6 months in Costa Rica

Thanks BOOMER1. I read the ARCR forum a few times long ago and found it a bit lame. When I was in CR this year someone mentioned using Casa Canada as an option. I haven't researched the process too much yet but need to get on it.
I decided to retire this fall and want to spend time in CR without having to make the 3 month run to the border. If your application has been made as a pensionado and you qualify under current regulations, is it still neccesary to leave the country till you're approved?
Seems like a silly question but have heard that the process can drag forever.
Maybe I should switch to PMs as this isn't really travel related.

using arcr for residency is a good idea, i think. it is not cheap, but as boomer says, you don't want to go cheap on this. they have done the residency thing a gazillion times so can put you through the whole process pretty easily. its not hard, just a bit tedious.

as for the arcr forum, i read it because every once in a while, there is some good information. i also refer people there who are asking questions about actually living in costa rica rather than just tourism stuff.

boomer sounds like he was kicked off the arcr forum! haha

once you have your folio number, you don't have to leave the country.

The longest gap is between correctly filing your application and receiving your resolution (and even once you have your resolution it can take a long while to get your cedula) but as per #31once you have the folio # generated from the filing you generally don't have to comply with the 90 day rule- although they can still enforce if they want you out, and you will still be running on a tourist visa.

To get booted off the arcr forum I'm guessing I'd probably have to post something. Feels unlikely any time soon...although I notice eleanorcr keeps busy....

craigslist costa rica has adds, regular apts\housing furnished, and in off season. green season and with the lack of tourists this year you are in the power position. negotiate. BUT as was suggested be ready to pivot once here. There will almost certainly be aspects that will make you wince unless you are spending the beau coup money may motivate you to move. it is almost a sport for some of us, ahem..
if you can deal with less than a car but want wheel get a moto (of many sorts) and a rain suit ($20) great fun wth common sense safe travel.

For Rent Costa Rica has a couple one bedrooms on the low end currently listed in the long term section in Tamarindo.

Edited by: edaviscr

You might also check craigslist.org, but that would only be interesting much closer to your arrival...

Edited by: edaviscr

i would never make a commitment to rent a place that i had not seen. too many pitfalls there. definitely look on whatever websites you find that have rentals but they may not have anything to do with what is really available. mostly, rental on the internet will be on the high end.

the best plan is to find something once you are on the ground.