www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Not sure exactly where to post this, but here ya go....

I'm going to need to pay part % up front on my first day for dental. I'm getting a significant discount for paying in cash/US dollars. All told when done, including hotel cash discount, $15,000! I'm uncomfortable with carrying that much but is there an alternative? I can't think of one. Enlighten a brother or share your experiences, please

You might want to wire this money--you will need to declare any money over 10,000 on your entry forms--I would not carry that much money JMHO

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I AM a Cien boy + Propina!

The short answer is that you have to declare the cash, both at the airport counter in the United States and to the customs agent when you enter Costa Rica.

http://www.fincen.gov/forms/files/fin105_cmir.pdf

There is a space on the Costa Rica customs form where you indicate that you have cash in excess of $10,000. You need to point it out and declare it to the aduana who will give you more paperwork to fill out, here in Costa Rica.

I would not go through the trouble of setting up your own bank account and sending the money electronically, unless you plan to do it frequently.

However, the doctor should be able to receive a wire transfer if you do it in advance, and I mean at least 2-3 weeks to sort it out.

Just my dos centavos: #! don't pay all up front for your dental work. Negotiate a deposit, then pay when finished, if you are happy with the results.
#2 . If you are planning to bring a bunch of cash, don't announce your travel dates, itinerary, etc., to anyone, including on this board.
As I am sure you may know there are many evil and just downright desperate people in the world. Many would kill for a lot less than what you wanted to bring down. It might be prudent to pay with a credit card, despite the cash discount.
Just something to consider.

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" Omit no happy hour that may give furtherance to our expedition."

Panzer,
I wouldn't post the amount you are carrying, might have some folks meeting you @ the airport.
Also, if you are found by TSA carrying that amount you will have some splaining to do.
Good luck, and what is your flight number.
Regards, 911 Driver

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The happy hour is a device either for getting rid of social obligations hurriedly en masse or for making overtures toward more serious social relationships, as in the etiquette of whoring.- Brooks Atkinson

+100

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• Work Hard!
• Play Hard!
• Have Fun!
• No Drama!!

Panzer,
Sorry, a little ball busting, 36787 members(some paying) on this site what bad things could happen, we are all
good people really.
Regards, 911 Driver

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The happy hour is a device either for getting rid of social obligations hurriedly en masse or for making overtures toward more serious social relationships, as in the etiquette of whoring.- Brooks Atkinson

It sounds like the Clinic is trying to keep this off the books by giving you a large cash discount, if my guess is correct they would not want the money wired to them as it now creates a paper trail.

I was gonna ask if he wanted me to help bring some of his cash down for him......of course a few chica fees would be my vig.

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GG
"Last time I said no......I misunderstood the question!"

I know of a member on this site that's willing to keister that much cash across for you. "Butt" I'm not gonna tell who it is. I don't think he would appreciate it. Ha!

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• Work Hard!
• Play Hard!
• Have Fun!
• No Drama!!

What I've learned: Customs requires that sums over $10,000 be declared prior to travel. Supplying verification of where the money came from i.e. bank account and where it is going i.e. verification of appointment booked with clinic is also recommended. Instances of seizure of moneys, as far as I've come across, were not declared using this protocol. Plenty of instances of international transport of same with no problems. For every time there is a seizure, there are hundreds (if not thousands) there are not.

I will consider these findings in my my ultimate decision. Costa Rica may have their own separate protocols to follow.

Admin 3 - thx particularly for your reasonable comment

buy the best and weep once. Do NOT have that dental work done in CR. You will live (perhaps....I don't know how old you is....) to regret it. If you have $15 large in CASH, surely you've a bit more to make a purchase from a provider in your area. Bluntly, you're just being dumb AND you WILL soon enough REGRET your decision.

There are PLENTY of CRT members who went the cheap route only to have the crown or whatever fail after returning back to the USA and confronted confounded specialists in the USA or Canada or wherever who could not believe the butchery that had taken place in the mouth of the duffus who tried to save a couple of bucks. Implants? Get outta here.....if you have $15k floating around in cash for your fuccking teeth....pony up the extra and get it done correctly. Seriously.

I don't care if the dental specialist you're going to was trained elsewhere....there's a reason why the individual practices in CR to TOURISTS: You come and THEN YOU LEAVE!!!

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"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

Panzer,

The answer is simple.

I can only assume that you've done your homework regarding this particular dentist, or I certainly hope so. And by you using said dentist, it's assumed that you'll be saving a boat load of money. That being said - if you're adamant about using that dentist in CR, simply have a friend travel with you and carry half the cash. You can both carry $8,000 or $9.000 each without having to worry about declaring it, and it's all legal. IMO, it would be worth the cost of an extra airline ticket and a few bucks while you're in country.

Naturally, you don't say a word about this to anyone. You can kill 2 birds with one stone. First of all, you'll get your money (cash) into the country legally, and second - you'll have a wingman with you, protecting your interest. In other words... there's safety in numbers.

Problem solved. Buena suerte.

MG

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

In response to Steven1 if you are going to use Costa Rica Dental Team you will be a happy camper, as for ant other dentist he could be right. I had them do 22 crowns , a root canal and a couple filling 3 years ago and couldn`t be happier with their work. IMHO

Three years ain't very long for a crown, Joker99. As for the root canal: NEVER....repeat NEVER....permit a general dentist to do a root canal....ONLY an endodontist. Best of luck and I wish you a lifetime of success with that dental work. Nonetheless, it's always good to be sure, eh?

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16