I just returned from my first border run. previously I had used my return airline ticket from my initial move down here. This time I did not want to spend a day in flight back to USA, nor buy another ticket back here. So I took Ticabus to Nicaragua via Guanacaste. News flash, although it is cheaper than an airline ticket, it still takes ALL DAY. We left San Jose at 7:30am. Because some tica / nica woman left her wallet on the bus when everyone got out on the CR side, and it was gone when she returned, we all spent 1-2 hours extra at the border. some younger guys got frisked. everyone opened their carry ons for inspection. if the wallet was stolen, the thief took the cash and tossed the wallet as it was not found.
But we did not reach the Managua bus terminal until 7:30pm or later.
The trip back was not much better. We left at 7am. we did not reach San Jose terminal until 6:30pm. So it is all day travel for me via airplane to USA home, or to Managua NIcaragua via bus. Next time I will try driving my car. That should cut travel to the border down to 4-5 hours. Then have to negotiate transport to San Juan del Sur or other city.
Costs for bus was less. $54 bus vs. $650 minimum for flight. plus at least one night in Managua at $60 inclu. breakfast at three star hotel. Counting food, a little more. Food is a little cheaper in Managua. Two pollo brochetta's w/ casados plate was $6.70. So total trip was about $200 via bus and two nights in Managua.
Best deal was I went pharmacy shopping. I no longer have USA health insurance and am not yet on CAJA. I had just tried to replenish my prescriptions here in Santa Ana. Drug costs, (generic flomax and tramadol ) were very expensive here. But in Managua, prices were Half of what they were here in CR. Better yet, I met a fellow expat named Steve who has lived here for 5 years. He uses an online pharmacy for his scripts. I asked how he had them delivered. He orders them sent airmail/ registered and rents a PO Box at his local post office in Sabanilla. Steve said as long as they are sent registered airmail, he has no problems receiving them. !!! THAT is big news to me, different from all the other comments I read on these types of blogs. Although not sure generic prices are less than available in Managua.
As for visa stamp issues of 90 days vs. 30 days, there were two agents at CR desk. one male , one female. I got male and sailed thru. He got female but was uncertain what she was telling him. He has been doing this border run for 5 years. same exit / entrance gate. this is the first time he had anyone indicate it might be 60 days instead of 90. But he still got 90 days. He said he keeps copy of his Social Security Disability Letter with him and shows it to border agent if any questions arise. said that seems to work for him.
Another fellow who lives in Puerto Viejo was hearing rumors about 30 days issues at Boca del Toro in Panama. So he was trying a new route to Nicaragua this time. Missed him on return so don't know how he fared.