Job Discussion Forums

[fat-guy]

Hi-

Browsed through the postings but didn't seem to find the answers to the questions that I am looking for...

How hard is it for non-residents of Costa Rica to rent apartments?
and
What is a standard lease term?
and
How is the Internet connectivity is Costa Rica?

I am currently living in Argentina and it is next to impossible to rent here with out a garant�a - meaning someone puts their property on the line if you default on your standard two-year lease. So, the option for non-residents is apartments at three times the market rate!

many thanks

[westonw]

for non-residents its easy to rent an apartment in costa rica. the difficult part is finding a decent apartment with functioning utilities and a reasonable landlord. you can find leases for just about any period of time whether its monthly or yearly, and the longer you're willing to commit the more apt people are to work with you. you won't have to put up collateral other than a deposit and this won't really effect fluctuations in the market price. i still think many ticos like renting to foreigners since there still persists a belief that most foreigners coming to costa rica are independently wealthy and there won't be any issues in collecting rent on time. with that being said, some landlords will try to exploit this to get extra money.

i wouldn't reccomend commiting yourself to anything before you leave. once you get there just search through the tico times or la nacion for available places and check them out yourself.

as for internet connectivity there are a bunch of internet cafes in the larger areas with a decent connection. connections out on the coasts are slower and more expensive due to higher tourism. as for connectivity in the home i can't comment on since i just used the cafes.

i'm jelous...argentina now and costa rica next. both places are incredibly beautiful. sure beats my geographical setting but i have to focus on earning some cash over the next couple years. suerte,