 Living in Costa Rica is a wonderful daydream, but without a practical plan to make income and earn a living, it remains just that - wishful thinking. Here’s the good news for all you 9-to-5’ers and corporate slaves out there: the dream is possible. You CAN travel or live anywhere in the world and take your job with you, still making money in the U.S. (or your home country) virtually. I’m not going to blow sunshine at you at tell you that it’s easy, as it may take a lot of research, planning, and hard work. But it IS possible to live your life by a beach, or on top of a mountain, in a foreign country and still make a living. They even have a name for these new virtual workers – Digital Nomads. Advances in technology and the prevalence of freelance job portals online like Fiverr.com, Freelancer.com, and Upwork.com have made working virtually easier than ever. In fact, people have been doing it for years, and a U.S. Census report shows that the number of people who work virtually or from home has soared by 41% in the past decade. The prevalence of virtual and online work has also set us free (geographically speaking) to live abroad or travel like never before, with an estimated 6 million U.S. citizens live overseas. I’m seeing more and travelers and expats working virtually from their laptops, making just enough money to keep their dream alive (especially in some countries where living expenses may be much lower), while others bring in $10,000 or even $20,000 or more every month working virtually. So, whether you are a stay-at-home mom looking for side work, a college student who wants to backpack around Europe and still make some money, or a 9-5 burnout who gives it all up and lives abroad to be a beach bum (like me), the dream is alive and well. In part one of this series, I covered 10 of the 50 virtual jobs you can do from the beach (in Costa Rica or anywhere you choose!). Here are the next 10 jobs you can do from the beach in Costa Rica: 4. Web developer This is one of the most common live-and-work-abroad jobs, and it does take a technical knowledge of web-building code and platforms, of course, but you can teach yourself or learn online. 9. Video producer and editor Produce videos for corporations, non-profits, or entertainers. 11. On-line post-secondary teachers There is a growing trend of online universities, colleges, and also high schools. Additionally, there are a lot of online teaching portals like Udemy. 13. Virtual tax preparer You can prepare those pesky income tax returns over your laptop. 15. Data entry Menial and unfulfilling, but who cares if you can do it by the beach? 20. Outside sales Many sales jobs can be done via the Internet, phone, fax, Skype, etc. and are based solely on commission. 27. Graphic artist Every company needs a logo, infographic, or other artwork. 36. Educational tutoring Tutor children in after school programs or learning centers, or college kids in specific subjects. 44. Accountant/Bookkeeper Manage the books and accounting for any business - from the beach. 50. Life coach Life coaching and the personal self-help industry is doing huge business, and what better mentor than someone living the dream from the beach in Costa Rica?! *** Please note that these are just a sample of the jobs you can do virtually, so by no means is this list exhaustive. Likewise, there are plenty of jobs you can pick up IN Costa Rica that are popular with foreigners, and many multi-national companies (like resorts!) located in the land of pura vida that are ready to hire.  You’ll find actual listings of these companies, more information on jobs you can do virtually, a special interview I did with the Founder of FlexJobs.com, tips on work visas, and other hacks in the Moving to Costa Rica Handbook's Special Report.
It's a tiny investment if you're serious about moving to Costa Rica but need to keep earning income! The Official Expat, -Norm :-)
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 How are you doing with your move to Costa Rica? I thought I'd check in with you this week and see where you're at with your move to Costa Rica. My intention when I wrote the Moving to Costa Rica Handbook was to provide as much information, value, and help as possible to folks who are considering making the move down here to the sunny and beautiful land of pura vida. So, the best way for me to do that is to get your feedback with this super quick survey. I promise that it will only take a minute or two and just by submitting it, you'll be automatically eligible to win a $25 VISA card in a random drawing! Thanks again - and if there's anything at all you'd like me to write about or help you with, don't hesitate to drop me a line! Your friend, The Official Expat, Norm :-)  When I first moved to Costa Rica, I noticed that daily life revolved around the beaches. We really don’t need much – just simple accommodations, local food and perhaps a cold Imperial beer or two. As long as we can hit the beach every day to swim, surf or hang out with friends, life is good. In fact, the beaches are packed first thing in the morning right at sunrise when everyone, young and old, takes strolls, runs, does yoga, walks their dogs and, of course, surfs. Again at sunset, there is a second majestic communal experience where everyone in town comes out to the beach to do it all over again. So which beach is the best in Costa Rica? Luckily, there isn’t one “right” answer, as there are so many beautiful beaches in Costa Rica that visitors have plenty to choose from. Do you like seclusion? Great surf waves? Wildlife and rustic nature? A great place to chill, swim, and eat for the afternoon? Or a party-like atmosphere on your beaches? No matter what, there’s a strip of sand (or ten!) with your name on it in Costa Rica. We’ll go over our list of best beaches in Costa Rica (although this is completely subjective) and also some hidden gems. Here is my list of best beaches in Costa Rica (in no particular order):  Manuel Antonio National Park • Four beaches within the park - Manuel Antonio, Playita, Escondito, and Espadilla Sur • Great surf surrounded by pristine natural beauty and white-sand beaches • Daily visitation is limited as two are free public beaches, so be sure to get there early, especially if you go during high season Playa Uvita • The “whale tale” is one of the most hidden beaches in Costa Rica • You can only walk out on the “tale” at low tide, as it’s submerged at high tide • Very chill palm tree-lined white sand beaches with waterfalls nearby • Paradise for hiking, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking Playa Tamarindo • One of the most balanced and beautiful beach areas in Costa Rica, with something for everyone – tourists, surfers, nature enthusiasts and partyers  Playa Tamarindo • Playa Tamarindo is a great long strip of beach, but there are some amazing smaller and more secluded beaches close by Playa Grande • Located in Las Baulas National Park • Great surf spot • Tide pools to explore at low tide • You can find nesting the endangered leatherback sea turtle • Across the estuary from Tamarindo and many people wade, swim or paddle across, but look out for crocodiles! You can take a local transit boat across for cheap instead Playa Avellanas • Great surf • Recommend stopping at Lola’s Beach Bar, which is named after a famous pet pig that hangs out around the beach Malpais, Playa Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa • Sits at the southwestern cusp of the Nicoya Peninsula, opposite Montezuma • Enough commercial activity to provide creature comforts, but still tranquil and authentic • Great surfing, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling • Scores of great beaches in the area Cahuita, Cahuita National Park • Caribbean white sand beach area east of the small town • Great coral reef for diving and snorkeling • The beaches along the western side near the main entrance to the park are often crowded, but you will find more tranquil coast on the east  Montezuma • Beautiful coastline with mangroves, estuaries and tropical forest • Visit Playa Grande and Playa las Manchas right outside of Montezuma • Great chill bohemian beach town with just enough nightlife • Located at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula opposite of Malpais • Montezuma Falls is a three-tiered waterfall nearby Playa Gandoca in Manzanillo Playa Gandoca-Manzanillo, Gandoca- Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge • Located within the wildlife refuge • March through April, (during the dry season,) is the best time to visit • Perfect spot for snorkeling • Great for dolphin and manatee sightings Cano Island, Corcovado Bay • Protected biological reserve ten miles off the Osa Peninsula  Uvita • White-sand, palm-lined beaches, and fantastic coral reefs • A must-see for nature lovers - tons of pristine wildlife, including dolphins and whales • Great spot for snorkeling and SCUBA Tortuguero • Caribbean beach near the national park famous for its rain forests and waterways • Toruguero is one of the most vital green turtle breeding grounds in Costa Rica • Large and diverse amount of rare birds, monkeys, crocs and fish here Playa Cocles, Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo • Surf town with a charming Afro-Caribbean vibe • Some of the best waves in Costa Rica • Awesome black sand beach, or playa negra • Beach bars and restaurants along the coast • Easy access to the nearby Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park More hidden gems among Costa Rica’s beaches: Playa Guiones, Nosara • Great surf spot • Very little development so bring what you need for the day Playa Virador,  Papagayo • The beach is public, but there are no facilities available to visitors unless you stay at the Four Seasons Playa Potrero, Guanacaste • Snorkeling, SCUBA, kayaking • If you choose to stay the night there, you can easily access the nearby Palo Verde Natural Reserve and Santa Rosa National Park for a change of scene Playa Arcos • Located in Marino Ballena National Park • Most easily accessed via La Cusinga Ecolodge, where you can find the start of a trail down to the beach • Surrounded by lush jungle Playa Ventanas, Ojochal • Located near the village of Ojochal, where you can get access to the beach by paying a few dollars to a local family to use their farm for parking • There are two sea caves near the beach that you can explore at low tide  Playa Barrigona, North of Sámara Playa Carrillo, South of Playa Sámara Isla de Caño • Located 10 miles off the Osa Peninsula • You can reach the Island by boat tour • Great spot for SCUBA and snorkeling Playa Cocalito • A short hike from Drake Bay through lush jungle • Great place for monkey sightings Papagayo Peninsula • Home to two of the best beaches, Playa Blanca and Playa Virador • The Four Seasons hotel controls access to both beaches, but they are technically open to the public if you are willing to hike to reach them  Islas Tortugas • Southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula • Warm, clear water • You can access the Islas via boat tour from Montezuma Playa Matapalo • Located between Manuel Antonio and Dominical • Gorgeous sunsets • Playa Ventanas (Playa Grande) • Located just north of Playa Grande Punta Uva • Near Puerto Viejo, five miles west just off the main road • Less development and tourism than Puerto Viejo • Gorgeous coral reef Esterillos • Located between Manuel Antonio and Jacó • Very little development Ostional • Located on the Nicoya Peninsula • Rarely visited • Here you can find mass nesting sites for sea turtles between August and November • Playa Biesanz • Located in Manuel Antonio in Punta Quepoa • The beach can be reached by a short trail near the Hotel Parador • Less touristy than the other beaches of Manuel Antonio  If you want to discover Costa Rica's beaches, the best places visit, and the top locations for expats, check out the Moving to Costa Rica Handbook!
-Norm :-)  I keep getting emails from all of you awesome folks asking about healthcare in Costa Rica. This week, that conversation goes in-depth with health insurance options for expats. The great news is that Costa Rica has a fantastic healthcare system that's accessible to locals and foreigners alike (in part). And more and more people are going down to Costa Rica just to get a procedure or surgery, which would cost them way too much or be impossible to get in the U.S. (Canadians have that covered!) Even if you’re not an official resident and therefore don’t qualify for Caja, you have other options for great healthcare in Costa Rica. Many expats and visitors opt for a combination of Caja, private pay and also keep their U.S. health insurance coverage to patch together the best possible medical coverage. Here are a few other options outside of Caja: INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) INS offers medical insurance autonomous of Caja. It’s a group plan offered by the Association of Residents of Costa Rica. It’s a government- run private plan (you’ll never see that in the U.S.!) that is available to legal residents or non-residents who pay into the system. If you sign up with INS, you’ll have access to about 200 affiliated doctors, hospitals, labs, and pharmacies throughout Costa Rica. However, it does have a limit of $17,500 per year for treatment costs and does not cover pre-existing conditions or routine check-ups. INS pays out 80% of the cost for prescription drugs, examinations, doctor visits, hospitalization and treatment and 100% of surgeons’ and anesthetists’ fees. The costs for NIS range from $60-$130 per month based on gender, age, and other health factors. International health insurance policies: If you’re not yet a resident of Costa Rica or will be going back and forth to the U.S. or traveling to other countries frequently, you might want to check out your options with international health insurance. There are a handful of companies that offer insurance plans that will cover you anywhere you go in the world – including Costa Rica. Unlike the INS option that has an annual premium cap of $17,500 and excludes preexisting conditions, most worldwide health insurance plans cover up to a $2 million up to a $5 million lifetime limit. The premiums might be a little higher than you’ll pay with INS or Caja, but they usually cover far more and offer greater flexibility. Just bear in mind they may reduce your premiums if you specify that you’ll only need coverage in certain countries. For instance, most of them will still cover you when you go back to the U.S. (we exclude Canadians from this conversation because they have their health insurance all set up!) as long as it’s for 30 days or less. Plans do differ so check out some of the biggest international health insurance providers like Bupa International Insurance. None – be your own insurance company: With the sky-high cost of medical treatment in the U.S., it’s ingrained in us that we need a health insurance plan at all times to cover our medical needs. However, some expats choose not to carry medical insurance in Costa Rica at all. Instead, the logic goes that they can just save the cost of the monthly premium in their own savings account, and have it there to pay for any private medical care if needed since the cost of health care is so reasonable in Costa Rica. While I’d still never recommend going without some major medical plan in case of serious accidents, sudden sickness, and hospitalizations, but for expats who are in great health and have significant savings as a safety net, this is a viable option. Again, I wouldn’t recommend this long term and maybe look at travelers insurance or something temporary so that you have base coverage on your way to establishing residency and Caja. U.S. based health insurance: Some U.S. citizens that move to Costa Rica choose to keep their U.S. based health insurance coverage, whether that comes from Medicare, our government-run healthcare system, from a spouse, or an old employer. They may pay out of pocket for basic care in Costa Rica like doctor’s checkups and dental cleanings, but then go back to the U.S. for more major care or procedures. If you have affordable health insurance – maybe subsidized with credits so the monthly premiums are low – you may want to keep this option and just get annual medical care taken care of when you make the trip back to the states periodically. But, for most expats that don’t have affordable care taken care of back home, this might not be a great long-term choice.  The healthcare conversation is SO important for expats or visitors in Costa Rica, and I have lots of great, invaluable information for you in the Moving to Costa Rica Handbook!
-Norm :-)  Costa Rica may be known for its perfect beaches and sunny climate, but the wildlife is even more remarkable in the Central American nation. Despite being only the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 different species, making up an astounding 4% of all the plant, insect and wildlife species on the entire Earth! In recent weeks, I introduced you to sea turtles, howler monkeys, toucans, and the famous three-toed sloth that you'll find down south. Today, I'll highlight six more cute, cuddly, and cool animals and species that you'll encounter in Costa Rica!  Spotted dolphins Off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in places like Golfo Dulce, divers may catch a glimpse of the rare and beautiful spotted dolphin, or Manchado del Pacifico in Spanish. They are found all over the world in tropical and subtropical waters, as far as China, Japan, India, New Zealand, and also in the Gulf of California and Mexico. Spotted dolphins have a patch of dark skin below their dorsal fin that’s covered with white spots, and dark spots flecking their white underbelly. These majestic creatures gather in huge groups of 1,000 dolphins or more in deep seas and swim so fast that they often keep up with fish boats, playfully jumping in the air and crossing in front of and behind the boat. Spotted dolphins can live up to 45 years. But too often, large numbers are killed by fisherman, intentionally or unintentionally, or by ocean pollution.  Iguanas Costa Rica has several species and types of iguanas, including the Green Iguana, which can get up to six feet long! But despite their size, they’re not dangerous to humans, eating only plants, insects, and small animals (unless you force yourself onto a nest, in which case the mother might whip her tail at you, which can cause some damage). Black Iguanas are full herbivores, and Costa Ricans call them garrobos or gallina de palo – which translates to ‘tree chicken’ in English – because their meat is said to taste like chicken. In Costa Rica, you’ll also see plenty of smaller Geckos climbing up walls, across ceilings, eating mosquitos and pesky insects, and making their signature amplified chirping noises that often perplex first-time visitors.  The Great Tinamou Considered one of the oldest lineages of birds in the world, the great tinamou has an interesting trait that allows them to survive in the Costa Rican jungle among so many predators like snakes, jaguars, and others. The tinamou’s rare practice that ensures their evolutionary survival has to do with how they reproduce. These birds lay bright green eggs, which easily attract other tinamou to their nest. Since this species in polygynadrous (multiple males mate with multiple females), other males and females lay their eggs in the same spot. Soon, there are so many eggs piled up that even though predators eat roughly 75% of all tinamou eggs, there is no way they can eat them all, and the species lives on.  White-Headed Capuchin Monkey These are some of the most intelligent and evolved animals on earth, actually using tools, weapons, and other implements from their environment to get food. They’re also one of the only animals to use natural medicine, rubbing certain plants over their bodies in what appears to be a use of herbal medicine. White-Headed Capuchin Monkeys live in groups of 40 or so and have an astounding life expectancy of 54 years. White-Headed Capuchins are easily spotted in most of the National Parks in Costa Rica.  Ocelot Ocelots are nocturnal cats that populate every country south of the U.S. except for Chile. They’re about twice the size of an ordinary housecat, ranging from 38 to 60 inches long and 20 to 35 pounds. Since they are lighter than other large cats like pumas, cougars, mountain lions, etc. and have huge paws, they’re great at climbing trees. Once hunted for their furs so much that they were listed as a vulnerable species, ocelots have replenished their numbers and now are frequent in Costa Rica – though their habitat, like many animals’ – is shrinking because of commercial development.  Cocos Finch When biologist Charles Darwin embarked on his legendary voyage throughout the Americas, he documented 14 species of finches – birds that were later named “Darwin Finches.” Of those 14 species, 13 lived in the Galapagos Islands, but only one species lives elsewhere; you guessed it – in Costa Rica. In fact, the rare and beautiful 14th species of finch inhabited the island of Cocos off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The Cocos finches were remarkable because, unlike most finches that evolved sharper or different-shaped beaks to eat specific diets, these finches ate just about everything front nuts to crustaceans. Since their island was so small, they had to eat whatever food sources were available, on the island, which still doesn’t have human settlers living there.  I hope you enjoyed these cute and cuddly critters, but don't get too comfortable out in the wild in Costa Rica.
In fact, there are a whole lot of exotic, dangerous, and even deadly animals, from crocodiles to poisonous frogs and more. I'll highlight them in a future blog or you can discover the flora and fauna of Costa Rica extensively in the Moving to Costa Rica Handbook! -Norm :-)  Most people visit Costa Rica or even move there for the tropical weather, nice beaches, and laid-back, sunny lifestyle. But there's another compelling reason to head down south to the land of pura vida: healthcare. In fact, Costa Rica has a fantastic healthcare system that's accessible to locals and foreigners alike (in part). And more and more people are going down to Costa Rica just to get a procedure or surgery, which would cost them way too much or be impossible to get in the U.S. (Canadians have that covered!) Here is what you need to know about medical procedures in Costa Rica: Medical tourism in Costa Rica: More and more people are visiting Costa Rica for elective surgeries, including cosmetic procedures. In fact, last year it’s estimated that more than 100,000 foreigners visited Costa Rica for medical procedures. Costa Rica is most popular among medical tourists for cosmetic surgeries, knee and hip replacements, heart surgeries, and cosmetic dentistry, among others. There are a host of clinics and options, but you’ll probably want to stick to the well-established bigger medical facilities in or around San José. When it comes to plastic and cosmetic surgery, you’ll find that Costa Rican doctors are world-class, with the latest laser technology and skilled in the newest procedures and treatments. Prices for cosmetic surgery are probably 1⁄2 or even 1/3 what you’d find in the United States. If you’re heading to Costa Rica for a procedure, remember to leave a couple of days before the surgery to relax and get acclimated, and book a week or two (whatever the doctor recommends) at a nice resort or hotel to recover afterward before you have to fly home. It will still cost far less than in the U.S., all travel expenses included! Typical Costa Rican Medical Costs Here are some estimates for typical medical costs in Costa Rica, compared to U.S. prices and with the percentage savings. These are only estimates, and you can get more accurate pricing by contacting the appropriate hospital in Costa Rica. Procedure/Cost in U.S./Cost in Costa Rica/% savings: General procedures:
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery:
General and Cosmetic Dentistry:
Visiting the dentist in Costa Rica: Dental procedures are covered by Caja, but for those visitors or expats who don’t yet have residency and access to the nation’s nearly free healthcare network, there are still plenty of great options for dental work. In fact, dental clinics and small offices are abundant, especially in cities and communities that have a large foreigner, tourist or expat population. Some of these clinics may not look like anything fancy from the outside. However, you’ll usually find that they are spotlessly clean and up to date on modern technology and equipment. It’s also easy to get an appointment as a walk-in, and they’re often more thorough than U.S. dentists because they’re not as pressured to keep an eye on the bottom line in Costa Rica. I used to coordinate my biannual cleanings with trips to Playa Coco, where I found a great dentist and got a filling and crown there for about 1/10 the cost of what it would be in the U.S. Even dental lab work and dental surgeries are high quality and cost effective; another reason Costa Rica is an increasingly popular destination for medical tourists from up north.  More questions about medical care, moving to Costa Rica, or anything else?
I've got you covered with the #1 resource in the WORLD! The Official Expat, -Norm :-)  Google and the other search engines receive hundreds of thousands of inquiries about Costa Rica every day. A while back, I shared the first five of Google's top-10 queries (with my answers), and here are the final five: The top 10 Google queries about Costa Rica (#5-10): 6. Do they use U.S. dollars in Costa Rica or do I need to change money? These days, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in almost all areas that foster tourism in Costa Rica, including hotels, restaurants, airports, etc. ATMs usually give you the option to take out U.S. dollars, which you can then spend and receive local colones as change. But most people don’t need to hassle with changing money before they go or even when they get there. If you do change dollars to colones, do so at a bank or your hotel, but never on the street or with a freelance moneychanger. 7. Should I fly into Liberia or San José airport? Both airports are great and offer many unique advantages depending on where you plan on visiting. The majority of travelers still fly into SJO – San José’s International airport – because of its central location and accessibility to the east or west coast. But more and more vacationers fly directly into Liberia airport, in the northwest corner of the country in Guanacaste Province, which is where popular Tamarindo is located. It’s best to plan your destination in the country first, and then start searching for airfares and routes to the appropriate airport based on that. 8. What does “pura vida” mean? Pura vida is a Spanish phrase that translates to “pure life.” It’s the Costa Rican national saying, used as a hello, a goodbye, a how are you doing, and also to express the chill, sunny, mellow vibe that people feel when they visit the country. 9. Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica? U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica, only a valid U.S. passport (make sure it is still good for at least six months after your trip) and proof of a plane ticket to exit the country. Residents of the U.S., Canada, Australia, France, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, and many other countries do not need a visa, and can enter and stay for 90 days as a tourist. But it’s a good idea to check with your embassy or the Costa Rican consulate just to make sure. 10. What’s the best place to book hotels/vacation houses/tours/package deals/transportation to Costa Rica? The best way to ensure that you end up with the best vacation in Costa Rica is simply to contact a credible local tour operator. (I can suggest some I know and trust). They can advise you on the best and cheapest flights, arrange transportation from the airport and to and from your hotel, set up tours around the country, arrange plenty of activities, and even arrange a rental house or condo instead of a hotel.
 Once you move to Costa Rica, will you have to pay taxes on income in your new home country? But wait; do you still need to pay U.S. taxes (assuming you’re from there)? What if you’re living in Costa Rica but working virtually, still earning a foreign paycheck? How about taxes on social security and other forms of income? And will all of this change if/when you become an official Costa Rican resident? Ay Dios mío, there are some serious questions you need to answer when it comes to paying taxes in paradise. Your body, mind, and soul may reside in Costa Rica, but for the sake of paying taxes, you’re still a citizen of your home country. That’s typically the scenario when United States citizens move to Costa Rica, or anywhere abroad. No wonder many expats look for jobs in Costa Rica where they can earn wages “under the table” or in cash so they can avoid paying a large U.S. tax bill (not that I endorse that!) If you become a Costa Rican citizen you will have an additional tax obligation there. Here is the exact verbiage from the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/u-s-citizens-and-resident-aliens-abroad Beyond that, the tax rules and codes, both in Costa Rica and the United States, are far too complicated for me to try and give you sage advice here. The best I can do is urge you to consult with a CPA or professional tax preparer that has some experience dealing with taxation issues for expats abroad. Don’t take tax advice from online forums, rumors, or the word of other expats. Always seek professional advice on taxation issues. That being said, there are some general rules we know about taxes in Costa Rica: Costa Rican citizens enjoy the fact that there is no wealth or inheritance tax in the country. • Sales tax is currently 13% (the equivalent to VAT) • Sales tax is levied on all goods except for food, medicinal products, and a few other items • Gasoline carries an additional tax • Income tax and social security run at 10% - 15% for both depending on income level Taxes on property sales: • Transfer of property title is approximately 2.75%, including transfer taxes and attorney’s fees • Property tax ‘impuesto terretorial,’ annual - 1% of assessed property value (about 10 - 40% of market value) goes to the city government • Certain areas have additional taxes for trash collection and street maintenance • Capital gains - NONE Additionally, for U.S. expats it’s important to know that the IRS taxes all income made worldwide. So you won’t be easily avoiding paying taxes back in The U.S. just by physically relocating to Costa Rica. The good news is that you may be able to avoid paying double taxes on income you earn in Costa Rica and then again to the IRS. You may be able to avoid double taxation thanks to the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (IRS Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ) and Foreign Tax Credits (IRS Form 1116). You may qualify to exclude from income up to an amount of your foreign earnings that is adjusted for inflation ($91,400 for 2009, $91,500 for 2010, $92,200 for 2011, $95,100 for 2012, $ 97,600 for 2013). You can exclude or deduct certain foreign housing amounts - Housing Exclusion (IRS Form 2555) or Housing Deduction (IRS Form 2555). But, you must file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service to qualify for these benefits. There are caveats, qualifiers, and exclusions, of course. So, once again, the best advice I can give you is to consult a certified tax planner that has knowledge and experience in helping expats. If you want to further inform yourself, I’ve heard The Complete US Expat Tax Book is a great resource. I’ve lived in Costa Rica or abroad for ten years now, and still file and pay my U.S. taxes every April 15 as if I was still residing in the states.  Want more information about taxes, insurance, medical care, housing, and just about everything else you can think of concerning moving to Costa Rica?
Check out the Official Expat's Moving to Costa Rica Handbook. -Norm :-)  Whether you're heading down to Costa Rica for a week's vacation, a month to start scouting out your big move, or finally pulled the trigger on a one-way ticket and officially are an expat, you'll first have to get to Costa Rica - and that usually entails an airline ticket. However, the price of tickets can fluctuate wildly, from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand bucks during the holidays and busy season. So, I wanted to put some tools and resources in your hands for finding the best (ok, just cheapest!) airline tickets to Costa Rica! 1. Use reverse searches If you are flexible with which days you can travel, a lot of cheaper airfares may open up for you. There are several travel search engines that will allow you to search by destination without putting in a hard date. • Adioso.com • AirfareWatchdog.com • Kayak.com • SkySkanner.com 2. Travel off-season Costa Rica, like many countries in tropical climates, doesn’t have set winters and summers like up north. Instead, they have a dry season from approximately late November through April and a rainy season from May to November. If you don’t mind some clouds and a little rain mixed in with sunshine, it can actually be cooler (but still plenty warm) and far less crowded, meaning cheaper flights, hotels, etc. 3. Let the travel sites do the work There are some great Internet search sites out there that will do all of the work for you. Even better, register a search to a certain destination or below a certain price, and they will give you automatic email alerts. I like: • CheapOAir.com • Kayak.com • FareCompare.com • BudgetAir.com 4. Check the airline websites directly Search engines are great, but also search directly on the airlines’ websites. They often offer private deals or promotions that the search engines can’t access. Increasingly they are running cheap deals on social media sites like Facebook, so it’s worth it to Like their page and check in. 5. The best time to search for tickets Did you know there are up to 10 different ticket prices on the same flight? So how do you get one of the cheap seats? Timing is everything. Airlines release their new weekly fares on Mondays, so at Tuesday by 3 pm their competitors have released their deals, making it the exact time to search. Studies show that the cheapest time to book is 49 days before your departure, or 81 days ahead of time for international flights. Interestingly, flights booked 200 days or more in advance are more expensive, and last minute flights may be cheaper, but the seat availability is extremely limited. If you are flying during the holidays, start searching 10 weeks ahead of time. If you’re headed to a non-vacation destination, shop on a weekend – it will save you 5%. 6. The best time to fly The majority of air travelers want to fly on a Friday or Sunday, so you’ll find the best deals available for flights on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. Flights at the crack of dawn, at dinnertime, or red-eye flights over night are cheapest. 7. Follow the airlines on social media Almost every airline has a social media page, at least on Facebook and Twitter these days, and often release specials and limited time deals that aren’t publicized elsewhere. Like or follow a few airlines ahead of time so you can track their updates. 8. Book a package deal Booking a package usually drops your airfare into the leisure travel category, saving you money. Arranging a ticket for your hotel, rental car, and airfare together may give you access to lower prices on internet search engines, and travel agents can be helpful when it comes to these bargains. 9. Ask for organizational discounts Contact any organizations, unions, or membership sites you belong to, like AAA, AARP, unions, Veterans groups, or even Sam’s Club or Costco, as they may offer bulk discounts. 10. Sign up for frequent flyer miles and points Always register to earn frequent flyer miles and keep track. Confirm with the booking agent and at the check-in counter to make sure they credited you your miles, and once you get home check to make sure they were registered. 11. Use a credit card that offers award points of frequent flyer miles Some of them are great but only give you miles on one airline. I have a Chase Sapphire card (they don't pay me anything to give them a shout-out!) that allows me to accumulate points for all flights, hotels, rental cars, or even restaurant meals. I run all of my bills through it but pay it off every month, and the result is that I get at least two free flights every year. 12. Factor the airline’s luggage policy into the total price When booking a flight, ask about their luggage policy. Slightly cheaper tickets for your family does no good if you are paying $50 each for baggage. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, airlines make over $3 billion in baggage fees alone every year! 13. Call back the next day to see if the price went down After you book your flight, call back the next day, within 24 hours, to check if the fare went lower. Most airlines have a policy where you could cancel and re-book for the lower fare within 24 hours without penalty. 14. Check the airline websites While it’s convenient to go to one website and search for the best fares among all airlines and schedules, you can often find specials or the best deals on the airline’s own website. So do a little research but then cross reference with the airline. 15. Call and chat with a representative but then book online I love getting an actual human being on the phone from the airline or travel websites because they can guide you and offer their tricks, tips, and vast experience. But if you want to book over the phone there’s usually a service charge of $15 to $50. So to save money, call and chat to identify what you want and then thank them, hang up, and book online.
 Once you move down to Costa Rica, you'll probably realize quickly that transportation is a key issue. In fact, you'll feel fairly isolated and "stuck" if you don't have a vehicle to get around, whether it's adventures at local beaches or just to the market during the rainy season. So, today I want to bring you some great facts and tips about buying and registering a vehicle in Costa Rica, as well as the pros and cons of importing your car. The pros and cons of importing a car to Costa Rica I get emails all the time from people who want to drive down to Costa Rica. Number one, I wouldn’t recommend that because it can be extremely dangerous going through Mexico and the southern route until you get to Nicaragua. Secondly, although people want their own cars, it just doesn’t make financial sense. It’s almost always better to buy (or even rent) a car in Costa Rica rather than importing your own car because of the sky-high import taxes. The tax for importing vehicles into Costa Rica is 52.29% for models that have been released in the last three years. But in Costa Rica, a car is considered new for tax purposes for up to three years after it was placed on the lot for sale, no matter what its mileage or condition. The Ministerio de Hacienda (Treasury) regulates the value of imported cars and other vehicles the same way that Kelley Blue Book does in the U.S. – based on make, model, engine, and other features and accessories. However, in Costa Rica, mileage and mechanical condition aren’t taken into consideration for this tax process! Import taxes for cars that are 4-5 years old are 63.91%, and cars older than 5 years must pay an import tax of 79.03%. Buying and owning a car in Costa Rica Owning a car is very expensive when you consider maintenance, insurance, and gas, which is stable now (over $4 a gallon as of 2018), but can get expensive. But if you want to buy a car, check out pricing and find local sellers search http://crautos.com or http://www.encuentra24.com The best places to buy cars are: • In and around San José and Grecia • The best deals are found when you buy directly from the owner • Get to know the local expats and you will likely find one when someone leaves • One of your best resources for buying and registering a car in Costa Rica is: http://ticotimes.com/costa-rica/buying-a-new-used-car • Ideally buy from a dealer or a private seller • Either way (especially if privately sold,) have the car inspected by a competent and trustworthy mechanic before you sign the papers Inspections are done at one of the many specially constructed locations around the country. They were built and are operated by a Spanish firm that won the contract to perform motor vehicle inspections. Understanding reteve or revision technica: • When a car is inspected it is given a decal on the windshield, which needs to be valid in order to avoid a ticket • Once a mechanic completes the inspection certificate (which is then renewed every year for older cars and every two years for newer cars,) you can get the obligatory limited liability insurance, marchamo, at the MOPT (Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes) or at any number of private locations, including all public and most private banks • The only insurance required is the marchamo, an annual “liability insurance” fee that every car owner must pay • To avoid a fine, marchamo must be renewed annually from November 1 and December 31 • The fee depends on the condition and year of the car, and the driver (age, driving record, etc.) which costs around $200 • You have to have this up to date because police are always looking for cars without marchamo sticker
More notes on car ownership in Costa Rica: • Remember that outside San José, parts can be extremely hard to find! • Try to purchase a model where you know parts are easy to get and it’s easy to fix – or very reliable. • If you need work done or parts, it might make sense to order them from San José or even go get them yourself! • There is no AAA and it’s easy to get stranded way out in the countryside if your car breaks down. • In the provinces, roads can be really rough, with flooding prevalent in the rainy season. • For that reason, many expats prefer a SUV or pickup truck. It might be a good idea to get one fitted with a “snorkel” to keep the engine safe during the rainy season • Chains on tires and towing winches/lines are a good idea, too. • Always carry a spare tire and your own tools.
The (Costa Rican) Rules of the Road Expats, foreigners, and visitors who plan to drive in Costa Rica should be aware of the laws and rules of the road. One important thing to know is that if a foreigner is involved in an accident, the Costa Rican government may prevent the driver from departing Costa Rica until all injury claims have been settled, whether or not the driver is at fault or covered by insurance. This process is often delayed until courts are certain of the damage and responsibility. Travelers renting vehicles should make sure to have theft insurance that will cover them completely, always park in secure lots (and tip the parking attendant beforehand!), and never leave anything visible inside the car – whether it’s valuable or not. Note that individual, unlicensed “parking attendants” are everywhere. Often, a local guy or old man just throws on a fluorescent-colored vest and a whistle and become the unofficial parking police for a certain area! Remember that although they may offer to park your car or assist you with finding a spot, it doesn’t ensure that it is a legal spot - your car may still be ticketed or towed. It’s best to pay these guys a little bit. If you DON’T pay them, you’ll often be amazed to find your car broken into, damaged or something missing when you come back! I usually let them know I’ll pay them well WHEN I get back to the car and it’s in good condition and safe.
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