After Several Attempts the DIMEX Renewal is a Success!

Pigeons at the central park in Escazu

The DIMEX renewal saga continues... First, I need to correct the name for the residency card for foreigners in Costa Rica. In previous blogs I referred to it as a cedula, that is not correct. A few years ago Costa Rica changed the card to DIMEX (documento de identidad migratorio para extranjeros) for foreigners, cedulas are for those with citizenship. After getting everything in order with the CAJA (national health insurance) it was time to call the phone number to schedule an appointment. I asked John to call the number to arrange the appointment because his Spanish is better than mine. 

Motorcycle store in Escazu

There are three places that handle the renewals, the migration office, Banco de Costa Rica and the post office. I went to the bank last time so John called them again. The person who answered the phone spoke in rapid fire Spanish making it difficult. She realized the problem and offered to take our phone number and the person who spoke English would call back. That sounded like a good solution. Two days went by and no one called back. John called again and it was a similar situation, rapid fire Spanish and then taking our phone number for the English speaking person to call back. A few days went by with no return call. John called again and answered the rapid fire Spanish person's questions the best he could, and then she said they needed to call us back. 

USA ambassador's house in Escazu, Costa Rica

We decided to ask our native speaking Spanish friend to call for us. He called and the person who answered wanted to know how long I have been out of the country. No answer he gave would satisfy the person. The phone was handed to John and someone with limited English took some of my information and then said they would call us back. Days went by and they never called back. 

It was obvious, for what ever reason, the bank did not want to schedule an appointment. John tried a different option and called the post office. They answered the phone and it was fairly simple to schedule the appointment at the office in Escazu. Monday was the appointment day. We drove to the Multiplaza and took a taxi to the post office. I was a little early and waited for a few minutes outside the renewal office. 

Post Office in Escazu

Once the man began to assist me, the whole thing was over in about ten minutes. It was super easy. The requirements were much simpler than the bank. They were automated and had a scanner, no copies needed. I could understand most of his Spanish through the mask. 

Electric car charging at Escazu Multiplaza

As always, when we have appointments like this we take the opportunity for shopping. I got a supply of chocolate from Auto Mercado. Outside the market, for the first time, I saw an electric car charging. The license plate of the car was blue, the parking spot was painted blue and the charging post was blue. I inspected it carefully to see how you pay, but I didn't see anywhere to slide a card or insert money.

Electric car charging at Escazu Multiplaza

When I got home I was pleasantly surprised to see that the post office emailed me the receipt for the renewal. How progressive! The card is supposed to be mailed to the post office in Puriscal in one month. I will have to pick it up in person. Hopefully that will go smoothly, but it's best to have no, or little expectations. Pura Vida!