I want to move to Costa Rica.......

I Must Write This In Caps..... I Lived In Cr For Over A Year.... I Have Found The New South American Oasis.... Much More European Than Cr... Better Looking Whores..... Better Restaurants.... Better Banking.... Better Everything......


More Info Coming Soon.......

Costa Rica sounds nice but I think Id rather do Sau Paulo.

Why is everyone picking Costa Rica? It seems to be the pornographer/casino owner place to be right now.

It's just a kinda nice country PW... underneath it's a democratic and politically stable country - even more so than several other claimed democracies and has a prime consideration over individual rights - above almost all else.

A quick example of this was in a recent proposed taxation change where tax filings would be made and checked off by an employee of the taxation authority. Normal stuff you may think.

This was later abandoned and one of the reasons given by the Supreme Court (Sala IV) was that a tax employee would have to read a citizens tax filing and this was a violation of their privacy and against the constitution.

There are casino operations and laws/permits granted. Only me, but I don't see why CR has many casino ops because other countries have more infrastructure - eg... the UK has no problem with gambling and has major cabling to Europe and the US.

CR is not really a pornographers world - there are obviously a few folks here, but it's not a place to actually "do" business in the adult biz - more a location for a lifestyle enabled by the net.

There are an increasing number of "gringo camps" - sometimes known as "gated communities", but they do not represent CR in any way. They are basically comprised of moving a lump of Florida to Costa Rica. The real Costa Rica offers a lot more than gringo homes and latina girls.

As "pornographers" we are currently engaged in a couple of relatively large projects here and not simply to earn more money, but aiding and preserving the "real Costa Rica" via ecological means and with support thru several international organisations - and also by providing homes within these eco communities without messing up the landscape.

The eco aspect of CR is .. well.. just amazing and rarely seen by the average tourist who gets preoccupied by whores and beaches. Late last week I was on the project land which has beaches and had 17 dolphins in the water and one humpback whale swimming around. On shore there are three species of monkeys, toucans, red McCaws - around 350 bird species in total - and, kinda unusual even for there - a 9 foot boa wanted to cross the road (harmless). This is the kind of area that is extremely rare on the Pacific coastline and obviously needs looking after. (Can't remember the exact quote but National Geographic described it as "The most intense eco area still existing on the planet..."). No way are we having "condo complexes" in this region - but low density homes with some "environmental lifestyle" are fine.

So... it's not all just casinos and pornographers, but plenty folks with an interest in eco within CR.

That sounds nice but I'm more interested in the "Latina girls and gringo homes."

Hell, that's what I'm interested in no matter where I live. LOL

Oh.. both of them are not far away

Then check out the Guanacaste area (Liberia) - it's full of gringo homes and there is some flesh moving around as well.

It's does not exactly represent much of CR but has beaches and stuff - plus loads of development going on and the usual malls blah.

It's also a place to earn money in real estate as well. A friend is into "hardcore development" there and selling 1000 plots at $50K each - and has moved 85% of them in seven months (with a revenue of $42mill).

sounds like you have it sorted

i thought it was a no no to produce porn there?

There is a law which is designed to stop pedos photographing/filming kids - that is a big no no.

Other than that, it's no big deal. Basically nobody cares and the police would really appreciate watching the shoot and drooling

The flip side is - everything in balance. If a load of porn shooters ended up here and this became something which "appeared" out of control - chances are the govt may want to stop it. But.. again... they are pretty open and may prefer to let it continue, but the major factor being that they don't want Costa Rica to be known as a porn production unit.

More questions:

What is initial cost to move to CR?
What is housing pricing like for lease, meaning 4000+SQ FT homes?
How is security, do you need to hire guards?
You are able to get good A/C's at your house, 5ton'ers?

Thanks, Webby! Great info, as always. I've been reading a ton over at the Association for Costa Rica Residents board (www.arcr.net) & apparently the new law regarding the rentista category was passed at the beginning of the year & but they won't begin implementing it until August 12th.

Since I don't have a pension or any way to prove that my income is over $1000 per month, depositing $60K & getting a bank letter seems easiest. After August 12th it will be $60K per person, so for a husband & wife (or family) it's a pretty huge change. Singles won't care though.

Question 1 - Not sure what you mean by that. Depends where you are moving from and what stuff you are shipping etc. Otherwise nada, but air flights.

Question 2 - In a reasonable area - between $1500 - $2500/month average with pool, but can go up to $10K+ if you wanted to spend that. It's a buyers market and prices are usually negotiable. BTW a "reasonable area" can be either a gringo area or something with more character outside towns - there is a lot of choice in that.

Question 3 - Security is fine in any reasonable area and normally no need to have guards. I've never had any problems here - either re home or on the street. Crime rate is no different to elsewhere, but people are very willing to step in and help if there is a problem.

Question 4 - Sorry - not familiar with the "A/C" term so can't say - what is it??

Damn - Small world!

One of our lawyers is the President of ARCR - gotta see him soon so can ask and get a fill-in of the background. ARCR is an excellent place to get advice and info on anything to do with residency or any issues related to living in Costa Rica.

They also hold monthly seminars for anyone who wishes to attend and these cover a range of subjects which would interest potential residents. They also provide a monthly newsletter to any country of the world (tho think there is a subscription for this).

It would be wise to use ARCR as a "base" for information or legal stuff - there are plenty lawyers here, but basically need to be vouched for or recommended to avoid problems. ARCR have around seven lawyers to cover most legal aspects and all are safe to deal with. Unfortunately, as far as residency is concerned - they are also among the most "rigid" in residency applications, but it would be well-worth chatting with folks at ARCR before you decide on the type of residency - they will give good advice.

Looks like it may be worth lodging a residency application soon!

what is holding you back - GO

A/C = airconditioning

Damn... did think of that, - the plural put me off

Yep, there is A/C tho sometimes it's not necessary depending where you live. On the coast it's a *very* good idea to have this, but in Central Valley (where the capital San Jose is and most of the population live), the temp is always around 72 ish and comfortable.

Despite CR is only about 8 degrees off the equator, it has a few microclimates offering different temperatures. You can live in "Switzerland" in the Heredia mountains - complete with Swiss chalets and cows and a Swiss temperature to match. Down towards the coastline it obviously gets warmer.

Do you know the lodge at the top of that mountain, called I think Tirol or something like that? They have a kick ass 5 star French chef and he just simply rocks. Check it out.

Yea.. been up there a few times - Excellent French cruisine and informal aura

I was amazed the first time we went up there - just could not believe ya could find Switzerland or Austria near the equator!!

Webby or Warchild etc - My main questions about CR.

1. Best way of pulling in money from the web into the country to avoid the taxes? Ie if you do a panama company are you having to deposit the money there and then pull in, or are you able to deposit at a bank in CR no problems etc?

2. As far as land/housing goes, do you need to purchase a place cash or is there financing available to foreigners or residents if I go that route?

Thanks in advance.

- Brent

Hi Brent!

No problem on point one. You can just pull whatever you want into a Costa Rica bank and there is no taxes. There can be advantages to a eg Panama corp, but that's not necessary just to pull net earnings into the country.

On point two... It is vastly better to have external funding for real estate purchases (cheaper) tho noticed there are a couple of companies trying to offer financing at US levels - so that is still possible.

On point two... that is possibly where a corp can come into play. If you purchase a property it may already have a corp included in the package. This is fairly common here and basically means it's a non-trading corp that holds the asset (home) and all shares in your name and under your control. In effect, it's a method of asset protection, but also saves land transfer taxes should you wish to sell.

Excellent advice Webby!

Ok so as far as the banking goes, in theory I could just have checks sent in my name to me in CR and deposit straight into a bank and that would be kosher as far as the taxes are concerned since it was not made from a CR company?

Thanks for the advice on the financing. Seriously considering a move there next summer so trying to get a feel for the regulations!

Thanks again!

- Brent

Webby - whats your ICQ? I have a few questions to ask you when you have moment

usually when you're a handsome puerto rican in his early 20's they are whores in a candystore...

I love CR.

On the beach.

;-)

Yes.. no problem with what you said. There are no taxes applicable on earning or any funds from outside Costa Rica - there are no forms or any tax returns to file and the bank simply processes any checks and wires. As a general procedure banks normally have to clear any funds in excess of $10K, but thats a formality thing and just a vague form filling at the bank and they funds are available immediately - it's the "know your customer" stuff.

Mmmm... thinking.... OK, if it was the case you needed to accept checks from a Costa Rica corp and it was a few each year - nobody is bothering and no tax problems. If it was substantial biz via a CR corp - that's where it's probably better using eg a Panamanian corp and directing the checks there - then bring the funds in to your personal bank account in Costa Rica. (It's surprising how many Costa Rica folks have a Panama corp )

Excellent!! It's a nice place and a lot of people moving in at the moment - and no signs of this decreasing. The downside to that is it is pushing up property values, but thats most likely to be continuing for ... guessing.. a safe four/five years ahead and would be a good investment anyways. Currently real estate is increasing on average 40-60%/year on the Pacific coastal area and buying anything there is likely to gain a capital appreciation equal to the investment value in around two years or so - so probably a better investment than any stock or bank could offer.

The regulations are not too bad - it's fairly laid back and nada problemo world There is rarely a problem which can't be overcome.

I think ARCR was mentioned on this thread earlier - know a few of the lawyers there, so if you need one - no problem in recommending a good guy. (They are all OK - but specialise in differing areas and ARCR is a useful base for contact and help on anything - from a TV repair guy to home purchase).

Ah... one thing worth noting. There is now a change in immigration laws - but, not one hope in hell of implementing them in reality for... possibly a year ahead. But may be wise to lodge residency paperwork as soon as you get here.

Hitting you up dissipate!

Thanks again Webby - Much appreciated

I'm not much of a beach person so can you tell me more about the Heredia mountains?

Hola Corona - Costa Rica can be anything you want - literally. There is a choice of climates, terrain, temperature, mainly due to the number of microclimates.

Heredia is actually one of seven provinces of Costa Rica and probably the smallest, but extends from Central Valley up to the border of Nicaragua. Even within Heredia there are changes of microclimate, but generally tropical.

We work with one organisation which is based in Heredia, INBio, the National Biodiversity Institute, - http://www.inbio.ac.cr/en/default.html. Also in Heredia - may sound odd - is Intel.

Here's a couple of descriptive segments on the Heredia area:

http://www.govisitcostarica.com/region/city.asp?cid=222

http://www.worldheadquarters.com/cr/...tions/heredia/

BTW.. the "Switzerland" area is the mountains of Heredia - even that can go from one extreme to the other - eg if you really want a home with the clouds flowing thru the living room, - that's a possible too

Prob feel much the same as far as beaches are concerned, but Costa Rica is much more than that - it's almost like a compression of a few countries into one and is different any direction you take.

we dont want anymore Gringos here. Stay away

How about a $500K gringo tax deal Roger? We may have to go 50/50 with the govt - but, hell - anything is possible

I been thinking of that place myself. How about we rent a house for a month this winter and see how we can cruise it there bro ;-)

Psssst that goes for you too

Come to COsta Rica BASH

http://www.costaricabash.com

it will give you a good idea what is Costa Rica.

I moved there 3 years ago

I wish that as well

u should check out belize also. beautiful and with a little money you will be a god! lol! GL with what ever

do it

Mr. Romance

I'm currently talking to someone who has a cafe for sale on the beach ...
i probably will buy it - but don't think i'll move there for another year - I have some stuff to take care of here in the west.

For me - I love the beach .. and i'm much prefer to live in a tico house than a gringo house.. im into the simple lifestyle..
hell, i'd be happy with a hammock under a tree .. suit me just fine

as long as thee's coconuts - im good to go...
ahhhhhhhhhh coconuts... coconut bread, coconut sweet, coconut oil, you can eat it, fry with it, stick it in our hair, tan with it... wear it for a bra.... is there anything a coconut can't do???

i keep hearing this from everyone - does anyone have a link to info abotu belize? Im suoper interested if i can just get all the facts

does anyone on GFY live there?
is it a SAFE place to live? (because i have a child)
whats the immigration laws?
whats the excahnge rate like?
How much would it cost to live thee per month? (not fancy gringo life - I'm into the local style life)

and most importantly - DO THEY HAVE COCONUTS???

i

somebody put a muzzle on webby.

It seems that so many people are mving or thinking of moving to Costa Rica. Soon the country will be called some Porno Rica,

p.s.


Everyone who can rip you off, will.

He He No Caps for you .

I actually REALLY like the chicken here. The garlic chicken from HiperMas is my latest kick. But I think the meat here is good. Pricewise (compared to Montreal anyways) is allot cheaper also.

Yeah my first chicken noodle & minestroni caught me off guard when I paid almost $2.00 a can lol

webby are u IN Costa Rica? i just moved here for i guess 6mos to a year to check it out !

no more gringos yankees in belize!