Vegas Bob wrote:
All this is correct however the most important point about the way CR handles the Perpetual Tourist is that 4 times a year the Government requires us to take significant money out of CR and bring it elsewhere just to have a law that makes little sense to me. This morning I am seaching around to decide where to go for 3 days the end of this month. To spend $500 for airfare, $300 for a hotel, plus food and "entertainment " seems like a waste when I would have a better time staying here. I'd rather give Ms Chinchilla $300-400 to let me stay home, and they can put the money to good use.
Bob, on one level, I do see your point.
But since immigration is a real sticking point in many countries, and right or wrong, you cannot deny that Costa Rica's is one of the worlds most liberal - I mean for christs sakes, Bob, where else can you live for YEARS, and have the status of a tourist.
I guess what just annoys me a little about your posts on this subject (other than the fact it concerns a very few CRT members in relation to the total amount of members) is that you know the solution - residency - which so far, in what, 6 years in CR you reject - yet you complain about one of the most liberal policies concerning it in the world.
Earth to Bob - the CR gov't knows exactly what its policies have wrought, and does not care what you think, because it offers you residency, or perpetual tourism - choosing the latter costs you some bucks, sure - but it also offers you a solution.
If I felt as strongly as you about this subject, I would apply for residency, pay the whatever (I've heard $1000 - 2000 - and while there is a monthy cost to join the "Caja" show me anywhere else health care is so afordable) and recoup my costs for having to leave the country every 90 days within a year or so; to say nothing af the hassle factor - unless there is some reason a person can't get residency - and you have posted this is not your personal situation - after 6 years, and no plans to return to the USA or elsewhere - why not do it.