An Expat Talks about Living in Montezuma, Costa Rica

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Montezuma

How long have you lived there?

About 3 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

None are necessary to meet others here. It's very easy to interact with others in Montezuma. Heck, just walk into Mega Super or walk down to the beach or take a break in the park. Getting involved at the Turtle sanctuary would be good. Take a Spanish class, or a yoga class or get involved with animal rescue. You'll meet plenty of people.

Immigration Help Costa Rica
Connect

Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Immigration Help Costa Rica

Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

The people here are quite diverse in terms of all the above. Accepting of differences: Yes to an extent. I have noticed racial bias. There often will be a local price and a gringo price. It's not that gringos are treated badly, it's more a double standard.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Tourism of course is huge here. I do not see a lot of career opportunity for people coming from other countries.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Lots of socializing, soccer, swimming, surfing, fishing, picnics on the beach, hiking, photography. Living life seems to be the priority here. Pura Vida!

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Be prepared for a lack of resources in almost every department. You are not going to find Walmart right around the corner and Starbucks will not be on every street. Yes, you can get used to it. You'll often find what you need; although it might be an alternative. Learn to live simply. Learn to live with space not things. Be prepared to pay a lot of money if you want to ship things here or to home. Be prepared for the rainy season. Be prepared for a lot of insects. Be prepared for humidity. Be prepared for crappy roads, many dirt and rocks. Be prepared to see people driving all over the road. Be prepared for your electronics to fail. Be prepared to meet a lot of wonderful people. Be prepared for illegality of cannabis; especially for those who have medical cannabis certificates in the States. Be prepared for the electricity to go out. Be prepared to travel 7km, one way to obtain gasoline for your vehicle. Be prepared to breathe fresh air. Be prepared for a lot of sun. Be prepared to see things that might appear alien to you - often. Be prepared to kiss women on the cheek when you meet them. Be prepared to learn what is truly important in life. Be prepared to let go and breathe.