Sportsbook Question On Moving From USA To Costa Rica

[RockyWilson]

Moving to Costa Rica is like moving into the ghetto...not my type of person...you are who you run with GL

Thank You. There are ghettos in almost every country/state/etc... I live in one of the most prestigeous parts of the US and I can ride my bike/drive about 5-10 miles and be in a "ghetto" so that doesn't bother me much, but I appreciate the input

[chilidog]

I definitely appreciate all of the input. Really, what I was hoping to get out of the post is someone who has moved from the states (USA) to Costa Rica (or some other third world country) and know what needed to be done to be able to register.. (ie: Will I need to get my Driver's License there ? Can I be a "Rentista" (Rentor) and still open a Bank Acct / Apply for CC ? etc..

I'm a US citizen that moved to CR back in 2004. You can get a driver's license easily, provided you have a valid US driver's license. No tests are needed. Yes, you can open a bank account as as a foreigner. You will need a valid passport (with active tourist stamp), a bank reference letter from your existing US bank account, and a local utility bill. You likely won't get an actual CC until you build a relationship with the bank, but they will give you a v.isa debit/check card that works just fine at all the European books.

[RockyWilson]

I'm a US citizen that moved to CR back in 2004. You can get a driver's license easily, provided you have a valid US driver's license. No tests are needed. Yes, you can open a bank account as as a foreigner. You will need a valid passport (with active tourist stamp), a bank reference letter from your existing US bank account, and a local utility bill. You likely won't get an actual CC until you build a relationship with the bank, but they will give you a v.isa debit/check card that works just fine at all the European books.

Thank you Chilidog !! I received a couple PM's that were helpful and this is VERY helpful as well. I have a valid US Driver's License and a Passport as well. What would I tell my Bank Accounts in USA to write on the reference letter and does it have to be addressed to a specific bank ?? I have great history with them so it shouldn't be a problem, but I was wondering what exactly do I tell them ? That I'm moving to Costa and the bank required a reference letter in order to open an accont (Would that suffice ?)

Also, I have a USA Account with HSBC Bank and I'm told they are one of the more reliable Banks for allowing payments to Online Books. Does anyone includiing yourself have any experience with using their (at that time) current bank in the US to apply for a Bank Accont in Costa Rica ?? Would this be a good idea ? I was thinking if I changed my address with HSBC (from my USA address to my Costa address) maybe they would issue a Costa Rica issued CC. I've read that you have to have a Costa Rica issued CC (first time i've herd Debit/Check Card works) in order to make deposits.

[chilidog]

Thank you Chilidog !! I received a couple PM's that were helpful and this is VERY helpful as well. I have a valid US Driver's License and a Passport as well. What would I tell my Bank Accounts in USA to write on the reference letter and does it have to be addressed to a specific bank ?? I have great history with them so it shouldn't be a problem, but I was wondering what exactly do I tell them ? That I'm moving to Costa and the bank required a reference letter in order to open an accont (Would that suffice ?)

Also, I have a USA Account with HSBC Bank and I'm told they are one of the more reliable Banks for allowing payments to Online Books. Does anyone includiing yourself have any experience with using their (at that time) current bank in the US to apply for a Bank Accont in Costa Rica ?? Would this be a good idea ? I was thinking if I changed my address with HSBC (from my USA address to my Costa address) maybe they would issue a Costa Rica issued CC. I've read that you have to have a Costa Rica issued CC (first time i've herd Debit/Check Card works) in order to make deposits.

I bank with BkofAma in the states, and I told them that I was going to Costa Rica for business, and that I needed a bank reference letter in order to open a local bank account in Costa Rica. There were no issues with this. The bank that you choose to do business with in Costa Rica will require that original reference letter; no photo copies. So, if you plan on opening multiple bank accounts at different banks, you will require a bank reference letter for each bank. I only did it with 1 bank. Once you have an account at one bank, then you just use that bank relationship to open accounts at other banks here. Banking is stricter now down here, but it's really no big deal.

I don't bank with HSBC in Costa Rica, but all the banks are pretty much the same. You will get a **** debit/check card, just like you do in the states, and they work internationally. I don't use my ************ to make deposits though. I use moneybookers connected to my local bank account, and all European books accept moneybookers. You'll love being able to play at Pinnacle and using moneybookers to deposit/withdraw your winnings.

[pats3peat]

I understand where you're coming from, but my Sole Purpose to move isn't to have access to Online Sportsbooks. I love Surfing & that is one of the best places in the World to Surf. Plus, I am a Florida Resident currently and it costs about $100 Round Trip for my to Fly there.. If not cheaper. I've just recently gained an interest in Sports Betting, but I don't wanna get involved in Online Books in the US because from what I've read, it's a Huge hassle in USA.

the thing i warn you about is that not even 1% of gamblers are successful . I used to see people say 1% are successful. Nah its ridiculously hard to make consistent profit. I hope you feel like you will be able to get a decent job there you know?

[chilidog]

You can't legally work in CR on a tourist v.isa. You can take your chances working in a call center, but if immigration does one of their random raids, you'll be deported.

[beeps220]

I was looking into moving down there a year ago and looked into this extensively. You need to have a Costa Rica drivers license/official ID. To get that you need to have a utility bill and another form of ID (you might need a rental agreement, I don't remember exactly). You'll also need a bank account in Costa Rica. At that point you can play at any other sports books that we can't here in the US.

The only thing that will differ is if you were to go back to the US and place wagers online. I contacted numerous books and they all gave different answers.

Hopefully this was somewhat helpful.

[RockyWilson]

I was looking into moving down there a year ago and looked into this extensively. You need to have a Costa Rica drivers license/official ID. To get that you need to have a utility bill and another form of ID (you might need a rental agreement, I don't remember exactly). You'll also need a bank account in Costa Rica. At that point you can play at any other sports books that we can't here in the US.

The only thing that will differ is if you were to go back to the US and place wagers online. I contacted numerous books and they all gave different answers.

Hopefully this was somewhat helpful.

Thank you for the reply !! That was definitely helpful. I'm finally starting to get some recurring information that seems to be correct & consistent. It sounds like it's pretty easy to get the Costa Rica Driver's License. It's the Utility Bill that I'm worried about I guess, but I'm sure if I find a place to rent that doesn't include Utilities I'll be fine because I'll clearly have to call and open an Account with the Utility Company.

As far as being in the US placing wagers; It seems like the Online Books track your IP and deny you access to some of their pages completely if they see you are from the US. I've tried using an IP Cloak Service just to check it out and it let's you in fine if you aren't from USA. I won't place any bets until I am in Costa Rica though because I don't want to take the chance of being denied a payout if I were fortunate enough to turn a profit.

[RockyWilson]

You can't legally work in CR on a tourist v.isa. You can take your chances working in a call center, but if immigration does one of their random raids, you'll be deported.

Is it difficult to get a Tourist V.isa ? I'm not going to take my chances working at a Call Center, but thanks for the heads up !! Are you allowed to work for an American Company down there (ex. a US Construction Company) ??

[chilidog]

You don't need a utility bill to get a CR driver's license. You need your valid passport, your valid US driver's license, and the results from the doctor next to the DMV (they do a simple physical, hearing and eye test, as well as take a little blood to put your blood type on your license).

You get a tourist v.isa automatically when you fly into the airport. It's good for 90 days, then you have to leave for 72 hours, but you can come right back in.

You can not work at all with a tourist v.isa. It's harder to get a work v.isa approved. The company you are wanting to work for has to prove that they can't find a citizen to do the job. I guess the easiest legal job to get would be teaching English. As for construction, you don't want to do construction here. The pay is peanuts, and not at all what you would be used to in the states.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a rental that does not include utilities already setup. You will have to pay them, of course, but they will already have an account setup in the corporation/individual's name that owns the property.

You will not be able to play at any Costa Rican online books (like 5dimes, betdsi, bookmaker, etc). Costa Rican law prohibits this. Contrary to popular belief, online gaming isn't actually allowed here. No gaming money is allowed to enter the country (so never tell banks that your income is from gaming). Books are only allowed to operate here as 'technical/customer support'. But big deal. You'll have pinnacle, betfair, bet365, moneybookers, neteller, etc.

[DwightShrute]

listen to Chilidog, he is telling it like it is

[RockyWilson]

Wow, that sucks that you can't bet with Costa Rican Online Books. Some people say you can, other say you can't. I'm assuming since you live there and have tried, that you're a more credible source ? LoL

You don't need a utility bill to get a CR driver's license. You need your valid passport, your valid US driver's license, and the results from the doctor next to the DMV (they do a simple physical, hearing and eye test, as well as take a little blood to put your blood type on your license).

You get a tourist v.isa automatically when you fly into the airport. It's good for 90 days, then you have to leave for 72 hours, but you can come right back in.

You can not work at all with a tourist v.isa. It's harder to get a work v.isa approved. The company you are wanting to work for has to prove that they can't find a citizen to do the job. I guess the easiest legal job to get would be teaching English. As for construction, you don't want to do construction here. The pay is peanuts, and not at all what you would be used to in the states.

You'll be hard-pressed to find a rental that does not include utilities already setup. You will have to pay them, of course, but they will already have an account setup in the corporation/individual's name that owns the property.

You will not be able to play at any Costa Rican online books (like 5dimes, betdsi, bookmaker, etc). Costa Rican law prohibits this. Contrary to popular belief, online gaming isn't actually allowed here. No gaming money is allowed to enter the country (so never tell banks that your income is from gaming). Books are only allowed to operate here as 'technical/customer support'. But big deal. You'll have pinnacle, betfair, bet365, moneybookers, neteller, etc.

[jjgold]

Rocky stay home, your way too inexperienced for any of this

Costa Rica with chew you alive

[RockyWilson]

I'm moving there regardless... But thanks for the Words of Inspiration. I'd like to be as prepared as possible before I make the move... What better way then to ask the opinions of experienced people / residents... Way to be a Pessimist

Rocky stay home, your way too inexperienced for any of this

Costa Rica with chew you alive

[ucbearcats1027]

it al doesnt add up man

[RockyWilson]

What doesn't add up ? This thread is VERY clear... I'm moving to Costa and would like to know ahead of time what I can/cannot do and how to best prepare for living there with respect to being able to use Online Sportsbooks...

it al doesnt add up man

[bookie]

Yes, you can open a bank account as as a foreigner. You will need a valid passport (with active tourist stamp), a bank reference letter from your existing US bank account, and a local utility bill.

Do you know if you can do wires in and out of such an account with no problem? My understanding was that while these basic accounts are available, using them to do wires or hook up to M B's was a problem.

[RockyWilson]

I was thinking of opening an HSBC Costa Rica Account because I already have a USA Account established with them. I'd imagine transfer of funds / wiring would be inexpensive/possible no ?

Do you know if you can do wires in and out of such an account with no problem? My understanding was that while these basic accounts are available, using them to do wires or hook up to M B's was a problem.

[bookie]

I was thinking of opening an HSBC Costa Rica Account because I already have a USA Account established with them. I'd imagine transfer of funds / wiring would be inexpensive/possible no ?

As I said in PM, I think you will have a problem if it hits the radar that you're getting wires from a sportsbook. HSBC is notoriously finicky about even apparent impropriety---which is not to say that you'd be breaking any laws by sending receiving those wires.

[chilidog]

Wow, that sucks that you can't bet with Costa Rican Online Books. Some people say you can, other say you can't. I'm assuming since you live there and have tried, that you're a more credible source ? LoL

Email the books and ask them yourself. It's in all of their Terms of Service, but they'll all tell you the same thing. It's legally not allowed in CR, but I suppose some books will let you do it anyway (but again, you get to use pinnacle!). I haven't had much success with this. I do have an active 5dimes account, but if they ever wanted to get sneaky, they could always say that it's against their Terms of Service.

Rocky stay home, your way too inexperienced for any of this

Costa Rica with chew you alive

Costa Rica is not for everybody, but if you have an adventurous spirit, and can roll with life, you'll be fine. If you're a highly wound up person, don't come. Since you're a surfer though, I think you'll be just fine. I haven't met a surfer yet that wasn't laid back and relaxed.

Do you know if you can do wires in and out of such an account with no problem? My understanding was that while these basic accounts are available, using them to do wires or hook up to M B's was a problem.

No problems. I'm able to send wires from online banking, and can receive them just fine. There are increased costs to send/receive international wire transfers, but still no problems. I have moneybookers hooked up, and it's never been an issue for me.

I was thinking of opening an HSBC Costa Rica Account because I already have a USA Account established with them. I'd imagine transfer of funds / wiring would be inexpensive/possible no ?

Ask HSBC, but BkofAma charges $50 to send an international wire, then your account here will charge you a fee to receive it. Using ATMs are also expensive. I do not know if HSBC USA and HSBC Costa Rica are separate entities, but I assume they are. Just visit your branch manager and ask.

As I said in PM, I think you will have a problem if it hits the radar that you're getting wires from a sportsbook. HSBC is notoriously finicky about even apparent impropriety---which is not to say that you'd be breaking any laws by sending receiving those wires.

Yah, if they ever found out that the money was from online gaming, it's a no no; it's just not allowed. That being said, there's a few books here that actually send out checks drawn on a local Banco de Costa Rica bank. They're not supposed to be doing it, but if they never get caught, then obviously no issues.

[davidchong]

by law its prohibited.........

[jjgold]

Rocky so your going to be a surfer>>

No work??

[SBR_John]

Marry a hooker. But make sure she is 1) A Costa Rican 2) A girl

[bookie]

Marry a hooker. But make sure she is 1) A Costa Rican 2) A girl

...and, ideally, gets a utility bill.

[RockyWilson]

...and, ideally, gets a utility bill.

"Whats your name girl ?? You have a Utility Bill ??" LoL

[jjgold]

Simple to get authentic utility bills
A few $$$ and your in

Man so many rookies in this thread

[RockyWilson]

Here's a constructive idea... Instead of complaining and being negative about everything imaginable, how about you contribute to the forum and post you're potentially endless knowledge that you must possess...

Simple to get authentic utility bills
A few $$$ and your in

Man so many rookies in this thread

[jjgold]

I aint telling anyone shit

I spent way too much money and time becoming an international banking and resident expert

I can have an fukkin residence in Ireland in about 24 hrs or so

[RockyWilson]

I aint telling anyone shit

I spent way too much money and time becoming an international banking and resident expert

I can have an fukkin residence in Ireland in about 24 hrs or so

I can't even begin to tell you how impressed I am...

[katstale]

Marry a hooker. But make sure she is 1) A Costa Rican 2) A girl

Brevity and wisdom. Perfect.

Look, if John will cover my expenses. I will team with Chili and we will do an hour seminar on the ins and outs and who should be doing this and why.

We could do it at the next bash. Would be fun. No pictures allowed in the seminar and only user names allowed. Be glad to share under those circumstances.

[chilidog]

Brevity and wisdom. Perfect.

Look, if John will cover my expenses. I will team with Chili and we will do an hour seminar on the ins and outs and who should be doing this and why.

We could do it at the next bash. Would be fun. No pictures allowed in the seminar and only user names allowed. Be glad to share under those circumstances.

I don't know anything about Costa Rica. I just know how to get to the Del Rey and to the beach.

[katstale]

I don't know anything about Costa Rica. I just know how to get to the Del Rey and to the beach.

lolol and who needs to know more? If anybody is left after you explain that, i will take over!

[Snatch]

All the tica prostitutes seem to have unusually long clitorises

[Chuck Sims]

Vegas is dirt cheap though so you wont be saving too much..Idk, i just dont understand why anyone would move out of country when they can go to vegas and get cash in hand after every win. Too each there own i suppose.

As a pro, I'll explain. Lower juice, betting a ton of different stuff that Vegas does not offer.

[The Fobfather]

Sorry, to bring back such an old thread. New to the forum.

@Rocky did you end up making the move to Costa Rica? If so, how are you liking it so far.

I'm visiting Costa Rica for 10 days in February, and if I like it, I might be moving there.