Costa Rica

[jvoorhees]

I was thinking of giving Costa Rica a try for finding a bride.  anyone had any experiences in Costa Rica?  How have you found the women there?  How have you found the agencies?

[Gato4Astrid]

I was thinking of giving Costa Rica a try for finding a bride.  anyone had any experiences in Costa Rica?  How have you found the women there?  How have you found the agencies?

Jason,  one of the members here have been there many times.   By the way, do you need a new hockey mask?

[AndyLee]

I traveled to Costa Rica twice in 2007 and 2008 to find a bride. I met several nice women there but not anything serious. Part of my reason for visiting Costa Rica was to explore retirement possibilities there. Then I discovered Colombia and came here instead. Cost of living is way lower in Colombia than Costa Rica and the climate and terrain fit me better in Colombia, more climates and more variety in the terrain to choose from, sea level with beachfront in Cartagena up to 8000 feet in Bogota and everything in between.
My thoughts on finding a bride in Costa Rica......lots of pretty women there, some are educated, many are not. There are 4,000,000 people in the country, half are women, half of the women are single, so there are definitely opportunities.
In Costa Rica if you cross paths with a dating agency called Spanish Eyes stay away. Same applies to a dating agency called Ed's Ticas, owned by Ed Bridges, a con man from Florida with a long history of scamming his fellow gringos. Bridges advertises in Costa Rico's English language newspaper Tico Times as being the oldest dating service in Costa Rica. Many of his girls are also listed on Spanish Eyes and have been with him, and with Spanish Eyes, for more than a decade, I met one of them named Luz who as best as I can describe her is "professional dater" and she was with Spanish Eyes and Ed's Ticos for 11 years. Interestingly, after hundreds of dates with gringos she still doesn't know a word of English, not even "Hello, how are you?". By the way, speaking Spanish is not a prerequisite for Latin America, but you will enjoy your experience a heck of a lot more if you can speak the language.
Agencies I have more confidence with in Costa Rica are A Foreign Affair at LoveMe.com and LatinAmericanCupid.com.
My recommendation is to continue your interest in Costa Rica but also take a look seriously at Colombia. Prettier women and lots more of them. There are 44,000,000 people in Colombia, half are women and more than half of the women are single. Lots to choose from in every city and village in the country.
My recommendation for dating sites in Colombia are LoveMe.com and ColombianCupid.com and LatinAmericanCupid.com.
There is an agency in Bogota called LatinIntro.com which is running a scam with profiles of women who aren't actually members of their "agency", which is a practice I understand is quite common in Eastern Europe but not seen too much here in Latin America....LatinIntros.com has hundreds of profiles on their web site and they host tours in Bogota and Cali but most of their "letters" from their "members" originate from a translator named Carlos and a "sales manager" named Jim I think if I recall the name correctly. Translators writing letters for the "girls" is also common in Eastern Europe, but I haven't seen it too much in Latin America, yet.
Also beware of RomanceLatina.com website. I don't get a good feeling about that agency. Nothing I can say definitely, but I'm cautious with them.
An agency I do have a good feeling about is ColombianIntroductions.com, but they have a limited number of women and their web site is a little clunky and hard to maneuver, but they seem to be decent people. The owner Eric runs the company from Florida but he will also host introductions in Colombia.

[robert angel]

AndyLee,

That's a lot of great, first hand information there and it makes me re think my mindset on Colombia a little bit. I think it could help a lot of guys just getting into considering that area of the world--thanks!

But given my lack of Spanish and my stubborn mindset that the women I might meet would tend to be higher maintenance than many Filipinas and a bit to fiery for my inclinations, if I had to do it all over third time, I think I'd head back to the Philippines.

That said, there's still a desire to see places in S. America, to fish, visit Machu Pichu and other sites and of course, the women sound very interesting to at the very least, have a 'look see' at...

[Jeff S]

I was thinking of giving Costa Rica a try for finding a bride.

Just out of curiosity, why? Do you have a particular reason why Costa Rica appeals to you?

[AndyLee]

AndyLee,

But given my lack of Spanish and my stubborn mindset that the women I might meet would tend to be higher maintenance than many Filipinas and a bit to fiery for my inclinations, if I had to do it all over third time, I think I'd head back to the Philippines.

Recently I've started to develop a curiosity about Philippines. Don't they speak Spanish there? English? What is the climate like? Here in Colombia you can choose you climate by simply moving up or down the mountains. Where i live in the Central Andes the temperature is year round spring like, similar to Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is May, tee shirts in daytime, long sleeves or light jacket at night. I tried living on Colombia's north coast at Barranquilla and Cartagena but is too dang hot unless you have air conditioned house. What are the good dating sites to look at for Philippines?

[Kiltboy1]

Robert

You need not re-think. You did just fine. your wife is adorable. I seriously thought about the PI before I met my wife as I had a good friend that met a great woman from there, but alas, it was just too far from the East Coast  with limited vacation time to really do it, but I think that PI and Asian woman are great and on equil terms as far as level of sexinest as any Latina I have ever seen, my wife included.

KB

[utopiacowboy]

Very nice avatar, KB. Very nice indeed.

[PachucoBro]

I have not visited Costa Rica, myself, but have done research in going there like most men interested in going anywhere.

I would have to agree though with Andy's post above. I am partial to Colombia, but after hearing some of his reasons for preferring Colombia I whole heatedly agree.

Costa Rica is small geographically and population-wise. If you are looking to cast a net it would make sense to find a place with lots of fish.

I also like the reasoning behind the climate and area. Colombia has beaches, mountains, jungle, big cities... alot of different things that may not be as prevalent in Costa Rica.

But... as someone else mentioned it really has to do with what YOU are looking for. If you truly like the way Costa Rican women look or their personality because they definitely have the islander feel to them, then by all means stick with your CR.

Good luck.

[AndyLee]

But... as someone else mentioned it really has to do with what YOU are looking for. If you truly like the way Costa Rican women look or their personality because they definitely have the islander feel to them, then by all means stick with your CR.

Good luck.

Man, that is so true! It really boils down to finding the ONE that floats your boat. Excellent point, WE need to follow our hearts. Find your girl no matter what country...even the USA has millions of opportunities.
I am just doing a little research and see where the US Census bureau estimates 33,000,000 US citizens are on dating sites. That's 10% of the population! Imagine if the same is true in every country, then Costa Rica has 400,000 men and women on dating sites.....probably not totally accurate, but provocative numbers still.....since at least half of them are women, that's a hell of a pool to dive into.
Incidentally, the census also estimates 27% of the people on dating sites in the US are married. Sobering thought, yes?

[jvoorhees]

Just out of curiosity, why? Do you have a particular reason why Costa Rica appeals to you?

I am considering several countries, but am hoping to zero-in on a country where the culture suits me best, then learn as much of the culture and language before I make any trip there.

I am primarily looking at Costa Rica because I have an uncle that lives there and has for several years.  So I figure things would be easier.  Good to have someone you know and trust around.

[Jeff S]

Good reasons. It's always nice to have a trusted friend or relative to give you the lay of the land.

Costa Rica has, in the past, been considered a very gringo friendly place, and I guess it still is for touristas. The two people I've known that went there to start businesses - one, a poster here a number of years back who was married to a Colombiana and was a touring sailboat captain. ad the other a surf fishing guru, both tried Costa Rica and both ended up moving to Mexico.

[jvoorhees]

Also, while I am always excited to visit a new place, I am not looking to move to any othe country to live.  I am happy with my home in the States.  I am merely looking to travel abroad to find a wife, then take her back home with me.

So, not sure if that is something more or less appealing to Costa Rican women.  Or Colombian women.

[play2win]

Probabably a stupid question but does Costa Rica have different Visa restrictions as opposed to Colombia?  Remember i prefaced taht with stupid question 

[jm21-2]

If you are a USC and not planning to move to another country I wouldn't worry about visas at all.

[play2win]

I thought bringing a girl back from colombia mean repeated trips, they ask you lots of questions, some women get denied visas etc.  If I move to another country Costa Rica is on the list but I am talking about the visa situation of bringing a girl back from Costa Rica vs Colombia (Colombia I am familar with because I researched it).  Is it the same for costa rica as colombia I am asking (as far as bringing a girl into this country)

[robert angel]

Re:

>>I thought bringing a girl back from colombia mean repeated trips, they ask you lots of questions, some women get denied visas etc.  If I move to another country Costa Rica is on the list but I am talking about the visa situation of bringing a girl back from Costa Rica vs Colombia (Colombia I am familar with because I researched it).  Is it the same for costa rica as colombia I am asking (as far as bringing a girl into this country)

Save yourself a LOT of trouble and find a Filipina with a great personality--they vary so much in looks that you'll certainly find one who looks just like the prettiest gal from any S. American country. Marry her and send her to your country in a Manila envelope! No muss, no fuss!

[PachucoBro]

Also, while I am always excited to visit a new place, I am not looking to move to any othe country to live.  I am happy with my home in the States.  I am merely looking to travel abroad to find a wife, then take her back home with me.

So, not sure if that is something more or less appealing to Costa Rican women.  Or Colombian women.

I wouldn't worry too much about which would have a preference to moving to the states. Any woman will move to another country and leave behind family and friends IF she feels it is worth it. It is YOUR job to make her feel that yes life with and love from you is worth it.

One thing you might consider is the fact that Costa Rican women and some Colombianas are REALLY used to being near a beach. Land locking them somewhere in the middle of the US might be a little strange to them. Either way tho, if you live in a city where there is some sort of latin culture around town for sure take them dancing once in a while! 

[william3rd]

Probabably a stupid question but does Costa Rica have different Visa restrictions as opposed to Colombia?  Remember i prefaced taht with stupid question 

She needs to be able to show her employment. Prostitution may be legal in Cosa Rica but it is a bar (as in no way Jose) on coming to the US for those of that employment

[play2win]

So I am still confused.  Let me rephrase.

Is getting a spousal Visa for a girl who lives in Costa Rica as restrictive and as challenging as from Colombia?

[robert angel]

>>Prostitution may be legal in Cosa Rica but it is a bar <<


If prostitution's not only legal, but it's a bar too--I wish I had been there for happy hour back when I was single!!...

[fathertime]

One thing you might consider is the fact that Costa Rican women and some Colombianas are REALLY used to being near a beach. Land locking them somewhere in the middle of the US might be a little strange to them. 

It is funny you bring that up.  I live pretty close to the beach.  I remember the first time I took my woman to the beach, she was in shock that people were not using umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.  She couldn't believe that the people were inflicting themselves intentionally to the intense sun on the beach.  I guess most of the time in Colombia a lot of the ladies like the beach but not lie out and try to get a tan like the ladies do here.   In her case, she is plenty tan and doesn't need the beach to be that way.

Fathertime!

[jm21-2]

From what I understand some countries are flagged as places where immigration fraud by marriage visas is quite common. That could potentially cause more of a visa process. But probably 98-99% of the guys here go to such a country. I don't know whether either Costa Rica or Colombia is seen that way but I would suspect both of them are...


FT,

Most Asian girls are the same way about the sun but maybe more-so. We were snorkeling in Thailand and my fiance was constantly worried about getting tan. I think she was using an extra coating of SPF 50 about every hour and then complained about getting a tiny bit of a tan.

[PachucoBro]

She needs to be able to show her employment. Prostitution may be legal in Cosa Rica but it is a bar (as in no way Jose) on coming to the US for those of that employment

WOW! Ummm, where did the whole prostitution thing come about??? Did miss a response somewhere?

Also, the woman does not need to have employment to get 'A' visa to the U.S. And employment alone does not mean she qualifies for 'ANY' visa. Let me explain...

A woman with no job CAN qualify for a K-1 or K3, Fiancee or Spousal visa and employment is not a requirement for her.

If a woman wants to get a Tourist Visa she will need much more than just a job. She will need a REALLY good job... plus family in her native country or a house/property... or a business she owns... or anything else that would almost guarantee she will want to return to her country of origin.

Immigration is a big and difficult animal. I would even go so far to say that understanding the processes is tougher than US taxes because the instruction sheets do leave a bit of detail out.

Oh and my 2 cents is just that, but I have been through the K-1 Finacee visa through Colombia and I filed all the paperwork myself with no attorney. Cost me a total of about $400-$500 with all fees and shipping of paperwork back and forth etc. So I do have a good idea of what I am talking about.

Also, there should not be much difference in 'difficulty' for bringing a woman from Costa Rica or Colombia. It is still the whole immigration process, which is like any other government run process.  

[play2win]

The reason I ask is because i have heard bringing a girl from asia or from eastern europe is way easier then a girl from Colombia.  So I was wondering if Costa Rica was classified the same as Colombia which based on what I have gotten out of this thread it appears to be.