Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Costa Rica Expat Forum

Atenas expats

New Topic Newest First
marnig
  2/20/2018 10:46 EST

My husband and I will be staying in Atenas for most of 10 days towards the end of April and would love to meet up with expats there for conversation. Anyone up for it?

rain007
  2/20/2018 13:59 EST

I may be available. What is the purpose of your trip. Please tell me why you are here and what do you hope to achieve during your stay? How can someone assist you?. Rain

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica
Connect

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.

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

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
Connect

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

lindyluvsCR
  2/20/2018 14:34 EST

If you end up coming to visit Grecia, my husband and I would be happy to meet in Delicias cafe near central park and introduce you to other expats that meet there most mornings at 9am. Send me personal message if interested and can give you my email address for expected date.

Also be glad to answer any questions you may have by email before your trip.

marnig
  2/21/2018 11:41 EST

Thank you, Lindy (I am guessing that's your name). I am not sure how to send a private message through ExpatExchange (new to this). We do plan to come to Grecia while we are in the area and I would love to meet up. We will not have a car so I will need to figure out how to get there. Thanks.
Marni

marnig
  2/21/2018 11:43 EST

We will be on vacation, but also checking the area to see if it is a place we will want to move to in the next few years. We are interested in talking to folks about their experiences, housing that may be available, cost of living, etc., etc. Thanks.

lindyluvsCR
  2/21/2018 15:53 EST

Marnig - Under the persons name it says 'send private message'. If you want to send one to me, press under my name where my message is.

Meanwhile I'll send you one. I think it is more confusing to retrieve a message sent to you. But you press on 'PM's (private messages.

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica
Connect

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.

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

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
Connect

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

Kohl
  2/22/2018 07:38 EST

As far as I know, traveling from Atenas to some of the Central Valley towns such as to Grecia or San Ramon, will require that you travel into Alajuela or San José then change buses to get to your destination.

Make sure to check in advance, but it is, as they say 'a long way for a short cut...'

Viergy
  3/5/2018 07:51 EST

If you are in Atenas on a Friday, there is a gathering of expats at Finca Pizzeria at 5PM. It is located on Calle 2 between Route 3 and Ave O. Folks come for pizza and a beer and to socialize, new folks are always welcome.

marnig
  3/5/2018 08:39 EST

Thanks very much. We will arrive in Atenas on a Sunday and be there for about 10 days so we should be there on Friday. We'd love to meet other expats one-to-one as well (trying to pick some brains about what it's like to live there, etc.). If you or anyone you know would like to just get together at some point earlier in the week, that would be lovely.

rrvantine
  3/5/2018 11:23 EST

Will be coming to Costa Rica in a couple of months (Lord willing) Want to retire there looking to establish contact with other expats. Please email me
Rick

RLB7224
  3/5/2018 11:55 EST

How can I help?

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica
Connect

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.

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

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica

RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
Connect

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

rrvantine
  3/5/2018 13:08 EST

I stayed in Costa Rica loved it. Can I really live a simple life for 1,500 usd. Are there apartments for rent. Thought about Panama because of rent prices but health care system not as good. Going to come down shortly and see how much has changed in 15 years. Any information or advice would be helpful Rick

lindyluvsCR
  3/5/2018 15:39 EST

My husband and I live in Grecia. A bit cooler than Atenas where you may need air conditioning.

If I were single, I would be able to live on $1500 and less. But need extra if you are going to get your residency or if not, then for border runs. Also if you are not the type to run to the doctor etc for every sneeze.

Also, not if you feel you cannot live without a car. We and others we know do not have cars, singles also, and we are happy with it. There is a freedom in not having a car and the complications. We walk most everywhere, and to downtown every day at least once. If it is raining or too much to carry is about $1.50 each way in taxi. If you have a car, gas is over $5 per gallon. No thanks.

Also depends if you do not need to eat in restaurant most of the time.

But yes, I know many who could live off that much happy. Those who want every luxury of the US, complain of high prices and what they don't have, and every inconvenience of cultural differences.

If you wish to visit Grecia, we would be happy to meet with you, show you around on foot, and introduce you to other expats, send me personal message. Be glad to communicate by email and answer any and all questions.

And although there are a few apartments, you can just as easily rent a condo or your own house.

mate31658649
  3/6/2018 18:58 EST

rrvantine--------------Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America; not very much cheaper than the USA. In order to subsist on $1500 per month, you would need to live in a very modest home, not have a car, not eat in any fine restaurants, not travel around the country, not buy new clothing, and not use air conditioning. Then, if you don't factor in the cost of returning to the USA to visit family and don't factor in medical care and health insurance premiums, you may be able to survive on $1500.

With a budget of only $1500, you may want to consider Panama, Nicaragua, Ecuador, or Columbia.

lindyluvsCR
  3/6/2018 19:27 EST

I do not agree with all mate's advice. In the first place you said a simple life and that does not include expensive restaurants every night. Yes, you could once in a while or on special occasions.

I know many singles that go places in buses together, or split the cost of car rental for a trip.

There are used clothing stores everywhere that often have new clothing with tags still on. I personally would rather have what I want new, but don't need a closet full. He can afford clothes.

Grecia where we live, a/c or heat is not needed and many other places in CR the same. Just not on coast areas. But you can take a trip there now and then.

No, if you are going to hop back and forth like a ping pong ball to the US, it will eat up your money. We know a lot of people who do. We don't and have no desire.

PATJONES
  3/25/2018 13:35 EST

Hi Rick, I live in Atenas moved from Florida, How can I help?

Pat Jones

PATJONES
  3/25/2018 13:44 EST

I agree with Lindy. My expenses each month for a maid, a gardener, and a poolman including electricity, water etc. is less than $400 a month. rent varies from town to town and city to city. I also have a car. Gas is expensive but buses are everywhere for a few colones. I live in the mts of Atenas. Pat Jones

marnig
  3/25/2018 13:58 EST

Hi Pat. I am not Rick, but my husband and I are coming to Atenas in a few weeks and definitely want to meet expats who live there. Any chance we can get together?
Marni

Kohl
  3/25/2018 14:18 EST

PATJONES, does your expenses related to your employees, ...which I expect are part-time ... include paying their monthly CAJA & INS premiums?

Potential employers should be aware of the these payments, which can be more than the salary due. If you fail to pay them, you may find yourself in a heap of trouble.

https://costaricalaw.com/costa-rica-legal-topics/labor-law/labor-law-in-a-nutshell/

lindyluvsCR
  3/25/2018 16:01 EST

Good for you Pat. I agree with Kohl though in that you need to be careful regarding hired help. The Ticos have a lot of 'rights'. It initially sounds great to pay cheap for hired help, but... you need to read the regulations.

It is why other than an occasional plumber or pest control, we choose not to go that route. In the long run, can get you in deep doo doo!

If you ever take a paseo to Grecia, love to meet for coffee.

marnig
  4/17/2018 22:59 EST

Are there any expats who will be at the pizza place on Friday? My husband and I are staying in the Santa Eulalia area of Atenas and it looks like we might have trouble getting a bus back to our house in the evening. We wondered if there was anyone who might be willing to give us a lift home after pizza and beer. Thanks much.
Marni

marnig
  4/17/2018 22:59 EST

Are there any expats who will be at the pizza place on Friday? My husband and I are staying in the Santa Eulalia area of Atenas and it looks like we might have trouble getting a bus back to our house in the evening. We wondered if there was anyone who might be willing to give us a lift home after pizza and beer. Thanks much.
Marni

Kohl
  4/18/2018 06:10 EST

A taxi can easily be found around the restaurants.

lindyluvsCR
  4/18/2018 09:48 EST

A very very small percentage of expats spend time on this site and.or offer to meet expat wanabees or visitors thinking about it. If when you are eating pizza you see some gringos, then be friendly to every one of them, and perhaps if one lives near where you are staying and also happen to have a car, and also are done eating the same time as you, maybe that can happen. But we don't have a car and have friends who do, and we never ask for a ride to our house or anywhere. Once in a while they offer, but unless it is pouring down rain, we don't, because we have chosen to not have a car.

Otherwise, if you have trouble with Spanish, write down the name and/or location of where you live and give to taxi driver. Or find out from where you are staying the bus schedule.or even from the pizza place. Most of the time they run to 9-10 at night.

lindyluvsCR
  4/18/2018 09:53 EST

Marnig - I reread one of your previous posts where you said you did not know how to send a private message.

I did get yours, but hope you know how to retrieve the one I sent you. Press on PM to find my message.

marnig
  4/18/2018 10:15 EST

We already checked the bus schedule and the last bus to our part of town is at 6:45pm. Friday night I have heard is when many expats in Atenas meet for pizza and beer at a particular restaurant (I have the name written somewhere). That's why I was trying to see if there was a possibility of a ride later - so we could socialize without worry about running to catch a bus.

marnig
  4/18/2018 10:15 EST

We already checked the bus schedule and the last bus to our part of town is at 6:45pm. Friday night I have heard is when many expats in Atenas meet for pizza and beer at a particular restaurant (I have the name written somewhere). That's why I was trying to see if there was a possibility of a ride later - so we could socialize without worry about running to catch a bus.

lindyluvsCR
  4/18/2018 21:50 EST

Marnig - I am assuming you are busy on your trip OR do not know how to pick up your personal message responses.

I responded yesterday by personal message - press PM's button under Costa Rican Forum.

Or at least respond here if you will be at Delicias (the one near central park) between 9-10am. Or call me on cell that is in personal message or write me by email that also is in PM.

Linda

marnig
  4/18/2018 22:20 EST

Linda - I don't know why I have so much trouble finding my way on this forum, but YES we will be at Delicias tomorrow about 9am. We have been out and about and I am sorry I didn't respond to your earlier note.
Marni

lindyluvsCR
  4/19/2018 09:09 EST

We will be there. Looking forward to meeting you!

RelocateNow Costa Rica
RelocateNow Costa Rica

We've partnered with RelocateNow Costa Rica to help you with your move.
Learn More

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica

We've partnered with RelocateNow Costa Rica to help you with your move.
Learn More

Living in Costa Rica GuideLiving in Costa Rica Guide

Our Living in Costa Rica Guide is a primer on everything about living in Costa Rica: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Costa Rica Forum Costa Rica Forum
Join our Costa Rica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Costa Rica.

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

If you're dreaming about living in Costa Rica, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica in 2023.

Healthcare in Costa RicaHealthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. When you become a resident, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA). Many expats use the public system for routine healthcare and have private expat health insurance for specialists, surgeries and emergencies.

Cost of Living in Costa RicaCost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula.

Moving to Costa RicaMoving to Costa Rica Guide

Moving to Costa Rica has become more popular among expats. Making this choice requires a lot of research to ensure the expat experience you hope for will be realized.

Real Estate in Costa RicaReal Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Costa Rica.

Pros Cons of Living in Costa RicaPros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Costa Rica.

Retiring in Costa RicaRetiring in Costa Rica

Advice for people retiring in Costa Rica.

Visa and Residency Costa RicaCosta Rica Visa & Residency Guide

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica

If you've recently arrived in Costa Rica, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Costa Rica.

RelocateNow Costa Rica
RelocateNow Costa Rica

We've partnered with RelocateNow Costa Rica to help you with your move.
Learn More

RelocateNow Costa RicaRelocateNow Costa Rica

We've partnered with RelocateNow Costa Rica to help you with your move.
Learn More

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

RelocateNow Costa Rica
RelocateNow Costa Rica

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal