Charles
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Posts by Charles
Costa Rica on the Cheap
Jan 22nd
Fresh produce from the farmers’ market is key to living frugally
When I moved to Costa Rica, I expected my living expenses to decrease, but I had no idea I would be able to live comfortably for under $1,000 per month. In fact, when my husband and I first got married, we lived well, albeit frugally, on about $850 per month. Though we counted colones, we were able to afford a nice three-bedroom home in a great location, with cable TV and high speed Internet, cell phones, and a few evenings of dining out each month. Try doing that in most world cities!
Living on the cheap in Costa Rica is just like pinching pennies anywhere else; however, prioritizing expenditures is just a little easier here. The biggest factor in maximizing a small budget is real estate, and there’s a lot more to it than location. First, identify where you want to live; beach areas and hip urban areas, especially those that cater to foreigners, will be pricey. Small towns in the Central Valley are a good bet, as they’re accessible to the capital, have reliable public transportation, and offer affordable rents.
Public transportation is cheap
After you’ve found your ideal location, aim for a Costa Rican neighborhood. Locals tend to build their houses without central hot water. Electric showers provide hot water on demand and help save a ton on your energy bill. If possible, find a home constructed of cool concrete – air conditioning is not necessary throughout most of the country, and in the hotter, coastal areas, a couple of strong fans will do the trick.
One of the biggest factors in sticking to a stingy budget is food. Premade goods, even those that are extremely budget-friendly in the United States (macaroni & cheese, canned soups, etc.) are imported to Costa Rica and therefore more expensive. If you want to eat cheap here, you have to eat local.
Traditional homes are often inexpensive and energy efficient
Scour the Internet and cookbooks for simple recipes that use fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. Seasonal produce is very affordable – you can easily grab ten pounds of fruits and veggies at the farmers’ market for less than $20. Staples like carrots, potatoes and dried beans are incredibly cheap and very healthy. Beef and pork are usually cheaper than in the United States, but boneless, skinless chicken breast costs $4 per pound. If you want to be extra careful with your food budget, consider eating vegetarian at least half of the time.
The best advice I can give anyone on a budget is to plan wisely but don’t scrimp too much. Moving to Costa Rica should be an exciting and enjoyable experience, and if you spend every moment worrying about money, you’ll lose sight of the beauty around you.
Counting Colones Budget Breakdown:
Housing: $150/month (shared apartment or small home)
Basic utilities (electricity & water): $15 (1/2 of total house utilities)
Luxury utilities (cell phone, cable TV & 1mb high-speed Internet): $40 (1/2 of total house utilities)
Public Transportation: $45 (equivalent to using four inner-city buses per day)
Restaurants & Entertainment: $100
Groceries: $200
Miscellaneous: $100
Total: $650
Little Bit O’ Luxury Budget Breakdown:
Housing: $300/month (private apartment or small home)
Basic utilities (electricity & water): $30
Luxury utilities (cell phone, cable TV & 2mb high-speed Internet): $85
Public Transportation: $100 (liberal use of buses & taxis)
Restaurants & Entertainment: $150
Groceries: $225
Private Health Insurance: $50
Miscellaneous: $100
Total: $1,040
Ask an old gringo about oil, Mexico doctors, Bimbo
Jan 22nd
PEMEX station in Zapopan
© Daniel Wheeler, 2010
Nobody asked about holidays in Mexico so I just won’t tell you but I will say happy 2011. And please wish us luck for the Pan Am Games coming to Guadalajara in October. Cross your fingers that arenas and housing will be ready in time.
* * * * *
Question: Has Mexico opened the oil industry to outsiders? Could this be true?
Answer: Yes and no. PEMEX will accept bids to extract leftover oil from mature fields. It will not sell ownership rights.
Oil companies around the world are so hungry, they will accept most any deal, including big-time investment on contracts with fuzzy fine print.
From Mexico’s perspective, this is the most significant change since oil was nationalized. The rush to participate reminds me that those who ignore history are prone to repeat the same old mistakes.
American oil companies, especially Standard Oil of New Jersey, lost a fortune in the 1938 experience. A settlement, five years after the fact, paid only a fraction of book value of expropriated facilities.
* * * * *
Question: From your perspective, how did the 2010 celebrations go?
Answer: I thought Mexico celebrated the bicentennial of independence from Spain and the centennial of the Mexican Revolution with enthusiasm and a sufficient degree of dignity. If there were major negatives, I missed them.
I watched on TV some of the biggest show in Mexico City. It was a wild and crazy party with much color and pageantry, laughter and applause — and more than a few tears.
Mexicans, when they stop and think about it, are a proud people. OK, some are bad. Most are good.
* * * * *
Question: Do you still drive in Mexico? Aren’t you afraid of the violence?
Answer: Yes, we drive, 1500 kilometers each way to and from the border and many more to favorite sites and to some we have not previously seen.
Yes, we are alarmed by the dangers of the drug war and grudgingly accept the risk. We are pleased to see increased military presence and more federal police blockades along our routes. We say “thank you” each time we are stopped.
Officers smile. They are not accustomed to kindness.
We are saddened to hear of occasional abuses by the military. Alas, we are reminded that drug cartels have no rules to abuse. The good guys are in a tough fight and I am not at all sure they can win.
* * * * *
Question: Have you ever been to the doctor in Mexico?
Answer: Yes, but, thankfully, that was some time ago. New friend David Frost has more recent information. He thought he had a kidney stone. The doctor in Catemaco sent him for an ultra scan and a urine test. Info gathered said just an infection.
Two stops at the doctor’s office set David back $16. The scan cost $22. The lab analysis was $1.60. Prescribed antibiotics cost $1.92. Prices are some higher where there are more Americans and Canadians.
* * * * *
Question: What the heck is this Bimbo business and how come she bought my favorite Sara Lee cakes?
Answer: Bimbo in Mexico is a giant bakery, not a dumb blonde. After generations of national success, the company is expanding into a world factor. Buying into the U.S. market seems a very intelligent decision. There are several Mexicans north of the border who will tell their neighbors about Bimbo products.
Incidentally, the bread people would like you to pronounce it BEEM-bo. They have already heard all the butter-my-bimbo jokes.
* * * * *
Question: Is Mexico doing anything to help protect the environment?
Answer: Of course. Just the other day, officials in Mexico City said the dump may be contaminating the water supply and maybe they should consider remedial action. The massive Bordo Poniente landfill takes in 12,000 tons of garbage daily. That is a lot of stuff.
Eventually, somebody asked when corrections might be made. Oh, it isn’t too bad, maybe manana, how about 2012? Meanwhile, don’t drink the water.
