We have Arizona drivers license because we moved here from there. Our license is good for 5 years . We started residency before we moved here. ( We knew we wanted to ) we have a CR bank account also including USA. We have Caja also because we are residents. Have a blessed day ❤️
A couple if things to note. Telling people about the banking problems only involve people doing business. If you are retired, you do not have these problems. Simply inform your bank where you are, and they will allow transactions on your credit card. There will be fees depending on the bank. Tell people many medications that are prescribed in the US are sometimes over the counter here. Real important! An example are some depression meds. On the other side, mention things like asprin and ibuprofen are very expensive here, whereas some others are extremely cheap. Pura Vida. BTW, I've been living in CR many years also, started in the central valley, moved to Arenal, and now outside of Ciudad Quesada. Be safe.
I wanted to thank you for this tip specifically on Charles Schwab international. I have accounts at Schwab and Ed Jones and Jones told me I could not have an account with them if I was living outside of the US. I didn't ask Schwab but I know too now, thanks again, Mark Barton
I opened a Schwab bank account exclusively for use in CR. I've been in CR for over two months. I have withdrawn more than 20 times with the Schwab card and they refund the fees. So no need to bring cash.
Thank you. We’re getting ready to retire in Quepos as soon as the house sells. We’re trying to get as much information as we can so it goes as smoothly as possible. Your videos are awesome.
Good info Michael. And just to add BCR bank charging 30% for PayPal is ridiculous. Also, to your point, I sent my kid up to college with $9,500 for his rent and food a few weeks ago and they detained him for two hours in the Juan Santamaría airport. Luckily, by chance, we had a close tica friend who was also a US lawyer in the airport that burst through the doors and got the kid out of that situation.
Great info Mike, I always keep a spare credit card at home / hotel for emergencies, just in case you loose your debit card, other credit cards or wallet.
New too the channel, stumbled upon your videos while researching. So much great information. been to Costa Rica twice already in the past year and on my way back in a couple days. so much informative stuff. I have to give you a big thanks, after my first visit had such a problem with car rental second time just as bad. this time we are using one of your contacts Thanks so much for the info. if we are in the area wewill reach out and if available catch a beer or two. just a few words to say thanks and please keep the videos coming...
WOW! So informative. Looking for property/homes on high ground/mountain top in the North of Costa Rica. Rich soil What are the weather patterns like? Help and recommendations needed please and thanks 😊
Great info as usual Buddy! Banking can be a challenge. Using a US based credit card without international fees is a great way to go. As far as cash Mike.... there isn't a $10,000 limit.... that is just the number at which you must fill out the form declaring that you are traveling with over $10,000. Just be prepared to answer a couple of questions.... and if possible some documentation on the source.... such as a bank withdrawal statement helps. You'd tend to have more issues trying to bring in amounts very close to $10k on a regular basis. As I like to say with CR.... It ain't a problem until it's a problem!
@@romyenglish Only problem with not declaring the cash (as has been the case recently) is that they might very well impound your cash.... not a good outcome.
As always...another great video Mike, well delivered, and full of great "I never thought of that" information. Much appreciated. See ya later. Choperz...out
I'd use Carrier Pigeons before EVER using BA. If PP starts hassling me then they can gth. Unfortunately, these seemingly unconnected banking issues are in reality a push towards universal banking...one source, with a behavior/reputation score, where every transaction is recorded.
Can you do a video on home purchase in Costa Rica? How does applying for a mortgage work? Is credit system based on FICO scores like the U.S. for example, or do I apply for a mortgage in the U.S. for property in Costa Rica?
If you're planning on moving to Costa Rica it's a good idea to work on your residency before you move here; it will save you from making border runs every thee months.
I pay for everything here with a credit card or cash. The credit cards have no foreign transaction fees and I pay them electronically through my US bank account. For cash I use the ATM and get charged a $5 transaction fee for each withdrawal. That's cheaper for me than taking an exchange rate hit through the bank. I have a domicile address with a mail forwarding service to maintain a US residency address. RV enthusiast websites have information on how to do that if you're interested.
@@lifeway9 There's a few things you need to consider and you can't cover them in a comment section. Do a web search for "domicile address RV" or something similar and you'll find a bunch of websites and videos that will explain.
Open a Charles Schwab international checking account and you won't have any ATM or international transaction fees. And use an international credit card so you avoid those international transaction fees as well.
New to the channel.looks very nice there don't speak the Spanish language.been told a lot of expats stay in costa rica don't speak any Spanish...from UK
PayPal and Venmo will be required to provide customers with a 1099-K form if they receive $600 or more in goods and services transactions during the 2022 tax year. Something to consider.
I'm from a small island in the Caribbean, so I'm thinking of coming for just a week, all that scary talk, does it apply for a week or the information is for a longer stay?
Also, you say you use your mom as a US address for things. What is your back-up plan if she were to pass away? I'm around the same age as you and my mom is getting up there and I'd have no backup plan at this point.
Can you not get a Costa Rica lawyer help you with your banking especially if you buy a house through your corporation. And if we are spending 6 months there and 6 months in Canada should we have 2 phones or just use WhatsApp on our CA number ?
Hey Mike PURA VIDA, MAN , Hey man like always your 100%, right ,thank God my wife is Tica, she's knows how things are , is not easy what we do is just save and come here tell your bank that your going to C,R, your be using your bank card , or get out so me money out , my wife has a bank account in C,R, she gave me a card for Mr here, I don't use PayPal or anything all ways save your money dollars with you , you can stay here if your Smart , i have a friend that can chance dollars for me never go to the bank, you have to use your passport, thanks to you it helps a LOT, we are from South Fla Fort Lauderdale , but been coming to C,R, Love Gunancaste, since 1994,
Thank you! You're simply the best 🌺 Question: Do you know if one can bring/ship supplements to Costa Rica? I read an article from 2010 that said if shipping, they will probably just keep them...do you know anything about this?
@@sandrabedard7848 I do the same years ago I shipped 100s of dollars of Protein Powders Amino Acids Vitamins and Minerals had to go to customs and they threatened to seize half of them till I slipped the customs guy 30$s! I bring my protein powders and creative everything because the price is double here and some Vitamins that work against Covid like Quercetin are unavailable.I also shipped a SUV from Florida with two kids bicycles inside,the bikes disappeared!
@@sandrabedard7848 Appreciate your caring my kids were so disappointed when that happened.I’ve learned a lot and so many wonderful people that I’ve met here have made it all 👍 We live and learn and find our way.Have a great day.
@@richardyoung1890 I can imagine they were . YES I feel the same way about the people I've met and my local friends and trial and error has taught us alot. It's all worth being here. PURA VIDA , Blessings
Which, if any, medications that usually require an Rx in the States are OTC down there? Like say for instance blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds, or anti-depressants? I'm not talking opiates or anything like that... just regular stuff.
Hey Michael, I appreciate your brutal honesty about living in CR. I was considering making a move to the Tamarindo area but after watching some of your videos and others, I realized that those people who get caught up in the honeymoon phases of being in CR but then end up missing the amenities of back home would definitely include me. I am now looking to get a 2-bedroom condo, preferably in a gated community, in Tamarindo or close by. Prices are real high right now, but I'm expecting a crash or big slowdown to happen soon. Just wondering where you would recommend to get the best value. I am looking for a winter condo, not to make the permanent move.
This is a more clear description, I apologize for venting... Can someone give me some direction on what course of action I have as an American, a Disabled American Afghanistan War Veteran (Infantry) with PTSD and Retired Pensioner from the State of Illinois, Department of Corrections... Thanks... I love Costa Rica but after this, I apologize for venting... But, who do I report this too... This is what happened to me and my son... I want my Dog, THIEF! I don't care "ZERO Sh@ts" about walking away from a Property... I don't want to be neighbors with "ANYONE" like that person... "Do Not Let Anyone STEAL Your Energy"... Even Friends... or so called friends... People will "Rob" you blind... I let "My Dog" stay at my Property during the Pandemic because I took my son back to the states and couldn't return, and the person I was "renting from" decided that "My Dog" was her's... WTF!!! My dog was stuck in Costa Rica when the pandemic hit... I "LITTERALLY PAID THE PERSON" $$$ to take care of my dog, and I told this INDIVIDUAL, that "IF" the Pandemic doesn't end and I CAN'T GET MY DOG BACK TO THE US, I would have to leave her in Costa Rica... That's not the case... I can transport a dog and to make things WORST of All, My dog is SCARED to DEATH of Rain Thunder and LIGHTNING... It STORMS "9-Months" a year in Costa Rica... Yeah... Dog's that are "9-Years Old" only have "1" Master... It's Horrible for Tiny... When I got back to the Property, after the Pandemic ended, this Individual asked if I would be interested in buying 20% of the Corporation/Property... (Wehn this is all over, Wait till you hear her voice messages claiming to be "JEFFE, and I can't have ANYONE else do any work on my house unless she arragnes it-this is at the end of this weirdness, I am going to post them later, I think I might start doing start up, just on this... Hahaha)... Hahaha... I was like Yes! Absolutely, then I said "Tiny Can Be THE PROPERTY Dog"... NOT this Individual's! Bring this story to a Close... When me and my Son went to stay at "My House in Laguanas up the Mountain from Domincal, this "INDIVIDUAL" was Living in my House, with a Man she just met a couple weeks earlier, It didn't even RESEMBLE my House anymore, but to make things Worst is, this INDIVIDUAL had rented Her house out for $1,000 a month, while She was living in "MY HOUSE" for free... I had SERIOUS Concerns about my House and Property when I visited Domincal (Lagunas,) Lot #10 Alizan Estates in November to prepare for the upcoming SUMMER SEASON WITH MY SON... Anyhow, this INDIVIDUAL had a swimming pool Built on the side of the Hill that MY HOUSE was Built on... WTF!!! Then, I was Like WTF!!! I told this INDIVIDUAL... YOU DO NOT DO ONE MORE THING TO MY HOUSE!!! ZERO! By now, I'm like, this is beyond "INSANITY"... That cost me $2,500... YEAH... ME or MY HOUSE WOULD COLLAPSE... The foundation had been "DISRUPTED"... ZERO ForeTHOUGHT... She did NOT have an ENGINEER study the property NOR did she get a PERMIT... and I mean, she had ZERO forethought!!! Then, me and my son had to sleep on the floor/mattress on the floor, while her and her boyfriend were sleeping in MY BEDROOM... WTF!!! Then, I kicked BOTH of them out... Then, She attempted to "GASLIGHT" me saying I am crazy, mental issues, anger problems, etc... NOW- KEEP THIS IN MIND... This Person is ONLY a "FRIEND"... ZERO relationship... I haven't been with a Woman or in a Relationship in over 9 years... So, this isn't any type of Romantic "relationship gone bad"... This is a "THIEF" who, not only "took over my House" but STOLE MY DOG I have had her "WHOLE" LIFE... I Am "Furious" that someone who "KNOWS I have PTSD from the Afghanistan War and TINY IS MY PTSD EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG... Do You Really Think I'd Pay For My Dog To Have A Place To Live During The Pandemic...? I PAID THIS PERSON TO CARE FOR MY DOG, $600 a month, that's the going rate in Boulder, that's where I had lived, so it was fair, NOT A LICENSE TO OWN MY DOG, I tried getting my dog back as soon as I got back, actually She was supposed to get a dog, yeah, the guy came to her store, but never came back, "I have proof of paying for her to watch my dog, I sent the payments on paypal to Don Dicker (guy on 4 wheeler, navy veteran) her friend... I have PROOF... Why the F@CK would I then say, hey: My dog's yours! I didn't! It's weird... That's the "DUMBEST" sh@t anyone would think... She started telling everyone my dog was her's... $$$ to attract people to her store... PATHETIC!!! Since my PROPERTY has been "commandaneered" I let it go... I'm Out! I don't anything EVER to do with my property... Being around any human being on Earth that would "Act" like My PTSD dog is her's because she had a dream from a passed away relative saying the dog was hers... Bull Sh@t!!! More like "Intoxicated UNRESTED HALLUCINATING Brain"...Wrong Answer... This individual drank Alcohol Every Day... I don't even drink alcohol, but my property was full of broken beer bottles everywhere, it was ridiculous! I just looked at this person (you know who she is, "The Loud Mouth" on the Corner when you come into Dominical, I call her "Dumb-Donald" from Fat Albert now that I saw through her Lies and Deception)... Seriously, "If anyone ever told you MY Dog is Yours, They are Lying! Period! My Dog, TINY, is 100% a Nervous Wreck... It's Disgraceful... I don't know ANYONE on Earth who would take a Afghanistan War Veterans Emotional Support Dog... I will NEVER EVER go back to Costa Rica, especially Dominical, Costa Rica... My $$$ spends EVERYWHERE...I spent "LOT's" and "LOT's" of money in Dominical... I Refuse To Be STOLEN From by Ruth Alfara... WTF!!! THIEF!!! I love Tiny... She will Aways be in my Heart but I don't want to deal with any human being that would do this... Thankfully, Tiny loves the Beach... But, Costa Rica's is Tropical and it has a 9 MONTH raining season... It is PURE TORTURE for Tiny... I wanted to bring Tiny home but this weirdo acted like my dog was hers... I didn't want to argue or anything like that with this person because she does not listen and everything that this person doesn't like, she acts like its an attack on her integrity... Hahaha... I asked for a receipt for my property payment and she refused to give it to me... That's when I knew the "Scam" was on... Yep... Disgraceful! RA!!! 369 So Mote It Be! PS: this is kinda like, I don't know, call me old fashioned but if someone steals your house and acts like its theirs and then steals your dog and acts like it's theirs, I call that "Identity Theft"... but that's just what I call it... F@cken' Weirdo's!... My Facebook page is public, come see a couple pics of proof... The weird part is Ruth Alfara of (Ruth Dominical) does not pay child support to a 13 year old daughter and she says she'll wait to see her when she's over age so she doesn't have to pay money but she can afford dog food for my dog... PTSD Emotional Support Dog at that... Plus, she doesn't have a bank account nor does she pay taxes... WTF... I have the Evidence posted on my Facebook Page... It's a public page, come see the "Proof" for yourself... Now, what do I do? That's my question... Thanks...
Can I get a little help here and maybe some direction... I apologize for venting, but... This is what happened to me and my son... I want my Dog, THIEF! I don't care "ZERO Sh@ts" about walking away from a Property... I don't want to be neighbors with "ANYONE" like that person... "Do Not Let Anyone STEAL Your Energy"... Even Friends... or so called friends... People will "Rob" you blind... I let "My Dog" stay at my Property during the Pandemic because I took my son back to the states and couldn't return, and the person I was "renting from" decided that "My Dog" was her's... WTF!!! My dog was stuck in Costa Rica when the pandemic hit... I "LITTERALLY PAID THE PERSON" $$$ to take care of my dog, and I told this INDIVIDUAL, that "IF" the Pandemic doesn't end and I CAN'T GET MY DOG BACK TO THE US, I would have to leave her in Costa Rica... That's not the case... I can transport a dog and to make things WORST of All, My dog is SCARED to DEATH of Rain Thunder and LIGHTNING... It STORMS "9-Months" a year in Costa Rica... Yeah... Dog's that are "9-Years Old" only have "1" Master... It's Horrible for Tiny... When I got back to the Property, after the Pandemic ended, this Individual asked if I would be interested in buying 20% of the Corporation/Property... I was like Yes! Absolutely, then I said "Tiny Can Be THE PROPERTY Dog"... NOT this Individual's! Bring this story to a Close... When me and my Son went to stay at "My House in Laguanas up the Mountain from Domincal, this "INDIVIDUAL" was Living in my House, with a Man she just met a couple weeks earlier, It didn't even RESEMBLE my House anymore, but to make things Worst is, this INDIVIDUAL had rented Her house out for $1,000 a month, while She was living in "MY HOUSE" for free... I had SERIOUS Concerns about my House and Property when I visited Domincal (Lagunas) in November to prepare for the upcoming SUMMER SEASON WITH MY SON... Anyhow, this INDIVIDUAL had a swimming pool Built on the side of the Hill that MY HOUSE was Built on... WTF!!! Then, I was Like WTF!!! I told this INDIVIDUAL... YOU DO NOT DO ONE MORE THING TO MY HOUSE!!! ZERO! By now, I'm like, this is beyond "INSANITY"... That cost me $2,500... YEAH... ME or MY HOUSE WOULD COLLAPSE... The foundation had been "DISRUPTED"... ZERO ForeTHOUGHT... and I mean ZERO!!! Then, me and my son had to sleep on the floor/mattress on the floor, while her and her boyfriend were sleeping in MY BEDROOM... WTF!!! Then, I kicked BOTH of them out... Then, She attempted to "GASLIGHT" me saying I am crazy, mental issues, anger problems, etc... NOW- KEEP THIS IN MIND... This Person is ONLY a "FRIEND"... ZERO relationship... I haven't been with a Woman or in a Relationship in over 9 years... So, this isn't any type of Romantic "relationship gone bad"... This is a "THIEF" who, not only "took over my House" but STOLE MY DOG I have had her "WHOLE" LIFE... I Am "Furious" that someone who "KNOWS I have PTSD from the Afghanistan War and TINY IS MY PTSD EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG... Do You Really Think I'd Pay For My Dog To Have A Place To Live During The Pandemic...? I PAID THIS PERSON TO CARE FOR MY DOG... Why the F@CK would I then say, hey: My dog's yours! I didn't! It's weird... That's the "DUMBEST" sh@t anyone would think... She started telling everyone my dog was her's... $$$ to attract people to her store... PATHETIC!!! Since my PROPERTY has been "commandaneered" I let it go... I'm Out! I don't anything EVER to do with my property... Being around any human being on Earth that would "Act" like My PTSD dog is her's because she had a dream from a passed away relative saying the dog was hers... Bull Sh@t!!! More like "Intoxicated UNRESTED HALLUCINATING Brain"...Wrong Answer... This individual drank Alcohol Every Day... I don't even drink alcohol, but my property was full of broken beer bottles everywhere, it was ridiculous! I just looked at this person (you know who she is, "The Loud Mouth" on the Corner when you come into Dominical, I call her "Dumb-Donald" from Fat Albert now that I saw through her Lies and Deception)... Seriously, "If anyone ever told you MY Dog is Yours, They are Lying! Period! My Dog, TINY, is 100% a Nervous Wreck... It's Disgraceful... I don't know ANYONE on Earth who would take a Afghanistan War Veterans Emotional Support Dog... I will NEVER EVER go back to Costa Rica, especially Dominical, Costa Rica... My $$$ spends EVERYWHERE... I Refuse To Be STOLEN From... WTF!!! THIEF!!! I love Tiny... She will Aways be in my Heart but I don't want to deal with any human being that would do this... Thankfully, Tiny loves the Beach... But, Costa Rica's is Tropical and it has a 9 MONTH raining season... It is PURE TORTURE for Tiny... I wanted to bring Tiny home but this weirdo acted like my dog was hers... I didn't want to argue or anything like that with this person because she does not listen and everything that this person doesn't like, she acts like its an attack on her integrity... Hahaha... I asked for a receipt for my property payment and she refused to give it to me... That's when I knew the "Scam" was on... Yep... Disgraceful! RA!!! 369 So Mote It Be! PS: this is kinda like, I don't know, call me old fashioned but if someone steals your house and acts like its theirs and then steals your dog and acts like it's theirs, I call that "Identity Theft"... but that's just what I call it... F@cken' Weirdo's!... Ruth Alfara, Ruth Dominical, owner of the clothing store there, she doesn't pay child support, nor have a bank account and doesn't pay taxes... How she paying for dog food for "MY PTSD Emotional Support Dog as I Am a AFGHANISTAN WAR"... Who does this?
Schwab is a great way to go. I use them myself. Letting folks know about a company that provides great service and can save you money isn't advertising for them... it's called giving good advice.