Comments for usexpatcostarica.com

Comment on Costa Ricans Encouraged to Destroy Firearms by Cy Bolinger

Cy Bolinger — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:02:36 +0000

Thank you for this article. The Costa Rica Ministry of Public Security seems to completely discount the fact that Costa Rica has an ever increasing crime rate that is rampant on streets and in home invasions.
Cy Bolinger, published journalist

Comment on Immigration Officers Are Taking Passports Now by Blammo

Blammo — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 02:02:28 +0000

Still lost ?
Go say hello to the empires terrorists in Limon. ?
They await your bleating.

Comment on Social Media Trumps SPAM by Cy Bolinger

Cy Bolinger — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:31:23 +0000

This is all too true. I have been a Facebook participator for two years and find that most of what you say about social networking is on the money. Suffice it to say, Brodell has many other problems with AM Costa Rica that are larger than his e-mail address spam. He needs to start doing real reportage and stop writing "fluff" and carrying too much advertising. Also, he is tiring readers with uninteresting columns by people who repetitively write about personal experiences and are boring to readers. I personally know Brodell's journalistic background and he is now willing to be an underachiever. The advent of Facebook has changed a lot of us who view e-mail as being taken over by the hucksters –ad infinitum.

Comment on Social Media Trumps SPAM by Cy Bolinger

Cy Bolinger — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:15:45 +0000

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by Just a Gringo

Just a Gringo — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:35:49 +0000

Whoah, this all sounds a little scary to me. I am way overdue on my tourist visa. This government here makes no sense at all to me!

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by WisconsinGal

WisconsinGal — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:28:32 +0000

Hmm you said soon. I bought a house here in Escazu two years ago with the plan on retiring here. I have an excellent attorney, but the Costa Rican government has yet to process my application and my paper work, which they often lose, keeps expiring every 6 months costing me much $. Good luck soon may never come. As for welcoming all you need to do is illegally cross the border to the USA and you have free health care, schooling and free lunches for your kids, food banks, work, goverment benefits, of course now with the excpeption of Arizona who is trying to do something about the crime unlike here. If I could sell my house I would leave and go back in a heartbeat. I love Ticos, but witnesses saw the people that broke into my car last year and stole everything they could out of it and did thousands in damage. The police took a report and know who the people are, but they have yet to be arrested as they are related to the police. I think you somewhat naive when it comes to the current situation here.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by Walter Evans

Walter Evans — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:01:14 +0000

We are from So Cal and just like the Bostonites we received only 30 days on entry into CR last week. We planned on staying 2 months. After hearing about all the breakins, muggings, robberies, cars stolen, hijackings, police corruption, and people being released if arrested right back into the population is unsettling. Crime high prices and only 30 days upon entry for Americans due to incompetency of migration and the CR gvot. We got just 30 days despite a return tictet for 2 months later. Another couple we met came in a few days ago and received 90 days. Obvious the immigration @ SJO dont know what they are doing. We called Continental & leaving next week. We are in Manuel Antonio & are afraid to go out at night from hearing about all the crime. It is sad as we love this country but this will be our last trip for some time. I feel bad for the Ticos and the expats that employ them. As for entry into the US we had friends from Italy come a few months ago & they had no problems in there one month stay here from customs. So facts need to be set straight about foreign people visiting the US, we have thousands of foreginers come in daily to So Cal with no problems with tourist visas.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by Jane Doe

Jane Doe — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:27:58 +0000

Perhaps they're not happy because the U.S. is making it almost darn right impossible for Ticos (or people from most any other country) to even visit the U.S.????

It's sad for the Costa Rican people though as word has been getting back to the U.S. about how people from the U.S. seem to be the main ones targeted these days as well as even worse – how unsafe it's gotten in CR & that rarely is anything done about it (making it very different from the crime that happens elsewhere in the world) & I'm hearing a LOT of people (not just from the U.S.) deciding to NOT visit Costa Rica now, let alone MANY that were considering moving here now choosing other options.

It's the PEOPLE of CR that are already starting to suffer by all this negative publicity & that "cutting off your nose to spite your face" mentality that will bring CR to it's knees.

We also get to remember that only people from the U.S., Canadians & I believe also Europeans are the only ones granted a 90 day Visa in the first place. I believe most of the other countries only get 30 days visas so perhaps we can be more grateful of that (in the past at least).

NOW more than EVER, this is a time to work/come TOGETHER!!!!

Comment on Urban Sanctuary Symbol of Fading Faith by John Dungan

John Dungan — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 12:30:39 +0000

And, that is why I asked my question. Our little church is always full, and I am aware of a number of religious orders, with other chapels and churches in this rural area. In addition to what Suanne pointed out, there is even a new church under construction in a nearby village, so I have to question any reports that the Catholic faith is in decline here in Costa Rica.

Comment on Urban Sanctuary Symbol of Fading Faith by Suanne Miki

Suanne Miki — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 23:38:30 +0000

I live in Palmares where the Catholic church is crowded even at the doorways on Saturday and Sunday 6 p.m. masses. I find the radio station has prayers in early morning and do find the people constantly thanking God for their new days. So here Christianity is alive and kicking.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by Bostonite

Bostonite — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:01:44 +0000

http://www.usexpatcostarica.com/2010/05/immigrati...

Upon further reading this is link to a previous article we read this morning. Cannot undestand why Costa Rica is wanting to make it so hard. Many say they want the illegal Nicaraguans out, but it certainly looks like us gringos from the good ole USA are now being targeted too. I travel all overy the world and a copy of your passport is ALWAYS sufficient and it is recommended by tour agencies that you DO NOT carry your original around due their black market value. From what I see the govt. here is trying to get more money to their own detriment from expats and tourists. What an attractive appeal that gives to Americans wishing to visit and live here.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by Bostonite

Bostonite — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:48:55 +0000

o we have to go to La Uruca. We probably will just go to Panama for a few days to do some shopping and not come to Costa Rica next year or until the goverment eases up on this. We find this quite incredible and disturbing as we are retired and have limited funds for vacations. We have talked to others here who have the same problem when coming into the international airport. Seems to be random. Some get 30 day visas some 90 with no explanation. Do you or anyone know why, and just for our information how long does it take to process an extention of a 30 day visa based on what you know. We see no rational reason for just giving us 30 days. Thanks.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by expatcostarica

expatcostarica — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 06:11:22 +0000

From what I have heard the extension might apply in your case because you only received 30 days upon entry, but it is a difficult process at the immigration office in La Uruca.

For what it's worth, based on what you have said here the way you were treated was definitely unfair and not in the best interest of Costa Rica.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by Bostonite

Bostonite — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:19:39 +0000

Well this will probably be our last trip to Costa Rica. We came in last week for our usual 6 week vacation in Costa Rica, which we have done annualy for years. We have return tickets back to Boston which were shown upon our entry. We had not planned on going to another country or paying money for extentions, but depstie our protests the immigration clerk at SJO would only grant us 30 days instead of the usual 90 days. So we are now face we three choices pay for the extension and hope we get it time, take are risk and do nothing, or three go to Panama for a a few days. What is going on here?! Anyone interested in subleting a timeshare on Jaco Beach for 2011? Is this because of this new law? No one seems to know or care.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by expatcostarica

expatcostarica — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 01:01:18 +0000

I agree John, complying with local law is an important part of being an expatriate.

It is however worth noting that the legal situation has changed rapidly in a short period of time. Practices that were common place for decades are now subject to strict enforcement. Also complying with the law is not easy because the system still has many problems.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by John Dungan

John Dungan — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:56:17 +0000

well, gee…….you broke the law…..what did you expect? And, please, don't say you were not warned.

Comment on Urban Sanctuary Symbol of Fading Faith by expatcostarica

expatcostarica — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:23:12 +0000

John, you are right it is my opinion that church attendance is in decline. This is a worldwide trend, and based on my own observations I believe Costa Rica is not an exception. I will, however acknowledge that the problems and low attendance in general at Soledad might have more to do with its location in the center of the city and being outside of the suburban population center.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by Kelly B

Kelly B — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:13:01 +0000

I was leaving for the USA & was 2 weeks over my 90 days & they refused to let me get on my flight took my passport & gave me a green paper to go the migration office. The 1st visit I was initially told by the friendly migration officer there would be no problem 4 trips & a month later, the female head of the dept. told me I was being deported for 5 years for overstaying my tourist visa & said I have been coming in & out of CR on a USA passport for over 3 years & that by overstaying this time I am living in CR llegally. I too appealed, have a lawyer and pray. It terrifies me. I do not have the $ to apply for residency & and have put all my $ into a share in a hostel on the coast which I run & employs Ticos and generates lots of money for CR. What is going to happen to our hostel if they kick me out of CR for 5 years?? I tell you what if they deport me and I lose this appeal I will be seeking residency in a country that has an easier process & costs much less money, e.g. Panama. I think the CR govt. is shooting themselves in the foot by cracking down on perpetual tourists and making it such a long and extremely expensive process now to get residency status.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by expatsanjose

expatsanjose — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:38:44 +0000

Yeah tell that to the migration police who I am fighting to stave off a 5 year deportation for overstaying my 90 visa by only 6 days. I have had to spend hundreds on an attorney and they gave me only 5 days to appeals after 5 visits to the migration police and finally had to sign the deportation order on the last visit or leave immediately. Those were my choices.

Comment on Independence Day Celebration on Sunday by American Colony Com.

American Colony Com. — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:04:19 +0000

Thanks for the great Google map – we've added a link to it on the American Colony site. La Nacion also has an interactive map which can show routes to take from anywhere in the country, although it's a bit challenging to use. The Autopista exits to the Cervecería exits are shown here: http://bit.ly/cqt5lA. For a route map, at the top left of the page click on "comó llegar" and enter your town first and, for the destination, enter "Cerveceria De Costa Rica Heredia" – then make sure the result is set to "map" rather than "satellite".

Comment on Urban Sanctuary Symbol of Fading Faith by John Dungan

John Dungan — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:57:24 +0000

Are you saying that attendance at Sunday Mass is off to a significant degree? I didn't see any reference to that, and I – as a Catholic – would consider that to be much more significant than what is happening around the place during the week.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by expatcostarica

expatcostarica — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:59:51 +0000

I agree, the United States does not provide much of a warm welcome for the average Costa Rican. Despite all the recent changes to the law, Costa Rica in general is welcoming to America.

Comment on English Language Media Blindsided by New Residency Law by Alice Lee

Alice Lee — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:09:32 +0000

I came because I like this country, its people, the constitution, the health care, the education system and the lack of an army since 1948. . All this was done by and for Costa Ricans, without our help and in spite of our helping the dictators in SA & CA. I came as a tourist, then was an uninvited guest., Now I am a pending resident and soon I will be a legal resident. Ojala, eventually I will be a citizen.
I think of how my native country treats immigrants like me, and I cringe. I am embarrassed when I see how many of my compatriots behave while they are guests here. I have been lucky; I have tico friends, gringo friends, a 12 step program and am learning Spanish. Contrary to popular gringo opinion, 'they' do not need us, 'they' kindly welcome us and treat us like family. Do we do the same?

Comment on Laura Chinchilla, Sex and the Internet by Patricia

Patricia — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 09:13:40 +0000

Prosecutors chasing craigslist are just being lazy and unjust. Craigslist is simply a message board.

Comment on Laura Chinchilla, Sex and the Internet by sunnyboy

sunnyboy — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 03:17:12 +0000

I agree with John. As long as demand is there, supply will find its way to meet the demand. Its pointless to blame craigslist. If they stop CL, there are a million other ways to post advertisements online. Or one way may be to block off the internet , close down the likes of Del Rey, post policemen around all massage parlors (anyway they are useless in curbing crime) and then let the working girls and their dependents starve to death….

Comment on Calling Costa Rica by jaxlaw1999

jaxlaw1999 — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 18:49:03 +0000

Great, thanks for the feedback.

Comment on Calling Costa Rica by expatcostarica

expatcostarica — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 16:28:59 +0000

You should bring your smartphone and try to use Skype while connected to the WiFi. Since your soon is using skype also it should all be free.

If that doesn't work because the connection at the condo is bad then just buy one of those "Pura Vida" phone cards and a backup for making international calls.

Comment on Calling Costa Rica by expatcostarica

expatcostarica — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:49:30 +0000

I expect you plan to access the Internet with your droid via free WiFi networks, presumably the one located in your hotel. If this is the case then you just need the Skype phone application, which may now require a Skype Mobile account. The problem is that Internet quality depends much on your hotel. The 3G network in Costa Rica is not as good as in the United States, and it's probably very expensive to use it with your U.S. based plan. Have you looked into 3g roaming rates in Costa Rica?

Comment on Calling Costa Rica by jaxlaw1999

jaxlaw1999 — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:19:57 +0000

I am going to Costa Rica for the month of July. I have a Droid and have Skype Mobile on it. Does anyone know if I should Skype purchase "Online number" or "Skype to go number"? Also, my son will be in Europe the same month and he also has Skype on his Droid. What do I need to do to not waste money?

Comment on Police Clearance Letter for Residency by expatcostarica

expatcostarica — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:57:08 +0000

My understanding of this letter is that immigration wants to be sure you are not currently wanted for prosecution. People have told me that they were briefly questioned for prior convictions at the time of their application, but I have never met anyone who was denied.