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Costa Rica: expats leaving CR:
What got to me about living in Costa Rica.
1. Theft- that gets old really quick. You can't leave anything in the car. You shouldn't carry any thing of value. If you do, you won't have it for long. Many people had their houses wiped out when they went back to Canada or the US. They would literally come back to an empty house. And many times the people that took care of their properties were the same ones that alerted friends when there was an opportunity.
2. The people tolerate the expats for the money but really don't like them. The Costa Ricans are cordial and sweet people but they do resent the expats. I don't blame them really, but I don't want to live somewhere where they people don't like you because you are from another culture. I understand that people get tired of large groups of people invading their country.
3. The expats, this is area specific. Some locations seem to lure the unsavory high school acting expats - mainly beach areas. As always, there are some really great expats and some really dicey ones.
4. The cost - the food prices are ridiculous and I mean Ridiculous. Try to go out to a restaurant - prices too high. I ate the typical rice and beans dishes all the time, but it was still too expensive for what it is.
Costa Rica can be a really great place to live. There are many wonderful, beautiful and safe areas to live in, but choose wisely. If you have a ton of money and like being around other expats then it could be great. That is one of the things about being in a foreign country. You either go to a foreign country where they truly welcome you or you go to a country like CR because there is an expat population. You could also buy property and live off of the land. I think CR would be perfect for that.
Peru: Lake Titicaca:
Whenever anyone gets fired up about a topic, like climate change. If they really believe it is such a big issue. What are they personally doing about it? Do they ride a bike to work? Are they using solar panels? Are they driving a hybrid or a mini cooper? If someone doesn't believe the official narrative they should not be attached. Also, anyone who really wants to know the truth about such issues should follow the money.
Costa Rica: Cautionary Crime Stats:
I felt extremely safe driving around Costa Rica. The people were very cordial and some were friendly.
I really enjoyed living there for a while. The issues that I see for CR are: 1. Cost of living to me was too high for what you are getting in return 2. The theft and robbery is out of control. 3. My house was broken into but whoever was in it quickly left because I had NOTHING to steal. If you like living with nothing then it is a great place to live as long as you are wealthy! (to pay for food and gas, vets, healthcare etc.
I talked to soooo many people who had something stolen and sometimes everything (entire houses cleaned out). That used to be the norm until people started hiring people to take care of their houses when they went back to Canada or US or wherever they were from.
Also, the people from CR can be friendly and for so many years of putting up with foreigners, some that aren't so friendly, it is pretty amazing. However, they like many others, look at gringos with dollar signs in their eyes. That is just the way it is. There is a mixture of resentment and annoyance when it comes to how the Ticos see the Gringos. I understand where they are coming from. I would probably feel the same way. They can justify stealing from the ones with more means. It is a pretty common mentality around the world, ( this I do NOT agree with). With that mentality being accepted, theft is rampant.
To sum it up. CR is a beautiful, welcoming place to live. It does have its theft issues and it is expensive but I did love it. I will also be traveling to other countries to check them out, a little farther South, Chile, Argentina, and Peru!
Colombia: One hour from Medellin?:
Does anyone know the name of a town about an hour outside of Medellin that is along the new road being built? About a year ago in an investment type newsletter the writer wrote about a beautiful town in the mountains about an hour outside of Medellin. He said that the town has the best coffee ever for 25 cents a cup. There are men that work with leather in the streets that can make custom made leather boots for super cheap. The weather is perfect and the people really friendly. Anyway he wouldn't reveal the name of the town. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone would happen to know the name of this town?
Peru: Property in Peru:
Has anyone bought property in Peru? Just wondering what the property rights are for foreigners, costs, ease of doing business etc?
Thank you.
Nicaragua: Mountain Towns:
Which mountain town has the best infrastructure, schools, movie theatre, restaurants. I have been to Nicaragua, just not the mountain towns. Also, anyone familiar with living in Chinandega. I know it is not a mountain town but interested in knowing what it is like to live there. Thanks.
Mexico: Living in Mexico:
For those of you currently living in Mexico, what are you thoughts on:
1. The economy in Mexico- how did the 2008 crisis affect Mexico?
2. How do you think another economic crisis may affect Mexico?
3. How are the property values? Are they back up to pre-2008 prices wherever you live?
4. How is Puerto Villarta for living and investing? I imagine tourist towns, no matter where, will always be impacted the most?
5. Has anyone had their houses or cars broken into? Is this common?
Thanks for your responses.
Chile: Visiting Chile for Research:
Hi Caesar,
Could you tell me more about the community that you are starting. What is the web page that you have? How far along are you? Are you still looking for a partner?
Ecuador: Police Presence:
dumluk - just curious, have you looked into or traveled to Peru, Chile or Argentina?
Chile: Hola Expats in Chile!!!:
Encourager, what other countries have you been to that you were checking out for retiring?
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