About mate31658649

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Nicaragua: Relocation to Jinotega:

I apologize if I sound negative, but walking with a walker in Nicaragua may be a serious challenge. Many sidewalks are uneven and many streets are unpaved. Come down for a couple of weeks and gauge for yourself.

Nicaragua: Best places for single senior citizen on a budget:

I've been living in Central America for 4 years and, before that, visiting for 35. In order to live on that tight of a budget, you would need to avoid the tourist areas and settle where the locals live. If you rent a room in a house, or share a modest apartment, walk or take buses, avoid the better restaurants, and be careful with every cordoba you spend, you can survive on $800 per month. This does not factor in medical care and prescriptions and the cost of flying back to the states to visit family.

Costa Rica: expats leaving CR:

bluewind--- You said that you found the people of Costa Rica to be unfriendly. My experience is the opposite. I have travelled extensively and found the Costa Ricans to be among the most friendly people in the world. Visiting Costa Rica is different than living here. If you stayed in tourist areas, the prices will be high and some of the locals may, at times, seem rude. If you lived here, your experience may be different. Costa Rica is considered to be among the happiest countries in the world. North Americans with the right attitude have a wonderful life in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, some North Americans come here looking for something different than what they had at home, only to be disappointed in these differences. Some "gringos" come here expecting everyone to speak some English, or accept dollars or serve the same foods they ate back home. Many Americans couldn't assimilate. It takes a certain type of person to be happy living in a foreign country. I have found that Costa Rica is one of the friendliest, most comfortable, cleanest countries to live in.

Costa Rica: 90 day border jumpers:

hartumpire--- One of the complications with being a 90 day border jumper is that eventually you will be asked why you are making these trips. CR is not obligated to give you 90 days. At their discretion, they may only give you 30 days. As to the other question, a tourist is permitted to purchase real estate and vehicles.

Nicaragua: Which C.A. country is best to live in?:

Elduendegrande I agree 100% with your post, but I would like to add that often the question arises "Can I live in Central America on $1500, or $1800 or $2000 or $2500 per month?" The question is irrelevant if you are bored and depressed the entire time you are here. Sometimes North Americans come here and find that some items are more expensive than in the US. Many Americans that move to CA return home within a couple of years disenchanted.

Costa Rica: Conflicting cost of living stories?:

I admire your ambition and spirit of adventure. You will have no problem living on your income. People live on less in the US and Costa Rica is less expensive than the US. The real consideration is whether you will enjoy the Central American lifestyle. If seeing the newest first-run movies, watching your favorite TV shows, and eating in fast-food restaurants are important to you, you will not be happy in Central America. You will need to be adventurous, yet have a laid-back attitude. Service will not usually be fast and English will not always be spoken. When you become frustrated (and you will) you must retain your sense of humor. Costa Rica is a beautiful place with some of the most friendly, welcoming people you will ever meet, however many North Americans return home after a short time because they came with the wrong attitude. Costa Ricans are very relaxed, they don't have the same attitude about work schedules as "gringos". If you come with a laid-back attitude and don't expect CR to be the same as the US (and many Americans do) you will find this is a great place to live.

Costa Rica: Is Costa Rica that much more expensive?:

I live in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua. The cost of living in Nicaragua is substantially lower. Many Americans have moved from CR to Nic for this reason. Restaurants, Entertainment, Labor, Housing, and Transportation are much cheaper in Nicaragua. Both countries are beautiful with natural resources, mountains, and beaches. The inflation that caused housing costs to rise in CR is beginning to hit Nicaragua. The key to living a frugal lifestyle in Central America is to try not to live the way you lived in the US. Try to live like the locals. The more Americans that live in a certain area, the more expensive the housing will be. Eat where the locals eat; avoid the fast food restaurants. Instead of taxis walk or take the bus. If you are careful with your money, you can have an inexpensive lifestyle anywhere in Central America.

Nicaragua: Esteli for the non Spanish speaking Gringo:

I live in Esteli and agree with the previous posts. The weather is pleasant and you can live on $2000 per month. There is no English speaking Expat "community" but there are a few scattered gringos. If you decide to visit Esteli, send me a PM and I will gladly meet you for lunch and answer your questions as best as I can.

Nicaragua: Employing Domestic Help:

http://www.nicaragua-community.com/notes-on-the-nicaraguan-labor-code/

Costa Rica: Single Man 64:

Depends on what you are looking for and how much you can afford to spend.

Date Joined:

12/1/2015

Total Posts:

82

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0.17