You know you've done it. You've dreamed about living in a tropical paradise.

Introduction-1
Disclosure-1

Who Are Steve & Nikki?-2

Why Did We Choose Change?-3

Why Tamarindo?-5

What Is It Like?-6

Need to Learn Spanish?-9

What to Bring-11

Bonus Items-14

What Not to Bring-15

Money-17

Exchange Rate-17

Tab 1:Basic Currency Conversion-19

Banking-19

Opening Accounts in CR-20

ATMs-21

Our Story-Banking-22

Credit Cards-23

Fees-23

Miles-24

OS-Money Management-25

Housing-27

Security-28

Renting a Home-29

Home Rental Cost-31

OS-Housing-32

Buying a Home-35

OS-Searching for Property-37

Utilities-39

OS-Utilities-40

Utility Costs-40

Electric-41

Power Outages-42

Water-44

OS-Water-44

Propane-45

Cable & Internet-46

OS-Cable & Internet-48

Phone-48

Fig 1:Phone Settings-50

Transportation-53

Road Conditions-55

Nat. Roads-56

Municipal Roads-57

Back Roads-57

Bus-58

Colectivos-59

Taxi-60

Fig 2:Taxi Fares-60

Tour/Shuttle Vans-61

Gasoline-62

Renting a Car-64

OS-Car Rental-65

Buying a Car-66

Marchamo-69

RITEVE or RTV-71

Fig 3:RTV Docs Needed-71

Insuring a Car-74

Fig 4:Obligatory Ins Coverage-75

Car Repair & Breakdowns-76

OS-Car Breakdowns-77

Shopping-81

Mini Super-84

Grocery Store/Mercado-84

Carnicería-85

Ferias & Fruit Stands-86

Pickup Truck Produce-86

Household Goods-87

Prices-87

Eq 1:Kilo per ¢ to Lb per $-88

Eq 2:L per ¢ to Gal per $-88

Price Charts-89

Tab 2:Prices-90

Hard-to-Find or Expensive Products-96

Tab 3:Expensive & Hard-to-find Items-96

Health Care-97

Emergency Services-97

Med Emergency-98

Medical-98

Insurance-101

International Ins-101

Ins through Hospitals-103

Travel for Treatment-103

Pay Out of Pocket-103

CR Ins (Caja)-104

Dental-104

Tab 4:Dental Charges-105

Pharmacy-106

Schools-109

School Records & Vaccines-110

Public Schools-111

OS-School Research-112

Private-113

Homeschool-114

Online-114

OS-Schools-115

Income-121

Work Visas-123

Foreign Employer-123

Buying a Business-125

Using an Attorney-125

Establishing & Using Your Own Corp-126

Verify Books-127

Opening a Corp-129

Corp Cost-130

OS-Corp-130

90-Day Border Runs-133

OS-Onward Travel-134

Border Crossing Cost-135

Tab 5&6:Border Fees-136

The Process-137

The Parking Lot-138

OS-Border Parking-139

First Booth/Pay Station-140

Emigration: CR-140

OS-Border Restrooms-141

Exit Count Station-142

Border Zone Booth: CR-143

Immigration: NIC-143

Border Zone Booth: NIC-144

Emigration: NIC-145

Immigration: CR-145

OS-Held Hostage in NIC-146

Misc.-149

Mail & Shipping-149

Tab 7:Amazon Fees-150

Social Media & News-153

Restaurants-154

Final Thoughts-158

Glossary of Terms-161

Websites-165