www.CostaRicaTicas.com

"I might be able meet the 5000 a month rentista bit but it would tie up most of what I have in an investment I do not really trust. "

Same here. I would only want to keep the minimal amount of $$ possible in CR financial institutions. I've been thinking maybe this is a via for the CR Gov't to beef up its' cash accounts indirectly via the major banks. What kind of ties do the major banks there have with the CR Govt.??

Hmmm. Maybe like ours now days??

It would really suck if they froze your assets (even $2000) for one reason or the other.

Maybe the major banks all pushed for this as a means to raise more capital to lend out on risky over-inflated real estate ventures again like in the US.

Isn't it possible as a resident to get on the healthcare program? What do you full time guys do about health insurance?

If you have established residency you can join the CAJA (government health care), purchase health insurance from the INS (government insurance monopoly) or basically self insure. Retired military have insurance through the U.S. government. Their was a private HMO in CR but I recently heard they went out business.

Perpetual tourist have the same options as resident with the exception of being able to join CAJA.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

What does the INS insurance cost?

Depends on which of their plans you select as they have several. Best thing to do is to talk to an agent and determine which plan fits you best.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

We pay for doctors visits when we go. If we need anything serious, e.g., surgery, we go back to the US where we have full coverage insurance. Unfortunately, it does not work in CR except for emergency care.

Additional issues one may want to consider:

http://taxmeless.com/USCitizenRenounce.htm

http://taxmeless.com/Death%20Tax.htm

http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/art ... 45,00.html

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i8854.pdf

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8854.pdf


A new Taxman cometh and he be hungry...

Peace

Pidd...you are such a bearer of "glad tidings" . How can one EVER leave the USA?

_________________
All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts...

I too was concerned when I read the article in amcostarica. My social security won't meet the new test either. I met with my lawyer today asking about the change to 2K per month on pensionados. His take on it was that if you're already a resident, the courts won't uphold the change against you despite what the article says. His speciality is constitutional law, so I hope he's right. On the other hand, if I had to make a change, I'd consider Medellin where I travelled to a few months ago. I didn't feel unsafe and it's sure a lot less expensive!

I hope that is correct, since I'm a resident (rentista). It would certainly change the face of things as far as new retirees here, though.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

Not that I believe everything I read (in fact if it's about CR I believe almost nothing) but I believe that the plans are to have the current ex-pats with residency change to the new requirements upon their next renewal.

Latest today on page 1 www.amcostarica.com

VB, whats your read on the reasons for this change? It does not make sense to me for an ex-pat to be required to have 5-6 times the national income.

I'm no Vegas Bob, but my take on it is.. because
They are IDIOTS!

_________________
"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

Did they pass the part that allows perpetual tourists to pay $100 for an additional 90 days?

If yes, it will be my very first cien!