Celadon
American looking for information about Costa Rica
Forum posts
67
About me
American
Lives in Guanacaste
Registration: 03 January 2017
Health Insurance for Traveler?
We found a travel health insurance for $25 - off to Berlin. Danke. Read More
Health Insurance for Traveler?
Hello friends, I belong to another country's forum but came here to ask a question, thank you for your patience. My adult daughter--US citizen--leaves the US in 24 hours for 10 days in Berlin. She bought her air ticket with AmEx and has the ... Read More
Seeking position as English instructor/teacher by sherwoodnyhart
Hello everyone!! I am in the process of making a big move down to Canc煤n and any information, advice, or offerings would be greatly appreciated! I am a 27 year old male seeking a position as an English instructor in Canc煤n. I received my ...
I'll post this publically here for anyone interested in teaching English online. This is my best advice: If you are not on Facebook, do join simple to get the benefit of the groups that guide/advise prospective teachers. The one I think is best ... Read More
Relocating to San Miguel de Allende questions by nikbus99
Hello, I am planning to take a couple of trips to SMA in the next few months and see if it's a place I'd like to relocate to for retirement. I currently live in Texas, but only because my job is here. I've never felt like I belong in ...
I have friends who spend hours every week as volunteers at a clinic that spays and neuters cats and dogs. SMA vicinity I believe. Read More
Mexico or Costa Rica?
Thoughts on retiring to Mexico as opposed to Costa Rica? I have visited both and leaned toward CR: thinking differently lately, but Mexico is a country I know less and have spent less time in. The upscale / expat / more expensive sheen to CR is ... Read More
Seeking position as English instructor/teacher by sherwoodnyhart
Hello everyone!! I am in the process of making a big move down to Canc煤n and any information, advice, or offerings would be greatly appreciated! I am a 27 year old male seeking a position as an English instructor in Canc煤n. I received my ...
Have you considered teaching English online? I work for three companies and earn $20/hr - you could too if you are hired - the biggest companies require US or Canadian citizenship and North American accent, although I have heard light accents . Men ... Read More
Safety in Cancun in 2018/2019 by matt4x4
QUESTIONS What area's of Cancun are dangerous? And at what time of day is it safe to roam alone? I do not know the unwritten rules about posting in a thread that is old, but I do have a few questions about safety. I did read other threads. I ...
With my two teen daughters I (Mom) stayed in a modest AirBnB for a week in March, out of the tourist zone. Visited the locals' beach. Shopped, sat,strolled, dined. We bused, walked, taxi'd, stayed in sight of others, it's hard to be ... Read More
La Paz School vs CRIA/Living in CR with kids by Christinebala
Hello, We are going to be moving to the Guanacaste area and would love some input on the two private international schools we are considering(La Paz and CRIA). My son will be 9 this summer and going into the 4th grade. He does well in school and is ...
Hi Christine, 1. Schools. Each private school will welcome your son for a full day or even two full days. If you haven't already, I would recommend that you arrange as much time at each school as you can and that he chat with the guidance ... Read More
English/French speakers With High School daughter?
Thank you both for contributing ^^^^. As Ralphnhatrag said, the tuition for the good private schools is prohibitive. The ones she could attend (US diploma schools) ask $25,000 a year. Now I know. Thanks again! Read More
New members of the Thailand forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Thailand forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Would welcome hearing from parents with an English-speaking child in an affordable ($10K - $12K /yr) school that gives the US diploma (SATs, AP courses) in a family-friendly environment. Prefer to rent a furnished place and not own a car. Need ... Read More
English/French speakers With High School daughter?
What locations would you recommend for an older couple who need stable internet for their work and who have a 15 year old daughter to put in a private English-speaking school at a reasonable tuition? Hanoi? The student only speaks English, but my ... Read More
CR Volunteer opportunities for teenagers?
Hola amigos! Thank you, guys, for helping us out...a year ago! We toured schools etc. with your help and I am still maneuvering to get my youngest (15) into the school she liked so much in Heredida. Any tips for part- or even full-time volunteer ... Read More
Summer Intern on her way!
I am a contributor on another expat sub-forum on expat.com, may I post a question here? My college student daughter will be a journalist intern in Ulaanbaatar this summer. She has a stipend to cover living expenses. She will be writing in English ... Read More
Rental car vs Uber (or taxi)
Thanks! I found out that Uber is gone in Cancun, but rental cars are still there! Read More
Rental car vs Uber (or taxi)
I apologize for asking a question related to a brief stay (I "live" at another forum) - Visiting Cancun for a week with two teens, can I swing it w/ an Uber or two and public transportation to see the sites and by food? Having driven in ... Read More
Driving in Martinique by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Martinique? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess聟 what are the characteristics of the driving ...
Bumping this topic up, hoping for some info! I will be on Martinique in late March (with teenage daughters) to explore and think toward relocating - I am an online teacher and can take my job anywhere. Our AirBNB host recommends renting a car. ... Read More
Where in CR to live, based on schools & jobs. by Kahuna John
Hi. Our family is planning to move from the Pacific Northwest to CR this year, and we are currently trying to decide exactly where in CR to relocate, based on school and employment opportunities. We'll have the following kids with us: 1 high ...
Have you researched tuition and fees? A high school tuition/fees is $8K-$12K/yr; Middle School in the range of $8K/yr; Elementary School, a little less. Transportation is extra. Schools will email you their chart of tuition and fees. I know the ... Read More
One week visit: what should I NOT FORGET to do, bring, remember? by Celadon
I've traveled quite a bit, but never quite so solo to a place where I don't speak the native language. Beyond the obvious, what should I [b][i]not forget [/i][/b]to do, bring, remember, guard against, protect, etc? But should I ...
Dear Rickinracine, Kohlerias, and other Expat CR contributors who have helped me out here! Rickinracine, thank you for your detailed and helpful post! Sorry for my delay in responding. We had a fulfilling, informative, vacation/fun trip in all ... Read More
Uber - San Jose/ escazu
No flames, please, but if you are new to CR, consider bargaining in a respectful way. We took two Ubers. China has turned me into an unrepentant bargainer. Our first trip was estimated at $20. I offered $10 (the drive was not far, a $7 NYC taxi ride ... Read More
Locations to consider living in Costa Rica by briner
My wife and I are looking for feedback on locations that would provide the following: - very safe - reasonably priced - nearby to golf and beach (within several miles) Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. Ralph and Marian
I am home from my wonderful 6 days w/2 daughters and will write up our trip when I get over this "Twilight Zone" feeling. But wanted to add a word since people have stopped talking about golf and drifted into talking about ... Read More
Carrying camera - is it safe? by Peticolas
Hi all. With all the talk of robberies and not carrying "luxury" goods around, I'm beginning to wonder if it will be safe to carry my camera (an expensive camera) around. It is sort of a decided downer if I can't feel safe about ...
It was very disturbing to hear about the murder, and whatever information the police have, please share it here if it is available, thank you. If the photographer left a bar at 4 am to take pictures of the sunrise, that is a dangerous scenario. If ... Read More
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS by jayhb62
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS (DOG) I live in playas del coco and am in the process of building a home in the immediate area. My dog is still in the US. I am retired, have a 27 year old daughter who lives in North Carolina, and have no real support ...
Here is a page from a Google search for Pet Therapy Support. If someone at one or another of these groups doesn't have specific answers, they should have resources to someone who does. Assuming you have everything lined up w/an English-speaking ... Read More
Bringing Your Pets to Costa Rica by ExpatDave
I care a great deal about animals and this has me quite angry to say the least. ...humans. A few days ago a Canadian couple decided to bring their pet Cockatoo on vacation with them to Costa Rica - no permits, nothing, 鈥渏ust taking it on ...
Sorry, I contradicted myself. When I wrote, "the bird will be free" I meant free of its cage. Then I said the birds should not be freed into the wild for the reasons Dave outlined. Read More
Why did you choose to live in Costa Rica over Panama? by Celadon
Hola, amigos! I've been reading "How to Retire Overseas" by Kathleen Peddicord, published 2010. She is/was the publisher and editor of "International Living," has written about living/retiring overseas for 25 years, and after ...
Thank you, samramon. These comparison posts are dense with information, so it's a good bet they will be useful to a lot of people who will be exploring an expat move to either country. Comparison shopping. Always a good idea. Read More
One week visit: what should I NOT FORGET to do, bring, remember? by Celadon
I've traveled quite a bit, but never quite so solo to a place where I don't speak the native language. Beyond the obvious, what should I [b][i]not forget [/i][/b]to do, bring, remember, guard against, protect, etc? But should I ...
Thanks for the great advice,, samramon! I figure we might as well bring along out own toilet paper while we're at it :( It's that cursed spell-check! I can't figure out how to disable it! My daughters must know, but I don't want ... Read More
Bringing Your Pets to Costa Rica by ExpatDave
I care a great deal about animals and this has me quite angry to say the least. ...humans. A few days ago a Canadian couple decided to bring their pet Cockatoo on vacation with them to Costa Rica - no permits, nothing, 鈥渏ust taking it on ...
Cockatoos have a much more restricted range than the true parrots, occurring naturally only in Australasia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Eleven of the 21 species exist in the wild only in Australia, while seven species occur only in the islands of ... Read More
Bringing Your Pets to Costa Rica by ExpatDave
I care a great deal about animals and this has me quite angry to say the least. ...humans. A few days ago a Canadian couple decided to bring their pet Cockatoo on vacation with them to Costa Rica - no permits, nothing, 鈥渏ust taking it on ...
We'll have to talk parrots sometime, Dave. I have some parrot stories. That is an odd story. The couple must be extremely attacked to that cockatoo to bring it with them. Bird stores take birds for vacationers, or there must have been someone ... Read More
Why Many Expats Return to their Home Country by ExpatDave
I am often asked why Gringos return to their home countries so quickly after moving here. It is difficult to answer. My experience is that more often than not, it鈥檚 for the same reason(s). Failure to assimilate and failure to accept things ...
I wandered into a forum for a country in South America. I have a good friend who often visits there with his wife who is a native. I thought you guys would appreciate this remark I found there: "I鈥檝e read a blog where people admittedly ... Read More
Why did you choose to live in Costa Rica over Panama? by Celadon
Hola, amigos! I've been reading "How to Retire Overseas" by Kathleen Peddicord, published 2010. She is/was the publisher and editor of "International Living," has written about living/retiring overseas for 25 years, and after ...
Thank you, Dave, you did my work for me. It's always an amazing experience when you find that the person you're chatting with has the complete opposite viewpoint than you do about a book, a film, a public figure or actor or college than you ... Read More
One week visit: what should I NOT FORGET to do, bring, remember? by Celadon
I've traveled quite a bit, but never quite so solo to a place where I don't speak the native language. Beyond the obvious, what should I [b][i]not forget [/i][/b]to do, bring, remember, guard against, protect, etc? But should I ...
Kohlerias, I notice here and elsewhere, you really know your stuff. Here in the US, even schools with a so-called "zero tolerance" for bullying and assemblies and summer-reading-and-writing assignments on bullying/cyber-bullying, it ... Read More
One week visit: what should I NOT FORGET to do, bring, remember? by Celadon
I've traveled quite a bit, but never quite so solo to a place where I don't speak the native language. Beyond the obvious, what should I [b][i]not forget [/i][/b]to do, bring, remember, guard against, protect, etc? But should I ...
Very true. I should have sourced my generalization. It does sound idealized. From "Choose Costa Rica for Retirement" by John Howells and Teal Conroy. "Gringo children are typically boisterous, full of energy, and extremely ... Read More
Why did you choose to live in Costa Rica over Panama? by Celadon
Hola, amigos! I've been reading "How to Retire Overseas" by Kathleen Peddicord, published 2010. She is/was the publisher and editor of "International Living," has written about living/retiring overseas for 25 years, and after ...
Thewizz, I owe you. All I knew about Panama is that, judging from photos....it looks like a big city! I knew nothing about the crime/murder rate nor the sensibility of the native population which is so important and especially important to me, ... Read More
One week visit: what should I NOT FORGET to do, bring, remember? by Celadon
I've traveled quite a bit, but never quite so solo to a place where I don't speak the native language. Beyond the obvious, what should I [b][i]not forget [/i][/b]to do, bring, remember, guard against, protect, etc? But should I ...
Thank you, Kohlerias! None of us has ANY Spanish. I am thinking of prevailing on a fluent retired friend to give me an in-person crash course for two weeks. Each of the schools we are visiting is a tuition-charging private school where about half ... Read More
One week visit: what should I NOT FORGET to do, bring, remember? by Celadon
I've traveled quite a bit, but never quite so solo to a place where I don't speak the native language. Beyond the obvious, what should I [b][i]not forget [/i][/b]to do, bring, remember, guard against, protect, etc? But should I ...
Perfect!!! But for a second I was alarmed. Trying to cut back on the iPhone, iPad sloth around there. Then I realized - not that sloth! All kinds of t-shirts for friends....but not for teachers. In France we get jam, mustard....? Read More
One week visit: what should I NOT FORGET to do, bring, remember? by Celadon
I've traveled quite a bit, but never quite so solo to a place where I don't speak the native language. Beyond the obvious, what should I [b][i]not forget [/i][/b]to do, bring, remember, guard against, protect, etc? But should I ...
Good to know, thank you, kohlerias! Also, what should I be on the look-out to bring home as presents, especially for 8th grade girls and their teachers? We have several requests for monkeys and Toucans but I explained that it would be hard to get ... Read More
One week visit: what should I NOT FORGET to do, bring, remember?
I've traveled quite a bit, but never quite so solo to a place where I don't speak the native language. Beyond the obvious, what should I not forget to do, bring, remember, guard against, protect, etc? But should I absolutely do in Costa ... Read More
Use Waze, skip GPS? by Celadon
Hola, amigos! Our March visit plans are taking shape! A question for Costa Rican dwellers: I purchased the "international travel pass" from Verizon which turns out to be essentially the same price as changing SIM cards etc., plus all ...
Thanks for that, thewizz. I downloaded Waze; I'll download Google Maps. And a student told me that there is a Spanish language app I can download to the phone. I have a little phrase book called "Costa Rica Phrase Book," CDs, and ... Read More
Why did you choose to live in Costa Rica over Panama?
Hola, amigos! I've been reading "How to Retire Overseas" by Kathleen Peddicord, published 2010. She is/was the publisher and editor of "International Living," has written about living/retiring overseas for 25 years, and after ... Read More
Speaking Spanish in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Spanish is essential for a successful integration in Costa Rica. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Spanish? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
Gracias, amigos! I think I am on track with y'all regarding your useful advice. Thank you, thewizz, you don't have to characterize your realistic remarks as negative. Not negative at all. If we are going to live in CR, it would be absurd not ... Read More
Speaking Spanish in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hi everyone, It is widely agreed that speaking Spanish is essential for a successful integration in Costa Rica. Do you agree? Share your experience! Do you speak Spanish? If so, where did you learn this language? Where can one attend a ...
As I wrote elsewhere...counting down to my trip to Costa Rica in three weeks! Regarding this initial one-week trip, and a possible/hoped for relocation, will I/we be okay starting with ZERO Spanish? Each of us wants to learn Spanish, and each of us ... Read More
Why we decided not to move to Ecuador after two trips there by gardener1
Thinking to immigrate, We spent a month in Ecuador in Nov. 2012 - Quito/Cuenca/Manta and other points in between. We spent a month in Ecuador in Jan. 2017 Guayaquil/Cuenca/Montanita and other points in between. We are not moving to Ecuador. The ...
Back to say "thank you" for your comments about Costa Rica. If we relocate, our residential location at least for four years will depend on the private high school we choose/she likes best for our daughter. When she goes to college in the ... Read More
Why we decided not to move to Ecuador after two trips there by gardener1
Thinking to immigrate, We spent a month in Ecuador in Nov. 2012 - Quito/Cuenca/Manta and other points in between. We spent a month in Ecuador in Jan. 2017 Guayaquil/Cuenca/Montanita and other points in between. We are not moving to Ecuador. The ...
But what if i feel like identifying as a Dude? ;)Don't ask me how, but Gardener, I knew you were a woman. Maybe because I am a Caucasian woman who identifies as Chinese. Y'all seem like a cool group of expats, so may I ask you, what is ... Read More
Car seat laws in Costa Rica
I hope this article is helpful. The article gives guidance about what kind of car seat to use based on a child's height and weight. What is important vis a vis your question is that the article recommends that a backless booster only be used in ... Read More
Use Waze, skip GPS? by Celadon
Hola, amigos! Our March visit plans are taking shape! A question for Costa Rican dwellers: I purchased the "international travel pass" from Verizon which turns out to be essentially the same price as changing SIM cards etc., plus all ...
Thank you! That was my hunch. I will call and cancel the GPS today. Gracias! Read More
Plan Ahead for Retirement by ExpatDave
Looking back on my retirement and witnessing the retirement of others here, I think that one of the more important things to consider about your retiring is what will you do once you鈥檙e here? It may sound like a simple query but in reality ...
Thank you Expat Dave and Kohlerias! Kohlerias you are quite a reader! There is no way my husband will part with his library. His books will need a separate room and a dehumidifier. Fingers-crossed. I completely forgot about Kindles [head slap]. ... Read More
Plan Ahead for Retirement by ExpatDave
Looking back on my retirement and witnessing the retirement of others here, I think that one of the more important things to consider about your retiring is what will you do once you鈥檙e here? It may sound like a simple query but in reality ...
What! No casinos? No football stadiums? No skiing? No drag car races? Shatter my dreams. I bet you've got no gun ranges! I don't have a TV. I usually have no idea what anyone is talking about. I don't get a lot of contemporary cultural ... Read More
Why Many Expats Return to their Home Country by ExpatDave
I am often asked why Gringos return to their home countries so quickly after moving here. It is difficult to answer. My experience is that more often than not, it鈥檚 for the same reason(s). Failure to assimilate and failure to accept things ...
I agree with Rafenc that a lot of great things are happening in the US right now. Millions of people who used not to know the names of their Senators and Congressmen and women now know them. People are getting much more exercise getting out there ... Read More
Use Waze, skip GPS?
Hola, amigos! Our March visit plans are taking shape! A question for Costa Rican dwellers: I purchased the "international travel pass" from Verizon which turns out to be essentially the same price as changing SIM cards etc., plus all ... Read More
Why Many Expats Return to their Home Country by ExpatDave
I am often asked why Gringos return to their home countries so quickly after moving here. It is difficult to answer. My experience is that more often than not, it鈥檚 for the same reason(s). Failure to assimilate and failure to accept things ...
Expat Dave, not only in Costa Rica! Besides reading "touristy" books and reading this forum, I've been viewing "expat in Costa Rica" YouTubes. There are some helpful ones by individuals and some by travel-business ... Read More
Moving a pet successfully to Costa Rica? by Ruby on the Road
Hi- My boyfriend and I are actively considering moving to Costa Rica at the end of the year. Our dogs are our kids and moving without them is not an option. I have looked in to pet relocation, which seems like the safest option, but the quote was ...
My poodle is small for a Standard, only 40 lbs., but that's too bad about my little parrot. When the time comes I get it straightened out from the useful info here and other relevant guidance. Thanks! Read More
Moving a pet successfully to Costa Rica? by Ruby on the Road
Hi- My boyfriend and I are actively considering moving to Costa Rica at the end of the year. Our dogs are our kids and moving without them is not an option. I have looked in to pet relocation, which seems like the safest option, but the quote was ...
Thanks to all who have contributed here - such a lot of info covering so much. Just want to state here, I'm guessing it is safe to assume we can work it out to bring our small parrot in his cage on board a flight as well as our Standard Poodle. ... Read More
International health insurance by celferis
I know that, in addition to the mandatory CAJA, many expats have their own private international health insurance plan. I have Googled a few; premiums seem to be extremely high. Cigna seemed to be the lowest. We are under 55-59, in excellent health, ...
in case this would be helpful to others: I emailed the three private insurance companies redbeard cites above, and www.seguros506.com got back to me within a few hours with information about four policy options. The info he sent showed everything - ... Read More
Life with a 6,7, n 14 year old by blackghost79
Thinking about moving there next year. It was between Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Chile. The drinking water and education put Ecuador in 2nd, and Chiles climate put it last. So seems like Costa Rica wins. The only thing is the majority of the post I ...
Thank you very much, Expat Dave! Read More
International health insurance by celferis
I know that, in addition to the mandatory CAJA, many expats have their own private international health insurance plan. I have Googled a few; premiums seem to be extremely high. Cigna seemed to be the lowest. We are under 55-59, in excellent health, ...
Thank you again, Redbeard. I've looked at the websites of several schools and sent each an email with specific questions....even looked at nice apartments to rent near the schools. Yes, Tide looks very interesting. Having finished the ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Costa ...
Thanks, Kohlerias. We were drawn to look into relocating to CR because we have a friend who owns two homes in the mountains (one for rental). We would rent from him, but more likely near the HS I found that offers HS AP courses, has a talented and ... Read More
College Prep Private HS options? by Celadon
Anyone knowledgeable about US college-prep private high schools? My husband and I adopted three daughters from China when we were already well along in years, and are now itching to relocate with our youngest in tow. DD studies French and Chinese ...
Thank you for your note, Kohlerias. After the words "WHILE public schools have definite appeal", I outline why I prefer my daughter attend a private school. I didn't want to sound like a snob who preferred private over public. Read More
College Prep Private HS options? by Celadon
Anyone knowledgeable about US college-prep private high schools? My husband and I adopted three daughters from China when we were already well along in years, and are now itching to relocate with our youngest in tow. DD studies French and Chinese ...
Please note that I state twice that my inquiry is about private schools only. CS was a typo. Sorry for the error. I type CS frequently as shorthand for the Chinese School my daughter attends. I meant to type CR for "Costa Rica." Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Costa ...
I have read on a thread on this forum that one can expect all expenses to range between $2 - 3 K / mo. Of course I would do my own in-depth research before I took a look-see in CS. I would our complete living expenses figure the annual tuition of ... Read More
Life with a 6,7, n 14 year old by blackghost79
Thinking about moving there next year. It was between Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Chile. The drinking water and education put Ecuador in 2nd, and Chiles climate put it last. So seems like Costa Rica wins. The only thing is the majority of the post I ...
Thank you for your reply, Dave. I empathize with your daughter's challenges; as I wrote, our three daughters are from China and we know many international adoptees. If private schools give me permission, I might need to spend a week in CS ... Read More
College Prep Private HS options?
Anyone knowledgeable about US college-prep private high schools? My husband and I adopted three daughters from China when we were already well along in years, and are now itching to relocate with our youngest in tow. DD studies French and Chinese ... Read More
International health insurance by celferis
I know that, in addition to the mandatory CAJA, many expats have their own private international health insurance plan. I have Googled a few; premiums seem to be extremely high. Cigna seemed to be the lowest. We are under 55-59, in excellent health, ...
Thanks, redbeard - of course, out-of-pocket costs would vary greatly depending on needs, don't know how I missed that :(. I will get some concrete info now. (I see you are in Guanacaste - my private HS info shows La Paz, CRIA, Educarte, ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Costa Rica by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Costa ...
I'm bumping this thread to the top to invite CS expats to comment on their experiences living in CS. Please write frankly and in detail. The contrast one finds in online magazines describing "retirement life" in France or Belize, to ... Read More
Life with a 6,7, n 14 year old by blackghost79
Thinking about moving there next year. It was between Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Chile. The drinking water and education put Ecuador in 2nd, and Chiles climate put it last. So seems like Costa Rica wins. The only thing is the majority of the post I ...
Dear Expat Dave and other readers, My husband and are exploring expat life in CS w/our 14 year old daughter who is a high-achieving English-only speaker whose studies Chinese and French. We adopted three daughters from China when we were both well ... Read More
International health insurance by celferis
I know that, in addition to the mandatory CAJA, many expats have their own private international health insurance plan. I have Googled a few; premiums seem to be extremely high. Cigna seemed to be the lowest. We are under 55-59, in excellent health, ...
Costa Rica expats, would you please advise as to whether it is affordable for two seniors to forfeit Medicare ($300 plus /mo each) and relocate to CS and pay for medical care out-of-pocket or to purchase medical insurance? By affordable, I mean will ... Read More