Miscellaneous

Starlink is now available in Costa Rica!

With no contracts and the flexibility to cancel anytime, their standard residential plan costs just 23,000 colones per month (about $50 USD). The equipment is priced at 179,000 colones (about $360 USD) and can be conveniently ordered from the Starlink website, with delivery straight to your home. Installation is a breeze—you can do it yourself or hire a handyman. The satellite can be mounted on your roof or a pole, as long as it faces north. Expect impressive speeds of 200-250 Mbps for downloads and 20-25 Mbps for uploads, thanks to Starlink's extensive network of over 3,000 satellites. This means even those in remote or challenging areas can enjoy reliable internet service. Starlink also offers packages for businesses, aircraft, and boats, so there's something for everyone.

Is high-speed Internet available in Costa Rica? It’s an important question because we live in a connected world. If we lose that connection, even in a beautiful place like Costa Rica, we feel isolated and uninformed. While it’s great to unplug and get away from it all once in a while – and Costa Rica is the place to do that, however before long we feel the need to be in touch with our friends and family. We want to know what’s going on around us or back home. Moreover, many depend on a reliable high-speed Internet connection to make a living or accomplish other essential tasks.

Does Costa Rica have high-speed Internet? 

Want to know who the Internet service providers are in Costa Rica? ICE is still in the telecommunications business, but now they market their cell phone and Internet service under the brand name Kolbi. ICE’s biggest competitors in the cell phone service market are Claro and Liberty. In addition to cell service, both offer wireless residential Internet packages. Cable television operators have also entered the Internet service provider market. They include Liberty, TIGO, Coopeguanacaste, and Telecable and all offer packages that include high speed Internet (fiber or broadband), cable television channels, and a fixed VoIP phone.

I can attest first hand to the quality of high-speed internet in Costa Rica. I need the internet for my business and well, posting blogs like this. My provider is Liberty. I purchased a package with 100 megabytes of download speed including over 180 channels of digital TV. This entire package is only $80 USD per month. The service provided is pretty good as well. I placed the order and 2 days later I had 2 technicians at the house setting it all up.

Claro uses its network of cell phone towers in conjunction with a residential receiver to provide Internet in homes. Unlike the other Internet service providers, Claro is wireless. Although it has slower download speeds than the others, it may be the only option in areas beyond the reach of cable networks. All Internet service providers routinely offer speed upgrades at no additional cost. As their technology advances, they try to stay competitive. Commercial Internet service, offering greater speeds at a greater cost, is available in some areas. Speeds, prices, and coverage are constantly changing, so check for the latest offers in your area when you are ready to sign up. 

Is the Internet reliable in Costa Rica? 

Blazing download speeds aren’t worth much if you constantly lose your connection. Fortunately, most users in Costa Rica report that their Internet is stable. Yes, just like everywhere else in the world, sometimes the internet goes down, it happens. Some even say it is better–higher speed and more reliable connection– than they had back home and I can agree totally with that. So, rest assured that you can stay connected on high-speed Internet as you enjoy the wonders of Costa Rica.

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Many people dream of building a home in Costa Rica, and this dream can become a reality with the right approach. The key is to find the perfect piece of land that suits your needs and preferences. Whether you envision a stunning ocean view with daily sunsets over the water, a country-style property with ample land for fruit trees and a vegetable garden, or a cozy spot near friendly neighbors, there's a piece of land that's just right for you.

As a real estate broker in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, I can help you navigate the process of finding and acquiring the ideal piece of land. The Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco area offers a variety of residential building lots, each with its own unique features and advantages. If you see something you like, simply email me, and I'll provide you with all the information you need.

Before diving into the specifics of different types of commercial and residential building lots, it is important to understand the local regulations and requirements. The municipality sets certain standards that dictate aspects such as setbacks from boundaries, maximum percentage of construction allowed based on land size, and the designated use of the land, known as "Uso de Suelo" in Spanish. It's crucial to conduct thorough due diligence before closing the sale on a property to ensure that you're aware of what can be built and any restrictions that may apply.

Let's explore the various types of plots of land or building lots commonly available:

Residential Building Lots

These come in a few different varieties (listed below). Often, individuals who owned large parcels of land may have divided off a portion to create residential lots. These lots can be located along public roads or sometimes on easements. In order to build a home, these lots must be a minimum of 350 square meters.

Horizontal Condominium Lots

These lots can vary in size, but most are larger than 350 square meters. When purchasing in a horizontal condominium, buyers are obligated to follow the registered covenants and restrictions. These regulations may include specifications for home style, roof materials, monthly maintenance fees, and more. Horizontal condominium lots are always part of a gated community, and the roads within are private. Subdivision of these lots is not possible without unanimous agreement from the condominium association.

Agricultural Lot

By law, agricultural lots must be a minimum of 5000 square meters, or 1.23 acres. These developments are set up under an "agricultural" designation. The roads within these developments are typically easements, which means they pass through another person's property, and vice versa. This information is detailed in the title deed, property registration, and the registered lot survey. Agricultural development land can be subdivided, but each resulting property must still be over 5000 square meters. Most agricultural developments have a homeowners association to manage common areas and expenses. The main home on an agricultural lot can be a maximum of 300 square meters or 3229 square feet.

Urbanization lot

These lots are usually created by segregating a portion of a larger property. The roads within urbanization lots are public, meaning anyone can drive on them. The size of these lots can vary.

Farm land or “Fincas”

When exploring real estate options in Costa Rica, you'll find an abundance of farm lands for sale or "fincas" as they are locally known. Driving around, you'll notice signs on trees and fence posts declaring "Se Vende", which means "For Sale", giving the impression that the entire country is up for grabs. These large tracts of land, typically over one hectare or 2.5 acres, offer ample space for various construction projects. However, it's important not to overbuild and instead prioritize the space you truly need.

As previously mentioned, the local municipality plays a crucial role in determining the land's use, known as "Uso de Suelo." When you find a piece of land you wish to purchase and build on, one of the most important considerations is ensuring a legal source of potable water. This can be supplied by the Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA), a legally registered private well, or in outlying areas, through an ASAD (Las Asociaciones Administradoras de los Sistemas de Acueductos y Alcantarillados), a locally registered association that delivers water via piping.

It is also crucial to ensure that the property has a "Carta de luz", or an electricity availability letter. This document verifies that there is an existing electrical connection to the property, allowing you to obtain an electricity meter. Without this you may face challenges in connecting your property to the power grid, which can significantly impact your ability to develop or live on the land.

Another step when purchasing a property in Costa Rica is to hire a certified topographer to mark the property lines accurately. This ensures that you know the exact dimensions of the property and can identify any encroachments or boundary disputes. Having a clear understanding of the property boundaries is crucial to ensuring that the property is free and clear of any liens or encumbrances. Additionally, a topographic survey can be beneficial for future construction projects, as it provides detailed information about the terrain and topography of the land. This information can help you plan and design your development more effectively, ensuring that it complies with local regulations and avoids any potential issues with neighboring properties.

During the due diligence period, it's essential to ask your attorney to verify all these details: water and electricity availability, survey report, and to conduct a title search. This process confirms that the property is appropriately titled, the seller is the rightful owner, and the property is free of any liens, encumbrances, outstanding debts, or taxes. Failure to do so can result in significant costs down the line.

When searching for the perfect piece of land in Costa Rica, where stunning locations abound for building your dream home, it's crucial to fully understand the intricacies of your purchase before finalizing the sale. With proper due diligence and the guidance of a knowledgeable real estate professional, you can ensure that your investment is not only a sound one but also a gateway to a fulfilling life in this tropical paradise.

Interested in finding a property in Costa Rica? Check out our extensive listings here:

• Homes/Villas
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• Commercial/Businesses
• Development Properties
• Farms and Ranches

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Interested in owning a property in Costa Rica, checkout some great options here

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We all love the deliciously ripe, sweet mangoes, pineapples, papayas and bananas that we eat daily in Costa Rica. Have you noticed how much better fruit tastes here? It is because we are eating fruits picked at the peak of ripeness, not picked green for exportation.

But maybe there are a few fruits that you have seen in the markets or on menus that are unfamiliar to you. Should you try them? Mostly definitely! Let me introduce you to 4 of my favorite Costa Rican fruits: Cas, guanabana, guaba, and mamon chino.

Cas is a sour guava. It is a small, round fruit about the size of a golf ball and is yellow when ripe. To make a drink with it, wash the outside, remove the stem area, cut it in half and remove any little white worms but not the seeds. Blend with water and strain out the pulp. Add sugar to taste. Fresco de cas is a refreshingly tart drink rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C.

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Guanabana (soursop) is by far one of the ugliest fruits you will ever see. It is the size of a football (or sometimes bigger), brownish-green in color with brown prickles all over. But don’t be put off by its exterior! Inside is the juiciest, sweetest white flesh. Don’t bother with utensils to process this fruit—tear it open and peel the skin off with your bare hands, and dig the shiny black seeds out with your fingers. It’s absolutely therapeutic—and very messy! You can eat it raw or blend it with water and sugar to make a drink. Dr. Axe says the guanabana has “super healing properties as a high-oxidant food,…may help reduce eye disease…and could potentially kill pancreatic cancer cells.”

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Guaba (not guava) is actually a legume and not a fruit, but it is the sweetest bean you will ever eat. It is a long green pod that grows on a tree that you can pry open with your hands. Inside you will discover a row of seeds (beans) nestled in a bed of white cotton—nature’s own cotton candy! Pull that white fluff out and savor it—but spit out the seeds. Because of its slight vanilla flavor, guaba is call the “ice cream bean.” The indigenous people say the guaba has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and other healing properties. It is mostly just fun.

And finally, I introduce to you the mamon chino (rambutan). This hairy, bright red fruit is native to Southeast Asia and related to the lychee. Though it looks like a sea urchin, its spikes are not sharp at all. Just slice the shell with a knife—or pry it open with your fingers—and you will find a tasty little white grape inside. Pop it in your mouth and chew or suck on it until you are down to the seed, which you spit aside. They are very addictive! I don’t know if it is the punk-rock exterior or that sweet interior, but you cannot eat just one. Buy them by the kilo, eat the whole bag, and you will have met your Vitamin C requirement for a couple of days—plus a little copper, which is good for your hair, interestingly enough.

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So, the next time you are in the farmer’s market, don’t be afraid to try one of these unfamiliar Costa Rican fruits. Ask the person selling the produce how you peel, eat and process it in order to avoid the mishaps that come with experimentation. More often than not, they will give you a sample to try. Enjoy, and good health to you!

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Here are 5 lesser-known facts about US Social Security the every Ex-Pat should know.

Social Security is often the foundation of retirement plans but many Americans have been paying into the system for years without knowing how the system actually works – especially when they retire abroad. Here are 5 lesser-known facts about Social Security that any retiring ex-pat needs to know.

Qualifying for Social Security benefits is really easy

To receive benefits at retirement, you must simply earn 40 "credits" over at least 10 years of work. This boils down to about $1,200 a quarter, which is so low that you could probably qualify by working a seasonal job! Many ex-pats contribute to the US Social Security system even when living abroad so the ex-pat status does not "exempt" one from Social Security benefits.

In addition, if you earned money in the US and paid into the US system, the credits you earned will remain on your Social Security record.

You can receive Social Security benefits overseas

Eligible US citizens can receive benefits when living abroad, with a handful of small exceptions. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is prohibited from sending payments to Cuba or North Korea but they will send all withheld payments you were eligible for once you leave the restricted country. Note that non-US citizens cannot receive payments for the months they lived in Cuba or North Korea, even if they move to a country where payments are allowed.

There are also a handful of countries where payments cannot be made, but for the purpose of this article we are talking about Costa Rica and yes you can receive your benefits here.

The Social Security system isn't penniless (yet)

According to the 2014 annual report from the Social Security Board of Trustees on the financial status of the program, without policy changes, the combined Social Security trust funds will become depleted and unable to pay scheduled benefits in full on a timely basis in 2033. After that, Social Security could pay about three-fourths of scheduled benefits through 2089.

Analysts and reports differ as to what year the funds will begin to fall short but the guesstimate has remained between 2029 and 2042 for the past 20 years. Americans are encouraged to diversify their retirement portfolio to ensure they don't rely too heavily on benefits that may (or may not) be available when they are needed.

Totalization Agreements prevent dual-taxation

The US has entered into agreements with 24 countries to ensure expats are not forced to pay into two Social Security systems. These agreements allow you to choose which system you would like to pay into.

If you are self-employed, this may not the case, as self-employed individuals are generally subject to the US Social Security system. These taxes are included in self-employment taxes, currently 15.3%, and are assessed on net business income. However, in countries with a Totalization Agreement, self-employed individuals who are subject to self-employment tax in the foreign country will be exempt from US self-employment tax. A certificate of coverage must be obtained from the country of residence to provide proof of the individual's participation in another Social Security plan.

Self-employed individuals will be subject to dual taxation if they choose to live in a country with which the US does not have a Totalization Agreement, as in Costa Rica.

SSA benefits may be taxed

No matter where you go, US taxes will follow! US citizens and residents can expect up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. How much is actually taxable depends on the total amount of your benefits and other income you receive.

Generally, the greater your total income, the higher the taxation. The taxes are calculated as follows:

Up to 50% of your benefits will be taxed if your income is greater than $25,000

Up to 85% of your benefits can be taxable if either of the following situations applies:

• The total of one-half of your benefits and all your other income is more than $34,000 ($44,000 if you are married filing jointly)
• You are married filing separately and lived with your spouse at any time during the year.

It is important to note that many foreign governments tax US Social Security benefits so we encourage you to check your country's tax laws to get an accurate picture of your overall taxation.

Note: This article was written by David McKeegan and edited for Costa Rica, all credit goes to David.

Interested in finding a property in Costa Rica? Check out our extensive listings here:

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Well here we go again, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) along with the Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock, Environment and Energy, and Economic Planning and Development are working to improve the environment. Well, I hope so.

A common occurrence once any government agency gets involved, and I don’t care what country you may be talking about, there always seems to be a delay or overrun of projected costs. Hopefully sometime by the end of this year, if completed on time and no hold ups, operations will start at the new bio-fertilizer plant in Upala, Guanacaste that will convert leftovers from pineapple production into bio-fertilizers.

One of the good aspects of this new Bio-fertilizer product is that it will be dedicated and used for the cultivation of organic pineapples. Most people do not know that there is a lot of natural by-product in the production of pineapples. If you have been in the Upala area of Guanacaste and for that matter a lot of other areas of Costa Rica, you will be amazed at the size of the plant that produces only one fruit at a time most of the time.

This operation, when completed, will help eliminate and make good use of the more than 220 tons of cut plant stubble- a term used to describe surplus from the pineapple harvest. The byproduct of pineapple production is over 440,000 pounds per 2.5 acres of pineapple farms. Considering that Costa Rica alone is in the top 10 pineapple producers in the world, that’s a lot of by-products and why not uses it to make a bio-fertilizer? It only makes sense!

Want to have your own small-time farm or just a garden to grow your own pineapples? Check out some opportunities to buy a farm or some land near Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica.

Interested in finding a property in Costa Rica? Check out our extensive listings here:

• Homes/Villas
• Condos
• Lots
• Commercial/Businesses
• Development Properties
• Farms and Ranches

Want to keep up with everything that is happening here in Costa Rica? Join my email list!

Need more information about Costa Rica in general? Read our FAQS about Costa Rica page.

Interested in owning a property in Costa Rica, checkout some great options here

Have a comment or a question? Feel free to EMAIL ME

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