Posted on 07/06/2005 10:12:55 AM PDT by teenyelliott
I am interested in the personal opinions of any FReepers who have spent time in Costa Rica. Hubby and I have been doing research into the country to gather information for a possible extended family adventure.
I have corresponded with others who have spent time there, and now I want the FReeper take on it. I trust you guys. Well, most of you anyway!
Gotta be careful no matter where you go. My brother in law got his financial info pilfered at a hotel in Kansas City. Still causes him problems, and that happened in the good ol USA!
Glad to be back amongst the D&D crowd.
The roads are terrible.
The food is great.
The policia are not corrupt.
Pedophilia is dealt with harshly.
Most of the Spanish TV stations broadcast out of the US.
Even the least educated speak a very clean Spanish.
It's a great place to learn to surf.
The interior can be hot, muggy and buggy.
The south pacific coast has a lot of crime.
The north pacific coast is quaint and safe (Liberia).
The Carribean coast is touristy.
Take a canopy tour, any where.
Explore the volcanoes, in Arenal. (Tabacon is a nice place to stay.)
Try to stay in small hotels with good internet references.
Outcasts from the US realty industry are trying to regulate everything.
In another year, property titles will be legally binding, and you will be able to have faith in property transfers.
Most buildings are not structurally sound, so bring an Engineer from Europe or America to do an inspection. (Inspector corruption is rampant.)
Only close on property through a lawyer (this year).
The natives are wonderful.
Drinking and gambling is legal at 18 years.
The natives are primarily practicing Catholics.
My family loved every minute that we spent in Costa Rica.
I recommend Playas del Coco as a good, safe starting place, easily accessible from Liberia Airport.
I've never been to the Carribbean side, so I don't have a benchmark to compare to, but I'll have to say that I very much loved the Guanacaste region on the Pacific coast. I stayed at the Melia Playa Conchal (which I think has since changed it's name) and visited Tamrindo and really enjoyed the laid back culture. My rainforest trips were whitewater adventure trips where we kayaked the Pacuare River, but we were basically out in the sticks and didn't see much of any civilization in that area, but I think I can safely say that I wouldn't want to live there. Tamarindo was lovely though, and I could easily see myself setting up shop there and living on $9 surf and turf dinners and 50 cent cervezas!
According to my info, land is the most expensive if you do not speak Spanish (which I am working on), are not Costa Rican (there are ways around that), and if you want to live on the beach or in an "American" area. You can still buy property very cheaply IF you have reliable, trustworthy sources. Of course, the real estate process is totally different down there. Just gotta know how to work it.
What's a mam?
So far regarding property, I am dealing with an expat whose daughter married a Tico. He has great connections.
Thanks for your info. I'll check out the places you suggested.
Your kind of thread.....
Hey, did he call me a boob?
On a small island off the coast of Costa Rica exists a most unusual animal preserve by the name of Jurassic Park.
Well, if the cup fits.
kiss
Costa Rica was the 'in' place a couple years ago. It is also participating in the real estate bubble now.
Costa Rica is marvelous. I've explored nearly all of it and can't rave enough about the place. I am going to purchase a home there.
I would go there for a few months, get into some spanish immersion training, and keep your eyes open, gringos that aren't smart are ripe for the picking!
My airline flies there, and I can go there free, but flights are full and weight restrictions on takeoff out of there are fierce.
"teenyelliott"
On a completely different subject, did you know that,
at first glance, your name looked to me like like
Teeny Toilet?
(Now this is what I call a really relevant response."
Didn't we bomb that place?????
Where are you going to settle? Do you already have a real estate guy? If you are going to build, I know a guy who can help you.
Do you believe in Dog?
"Can't say I've ever been described as a teeny toilet."
Actually, I guess my comment was about my worsening eyesight.
Anybody named Elliot has got to be okay because that's part of my whole name.
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