Been reading a a lot about places to go, and think im settled on CR. I have read other threads but want to ask some specific questions. I think I am just going to fly out there with a friend or 2 and just try to get start the process once I get there. I am looking at a 5 month lease (JAN-end of May)I am looking at either the Escazu area, or the Jaco beach area. So for those of you who have already relocated and have done this already I have some questions:

-What area did you choose to move to and why did you pick that area?

-What are you using for internet and are you having any issues with it?

-What bank do you use and do you have any helpful contacts to help with the banking, documents for stars?

-Are there any issues with banking and exchange rates, is your bank account in Colones or USD? If you could explain the cashout methods available and any details.

-Did you get a car down there or are you just using public trans?

-What are options for cell phones..I have an Iphone can I just put a sim card in or do I need to get a local prepay phone or what?

-Did you get a chef? If so how much are they?

That's all I can think of now, any other info you think that would help.

Hey - moved to Escazu on 10/19/2011 through PokerRefugees.

Picked the area because it seems to be a safe location and everything you need is close.

Using amnet for internet and it has disconnected once or twice but its pretty good. Also have a backup 3g card just in case.

Got an acct at Banco Nacional. Again, did it through PokerRefugees so they managed all the documents I needed.

My bank acct is in USD so no conversion issues. Cashout methods avail seem to be wire, check, mb, etc. Haven't cashed out yet though because I just lose 2-5k per session typically.

Cabs are super cheap. We use them to get around town. Usually like $5-8 per ride.

If you have an unlocked iphone you can simply go to a ICE store (located everywhere) and buy a prepaid sim card for $20. It lasts a decent while and the most expensive part of it is 3g data on your phone. Still using my first $20 now but I rarely make any calls and use whatsapp to text.

No, no chef but I have a maid. Its $20 for the day (9am-5pm), she does an unreal job of cleaning + laundry + she could cook if we needed her to do so.

I'm happy here so far.

Moved to Jaco in October.
-Surf, seemed safe, beautiful pictures, nice beach, etc.
-Using ICE for internet. Never had a problem.
-Use Banco National. I can put you in touch with a lawer in Jaco who will set you up with an account for 200$
-Using Taxis (spending like 700/mo.. might as well rent)
-Using ICE prepaid.. cheap,reliable, good service everywhere. Just use your Iphone where you get WIFI which is most places in Jaco.

i am in same situation as op. most likely going to move by myself for a month and then have my wife join me, staying til end of May. jaco and escazu look like the 2 best options.

About how much does it take to get started down there. Rent and Deposit/internet/cable/getting a bank account.. just want to know what i'm going to spend before i start playing again. Also, can you get any American television? I've been in Spain last 3 months and don't have a tv, I'm getting tired of listening to music or watching the same dvds while missing football and basketball..

And how much do you think rent is for a decent 2br place in a nice area, walking distance to most things you need. I've looked around online but not sure which area everything is, I figure it will probably be easiest to get a place when I get there if I don't use refugees

Get like 15 channels in English. We get most of the football games, but with spanish commentating.

Probably 900/mo for a *Nice* place in town.

We spent like 3k paying first/last/security, taxi to jaco, bank account, etc.

ty tnoyes, I'm going to try to move and get setup before jan 19th.

If you are interested in making the move to Costa Rica I have a room for rent in Jaco for the month of February 2012. I will have to make a visa run back to the states feb 1st and will be in the states for the month of Feb.
The apartment is in Vista Las Palmas, the nicest and tallest building in Jaco. The apartment is on the 14th floor and is three bedrooms 3 1/2 baths, 2,700sf total, with an amazing view from the balcony. You will be living with two other grinders, there is also two other apartments in this building that have poker players in them, in total there are 10 grinders in this building, and there are a few more scattered throughout Jaco. This is a great first stop if you are serious about relocating, you will immediately have a community of grinders who have been here for you and will help with showing you the ropes and answer any questions you will have and there is a lot to know when you move to a foreign country.
I have pictures of the apartment that I can send to you if you ask.

In all this is what you will get for $1400
Room with private bath and private balcony from Feb 1st –march 1st
Maid service (cleans, cooks, laundry, ect)
Two Different internet services (just in case)
Use of my surf board.
Electric, and all other bills included
I will be available to answer any questions and help you out as best I can.
You will be introduced to all the other grinders who live in Jaco.

If this sounds of interest to you PM me or reply to this post with any questions

Thanks

I've been doing the live poker grind for two weeks now, was gonna move to Jaco in spring but now i'm buying a plane ticket there in 2 weeks... lol

i'm planning on being there around the 10th and looking for a ghetto one br place thats close to the beach, or running distance, gotta exercise right.


From all the places i have researched it seems costa rica is the easiest as far as , getting in, renewing visas, and most importantly withdraw options.

also i dont understand why you would need a company or a lawyer to open a bank account for you, i've opened bank accounts in canada and PR and all you need is your social security and photo ID and lease.

i just use a iphone app that translates.

also anyone agree that

spanish women> asian women
spanish women> white girls
spanish women> black girls

what about the asian girls???

Also, curious what cashout options they have that are better than other countries?

Ive been wondering a rough est. on what people spent getting setup down there and what it got them. thanks for any help.

HEY GUYS
so i bought a plane ticket for the 9th to costa rica. between now and then i will do the majority of the planning i'll let you guys now how easy it is for me to get setup, i'm gonna find a 3 month lease anywhere, because between now and when the usa comes to there sense i want to travel to several places.

asian girls are ok, but when your hung like me the pure math of it makes them not a option.

Anyone successfully relocate to CR with a pet?? Looking to move with my ~15 lb dog and wondering if someone has any first hand experience with this that I could bounce a few questions off of?

Did you buy a one way ticket?