Hi folks,

I posted this in the "Internet Poker" forum, but have yet to hear anything back, so I thought sharing it here might be more appropriate.

My name is Nick. I currently live in Bloomington, IN, in the United States, and play on Ignition and ACR. I am looking to relocate to Canada/Mexico/Costa Rica on or around May 1st, to set up a PokerStars account in time to play SCOOP, which is set to run May 7-21.

Ideally, I would like to relocate for one month (approx. May 1st - May 31st), with the possibility of relocating again in September for WCOOP to the same or different location. I plan to sublet an apartment or house via AirBnB, VRBO, or through another local advertisement. After recently asking PokerStars CSR about my interest in temporarily relocating from the U.S. in order to play SCOOP, this is what they wrote back:

The above appears to be a revised policy from what I have read on the forums in terms of what is (or used to be) required to begin playing on PokerStars. It now seems that one can relocate to a country where PokerStars operates, sign up and begin playing immediately, and only later have to provide the necessary documentation.

My questions are as follows:

1. Has anyone recently (within the past 6 months) relocated to Mexico/Canada/Costa Rica and opened up a brand new PokerStars account? If so, what was your process? Which particular documentations items were required? Any general advice?

2. Will an AirBnB lease agreement suffice in terms of proof of address? If not, what will?

3. If you temporarily relocate with a rental, what are some ways in which you can produce a utility bill in your temporary address?

4. If you can deposit/withdraw using Bitcoin, is setting up a new foreign bank account in which to deposit/withdraw funds required?

5. Where is your favorite place to travel to to play online poker?

To be clear, I have no intention of doing any part of the relocation process illegally. Since PokerStars is happy to accommodate U.S. players who can establish temporary residence (i.e. not just staying in a hostel), this is what I would like to do. I've read a lot of conflicting advice on this topic, some of it potentially outdated, and am hoping to make the relocation as smooth as possible.

I have traveled to Costa Rica often as a destination. 4x times a year last 10 years.
I love visiting CR, but couldn't live there.
IMO, Panama offers more infrastructure and American style living.
However, if you are okay living in a 3rd world country...CR is safe and pleasant. The beach is HOT, at a minimum you would want to live in SJO - higher the elevation the better.
You can rent a basic studio hotel room on Central Ave for $25 a day minimum 2 weeks. Utilities included. This is a basic tile floor room, funky small bathroom shower head small fridge and old bed that sags no ac.
If you want nicer, a upscale apartment outside of town you would have to pay for your utilities and as a foreigner the would charge you a Gringo tax. I know gents who have a very nice 2 bedroom house/apartment ( by Costa Rica standards) for $800 month including utilities.

Try TicoTimes newspaper website.
Good Luck.

TNA

And from what I hear, it is very difficult to set up a bank account in Costa Rica or Pana now do to patriot act.

You need to avoid big downtown banks and develop a relationship with someone who works at a bank, usually a small branch in a small town ( everyone knows everyone) and open up a business account for tourist dollars...
This is what I hear...the Patriot Act etc from the American side is what makes it tough.
Other banks outside USA don't want to deal with Americans because to much red tape and paperwork.

Gl.

Apologies for the long delay - thank you very much for the advice! I ended up setting up shop in Queretaro, MX, a city just 3 hours north of Mexico City. My poker coach happened to be living there at the time, and so was able to assist me in finding a flat with this same landlord. I'll certainly keep those other areas in mind if I ever plan to relocate.

I love Queretero! Lots of Expats and lovely central square/church and tourist area.
Good luck.