Comments for usexpatcostarica.com

Comment on President Chinchilla Affirms Challenge of Crime in Central America by Timmy Sheilds

Timmy Sheilds — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 17:45:39 +0000

While i look at this show with older eyes, it isn’t really the dancing containing me in giggles…it does not take fashions. My goodness, we wore some wild and crazy shit in older days.He kinda reminds me of Ron Jeremy, but…less classy! Besides, it’s only marriage! Who within the hell takes that shit seriously?

Comment on AM Costa Rica Predicts Death of Social Media by Hosea Petrillose

Hosea Petrillose — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:41:59 +0000

I always thought Soul Train sucked because ALL of the performers Needed to lip sync. My parents utilized to watch Solid Gold and if i was bored I would watch that mess. But, I thought Arsenio was funny-ish.

Comment on Juan Rafael Mora Porras an Unlikely Hero by Garfield Tallada

Garfield Tallada — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:41:09 +0000

that just sucks. I thought the Soul Train LIne was the do-not-ever-miss part of the show ‘cos the chicks were sexy with looking like the hootchies today and also the guys were always stylin’.

Comment on Michael Dixon One of Several Missing Tourists in Costa Rica by Raul Clinton

Raul Clinton — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:40:59 +0000

Devastated. I didn’t miss a show, no matter where I was, for my entire childhood. Which was where we SHONE. Another dance show since only agreed to be trying to keep up.

Comment on Michael Dixon One of Several Missing Tourists in Costa Rica by Roger Mont

Roger Mont — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:04:40 +0000

there is a lot of people flying in Costa Rica that are professional scammers…use bites to get unsuspecting victims and make them dissapear, and they travel a lot short stays in one place and hard to pin down….

Comment on More Pressure on Perpetual Tourists by Renee

Renee — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:41:29 +0000

Well, this is all very interesting. My husband and I have been in CR for 3 years, we own a business here and have invested quite a bit of money here.. which we have yet to recover. We do not “fit” into any of the residential requirements for becoming a resident. Actually, if we could fork over about 10,000.00 to 15,000.00 it would look like we did fit into one of the 3 categories. Anyway, we are currently working on getting our residence but it ain’t easy bro. and with the money we do not have any more due to our business here, we certainly can not afford another 10 to 15,000.00 investment to attorney to get a residence. BTW. We have reported and paid all of our taxes both here and in the USA.. including a corporate tax in the US. (and now a corporate tax in Costa Rica) We have not made money here so we have not had to pay much but it is still expensive running back and forth, plus we have an accountant here and one in the USA which are both a large expense. We are in a tourist business, so we have provided CR with income and we hire locals to run our business..paying all the necessary tax and SS. We are not complaining about any of that, what would be terrible for us would be to be denied entrance into this Country because we have not been able to get a residence. So it is a bit scary. If we are guilty of anything it is stupidity and ignorance. We would like to just know that we can continue to come and go as we please. that’s all I have to say about that.

Comment on Michael Dixon One of Several Missing Tourists in Costa Rica by Pedro

Pedro — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:11:35 +0000

Has anyone looked into strains of parasites in Costa Rica and if Americans and Europeans are susceptible to any of these strains?

I know of a person who returned to the states after a trip to CR and lost his mind. He has since died. I read an article where a missing American tourist was spotted in CR, and he was unshaven and seemed to have lost his mind.

Just trying to connect the dots.

Comment on More Pressure on Perpetual Tourists by Chad

Chad — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:00:41 +0000

Great. The USA allows immigrants to ruin the economy and drain all the resources but if a white anglo US citizen wants to live in another country the road blocks are impassible. All the mexicans are driving around in brand new cars and trucks because they don’t pay taxes, insurance, and receive welfare for their 12 kids. Meanwhile a white male can hardly afford to eat. Wonderful.

Comment on Watch Cable TV from United States on Slingbox by satellitedirecttm's

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Comment on Police Clearance Letter for Residency by Endure

Endure — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:14:56 +0000

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Comment on Immigration Officers Are Taking Passports Now by Charlotte

Charlotte — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:37:56 +0000

It’s not only in Costa Rica even in my home country Gabon(west central africa) is the same thing, the immigration officer over there are very strict with the law on expatriates but the fact that many immigrants take things for granted in another man’s country like it always says that ”you can’t leave your own country and expect to settle in aother man’s country without proper residence requirement”. If you go abroad for tourism, obey the laws to avoid troubles. Sometimes this is the reason why i love to be in my homeland(Gabon) because of consequences like that.

Comment on Calling Costa Rica by Jack Plymale

Jack Plymale — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 02:41:09 +0000

Magicjack worked from here,Months ago.Now the called person answers and then they hear nothing from me.

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.