The driving force of your expatriation in Costa Rica

Diksha Moderator

4832POSTS

4 years ago

Hello everybody,

Moving abroad, to a destination such as Costa Rica, is often the result of careful consideration. It is a major life decision and one that should not be taken lightly as the implications are so diverse. We would like to know what motivated you to choose Costa Rica as your expatriation destination.

What was the main factor that led you to choose Costa Rica as your new home?

What were the other criteria that made Costa Rica your preferred destination?

Are you satisfied with your choice? Please, tell us why.

Did you have any other good surprises when you arrived or any disappointments?

Have your priorities changed in the current period? If so, did this play a role in your choice of destination or in the reconsideration of your whole expatriation project?

Thank you for your contribution!

Diksha,
大咖福利影院 team

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edwinemora Serial expat

514POSTS

4 years ago

For me it is a genetic thing because I was born in Costa Rica,that is the only reason I'm here.....I don't think I'd be paying to get into any country,like foreigners do for this place.Perspective residents,have been salivating over the new reduced incentives for residency in Costa Rica,for awhile now,including status for the digital nomad,I wanted to give a heads up !.Even though these incentives have been declared passed,they are not being processed and are just mere suggestions,like many things in Costa Rica.So, before you start handing money over to attorneys to process this for you,find out if others have been actually been able to do it......

2 members reacted to this post

Julien Founder

53178POSTS

4 years ago

Dear edwinemora,

please remember you are on a website for expatriates, who are doing their best to help each other, and not on a website for locals who are complaining about their home country.

Your posts are negative and not that much helping those who are willing to move to Costa Rica.

3 members reacted to this post

Ginger Firestone Active member

44POSTS

4 years ago

My reason for leaving the USA was political - when Obama got re-elected.聽 I looked up just about yin the world to figure out where to go.聽 I took into account the basics.聽 Those basics were cost of living, quality of life, good doctors, stable government and weather year round plus of course, taxation and the government not micromanaging your life.聽 I also had to consider my family who stayed in the states and how easily they could come visit.聽 I picked Costa Rica and have never regretted my choice.聽 There are a lot of negatives here, but the positives outweigh the negatives.聽 As a senior, I am happy with my doctors (they actually listen to you and spend time with you - no bum's rush out to get to the next patient) and my native neighbors.聽 I can live on my social security alone for the most part, only going into my other income for traveling.聽 I am happy here and it's not a big rat race.聽 It's quite peaceful, but then again, I live in a rain forest, not a city.聽 The biggest negative for me is the lack of good shopping - and that's not so bad.聽 I have a son who visits twice a year and brings me a care package of everything I order thru the mail and my mail and any other shopping of things I cannot get here.聽 Oh yeah, one more problem - their mail system.聽 It really sucks so I don't get anything delivered here.聽 Still, I enjoy my life here and my Spanish, while really bad, seems to get a little better each month.聽 I have been here 8 1/2 years.

2 members reacted to this post

edwinemora Serial expat

514POSTS

4 years ago

Julien......Don't confuse the doses of reality I give,for complaining,it is blunt information...If any negative information is given,it is understood that it violates the imagination of someone who casually declares they're moving to Costa Rica,that has never been here.Never be offended by incontrovertible truths.By the way,I'm not a local,I am a Costarricense..

1 member reacted to this post

Henrych Serial expat

321POSTS

4 years ago

To help means to highlight both negative and positive sides, not just to paint a rosy picture of something which is not.
Many people run away from here, from horrible bureaucracy, extortion, insane cost of living, crooks calling themselves solicitors, other crooks waiting for gullible. The nature is beautiful here and many ticos (especially in the countryside) and nice. They aren't your friends though but they are nice and helpful. You can live here if you can swallow all shortcomings but definitely this is far from paradise. Stay here for at least 6 months to get a feel of it. If you can't communicate in Spanish your life will be difficult. However people adjust to everything. Remember, corruption is omnipresent.

1 member reacted to this post

Henrych Serial expat

321POSTS

4 years ago

Thank you, Edwin, for telling the truth. It is helpful.

1 member reacted to this post

Llholly Active member

94POSTS

4 years ago

[Post under review]

kohlerias ViP

1572POSTS

4 years ago

I agree that there are many things that are not perfect in Costa Rica and I have often posted some of them, but I must disagree with Henrych comment regarding "They aren't your friends though...聽 Henry, when you have lived in CR for a longer time, you will recognize that some, could indeed be a 'true friend' and not just someone who you go to, when you need help with translations, etc..

1 member reacted to this post

Henrych Serial expat

321POSTS

4 years ago

#10

Maybe. For now this is my 6 month experience. I do prefer the countryside where things are much healthier but the bureaucracy is suffocating.

edwinemora Serial expat

514POSTS

4 years ago

#11

Llholly.......You're not leaving anything behind,by coming here to Costa Rica.Obviously,you don't keep up with current actual events of the Republic.The carnage on our highways has taken quite a few North Americans away also,last month and they were just here for tourism.

surfdog12 Active member

83POSTS

4 years ago

#12

edwinemora wrote:
The carnage on our highways has taken quite a few North Americans away also,last month and they were just here for tourism.

Carnage? What carnage??

Being a tourist for so many years we've always had a privileged view of the country. Then watching the evening news in San Jose we saw a different perspective. Lots more gun violence. But, like any big city I suspect this is no different than downtown LA or New York.

edwinemora Serial expat

514POSTS

4 years ago

#13

surfdog12....Good comparison,to your machine-gun-fire statement ....Carnage is carnage,wherever it may be !

Julien Founder

53178POSTS

4 years ago

#14

edwinemora wrote:
The carnage on our highways has taken quite a few North Americans away also,last month and they were just here for tourism.

This is very sad but I don't see any relationship between the initial post and yours聽 = you are completely off topic

This topic is aimed to be positive, but once again you're turning a positive thread into something negative.

1 member reacted to this post

surfdog12 Active member

83POSTS

4 years ago

#15

Julien wrote:
This is very sad but I don't see any relationship between the initial post and yours聽 = you are completely off topic

This topic is aimed to be positive, but once again you're turning a positive thread into something negative.

Hi Julien,
While being a moderator with vested interest in a warm cuddly environment portrayed to those that may be seeking to become Expats, the realities of this should outweigh the warm and fuzzy marketing aspects.

Know the full perspective on a location is far and away more benefit than making a life changing decision and THEN finding out details that could have prevented or allowed you to make other choices.

I know Costa Rica is different from a tourist perspective then as a resident. It does not deter my plans to become a part time resident (Vacation Home owner) but knowing all aspects allows better planning and assures a happier final outcome.

Granted if on-topic off-topic is the issue, we could start a Pros and Cons thread. Would this be a better way to address the larger perspective?

3 members reacted to this post

Fred Indonesia Expert

30549POSTS

4 years ago

#16

surfdog12 wrote:
Hi Julien,
While being a moderator with vested interest in a warm cuddly environment portrayed to those that may be seeking to become Expats, the realities of this should outweigh the warm and fuzzy marketing aspects.

Reality is fine, and the political situation in the United States might very well be an influence on your choices, but the thread is turning into a political bunfight that serves nobody's interests.
At the end of the day, all such arguments do is create discord and distract from the whole point of a mutual help forum.

I have to agree with Julien on this matter. The guy has put a lot into creating a space to help expats all over the world, but silly politics could so easily make all that hard work a waste of time.

surfdog12 Active member

83POSTS

4 years ago

#17

Fred wrote:
surfdog12 wrote:
Hi Julien,
While being a moderator with vested interest in a warm cuddly environment portrayed to those that may be seeking to become Expats, the realities of this should outweigh the warm and fuzzy marketing aspects.

Reality is fine, and the political situation in the United States might very well be an influence on your choices, ...

I have to agree with Julien on this matter. The guy has put a lot into creating a space to help expats all over the world, but silly politics could so easily make all that hard work a waste of time.

I would agree on not bringing politics into things.
But, I have learned so much that is relative to being an ExPat and how there is a dramatic difference between a tourists experience and someone that has jumped in , full expat.

The perspective of the hardships and realities should not be glossed over and the truly is a disservice to the community.

1 member reacted to this post

Fred Indonesia Expert

30549POSTS

4 years ago

#18

surfdog12 wrote:
.................
The perspective of the hardships and realities should not be glossed over and the truly is a disservice to the community.

Perhaps you would like to start a thread about the negative side of being an expat. This one is about why you wanted to move.
Home country politics might very well be a reason, it was for me, but I don't bother taking sides because complaining on a forum does absolutely no good, however, it does harm the raison d'etre of the forum.

1 member reacted to this post

surfdog12 Active member

83POSTS

4 years ago

#19

Fred wrote:
Perhaps you would like to start a thread about the negative side of being an expat. This one is about why you wanted to move.

Fair enough. I do try to help out others on other forums that were missing the unfortunate negatives, much like myself.

It's odd how I've personally learned so much negative realistic perspective to Costa Rica, but it's still my goal to buy or build a vacation home, and deal with the negative stuff.

1 member reacted to this post

Llholly Active member

94POSTS

4 years ago

#20

I think if you weigh the negatives of being an expat next to the negatives of one鈥檚 home country you鈥檒l find the negative reasons for one鈥檚 wanting to leave, outweigh the prospective negatives one may encounter in a foreign country. It all depends on your frame of reference. To me, my area in Costa Rica is far safer than my neighborhood in Los Angeles where the odds are 1 in 18 will be a victim of violent crime. My neighborhood, despite the fact that a 2 bedroom house will cost you over a million dollars, is still ridden with gang activity, shootings nearly every day, theft all the time and a large homeless population who mostly don鈥檛 cause trouble but leave a lot of trash in their wake. It鈥檚 all relative.

surfdog12 Active member

83POSTS

4 years ago

#21

Llholly wrote:
To me, my area in Costa Rica is far safer than my neighborhood in Los Angeles where the odds are 1 in 18 will be a victim of violent crime. .... It鈥檚 all relative.

Our area in So Cal is definitely safer than Costa Rica.

Reasons for wanting to have a home abroad, in Costa Rica, is:
聽聽聽 Warmer weather when it's cold here (<70聽 degrees).
聽聽聽 Greater resources for artistic endeavors (Painting).
聽聽聽 Warm water for surfing.
聽聽聽 Solitude and a slower relaxed integration with nature.
聽聽聽 Health (blue zones) based on diet and pace of life.

Reasons to appreciate home (not abroad):
聽聽聽 Stuff (too long a list to post), convenience, low prices, not worrying people will take your stuff if left unattended.

Having property in Costa Rica is a complicated equation. Security is a large component that I believe will determine success. Also realistically understanding the bureaucracies, limitations on resources, language, and different mind-set required to appreciate a different country than your home.

1 member reacted to this post

Llholly Active member

94POSTS

4 years ago

#22

What resources re: painting are you referring to? The landscapes and nature or cost and availability of supplies? I wasn't sure how much art supplies would cost there so I'm bringing my paints, sketchbooks, etc...with me. There's an art supply store in San Jose but that's like a 4-5 hour trip from where I stay and I imagine the prices are quite high....

surfdog12 Active member

83POSTS

4 years ago

#23

Llholly wrote:
What resources re: painting are you referring to? The landscapes and nature or cost and availability of supplies?

Yes, the landscapes, flora and fauna. I can bring my own (Acrylics) though I am moving to mixing acrylics with oils and it will be interesting to see how the higher temps and humidity of the coast effect the mediums.

samramon ViP

1338POSTS

4 years ago

#24

The driving force of moving to Costa Rica was that I loved the nature and the people and I could afford to build a home on an ocean view lot in the mountains which I could never have done in the USA.
However for reasons the moderator apparently doesn't want me to give here, I moved back to the USA after 6 years because I didn't like living in Costa Rica.

1 member reacted to this post

Laura Spiers Active member

26POSTS

4 years ago

#25

Sad to hear. Come back to trump world it really sucks here.

1 member reacted to this post

surfdog12 Active member

83POSTS

4 years ago

#26

Laura Spiers wrote:
Sad to hear. Come back to trump world it really sucks here.

If there's any justice in this world, Trump World will soon be prison. And hopefully it includes many of his supporters that would rather support a Russian invasion of a sovereign state than admit they were misled by a grifter.

Now we're hearing trumpsters saying the conflict in the Ukraine is just a diversion to take away from the 50 or so Truckers whining about having to wear a bit of cloth on their faces to prevent the spread of Covid. Luckily they are a dwindling minority.

4 members reacted to this post

metrohopper Member

10POSTS

4 years ago

#27

@edwinemora eddy, the mod clearly stated: "What was the main factor that led you to choose Costa Rica as your new home? "

Why did you feel the need to answer that which you immediately made clear was not a question 鈥� let alone discussion 鈥� you needed to include yerself?

You make it obvious you are a troll and that you offer NOTHING to any discussion despite attempting to pretend you have something to offer.

You are like the strangler fig trees in San Jose.

1 member reacted to this post

edwinemora Serial expat

514POSTS

4 years ago

#28

metrohopper...Why do you as a tourist,are trying to censor the people you are visiting ? As someone as yourself who has no roots,history and doesn't speak the language of the Republic,this is very futile for you.Thank God,Costa Rica has freedom of speech ! It is the Holiest of all weeks in Costa Rica and as you don't know our language nor neither our customs, you spew your yankee imperialism.

1 member reacted to this post

csampler Member

1POSTS

4 years ago

#29

Costa Rica, like any other country has positive and negative aspects to life.聽 After living and working there for 6 years, I much prefer life there than in my home country for many reasons.聽 The people I met and the experiences I had were overall a wonderful experience and I would recommend it highly.

I became bilingual while in Costa Rica and developed very close frienships with Ticos as well as expats.聽 This is due, in part to the attitude I had and a desire to become a part of the culture . . . The Costa Rican culture.

The challenges that one might face can either bring about growth and result in a stronger person or it can help one to decide to make changes/improvements.

Life in Costa Rica can be a BLESSING or not so much.聽 It really depends on each person, their desires and expectations and what each person is wiiling to bring to the experience which might (should) include pateince, flexability and an attitude open to accepting a different way of life among many other necessary traits.

1 member reacted to this post

metrohopper Member

10POSTS

4 years ago

#30

metrohopper...Why do you as a tourist,are trying to censor the people you are visiting ? As someone as yourself who has no roots,history and doesn't speak the language of the Republic,this is very futile for you.Thank God,Costa Rica has freedom of speech ! It is the Holiest of all weeks in Costa Rica and as you don't know our language nor neither our customs, you spew your yankee imperialism.
- @edwinemora

Eddie,

Your hyberole is laughable. I'm not a government agent 鈥� I'm not even a mod on this forum 鈥� and accusing me of "censorship" proves you are a poor, little troll.

You act like a Yankee: everything is about you, even posts that ask "expats" to post thoughts. You're not an expat, Eddie, because you claim to have been "born in Costa Rica." As such, the question posed DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU. You don't hesitate to insult people (rather than be a part of a civil conversation; it's good that Ticas are not like you, eh?) and yet act like a trumpian MAGA trucker if someone points out your hypocrisy, claiming your "free speech" is being censored.

Please take your misguided, overblown, sanctimonious commentary elsewhere. This forum is for adults, not whiners and crybabies.

1 member reacted to this post

edwinemora Serial expat

514POSTS

4 years ago

#31

metrohopper.....No offense intended..........so deal with it and don't be so fragile.My comments or replies are really nothing,compared to real life in Costa Rica.Please read your last paragraph,it is a pretty apt graphic description of you.So authentic,metro- hopper,to use my own material,to reply to me.

Ziminar Active member

54POSTS

4 years ago

#32

To get back on subject......聽 I'm moving to Costa Rica for quite a few reasons.聽 I've been researching this for a decade.聽 My first reason is my health.聽 My body literally can not take the cold here in Denver any longer.聽 I wake up already crying from the pain. When I was there in Jan for 2 weeks I was on the lowest dose of pain relief i've been on for years.聽 I have no doubt that I will be able to wean myself off of them completely once I'm there.聽 The second reason, quality of life.聽 While i am EXTREMELY lucky in that my father left me money to be able to do this, I am also helping other family members make the move as well.聽 I will be buying land and building tiny homes (not the mobile kind) for myself, my brother's widow and my disabled husbands brother and wife.聽 I could continue to list reasons the last being cost of living.聽 Since I will be paying cash for the land and buidling I won't have a mortgage or have to pay rent, but I could have easily stayed in Denver spent the same amount of money buying a 1 bedroom condo which would have taken up almost all of the money.聽 this way I can help take care of some family while taking care of myself.聽 I have already met some great Ticans, the Southern Pacific has the nicest people you will meet in CR I'm sure of that (yes ok I'm prejudiced). Our goal is to immerse ourselves in the Tican lifestyle, simple and easy going. With great friends local and expat alike.聽 Sitting on a beach and watching the guys and girls surf is just a bonus

2 members reacted to this post

kohlerias ViP

1572POSTS

4 years ago

#33

Ziminar, have you check what the minimum sq. ft is for building a very small abode?

1 member reacted to this post

kohlerias ViP

1572POSTS

4 years ago

#34

I lived in CR for over 18 years, made many great and trusted friends, however, this does not make up for the many times our property was stolen and our homes were broken into, and our 3 dogs being poisoned during one of them.

We got on well with the people we hired and joined in all the community functions but extranjeros to the country have to realize that even nice people know some that are 'not so nice.'

I wouldn't have missed the adventures we had, the animals we saw, and the bird were magnificent while there, but you have to be diligent as petty theft is increasing throughout the country.

Remember just because someone speaks English, doesn't mean they are trustworthy.

Don't tell your 'new friends' your private business and how much you are living on...

4 members reacted to this post

Ziminar Active member

54POSTS

4 years ago

#35

I haven't checked recently.聽 I know they will have gone up due to the massive supply chain issue around the world.聽 I'm also looking into modular homes that will get delivered then I just need a general contractor to put it together, like a large lego set

Until I find a property tho, I've stopped looking at the cost psf cause it'll just worry me and I have enough to worry about already.聽 We will have a family compound聽 basically. Fenced with security measures as will each of our homes individually.聽 There's no doubt being an expat old lady will make me a target to someone out there.聽 I just have to be diligent as much as possible.聽 Things can be replaced, so I'd rather they take things than my or a loved ones life. The thing that concerns me the most are the traffic accidents.聽 Just in the small area of Uvita/Dominical we saw easily one every other day.聽 99% of them were touristas I'm sure.聽 Renting a new building in a neighborhood so I'll protect myself as much as I'm able to. But I think the crime rate there isn't worse than a lot of places here.聽 Am I making the right decision?聽 who knows.聽 I won't until I'm there.聽 I can handle some petty theft. heck I've had a large plant stolen off my patio, just the plant. they left the container it was in.聽 was so weird lol.聽 I'm trying to go into this with my eyes wide open. I'm not looking for paradise, just a tiny squeeze of it and I'll be a happy girl.

1 member reacted to this post

Henrych Serial expat

321POSTS

4 years ago

#36

@metrohopper your ad hominem is repulsive. It really kills the desire to take part in this forum. Try to refrain from personal attacks, it shows that you aren't able to discuss.

kohlerias ViP

1572POSTS

4 years ago

#37

Ziminar, I would suggest you don't build or bring in a wooden structure as the climate, humidity and insects will quickly cause major problems.

3 members reacted to this post

samramon ViP

1338POSTS

4 years ago

#38

@Ziminar I suggest you look into sip panels. I used panacor for my house, and their panels were great to build with, and I highly recommend using some form of sips.

You send them the architect design for your house, and they create the panels which you then just put together like a puzzle. They will even come out and train a crew how to do it.

One thing I recommend is adding steel posts to all the corners of the house. Because of the high winds.

What we did was scrape out the plastic / styrofoam type material on the corners and put in the steel posts in place of the plastic.

Despite how it sounds, sip panels are very strong and they will never get eaten by insects, and they are earthquake resistant.

2 members reacted to this post

jecoombs523 Member

1POSTS

3 years ago

#39

@Julien

I disagree, sir. I am looking at CR as a place to retire in about 10 yrs and I would love to hear BOTH the positive AND the negative. I am a realist and I appreciate the reality of things versus looking at things through rose-colored glasses. Let him continue.

1 member reacted to this post

Yoginee ViP

3414POSTS

3 years ago

#40

Hello jecoombs523,

Welcome to expat.com!

Before moving to a new country you should definitely weigh all the pros and cons.

For this reason, I invite you to read the Living in Costa Rica guide for expats. You will get a lot of information concerning the different aspects of life there.

You can also browse on the Costa Rica forum to read about the different experiences of other members. If needed, you can also create a new discussion there.

Cheers,

Yoginee

大咖福利影院 team