Costa Rica « Previous Entries

Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua: A Word of Advice

Friday, November 9th, 2007

There are many pieces of advice I could give someone who is thinking about relocating to Central America, but the main one is this: learn the language.
While it is very true that most people in Central America speak English, it is also very true that English is the second language, not the first. […]

Costa Rica Mail: I Hope You’re Not In A Hurry

Thursday, November 8th, 2007

Costa Rica has a pretty reliable Postal system, especially when you consider that the country has few street signs, many streets with more than one name, no house numbers, and people who think “just a little ways down from the blue house with the big tree in the yard” is a reasonable address to put […]

Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama. . . Great Tax Deals!

Wednesday, November 7th, 2007

American retirees and expats living in Central America often have questions about taxes. These are legitimate and reasonable questions.
In Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama, American retirees are GENERALLY not taxed on pensions, Social Security, and similar income earned in the States.
HOWEVER, the IRS insists that US citizens must file US tax returns, even if […]

Relocated in Costa Rica? Why Not Take A College Course or Two?

Monday, November 5th, 2007

Costa Rica has much more than just a near-perfect climate, breath-taking scenery, beautiful mountains, peerless beaches, friendly people, low cost of living, English language, American money, and inexpensive real estate.
Costa Rica also has a 96% literacy rate.
The educational system in Costa Rica is excellent. The typical schooling for a student ends with grade 11, […]

In Costa Rica, You Won’t Need That Wristwatch

Friday, October 26th, 2007

Many retirees who have relocated to Costa Rica are, at first, somewhat “discombobulated” by the difference in time concepts.
In the States, we live by the clock. We make and keep appointments by the clock. We wear watches so we’re never in the dark about what time it is. We are upset when […]

In Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Belize, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua: Every Retiree Needs A Wireless/Digital Picture Frame! Here’s Why!

Friday, October 19th, 2007

Even though much of Central America is undeveloped, one can usually find internet access within the distance of a short walk or drive.
For most American retirees who have relocated to any of the Central American countries - Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua, internet access is an important “must -have;” people […]

Relocating to Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua? Learn the Language!

Wednesday, October 17th, 2007

If you are planning, or even just considering, relocation to Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua, you will do yourself a big favor by learning at least a little Spanish before you move there.
Even though most of the Central American people speak at least some English, and most speak excellent […]

Costa Rica: Relax and Smell the Flowers

Monday, October 15th, 2007

Even though Costa Rica is as close to Paradise as you’ll ever get on this planet, it is still wise for a retiree who is considering a permanent move here to investigate the options thoroughly.
Laws are different in Costa Rica than in the States in many areas. Customs might seem so strange that some […]

Perfection in the Central American Countries: Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua

Friday, October 12th, 2007

Many retirees love Florida; the climate is warm and tropical, the flowers are lush and beautiful, the beaches are clean and very crowded, and everything is expensive.
Oops.
Very crowded and very expensive. That’s Florida, all right.
But many retirees are discovering that in Panama, and Nicaragua, and Mexico, and Costa Rica, and Honduras, and Belize, and […]

Relocating to Belize? Mexico? Panama? Costa Rica? Dominican Republic? Guatemala? Honduras? Nicaragua? SLOW DOWN!

Wednesday, October 10th, 2007

Planning to relocate to a Central American country to take advantage of the beauty, the prices, the incredible health care, and the lovely, friendly people?
It’s true: all of those things are there.
To be able to thoroughly take advantage of them and enjoy your new life in Central America, however, you must also do your part. […]

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