The Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica
By Christopher Howard

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I: COSTA RICA'S LAND, HISTORY AND PEOPLE, 1

Map, 3
Geography, 5
Weather, 6
Where to Live in Costa Rica, 7
Costa Rica, Unique History in Brief, 12
Government, 13
The People, 14

CHAPTER II: THE ECONOMICS OF LIVING IN COSTA RICA, 19

How Much Does It Cost to Live In Costa Rica?, 21
Tipping, 27
Inexpensive Housing, 27
Affordable Hired Help, 32
Medical Care, 35
Finding Work In Costa Rica, 40
Starting a Business, 41
Money, 42
Banking, 44
Taxes, 44
Insurance, 46

CHAPTER III: EDUCATION, 47

Learning Spanish, 49
Costa Rica's Institutions of Higher Learning, 55
Outstanding Private Schools, 56

CHAPTER IV: KEEPING BUSY IN COSTA RICA, 59

Some Sound Advice, 61
English Newspapers and Magazines, 62
Television and Radio, 64
Video Rentals, 65
Shopping, 65
Costa Rican Pastimes, 67
Museums, 67
Fishing in Costa Rica, 68
Costa Ricas's Pristine Beaches, 69
Parks for Nature Lovers, 70
Making New Friends in Costa Rica, 71
Finding Love and Permanent Companionship, 73
Nightlife & Entertainment, 75
Where to go for Night Life and Entertainment, 76
The Gringo Bar Scene, 77
Full Service Cocktail Bars, 78
Gambling, 78
Movies and Theatres, 79

CHAPTER V: GETTING AROUND, 83

Air Travel to, in and around Costa Rica, 85
Traveling by bus in Costa Rica, 87
Bus Travel to and From Costa Rica, 88
Traveling by Train, 89
Taxis and Automobile Rentals, 90
Driving in Costa Rica, 92
Keeping Your Bearings Straight, 93
Map of Downtown San Jose, 95

CHAPTER VI: COMMUNICATIONS, 97

Telephone Services, 99
Mail, 101

CHAPTER VII: RED TAPE, 113

Dealing With Bureaucracy, 115
How to Become a Legal Resident of Costa Rica, 116
Additional Methods of Applying for Costa Rican Residency, 121
Immigration and Other Matters, 123
Perpetual Tourist, 123
Extending Your Stay, 123
Leaving the Country, 124
Children's Exit Visas, 124
Costa Rican Citizenship, 125
Getting Married, 125
Bringing and Automobile to Costa Rica, 126
Shipping Your Household Goods, 129
How to Find a Lawyer, 131
Costa Rican Consulates and Embassies Abroad, 134
Embassies and Consulates in Costa Rica, 136

CHAPTER IX: OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION, 139

Costa Rica's Potable Water, 141
Fruits, Vegetables and Other Bargain Foods, 141
Religion, 144
Holidays in Costa Rica, 145
Bringing Your Pets to Costa Rica, 145
Services for the Disabled and Handicapped, 146
Understanding the Metric System, 147
For Our Canadian Readers, 148

CHAPTER X: PARTING THOUGHTS AND ADVICE, 149

Personal Safety in Costa Rica, 151
Conclusion, 154
Additional Retirement Information, 156
Suggested Reading, 157
Important Spanish Phrases and Vocabulary, 160
Tiquismos, 163
Land Measurement Chart, 164
Driving Times In and Around Costa Rica, 164
More Phone Numbers, 165
Index, 169