I get several emails a day asking me all kinds of questions about Costa Rica, traveling to Costa Rica and moving to Costa Rica. I found myself saying the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be wise to put this together and share it on my blog.

FORUMS
Much of what you’re probably looking for will be included in this posting. But if not, check out the following forums to ask your questions. Many of the people using those forums have been living in Costa Rica a long time and have lots – if not all – the answers you’ll need.

ARCR
Discovery Press
Costa Rica Living

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Real Costa Rica is a great website with tons of information about moving to Costa Rica and living here as a resident.

Gobierno Digital (Digital Government) is a portal to more than 300 online services in Costa Rica. This is truly an amazing website. There is TONS of information here. The only thing is...it’s all in Spanish.

The ARCR, Associated Residents of Costa Rica, is an amazing organization. They help their members with any questions they have about Costa Rica – and do so in a very friendly manner.

Among their many services are:

• Legal resident applications and file updates, identity card renewals.
• Services in areas such as investments, real estate (including appraisals) and banking.
• Assistance with shipping and customs.
• Referrals for legal, tax and accounting assistance.
• Assistance in dealing with various government departments in Costa Rica.
• Two different group medical plans.
• Group insurance for automobile and homeowners.
• All types of insurance available in the ARCR San Jose offices.
• Inexpensive international mail courier service to the US postal system in Miami, Florida.
• Vehicle & property title searches, company searches, credit checks.
• Photocopy, translation, fax, mail delivery and Internet services.
• FREE email account that provides stable and reliable service anywhere in the world.
• Discounts on a wide variety of goods and services.
• Work permits for foreign domestic staff.
• Subscription to "EL RESIDENTE" magazine.
• Many social activities and Adventure trips for networking and fun.
• Access to Costa Rica Asistencia (Auto Club Road service program like AAA)

Probably the best thing they offer though is their monthly seminar. Find out more about what it is like to live in Costa Rica, and how to go about getting things done here.They invite professionals from each field to share their knowledge and expertise with you. Hear what they have to say and ask them the questions you have not found the answer to, such as:

• Costa Rican Laws and Regulations
• Banking in Costa Rica
• Health System in Costa Rica
• Moving and Customs
• Buying, Selling or Renting Real Estate
• Insurance in Costa Rica
• Title Guarantee
• Living in Costa Rica
• Technology, Communications and the Internet in Costa Rica

The seminar is held every last Thursday and Friday of all months, except December. And it only costs $20 for members! This includes lunch and coffee breaks. Non members only pay $45 and are reimbursed $25 if they join ARCR by the end of Friday.

GREAT BOOKS

Living Abroad in Costa Rica

The Legal Guide to Costa Rica

Lonely Planet Costa Rica

Choose Costa Rica for Retirement

TRANSPORTATION

• Grey Line Tours offers ground transportation to and from most popular destinations for pretty cheap. They offer discounts to children (50%) and senior citizens (10%).  Click on “Ground Transfers.”
• Interbus offers more destinations at about the same price as Grey Line.
• EasyRide will let you take your dog.

I have a couple of amazing people I personally use for transportation and who double as tour guides. They will pick you up from the airport and hold a sign with your name on it. It’s cheaper than a taxi and much more pleasant. They can also arrange full packages to transport you wherever you are going in the country and to guide you to the nicest places at the prices you’re looking for. Please contact me if you are interested in more information.

For information on public transportation, check out Costa Rica by Bus.

MAPS

I have two favorite maps of Costa Rica. One is online and the other is available from Amazon. The one from Amazon is a National Geographic Adventure map and is plastic-coated to help protect it from the environment.

• Maptak Online Map of Costa Rica
• National Geograpic Adventure Map

LINKS

Television Service

• Direct TV
• Cable Tica
• Amnet Cable

Groceries

• Hipermas
• Mas x Menos

Malls

• Multiplaza
• Real Cariari
• Terra Mall (Largest in Central America)
• Paseo de las Flores

Appliances

• Gollo
• El Verdugo

Farmacies

• Fischel
• Others

Mail Services

• Aerocasillas
• Jetbox
• Tico Shopper
• DHL Net Express (the one I use)
• ARCR Mail Services

Home Furnishings

• Yamuni   
• Cemaco
• Sheets and Towels

Phones / Cell Phone service

• ICE

Internet  / ADSL

• RACSA
• FAQ

Spanish Language Learning Programs

• ABC Learning - This guy, Allex, was my roommate when I first moved here. He’s a great teacher.
• Costa Rica Language Academy  - This is the school I attended.

Car Safety Inspection (required annually)

• Riteve -- Appointments can be made online. 

News Sources

• Tico Times Newspaper (weekly - print and online)
• AM Costa Rica (daily - online only)

Cheap International Calling

• Skype
• Enlinea

VOLUNTEERING

There are many volunteer opportunities here in Costa Rica as well. Here is a list of ones that I’m familiar with:

• The Bridge
• Funda Vida

If you have any information about things you think should be included on this list. PLEASE send them to me. I'd like to have the most complete and useful information possible to be able to share with people. Thank you!

April 03, 2006 in Costa Rica, Travel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (1)