One of the saddest things for me about Costa RIca is that so many people come here with out really visiting the country first. We have some communities that are mostly N. American but they are gated communities and most of them dont have small children because most of the people coming to Costa Rica are people coming to retire. Once in a while you will see younger couples but on average out of 100 families moving to CR maybe 1 of them are young families with children. If you want employment here you need to have a work permit that you got prior to arriving and a job through and agency that hired you from the US. There are several companies hiring here in CR. Amazon, Amway, GE and many others. Most of them are offering positions in Service telephone calling. There are some companies that hire from the US. CR has tough laws regarding hiring foreign labor.
You need not worry about your child learning to speak Spanish. It usually takes about 4 -6 months for a child to pick up enough language skills to communicate. They learn quickly by playing with children and watching cartoons on the TV.
The adjustment in CR comes because of many things. Most of us from Europe and N. America are used to some luxuries that are not luxuries in the US. CR offers a lot of things but their is limited social activity. Most of the older expats here have social outlets but very few exist for the younger couples. It is such an adjustment in CR until there is a 1-5 year return tu the USA.
Private schools are not nearly as expensive as in the US, but the private schools catering mostly to foreign students is expensive and you will find that school close to the Escazu, Santa Ana and San Jose areas. We have CR private schools as well.
I am 67 years old and when I came to CR I was 59. For a person my age it is a real adjustment but I have a business and I stay busy.
On dogs, there are so many people who have shipped dogs over. You can go to the CR Embassy information on line and it will give you information about pet requirements. Furniture is cheap to purchase, except for refrigerators and other kitchen appliances.
If you are moving on a certain, you need to investivate, because the move is expensive. I would estimate your move would cost you about $15,000-30,000 within a years time.

A lot of people will tell you that the cost is less, but believe me that is in the ball park. The first year you will pay airfare, shipping expenses, rental expenses, and the expense for leaving the country every 3 months. It it is well worth making a pre-inspection trip so you can check what most of your expense will be.

I hope this helps

Post a Reply

00abuse

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

Thank you. Yes it does help. We are actually coming to visit the end of this week. There are several places that we have in mind....but are anxious to see what we think when we get there. I am excited about the interaction with the people there.

We will continue to do our homework about costs of living. One other thing...what about telephone as far as calling to the states and also internet. We have talked to people in other places in South America and it sounds like its best to go with Skype and that the internet is not very reliable. Can you give me any idea on how it is there in CR?

Post a Reply

00abuse

You experience different things based on where you are living. Costa Rica communications system is under a Socialistic system. The government makes rules about who can and who can not have a telephone. Someone can permit you to use their telephone line. I have a telephone in my house that is in the original owner of the houses name. He has not lived here in 15 years. I can not get the telephone out of his name, he can not give it to me. It will pass hands if he dies. The only other way is to stop paying the bill, then they will come and remove the telephone line. No easy solution. In order to get a telephone in your name you need to be a resident or have a corporation, it still can take several years in some areas. You can not tell. The telephone company adds lines almost the same as rationing. One of my friends has been waiting for a telephone for 5 years. He uses a cell telephone and he also has paid for WIFI services system to be installed in his house. That service is costing him 90.00 per month $400.00 for installation charge. The closer you are to a city the more certain you are of having all the needed services.
Dont get in you mind that there will not be some things you give up. There is a reason it is cheaper to live in Costa Rica. This is a government controlled country, the very thing some people from the US tell me that they are coming here for.
The other thing is that people so often tell you things and leave out a lot of facts. Life here for me is nice and I'm happy here, but it aint easy.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Best to buy furniture there. All you need is warm weather clothes. Buy a used car there. We used shipcostarica.com to move to CR with great success, however, we used www.intermoves-sgcr.com for the return to the states with horrible results. They changed pricing, held our things hostage, and stole several thousand dollars of tools, stereos, etc from us. They refused to do anything about it.

Post a Reply

00abuse

I was wondering if you finally made the move to CR. My husband and I are also making the move in Feb and we have a 2yr old daughter and I am pregnant again, would great to meet others and if you could answer some questions for me that would be great.
Thanks
Cindy

Post a Reply

00abuse

Hi there,
This is a very beautiful and welcoming country for expats; you are going to like it for sure!
There are some things you need to bear in mind of course one of them is be careful because like everywhere in the world there are some places you don’t want to go, but overall is very secure and calm.
As for the furniture, it really depends on how new is your stuff? Because it will be a bit of a hassle for sure to move all the stuff here, if you decide not to, there are places I can be more than glad to suggest you to get affordable stuff.
As for your dog…I can’t really help you, I have no experience on that matter.
Expats are welcome everywhere and yes there is plenty of job opportunities for English speaking people, but I don’t think teaching English is you best choice not really lucrative.
I am currently at San Ramon, this is the real Pura Vida! I can see the ocean from my mountain chalet style home and the area is so secure and calm.
I am also 40 m away from the beach and 30 m away from the airport! What more can I ask for?
I want to suggest you this company which really took care of me, they can help you with all the relocation process and more important they will find you what you want!
http://www.internationalrecr.com/`they really can help on all the relocation process as well.
Hope to be of help!
Cheers!

Post a Reply

00abuse

I am also interested in this question, worth moving stuff there. Currently I'm planning on selling most stuff.
Rj

Post a Reply

00abuse

Well, again it all depends on how much can you get out of your current stuff...and how expensive your stuff actually is, if that is the case you might want to consider having it shipped!

Cheers!

Post a Reply

00abuse