Costa Rica is expensive. If you are looking for a budget holiday in Central America, go next door to Nicaragua or the Caribbean side of Mexico. I’ll tell you, the Caribbean is hot, humid, and the bugs are huge. Here on the northwest side of the country, the Pacific side, you do not have any of that. Plus it is safe and clean for the solo traveller. Nicaragua is very close to here. When visas expire, folks hop a bus to the border, cross and return all in 5 hours. Funny, how this works.Most of the people I’ve met do this instead of going for legal residency which could take 6 years.
There are exceptions, of course. BE old like me, buy property, buy a car, and open a bank account with the national bank. Show you have steady income for the remainder of your life and can support yourself. Why doesn’t America work this way????
I’ve spoken to many Tico’s and they all say the same thing. It is very difficult to obtain a visa for the US unless they marry. CR and it’s people are so peaceful, the US would rather import middle easterners. I swear I will never get this. Enough political speak…
Renting a car is probably going to be your biggest expense and biggest hassle. I recommend Dollar rent a car if someone is coming to visit. They’re fair, easy to work with, and have new vehicles. I returned my car today. It was $740 US for two weeks. You can rent a 2 bedroom condo for $400 a month, near the beach. I had to rent another car today and asked for a deal. They will work with you if they know you live here and have used them before. As the high season begins to wind down, it will become much cheaper for everything but groceries and food. I don’t drink, so I cannot say what alcohol prices are.
I’ve learned to control my frustrations here. The tico’s will not tolerate rudeness or disrespect or demands. The term ugly American comes to my mind when I think of how we are perceived in other countries. Don’t be flashy, blend in. I hope my temperment holds when I get home, I mean my mouth. Doubtful, but always a chance. It is amazing what a smile gets you. Helpful, nice, peaceful people. In the town I live currently, is run over by Canadians. While I’m home, I will try to figure out where I want to be.
Headed south tomorrow on my days off to explore the Punta Arenas area. It’s more jungle, but on the Pacific and I’ve heard great things about it. But, I do remember the NatGeo special on the fellow from Alaska who was killed walking from the Caribbean to the Pacific through the jungle near that area. I’m going to Jaco Beach, another surf town and check it out. Because the rain forest is near, it’s not too difficult to find cooler temps.
Post more tomorrow from Jaco Beach, just a two hour drive. Yeah,sure. It will take me all day perhaps. Maps are not much help at all!!
Out of the snow and into the heat 