The New Golden Door to Living and Retiring in Costa Rica by Christopher Howard

I would like to recommend the book, The New Golden Door to Living and Retiring in Costa Rica, if you are thinking of making a move to Costa Rica.  It is the most comprehensive and well researched source of information of this subject that I have found.  It's author is Christopher Howard, a North American,  who has made Costa Rica his home.  You can order the book on amazon.com.  Chris traveled throughout  Latin America studying Spanish and getting  acquainted with the Latin American culture.  He discovered Costa Rica, loved it, and decided this was the place for him to settle down.  Chris  has a masters degree in the Spanish language.  Chris has written other books.  His "Costa Rica Spanish" is a popular seller.  You can go on his web site   click here:  www.liveincostarica.com to learn about Chris' Relocation and Retire in Costa Rica Tours.   You can find all his books and how to order them   click here:  www.costaricabooks.com

The New Golden Door to Living and Retiring in Costa Rica covers almost every topic related to moving to Costa Rica, working, getting settled (all aspects such as banking, housing, shopping, residency requirements,....etc.,etc, etc.  Chris did not leave "any page unturned"

One of the most frequently asked questions:  I want to import my car into Costa Rica so how much tax will I have to pay and when do I have to pay it?  If you ship your car you will have to pay the tax when it is gotten out of customs.  How much you have to pay?  This depends on the age and make of the vehicle,  most always a good sum of money!  I inquired about importing my 2003  Toyota Corolla automatic transmission.  The quote I was given was $4,500.00.   Plus I would have to pay the shipping cost from Miami, $800-$1000.  And also pay an agent to get the car  though customs (  price?)   So how do you calculate ahead of time the tax due on a vehicle.  Since the gov of C Rica tends to change the rules yearly, it is best to get the most current information.  How do you do that?  If you have a Costa Rican  attorney hire him to check this for you, that is the safest way to get the most up to date information on  how much you will pay.

If you drive your car over land into Costa Rica you can keep it  and drive it without paying taxes for 3 months, then drive it out of the country for 72 hours,   and then get one more extension for an additional 3 months  (for 6 months total) Don't drive it after that if you have not paid the tax.  The law can impound it.  All the details of exactly how to do all  can be handled through your Costa Rican attorney.   Of course you are required by Costa Rican law to buy a minimum insurance before you drive the car.  Your attorney again is the best source of up to date information on this matter.

Maybe I should simplify my life and  buy a car in Costa Rica?  This just depends on you, if you want YOUR car for whatever reason, then it might be worth the effort.  There are hundreds of used cars for sale in C Rica.  You would of course need to have a mechanic  you trust go over every aspect of the car before you purchase it.

Spotlight Costa Rica: Canoe Trip Lake Arenal Costa Rica Rainforest

Just as the sun rose above the horizon, we set out on our early morning photo session on Lake Arenal, located near the little town of La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano. We are going in a wooden canoe. The sun cast a haunting shadow on the mighty Volcano- extending along the entire south face of the lake. Only the sounds of the cranes flying overhead interrupted this peace and serenity.

We paddle along the edges of the lake- the old red wooden canoe swaying back and forth in the morning breeze. Sounds of howler monkeys greet us from the tall rainforest canopy.

Our guide is a amiable middle age Costa Rican, speaking in broken English. "Yes, visitors come here to the mighty volcano to experience it's special powers..it's fields of positive energy. Uplifts one's mood and raises the senses."

Warm drops of summer rain begin to sprinkle the lake's surface, and we try to focus on our goal: Photograph as well as film this unique adventure. A journey of sorts into the "Third Dimension".

And photograph, we did.....birds sprinkled along the shoreline... cranes, wood storks, herons, and egrets while a flock of large green parrots swarmed overhead.

Coming close to the treeline we spotted a family of black howler monkeys, babies on their back, playfully swinging from branch to branch. A photographer's dream.

The mountains to the west raised our interest. The current took us in that direction and we saw just over the hill, a giant Ceiba Tree...so tall and regal that Guatemala choose it to be their national tree and seems it was to the Mayans- "the sacred tree of life", so tall that it connected earth to the heavens. Click, click- now captured by the camera lens, an image..stunning and mystical.

The shore line is dotted with small hotels, and happy tourists wave to us as we slowly paddle by.
Horses and cows graze in the verdant green pastures, a reminder of days gone by.

This was truly a great adventure; and I yearn to return once more... to experience that unique journey in Costa Rica.

Cost of canoe- we paid $40 for 2 hours. There are larger boats with covers which hold around 30 people. This is less expensive . To get the tour go north out of La Fortuna , approx 6 miles you will see Lake Arenal on your left, keep going a short distance until you see the boats docked. You can stop by and make arrangements for the following day or if the boat is vacant you can take the tour right then and there.
Best time of day to take tour: Early morning or late afternoon (Sunset tour)