Relocation Guidelines
We will try to offer you some tips below that will make your relocation to Costa Rica a smoother one.
Container for Personal Items vs. Buying them in Costa Rica
;There is an on going debate between expatriates about which is the best way to move to Costa Rica. Expatriates here are divided about 50 / 50 regarding shipping vs. buying furniture and personal possessions. We consider it best to bring things that are of sentimental value, special art work, things that cannot be replaced or hard to get here. The furniture and basics can be purchased here.
Shipping a Car vs. Buying in Costa Rica
A car will be somewhat less expensive if you ship it here, including taxes and shipping, if you are very patient and know what and how to do it.
Telephone Service
You will need to be a resident to have a phone under your name or have a corporation known as an Sociedad Anónima and have the phone number under the corporations name.
Cellular Service
You can also rent a cellular phone line from someone who has a phone or cell phone and use it as the owner. Cell phone service covers the whole country although some do not have good coverage in certain areas, in Costa Rica TDKM and GMS system phones work here. Some cellular phones from the USA work here and some don´t, so it is important to check this out before arrival.
Electrical Service
The Costa Rican Electrical Institute known as ICE is still a state monopoly which covers electricity and the phone business and telecommunications in general. Electricity has good coverage throughout the country and is very inexpensive and fairly easy to get connected. This can be done at any ICE office throughout the country, there is one in every town.
Internet Services
Service can be connected through phone lines or cable, the best service seems to be ADSL which is high speed internet and has unlimited use, does not block your phone line when using it because your phone line will be split, just one straight fee starting at about $35 per month, plus a reasonable deposit. International roaming is available here as well as telephone cards.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets are very close by, there are large supermarkets as well as small grocery stores nearby most any where. You can find most imported products at the large supermarkets which carry products from around the world.
Weekly Markets (Ferias)
Farmers Markets known as ¨Feria del Agricultor¨ usually go on during weekends in most towns, this is where you can get fresh produce straight from the people who grow them at very low prices.
Used Furniture and Appliances
Can be found at garage sales and certain people who import used appliances from the states. Wood furniture is very well manufactured in Costa Rica and many good strong woods are used as well as many typical designs are used.
European Furniture
European style furniture can be custom made at some of the well known shops according to your specifications and sometimes from a picture. European furniture may be purchased at some of the upscale furniture stores.
Apparel Stores
There are many modern malls and clothing stores through out the country, hand made apparel can also be done at very low prices. Lingerie is very good here, but if you have favorite things to wear, stock up and bring with you.
Bamboo Furniture
Bamboo furniture can be found in many towns and is reasonable in price.
Prescription Drugs
Many medications can be bought without a prescription and the ones that need prescriptions can be given by a private or hospital doctor if you need it. Pharmacies or Farmacias can be found easily through out the country. Prices are usually less than in the United States.
English Book Stores
English book stores are found in downtown San José and some of the towns where foreigners live such as Escazu, Rohrmoser, Heredia, Grecia, Sarchi, Villa Colon, Alajuela, and the beach towns.
Construction companies
There are several which can be found all over, the larger ones are usually more expensive than small ones and choosing one depends a lot on the size of the project and the references you can get for them.
Past times
Dancing and Karaoke singing, town fairs, carnivals and parades, horse shows, motor cross, Orchid shows, art exhibits, theater, new movies and sport tournaments are very common and favored both by
Costa Ricans as well as expatriates.
Bringing Pets To Costa Rica
You need an approved health certificate for the pet which we can
provide, the veterinarian completes it and returned before 30 days, to return
the pet to the country of origin, the person must also do the same
procedure.
Only morning flights are available for pets arriving in Costa Rica
because customs closes at 4:00 p.m.
Continental is the only airline with the special service for pets.
Health Certificate from a local veterinarian should state that the
animal is disease free.
The pet will need a rabies vaccine between 30 days to a year before
traveling.
Confirm a seat on the plane for the dog, buy a portable kennel fan is a
good idea.
You should also take a kennel fan if possible, which can be bought at a
local pet shop.
All prices shown on this web site, subject to change without notice.
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