Digital Media for International Readers
Tired of paying a fortune in shipping or freight forwarding to get your book orders? Do you need larger print because your eyesight is not as good as it used to be? Disappointed at the paltry selection of books available at the local English language books stores? Welcome to the age of digital media, where [...]
Outstanding Bank Interest Rates in Costa Rica
Would you like to earn an outstanding interest rate while profiting from the continued devaluation of the United States Dollar? Rates for one-year certificates of deposit at the Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica have surpassed 10 percent in Costa Rican Colones (CRC), and top 2.5 percent for deposits U.S. Dollars (USD). The return [...]
IRS: Real Estate in Foreign Corporation Subject to Special Tax Rule
Do you use a Costa Rican corporation to control a home or other real estate in Costa Rica? If you did not declare it on IRS Form 8938, then your 2011 tax return might have violated the United States federal tax code. The important questions to ask are, did you indicate a foreign residence on [...]
Free iPhones from ICE Very Expensive
Using a cell phone or smart phone in Costa Rica has never been more popular. Thanks to private competition the prices and services have improved dramatically. While the market is strongly regulated there is no rule against selling more service than a customer actually needs. Those who sign up for long-term contracts in exchange for [...]
Internet TV without Regional Restrictions
Watching Internet television in Costa Rica does not require a computer, and with the right setup you can watch Netflix, Hulu and Amazon without any computer, using just the television and the Internet television device. The end result is sitting comfortably in the living room with a big screen television and a remote control. There [...]
Pleading Poverty in the CCSS Interview
Foreigners who apply for residency in Costa Rica are required to join the “voluntary” medical insurance program administered by the social security fund (CCSS). The requirement has been in place since May of 2010. Application for enrollment is required at the point where the foreign person receives a resolution of their residency application from the [...]
