However because of the problems there, they have now temporarily suspended the requirement to prove that you have paid it until they resolve the problems. We will be publishing a follow up to that tomorrow (the fact that it is temporarily suspended at the Nica border).

The nonsense question I ask from Lalaland is at what point an exit tax becomes an effective obstacle to emigration. Certainly $5 isn’t, but I suspect $10,000 would be. At issue is therefore the principle of a government levying any fee at all on merely leaving the country. To be sure, if the fee is earmarked for facilities necessary for boarder crossings, then it would not seem to be an arbitrary obstacle to emigration any more than the cost of a bus ticket is. However, a tax levied on merely exiting violates the norms adhered to by all so-called free countries.

Or, you can look at it this way: Most slave systems have permitted slaves to buy their freedom. Since few slaves could afford to do that, they remained slaves. Is slavery a just system when it allows slaves a buyout provision?

I suspect that as a matter of constitutional principle, forcing Ticos to pay the airport exit tax is not constitutional. I also suspect it violates various international covenants. Since I believe the $5 land exit tax is earmarked for border improvements, it probably is constitutional, although in practice it looks pretty slimy.

Those of is in Lalaland pay attention to principle. You might want to yourself.

http://mire.gob.pa/noticias/2013/09/25/panama-da-por-superado-diferendo-con-nicaragua

Here is an article of Sept 20th from El Espectador, a Colombian newspaper, that says that Jamaica did not endorse politically the Colombian, Costa Rican and Panamanian position.

http://www.elespectador.com/noticias/elmundo/colombia-entregara-el-lunes-onu-denuncia-contra-nicarag-articulo-447736

Again, talking works. Whining doesnt.

Overall, I rate the lifestyle here very good after visiting Mexico, Panama and Nicaragua, I chose Costa Rica as my new home for many good reasons. I do help with support of my new family of relatives here as well as many neighbors that are in need. This is a place that the taxes collected should be used instead of lining the pockets of the political powers. With much of the people here living in poverty, it is shameful to see how they are treated, so I do what I can to be helpful even to the point of buying a lot of crap I do not need because that sale may feed a family of 6 or more for a week.

Even though there are many things I would like to see changed within the infrastructure, the quality of life is great and most people are basically honest here.
I did already obtain a bank account here and no problem with that part, so I have tried to anticipate and resolve any and all known issues beforehand. It is just the ones that change without notice that are irritating, such as the land exit fee, which I read was repealed until machines can be installed at the borders.
Have a great day.