This Week In Costa Rica - Expats Living, Working, And Traveling In Costa Rica

This week I start delving into the options for folks to have medical and dental procedures performed in Costa Rica. Medical tourism is a growing industry, and with so many affordable options in Costa Rica, it’s little wonder why so many Americans are making it their first option.Robert Clarke joins me to talk about having good health insurance while having your procedures done, and the variety of options available not only to you, but to your travel companion as well.Next up is a great conversation with Tim and Viki from Costa Rican Medical Care. Costa Rican Medical Care began in spring of 2008. With health care costs sharply increasing in the U.S., the principals used their experience with Health Savings Accounts to look for lower-cost alternatives through medical tourism and discovered Costa Rica as a premier destination, close to the U.S. and Canada and offering quality care. Part 2 of our Medical Tourism programming with be next week!For more information about this program, or to become a guest or sponsor

This week I welcome back Shannon Enete, author of Becoming An Expat: Costa Rica. Shannon and I discuss her latest travels, returning to the U.S. and upcoming books from her publishing house, Enete Enterprises. Be sure to check out: Becoming an Expat - Ecuador Learn how to live in the most affordable country in South America!   We'll teach you if Ecuador is right for you, and how to save money through your transition into a life abroad. Learn about immigration, moving with pets or kids, earning an income abroad, shipping containers, and much more.   Becoming an Expat: Thailand Coming October 2014 Learn what the fuss is about with the fastest growing expat destination. Becoming an Expat Thailand will teach you what it's like to live in one of the most affordable places on earth, if Thailand is right for you, what each region has to offer, educational options, retirement, healthcare, snow-birding, and how to earn a living, in a refreshing, easy to read, tell it as we see it, style.     The Becoming an Expat™ gui

This week I spout off on a recent article from Kathleen Peddicord at Live and Invest Overseas listing the 11 places not to retire overseas. As a personal friend of Kathleen and her team, I can speak well to their thorough research, authority and expertise. Has Costa Rica fallen to such a low level that it is no longer an attractive destination for American retirees?   Dan Stevens of the Costa Rican Times joins me this week to discuss:   1. This past weekend’s Festival de Gaspar (Tropical Gar Festival) in Caño Negro 2. Whale Migration Season and the upcoming Dolphin and Whale Festival in Ballena Bay 3. A New Recycling Program in San Jose Malls 4. Cen Cinai Jaco and it’s monthly beach clean up in Jaco   For more information about this program, or to become a guest or sponsor, please write in at info@thisweekincostrica.com   Thanks for the support of our wonderful sponsors; Robert Clark Insurance, Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic, and Outlier Legal Services.  

This week I’m happy to be back from a short stint in the United States. Catching me up on the latest in Costa Rica is Dan Stevens from the Costa Rican Times to cover the new tourist overstay fine, hotel and rental owners needing to keep immigration records of guests, the thermal plant spending blunders, and the unfortunate fraud apparent in the national scholarship fund. Next up, Andrew Woodbury joins us to talk about cutting your teeth with English teaching in Costa Rica before taking your experience abroad. A nice palaver on the glass ceiling for expats operating business here in Costa Rica, some talk of repatriation, and more round out a fun show. For more information about this program, or to become a guest or sponsor, please write in at info@thisweekincostrica.com   Thanks for the support of our wonderful sponsors; Robert Clark Insurance, Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic, and Podfly Productions LLC.  

This week I welcome author Nadine Pisani to the program to talk about the ups and downs of expatriation and living in Costa Rica. About Nadine: How many times have you heard someone say I’m quitting my job and moving to an island? I did…sort of. I moved to Costa Rica, and although it is not an island I did find my own paradise. I’ve been bitten by a bullet ant, slept with scorpions between my sheets, and hiked into a cave where a frisky crocodile was waiting for me.  And you know what?  It is still better than a day in the office. puravida (at) happierthanabillionaire (dot) com You can follow me at:   Facebook: www.facebook.com/happierthanabillionaire Twitter: www.twitter.com/happierwithless Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/107761930256927050460 You can also find Happier Than A Billionaire on Instagram and Pinterest. You might like what you see! For more information about this program, or to become a guest or sponsor, please write in at info@thisweekincostrica.com Thanks for the support of our wonderful

This week I’m pleased to have in studio Rafael Vavlerde from Outlier Legal Services to clarify some of the laws regarding driving in Costa Rica on a foreign license. Many expats are in process for residency and are stuck in a limbo whereby they need to exit the country to renew a 90-day visa in order to drive. This clearly causes unnecessary headaches and expenses and Rafael is here to talk about what can be done. Dan Stevens from the Costa Rican Times joins me to talk about: Jorge Luis Pinto quits as Sele coach Organic Farming in Costa Rica Delay in building to the MOIN terminal Why people leave Costa Rica For more information about this program, or to become a guest or sponsor, please write in at info@thisweekincostrica.com Thanks for the support of our wonderful sponsors; Robert Clark Insurance, Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic,Croc’s Casino and Resort, The Costa Rica Star, Global TESOL College, and Podfly Productions LLC.

This week I’m pleased to have in studio Rafael Vavlerde from Outlier Legal Services to clarify some of the laws regarding banking in Costa Rica for foreigners. Dan Stevens from the Costa Rican Times joins me to talk about:   Costa Rica entering into Petro Caribe Police shooting at president’s house CSS given contract to fraudulent company? Trash Problem in Costa Rica and Recyclining in Jacó   For more information about this program, or to become a guest or sponsor, please write in at info@thisweekincostrica.com Thanks for the support of our wonderful sponsors; Robert Clark Insurance, Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic,Croc’s Casino and Resort, The Costa Rica Star, Global TESOL College, and Podfly Productions LLC.

ORN’s OWN COREY COATES – PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND HOST OF “THIS WEEK IN COSTA RICA” JOINS MICHEL & ASHLEY Corey Coates, Program Director for the Overseas Radio Network – The exclusive online radio network created by expats for the expatriate community (and home to the “Ecuador At Your Service” radio program) – will be the featured guest on “Ecuador At Your Service” this week. Corey, who is also the host of his own ORN show, “This Week in Costa Rica,” tells us all about living and working in Costa Rica and about his experiences at the helm of Overseas Radio, as well as the future of Internet radio and podcasting. . Tune in for this lively and informative show that hints at a big announcement for Overseas Radio. Stay tuned!!! For more information about this program, or to become a guest or sponsor, please write in atinfo@thisweekincostrica.com   Thanks for the support of our wonderful sponsors; Robert Clark Insurance, Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic,Croc’s Casino and Resort, The Costa Rica Star, Global TESOL Col

Taking things a bit easy this week, Dan Stevens of the Costa Rican Times and I lay back and chill for this episode, sharing opinions and stories of the various places we’ve lived in Costa Rica. Making a decision to move to this country is ripe with opportunities for both success and failure. Due diligence and prudent scouting can make all the difference when choosing to call Costa Rica home. Some of the news items covered in this week’s episode include: Jose Maria Figueres mission for marine rehabilitation, the recent World Cup soccer loss to the Netherlands, the new electricity rates set by ICE, Bill Clinton’s push for solar power development, and the journalism program developments at the CRT. For more information about this program, or to become a guest or sponsor, please write in atinfo@thisweekincostrica.com Thanks for the support of our wonderful sponsors; Robert Clark Insurance, Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic,Croc’s Casino and Resort, The Costa Rica Star, Global TESOL College, and Podfly Productions LL

This week I’m joined by Dan Stevens of the Costa Rican Times to discuss the Costa Rican soccer team reaching the quarter finals, an update on the parking meters in Jaco, repairs the road Calle Hermosa, another sad real estate fraud case, and bus services stepping up their customer service. Next up, author Margot Page joins me to talk about her latest book, Paradise Imperfect: An American Family Moves To The Costa Rican Mountains. From her website, Margot self-describes herself as “A traveler who struggles with the truth of her relative wealth. I’d rather fall on a knife than write a thoughtless-privileged-white-girl book. This isn’t easy as I am white, privileged, and frequently (I am sorry to say) thoughtless. When it comes to doing something valuable and meaningful, I try with middling success to act more, whine less.” We had a great conversation ranging from her experiences in Costa Rica with her wonderful family, values and life lessons learned, and a wide variety of topics that happen when two gringos ju

This week Corey covers getting medical insurance for residents and travelers via Robert Clarke Medical Insurance. As a user of the services himself, Corey speaks directly to his personal experiences using the service and interviews Robert Clarke himself. Robert addresses questions from listeners to the radio program on:   the benefit of having private insurance in addition to the CAJA which hospitals in the USA honor the coverage if this medical insurance covers tourists traveling to Nicaragua and Panama if there are family and/or group plans available   This week Corey also speaks with Dan Stevens of the Costa Rican Times on the 2 World Cup wins by Costa Rica’s soccer team, La Sele, the parking meter conundrum in Jaco beach, and the new Solis administration seemingly working for good.   For more information about this program, or to become a guest or sponsor, please write in at info@thisweekincostrica.com   Thanks for the support of our wonderful sponsors; Robert Clark Insurance, Anti-Aging and Wel

This week we welcome Captain Paul Watson of The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to the program. Dan Stevens and I spoke with Captain Watson about his early days in Greenpeace and eventual founding of Sea Shepherd. In addition to the standard interview fare, we were of course eager to get the Captain’s take on: His current legal situation in Costa Rica and his appearance on Interpol Red List Sea Shepherd’s interest in murdered conservationist Jairo Mora Sandoval What he is asking the new President D. Luis Guillermo Solis to do for Sea Shepherd and for Costa Rica What the public can do to help his situation legally in Costa Rica The 2012 shark finning ban signed by Ex-President Laura Chinchilla with Sir Richard Branson on hand. The Kathy Tseng victory in her shark “spining” case. And much more… To get involved in Costa Rica, visit Sea Shepherd’s Costa Rica Facebook Page. For more information about this program, or to become a guest or sponsor, please write in at info@thisweekincostrica.com Thanks for the su

This week I had the pleasure of speaking with Arun (Ernie) Nagratha, CPA, CA, CPA of Trowbridge Professional Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors to discuss Canadian taxes for expats and those living abroad.  Some of our questions and topics include: I understand Canadians can be seen as non-residents.  What is a non-resident for tax purposes, how does this effect my citizenship or legal status in Canada? What criteria does one need to met to become a non-resident? What if there is a tax treaty between Canada and the country I go to? How does that impact me? What type of tax return is filed if you intend to become a non-resident? Do Canadians need to pay tax on foreign earned income abroad if one does not become a non-resident? How are Canadians taxed on their assets such as investments in Canada while living abroad? Can Canadians continue to use their Canadian bank accounts after expatriating? What if I live abroad and want to own property in Canada, can I? What if I rent it out what implications does it

This week I respond in part to a popular email about cost of living in Costa Rica. Many to move to Latin America in hopes of big savings and lower expenses. However, any expat will attest that this is entirely dependent on lifestyle choices and what you are willing to give up from back home. Should you be willing to adapt to the way of life in your new country, then it is entirely feasible to live for much less than in the U.S. or Canada.  That said, most find quickly that they may be giving up much more than they hoped. Next up, I rang up Dan Stevens of the Costa Rican Times currently vacationing in beautiful Tamarindo.  We talk about the new jade museum, changes to tax laws, and how statistically Costa Rica consumes more alcohol per capita than other Central American nations.  Further talk about cost of living with Dan enforces the earlier point of making lifestyle choices being the key element of budgeting and succeeding abroad. For segment three I was pleased to meet Costa Rica Traveler Magazine co-founde

This week is all Dan Stevens from the Costa Rican Times and he and Corey spend a nice hour having a palaver like two grumpy old gringos.  Topics today include: - Import Taxes on Vehicles- Judge in Limon Arrested- Driver’s License Renewal at the Bank- Costa Rica Internship Program- Overcoming demons Thanks for the download and be sure to check out our sponsors: Robert Clark Insurance, Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic,Croc’s Casino and Resort, The Costa Rica Star, Global TESOL College, and Podfly Productions LLC.

This week Corey and Dan of The Costa Rican Times speak on: The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) would like to have a single global standard by which countries share tax information. The Russia’s ambassador in Managua verified that Russia would like to construct a military resupply base in Nicaragua. The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) announced that the UN allocated $3.7 million to the conservation and sustainability of 11 protected wetlands in Costa Rica. Drug traffickers transported 2,500 kgs (about 5,500 lbs) of cocaine inside a container of pineapples, from Costa Rica to Algeciras in the southern region of Spain. Interview: Rebecca Clower of Blue Water Properties of Costa Rica Since 2003, I have worked as a Licensed Realtor in Tampa, Florida and currently live in Costa Rica and own a Real Estate & Property Management company called Blue Water Properties of Costa Rica with our main office located near Playa Conchal in Guanacaste. Our tour agency, Blue Water Adve

Tune in this week to get a sneak peak at the Relocation Rally coming to Costa Rica!  This incredible experience brings a fresh approach to learning how to relocate to a new country with a full-day rally race through San Jose!  For more information, sign up early to be considered for entry into this amazing opportunity. Dan Stevens from The Costa Rican Times chimes in with his take in the real life Terminal, new dog fightinglaws, and the unfortunate death in the Tarcoles river. Corey shows you a way to get a FREE Spanish class by innovative online teaching institute Learned By Me.  Michael Frank explains the founding of this company and its premise of brining online classes to those needing to learn a new language in a comprehensive and convenient way. James Richie from the Anit Aging and Wellness Clinic of Costa Rica.  The Anti Aging and Wellness Clinic is your number 1 choice for anti-aging and medical tourism in beautiful Costa Rica. We cater to high net worth tourist from all over the world, with a large p

This week I welcome Holly Lynch of Seeds of Hope.  Their vision is to eliminate sexual exploitation of adolescents through the successful replication of our program in Costa Rica. Please support their amazing mission to provide safety, rehabilitation, and education for at risk, or sexually exploited/trafficked children, ages 8-17.  For more information about how you can get involved, visit www.seedsofhopehome.com. Dan Stevens from the Costa Rican Times joins me to talk about the story of a miracle cure, shark sitings off the coast, the presidential inauguration, rainy season in Costa Rica, and progress on the internship program. Thanks for the support of our wonderful sponsors; Robert Clark Insurance, Anti-Aging and Wellness Clinic,Croc’s Casino and Resort, The Costa Rica Star, Global TESOL College, and Podfly Productions LLC. For more information about the show, or to become a guest or advertiser, write in atinfo@thisweekincostarica.com.

On today’s program, Corey welcomes author and publisher Shannon Enete into studio.  Shannon is an international resident from San Diego, currently residing in Costa Rica. Her first career of 10 years was spent serving San Diego & Kansas City as a paramedic. Shannon had visited 27 countries by the age of 30, before a back injury shifted her path. She quickly chose Costa Rica as her first international destination. In addition to writing, Shannon owns Enete Enterprises, LLC a video and print publication company that specializes in travel guidebooks and the creation of marketing videos for tourism, hospitality, and real estate sectors. To learn more about Costa Rica, and how to become an expat in a variety of countries visit www.BecominganExpat.com. David Karr of Visit Jaco Costa Rica kicks off the program with Corey to talk about Semana Santa in Costa Rica, happenings around the Central Pacific, and a little inside track into what you need to know about Jaco Beach and the surrounding area as a visitor and a

This week Corey calls Rafael Valverde of Outlier Legal Services to get definitive answers to the driving regulations for residents, foreign visitors, and perpetual tourists.  Mr. Valverde speaks on validation of your status during the residency process, how to validate your foreign driver’s license, and how to make application for a license under the sole provision of being over the age of 18. Mr. Valverde also speaks about the issues of opening and using bank accounts in Costa Rica as a foreign resident.  In many situations, banks will not open accounts or allow transactions on a passport alone.  Further to this, many bank’s online systems will not allow for interbank transfers without a DIMEX number.  Mr. Valverde addresses that this may be deny basic rights to foreigners and how to start taking the steps to change this. Dan Stevens of the Costa Rican times joins Corey to look at the new Nicaragua border crossing, a potential TB outbreak, and the annual beer festival in Costa Rica. For more information abou