CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

Costa Rica Cost of Living Update: Land line Phone Bill- $28 (includes DSL Internet)

I remember the days talking to my girlfriends on the phone while reading Tiger Beat, contemplating whether Joanie really loved Chachi or confirming that Rick Springfield will surely have a career rivaling the likes of Elvis. 

Now I don’t like to talk on the phone because it sounds as if I am calling from a bunker in Iraq.  My husband went out to the road and found this mess.  A birds nest of wires tangled together next to two high voltage cables.  He carefully stepped around the electrical lines, re-spliced the others, and gave me the thumbs up.

I tried calling my mom and was pleasantly surprised.  There was only moderate interference and we had a nice conversation about how my father wants me to get the rest of my crap out of the garage.  I asked her to tell him not to touch my albums, I’ve been saving that Rick Springfield one for when he makes that long anticipated comeback.

Rick Springfields Official Website- www.rickspringfield.com   (It’s just a matter of time guys)

By | 2018-04-15T18:19:58-04:00 January 6th, 2011|Categories: Cost of Living|Tags: |12 Comments

About the Author:

Nadine is the author of the best-selling series, Happier Than A Billionaire. Join her as she navigates living as an expat in the sometimes confusing, always beautiful, country of Costa Rica.

12 Comments

  1. Sugar Roman March 2, 2015 at 1:05 pm - Reply

    I am . Listening i am paying attention I m am so going to rest in Costa rica asap i will save save save

  2. Sugar Roman March 2, 2015 at 1:00 pm - Reply

    You are so right simpler better i so do agree

  3. Todd February 8, 2011 at 3:59 am - Reply

    I have read that in central America you never need to claim residency, as long as you leave for 3 days every 90 days. Well it was something like that anyway. I can’t remember the exact numbers but the point being you don’t have to apply for residency. So you can take a trip to Honduras for 3 days then go back to Costa Rica.

    • admin February 8, 2011 at 8:26 am - Reply

      Unfortunately, they are starting to crack down on people who do the continual 90 day thing. Legally, you can only do that twice within a year. It’s going to be interesting how they handle this situation. The US Embassy just had a meeting in town and most gringos wanted to know exactly what would happen to them. Even the embassy doesn’t have that information. It’s one of the reasons why I got residency. I knew I wanted to live here and didn’t want to run into any problems.

      • Todd February 8, 2011 at 7:32 pm - Reply

        So do you have dual residency? I have also heard crime is really high in San Jose. Do the gringos stay away from that part of the country?

        • admin February 9, 2011 at 7:30 pm - Reply

          You can’t lose your US citizenship when applying for residency in other countries. San Jose is a major city and has a much higher crime rate than its suburban counterparts. Although, I do know people who live near there and really enjoy it. All a matter of perspective. I never wanted to live in a major city in Costa Rica. I really like to be closer to the wildlife here.

  4. Larin January 13, 2011 at 10:16 am - Reply

    hello! I stumbled onto your blog via an expat forum and I’ve been really enjoying it!

    I’m quite inspired by your site. I’m contemplating an extended leave to Central America – maybe 4-6 months – within the next year. I’ve traveled around Central America, including Costa, probably half a dozen times, and for years have wanted to move for a stint.

    I work freelance and my slow months are in the winter. I’d like to find a small 1bdrm place near the water for me and my boyfriend. Bare bones is fine as I’d like to spend as little as possible on rent (while still of course being safe, etc). Any recommendations as far as area? What’s average rent like?

    Thanks!!!

    • admin January 13, 2011 at 10:53 am - Reply

      Thanks for reading my blog. I want to share honest accounts of my travels here, the pros and cons alike.

      I live in the central region of the country where rents are cheaper. You can easily find something for $500/month or under that suits your needs. I’ve even seen some decent places for $300. The beach is more expensive but I’ve also seen some affordable places for $550 to the $650 range. Do you know the area you are thinking about? That may help in a more precise answer to your question. I think living here for a few months is a great idea. So many gringos here do just that, stay for a few and go back to the states. You get the fun and excitement of living in a foreign country while still maintaining your roots. Good luck and I’m happy to answer any more of your questions.

  5. ronniesabol@yahoo.com January 6, 2011 at 2:07 pm - Reply

    Who’s Elvis?

    • Sugar Roman March 2, 2015 at 1:02 pm - Reply

      Really you don’t know who Elvis is ???????????? Even little kids know who Elvis is lol

  6. GoingLikeSixty January 6, 2011 at 10:59 am - Reply

    We will be doing the opposite: we will be asking our daughter to store some of OUR stuff in HER garage! Turnabout is fair play, right?

    • admin January 6, 2011 at 11:09 am - Reply

      LOL. That’s so funny. Yes, I think my parents are pretty much crapped out with all my stuff. I don’t blame them one bit. Now I’ll dump it on my sister.

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