that about 40% of those who move here return “home” in a year or less. In fact, I would urge anyone coming here to not enter into any arrangment that cannot be “undone” with a few phone calls. Living here is NOT the same as visiting, or as I am fond of saying, the tourist Costa Rica is not The Real Costa Rica.

Finally, the surfing on the Caribbean side is beyond dangerous. Unless you are rated by your peers as a near-pro, be so very careful. The reefs and coral are killers and the seas on that side are very different than on the west coasts.

Thank you for the abundance of information. Very good stuff. Some of it funny, some a little scary. Not quite sure if I should be excited about moving to CR or scared to death!!

The answer to the question you did not ask is, “Be both!”.

where are the multitude of good golf courses in cr?

Great question! Every time I think I covered everything in The Real Costa Rica, along comes a question like yours and I realize I blew it. Sadly, doing some research on this, I found there are no really good web sites that list all of them. Odd!

In any case, here are six that I know of:

• Cariari is located just off the Pan American Highway between the San Jose airport and San Jose. Considered by most to be the premier course in the country, it is open to members only, but I believe it is also available to guests staying at the Hotel Cariari. Fairways are diffilcult and appear to be about 9 feet wide. Not true of course, but use your irons anyway.
• Parque Valle Del Sol is located near Santa Ana. Nice 18 hole course, fun but not too challenging. If you see my son out there, tell him to bring back my clubs.
• Los Sueños Marriott is cleverly located at the Los Sueños Marriott close to Jaco. As with a beach areas, it is hotter’n hell so bring your deodorant.
• Playa Conchal Northwest. THE Garra de León Golf Course Garra de León Golf Course is an oceanside course is located in Guanacaste at the Paradisus Playa Conchal Hotel. Very popular course in beautiful surroundings.
• Hacienda Pinilla is just a short drive from the Playa Conchal course. I have no more reliable info on this course.
• The Four Seasons. If you have more money than God, by all means consider this course. It is part of the Four Seasons hotel chain also known as “If you have to ask our room rates, you should not be staying here” hotel. As I do not have such funds… I have no personal experience. In fact, I cannot even afford to visit their lobby which I understand requires a payment of $50 (if you don’t stay over). This may be an urban legend, but I don’t think so!

I also believe there is a course in Tambor, but could not find any info.

The courses above are all 18 hole courses. There are several 9 holers, but for true golf nuts, playing nine holes is like kissing your sister.

This is not a real question. It is a composite of about 50 emails: “We are moving to Costa Rica. How much should we pay for a house, condo, townhome, apartment located on the beach, in the mountains, by a volcano, in the country, in San Jose, blah blah blah.

I am not a realtor and I will never answer these types of questions. I will provide the following suggestions which about 80% will ignore. This is GOOD as it keeps the realtors very happy! You, however, will not be so happy.

Buying

Do not buy anything until you have lived here for at least six months and have traveled the country. If you do, you will almost assuredly overpay AND you will be in a location that very likely will not be where you want to live. You MUST learn this country to avoid getting taken. There are no Multiple Listing Services here, and you WILL pay more than you should

Renting

Come to Costa Rica and stay a few weeks at a decent aparthotel. This is a combo apartment/hotel with full kitchen, etc. Then explore the SPANISH newspapers such as La Nacion for rentals. This means you must learn a bit of Spanish. When you find something, have a Tico call and verify prices. Then YOU call to see if the price is the same. If so… go take a look. That is how you will save a ton of money and get a nice place to live until you do decide to buy. NOTE: Figure you will overpay by 30-70% if you shop for rentals in a English language newspaper. Ticos are not stupid. They know you will be at a disadvantage if you do not speak the language.

My wife and I want to do a late honeymoon. I have been attracted to Costa Rica because of the tropical setting that some more destinations cannot match. We are looking to go in the Summer (possibly July). Is it worth comming then. I have read that this is peak rainy season. Will there be too much rain? Would the heat be unbearable? I know that I should probably just break down and see a travel agent. But I think this site is fantastic and was hoping you might have a suggestion.

Is a “late honeymoon” also known as a vacation? Got kids?

Like the real estate questions, I generally do not give travel advice as I just don’t know you. I will, however, provide a but of guidance about some of your concerns. First, read this. If you come in the rainy season you will save money. You just need to plan ooutdoor activities for the morning as the afternoons will be very wet. This obviously limits your activities and only you can make that decision.

July… and the North American summer is not the hot season here in Costa Rica. The hottest month is March… in the high season.

As for what to do and where to go, break down and speak with a Costa Rica travel agent. By this I mean a travel agent located in Costa Rica. While there are some fine TA’s in the states, many have never set foot in Costa Rica and really have done nothing more than read the literature sent to them by hotels, B&B’s, canope tour operators, white water rafting companies and so on. Many CR travel agents have toll free service to Costa Rica and you can actually speak to someone who lives here and has visited these places and done these things. They can make suggestions based on what your input is to them i.e. your general health, preference for activities, love of heat and beaches, social life, budget, etc. There are so many “hidden” treasure spots here and so often, they either choose not to advertise heavily or are just crummy at marketing themselves. As a matter of fact, next week, I am taking my wifey to just such a spot less than 30 miutes from San Jose that is just delicious! Only a handful of people here know about it. I would guess that 90% of US agents have no idea it exists! Good luck!

Who the hell says, “my brand spanking new wife”. MORON

Dear Moron,

Or was that you calling ME a moron.  Who knows!

Well, I guess I do. Sounds like something I could have said. Thanks for commenting! Gosh! Guess I need”cool” lessons huh?!

Fondly,

The (other) Moron

The problem is… she has suddenly stopped writing! I have called her home in Missouri and chatted with her husband on several occasions. She is NEVER home! Now this is odd! For a woman only weeks away from the BIG MOVE, she seems to never be in her home!

This makes me wonder if she has been the subject of foul play! Perhaps her husband, driven loco by a woman bent on the expat lifestyle, has done away with her! Perhaps she is buried in the cold, cold Missouri soil behind the house!

Thus, I am making one more plea… Nora? Where are you? If alive, please write or call.

(signed)

Yo

From a mom with kids…

Q. What would be your advice when traveling to Costa Rica with a 1 year old? I have spoken to her pediatrition (sic) and there are really no suggestions. Should we have certain meds if she is bitten or comes in contact with a plant and puts it in her mouth? My husband and I are also considering the thought of living in Costa Rica with small children. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you.

A. You would use the exact same common sense things as you would at home. No shots are required but of course they should receive all the normal childhood inoculations + tetanus.

It would be impossible for you to bring medicines for all the things that COULD happen here. You don’t even have them in your own home! If she got ill there, you’d go to a doctor or hospital. Same here. Depending on where you live, the medical care is quite satisfactory.

Also, a one year old should not be anywhere near biting animals, snakes, whatever, in the first place. We don’t have wild animals and reptiles running in the streets. As for bugs? If out in the daytime, she should use a repellent if possible. There are many safe ones for kids. It would be highly unlikely you would have toxic plants in your home any more than you would keep poison ivy in you home.

Living here with small children is nothing special. Ticos do it all the time. Unless you are living out in some rain forest or a swamp, life here is exactly as it is now (for kids). Eat, sleep, play, keep ‘em out of traffic, watch them at the malls, take them to MacDonalds.

Q. Is there any limit on the number of properties that a foreigner can buy? per year or certain time limit? I was wanting to move my family here, a wife and child, to really try and live a much simpler, cleaner life (pura vida). However, there seem to be many obstacles to this dream. Any advice? We were hoping of buying a small home, fixing it up and selling it, and maybe do this a few times. Is this possible? Many thanks.

A. There is no limit on the number of properties you can buy and own though you cannot buy certain properties if they border a foreign country. I am sure there are a lot of “fixer-uppers” for you. The bigger problem is your residency status. You cannot just come here and live without proper residency, so make sure THAT is in order first. Finally, as always, I STRONGLY urge you NOT to just pick-up and move you and your family. Here are some suggestions for a happy transition:

1. Remember that about 40% of the people who move here do NOT make it, and return “home” within a year.
2. Do NOT be dumb and think the above statistic does not include you…. that you are somehow “the exception”. To do that indicates you might be less intelligent than a box of grapes.
3. Do NOT do anything during your first 6-9 months in country that cannot be “undone” with a couple of phone calls. Do not sell the farm to come here. The expatriate lifestyle is NOT for everyone. Think if you can really live without those grandkids, your kids, local malls, your best friends, etc
4. Costa Rica is NOT an easy country in which to live. I love it. You may not. It is NOT the panacea to all those things that make you crazy where you now live.
5. Do NOT come here if you need to work. Pay is very, very low compared to most other countries (like 10-15%) and working here without proper authority is illegal and disrespectful. Want to bring $$$ and open a new business? Do it! That is legal and there are a zillion opportunities around every corner.
6. Do not think for 1 second that life here will be better or different because there is no Bill (or Hillary) Clinton, no George Bush, or whomever you currently hate and blame for the problems in your life. Do not think that life is “simpler” here (unless you plan to retire, live away from everyone, and spend your days reading in a hammock) To believe that is just about as dumb, maybe dumber, as believing #2 above.
7. If you come, explore the country. Take time to travel. It is smaller than West Virginia, but holds a ton of secrets.
8. Do not believe about half of what you read on tourist websites. Believe about two thirds of the travel guides have to say. They have their agendas which is fine. The book or web site Costa Rica is not the REAL Costa Rica.
9. Do not plan to enjoy this country to the max if you cannot Spanish. If you plan to own or operate a business, this goes double!
   

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