My husband and I purchased a house in Bahia Ballena in the South Pacific. Although we are moving most of our things down, we still need a bedroom set, a refrigerator, and a dishwasher. We are coming to Costa Rica for the last two weeks of March and we plan on staying around San Jose and Sarchi for around 5 days to shop for these items. Can anyone give us specific suggestions of where to shop? Does anyone know of places around San Isidro de el General or closer to Uvita or Dominical? Any suggestions in Golfito? All information would be greatly appreciated!!

You would be better off to take a look at the ARCR (Association of Residents of Costa Rica) forum and ask this question. Most of the participants live in Costa Rica and can give you lots of information.

Royal Palm Interiors is a full service furniture and home decor store in Uvita - opposite the police station. They moved about a year ago from Playa Ballena! (opposite Hotel Cristal Ballena). They do furniture packages, special orders, custom pieces as well as having a beautiful store full of in-stock furniture, lamps, home accessories and bedding. Prices are reasonable and they have catalogues! 1-506-2743-8323 www.royalpalminteriors.com

If I'm remembering correctly, there's Walmart in San Jose; they may be able to help you with appliances.

Living down there, you'll probably want to run to the Duty Free zone in Golfito. It'll be fun and adventurous and save you some money...

On the road to La Fortuna (via Grecia, etc.), it seems like every other building has a sign saying "Muebles aqui!"; all you need is a truck
There's bamboo furniture (smaller pieces) at the farmers market in San Isidro, btw, and according to the google, there's also other bamboo furniture (2 factories) made in town. Also, made to order: http://www.guiaaz.com/tienda/1378

Hi!
I live in Pérez Zeledon, near San Isidro too and I did look for some appliances too. There's some business in San Isidro who sale "muebles americanos" if you want to buy second hand. There's also a website you can look, it calls "encuentra 24".

Hope you'll find what you look for!

Bye!

Googling "buy furniture in Costa Rica" brings up

http://www.pacifichomefurnishing.com

Doesn't look low priced, but you didn't mention low prices.

http://costarica.en.craigslist.org/fua/

Personally I dont think you need a design center to furnish your home. Appliances are expensive enough here without adding to that expense. Golfito is a Free Trade Zone and can save you some money.

You could also do what I did many years ago, I went into Sarchi to the folks who actually make the furniture (not the tourist shops). I showed them photos of what I wanted and they reproduced them for a fraction of the cost. They also delivered.

For appliances check with Gallo Mas Gallo, Importado Monge, Casa Blanca, or Walmart. Most will deliver for a fee. Prices can spike depending on what area of the country you are shopping. Stay away from Escazu, prices are inflated there.
Cheers