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Costa Rica: American Realtor Looking to Move to CR:
Dear Realtor, I'm not sure why I am choosing to respond to your inquiry, I'm sure others have.
Here's the hard cold facts:
1.) you are illegal to earn any money unless you are a resident, which resident status takes a huge investment of money into a Costa Rican Bank AND years like 5-7 to get confirmed, even then you can't work, you are ONLY a resident not a citizen of Costa Rica
BTW I'm from the States
2.) there is NO gold rush here or even a trickle, in any market real estate, rentals abound but NO one has money, and very few people are coming, much fewer tourists
3.) DO NOT come here expecting to make any money
4.) come with whatever money you need to pay out of your account for everything you buy, need, to live.
5.) it IS expensive to live here, unless you live in a Costa Rican small cabin (1-2 rooms, not bedrooms, rooms) off the grid, eating beans and rice
6.) I'm not being dramatic, I'm being truthful
7.) Costa Rica does not need any skills you bring, unless you are full bi-lingual in Spanish (reading, writing, speaking, comprehension) you will NOT find work, unless you want to tend bar for $2/hr plus tips if you can wrestle this job from the buff surfer dude or dudette who has been camped out in that bar for a year, to earn the priviledge of working there to offset his/her room and board. Notice I said OFFSET, not pay for.
All that said, Costa Rica is absolutely beautiful. But it is another country, with its own language, customs, culture. It is NOT an extension of the US, and even if you are a seasoned traveler, which many of us are when we arrive, you either WILL adapt to Costa Rica, or it will burn you out and up.
I strongly suggest that you come, do come, it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It has much to offer the VISITOR. And many gracious people (Costa Ricans & Gringos alike) who are ready, willing and able to assist you in enjoying this country. Be aware that ALL of these people work for maximumly, $20/day and that is A LOT. Most do not have health insurance. Most eat beans and rice every day. Most travel from 40mins to 1.5 hrs by bus, twice a day to be there for you.
I love Costa Rica, and I love Costa Ricans. I am also a highly talented, educated, motivated, ready willing and able person, who is learning Spanish as fast as I can (and its not fast enough). I and every other Gringo in CR apply for the 2-3 jobs that make it to Craigslist weekly. Competition is fierce. AND I am illegal to work, so IF I get hired, I risk being deported, if someone from the local gov't comes into the business I'm working for, UM deported, and stamped on my passport to NEVER come back to Costa Rica EVER.
I am sharing these things not to discourage you from coming, but to put some reality in your expectations. EVERYTHING you read about Costa Rica is true, all of it.
You will think because I'm burned out and on the verge of giving up, that I am a sour puss and raining on your parade.
Perhaps I am.
What I would like for you, for me, for all of us who are NOT from Costa Rica to know, is that it is the most fun, the most beautiful, and a wonderful place to have a PART TIME house/apartment/cottage
TO COME VISIT PART OF THE YEAR
it must be in a secure, wrapped in a gate, with guards complex, or all your belongings will eventually walk away, right down to the bathroom fixtures
THIS IS NOT BECAUSE COSTA RICA IS A VIOLENT OR DANGEROUS PLACE
IT IS NOT EITHER OF THOSE THINGS
But in my opinion, Ticos (the local name for Costa Ricans) are communal, they share everything with each other. They are not in general mean spirited or violent in my experience.
NOT AT ALL. They are very kind, warm hearted, generous almost to a fault.
BUT if you are not there, USING your stuff, then "oops you must not need it" so your stuff will be "liberated from your home, condo, apt "(unless its in a security guarded community), so that the stuff can be SHARED with others.
Good luck with everything. Don't take my word for it. You'll probably think I don't like my country of choice. That's ok. Go online and look up The Real Costa Rica, don't know the URL. READ every little detail that guy has published. You'll see a lot of things match. He says it in a nicer way.
Come and enjoy Costa Rica. Come and buy something to use when you want. But don't come expecting to work, make a living, or change anything about Costa Rica.
Remember all the "illegal aliens" who live in the USA and all the "tourist and student visitors" who come to the USA???? Think of how folks from the USA think about those 'visitors" to the USA, how they are treated...... Costa Ricans are much more gracious to those of us from outside their country, the we from the USA are in general to visitors in our country. But at the end of the day, if you're an ex-pat from the USA, you're just another ex-pat.
Best of luck.
D
Costa Rica: SCHOOLS in Costa Rica...need advice:
Augusto, I like your contribution very much. I am a Gringa, who has been here for about 7 months. My perspective on education is from that of an Educator. I came to work at a private school, that has a good reputation. The best thing in my opinion for others to hear and read is toward the end of your share. Costa Rica was designed by Costa Ricans for Costa Ricans, and it is we, the lucky visitors who must adapt and be flexible. I am sure there are very good schools here, both private and public and in part that is likely influenced by a strong Principal or Director and a solid, well versed faculty who care. My experience has only been with ONE school, so I can not judge others. However, I would say that you might not be able to judge the right school for your child by ITS cover, how it looks, if it has the most modern of everything, but rather, but visiting classrooms if possible when in session and sitting in them, listening. Whether you speak Spanish or not, we all can tell when a teacher feels confident and happy about his or her work. Imagine yourself, as your child sitting in that classroom. Would he or she or would you be interested, engaged motivated? If no, and even if yes. I would suggest that you should ASSUME that you will have to either do A LOT of handholding for your kids, helping them study, or hire a full time after school tutor, because regardless of any factor, your kids will be dealing with lots and lots of strange situations, new language (probably) new culture. Tico culture, I have found is vERY different. Things are not decided by the dominent male, but by consensus in many cases. Resentments of the presence of Gringos and foreigners who have come to live in Costa Rica does exist. How open and receptive were you when it was YOUR home country, and foreign visitors were moving in to your town, school or neighborhood.
I think Costa Rica is great. I love it, but I did not come here to be a Gringo in paradise, but to immerses myself into Tico culture and contribute something back as I can and AS I"M invited. I am an invited guest, and so should act like one. OK that's my two cents. D
Costa Rica: Puppy needs a home (not sure if I can post this here):
please send photo to my off forum email: DLLimoges@gmail.com. I can't take one myself right now, but will let others know who might. Thx. Deirdre
Costa Rica: scared of what lies ahead in US:
what the last poster, Max said, read, read, read. All of it has a piece of trueth. What your experience will be, will be almost entirely on whether or not you have expectations. If you do, you very, very, very likely will be very, very, very disappointed. That being said CR is beautiful. The people are definitly as a whole very nice, and do their best to accomodate. But for example, if you have to work with Tico's either for your job or for getting a job done for your home, they ARE NOT from the USA, things that matter to us, just are not on their radar for the most part. They will never be from the USA. SO if YOU can't adapt, to living in a new culture, and learning how to do it there way, or decide whatever you thought you wanted just isn't that important..... it may be very tough. A few couples I've met in the last 5 months, most of them actually, ONE of the TWO loves CR and wants to BE here forever. The other ONE does not plain and simple. Living in two countries is not really the best way to maintain a relationship w/ a spouse. Ok, that's my two cents. And when I get a job (before June 7) I'll be here as long as the Costa Rican's will let me. Enjoy. but do read.
Costa Rica: Work in Costa Rica:
I've been here 3.5 months. In that time I've learned a lot, and I'd like to stay for a year maybe two more.
The company I work for hired me from the states, and I don't know whether its a Tico thing or my companies thing, but let's just say, things were not exactly "as advertised". That being said, I've stuck with it, done my best, contributed much, and also learned a great deal.
NOW, I need either a contract or another job, to start on or around June 1.
Lots of experience in many areas. Currently in Education and managing the program development of one division of the company I'm working for.
So help.
Costa Rica: what to bring/leave behind?:
Ooooops, just realized: I wrote this from the perspective of me, who moved here to work at a school for 6 mos in a resort area in the NW.
In a nutshell: no matter where or why you're coming, pack as if you're going to sort of "camp out", bring sunscreen, bugspray, shoes/sandals that you can walk miles in comfortably. Bathing suit.
If you NEED a lot of convenience of familiar things, Costa Rica may not be the place for you.
IT IS BEAUTIFUL, BUT IT IS A 3RD WORLD COUNTRY.
If you are coming to CR for the hostel/backpacker experience delete the rest of this reply. It will not apply to you. You will need as LITTLE as you can possibly get away with carrying on you. Photo copies of ALL important documents, available in your pocket, wallet or purse at all times. Keep the REAL thing secure, money pouch, interior pocket, wear an over the body pouch.
3 things I brought but do not use in MY SPECIFIC CLIMATE ZONE OF CR: TOO MANY CLOSED TOED SHOES. One pair of sneakers, unless you run every day (then bring 3, if staying 6 mos). One pair of clogs (only semi casual).
3 things I wish I had brought:
AGAIN IN MY CLIMATE ZONE:
MORE different bathing suits, 3 would have been a good number of bathing suits. 2-3 more 2" above the knee light cotton sundress style dresses that can be dresses up or dressed down.
Queen Sized Sheets.
OH, extra spending money.
And my car (only kidding)
This is an EASY and hard question to answer for many reasons.
Here is the #1 factor to consider: if you are coming on a tourist visa to "try Costa Rica" out. YOU WILL HAVE A WEIGHT LIMIT controlled by the airline and by the Costa Rican Government. If your bag exceeds the maximum size allowed. OR the maximum weight you will be fined. The fine is pretty hefty. $150 for the first bag over, $250 for the second, I think something ridiculous like $500-700 for the third. They are dead serious about this, and you will have to pay the fine on the spot or you don't get entry. The weight is for the full weight of bag and contents, so if you buy luggage that is sturdy and large it weighs more by itself. Weight is the primary factor. EVERYONE RECOMMENDS BEING AT LEAST 8 LBS UNDER, THE LIMIT WAS 50LBS PER BAG WHEN I CAME IN JANUARY.
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you make your packing list:
1.) what activities will you do while in Costa Rica? The more activities you do, in the more different climate zones (Costa Rica has at least 28 distinct climate zones, example:
The more different activities, the more gear or stuff you'll need. Specialty gear is either exorbitantly expensive or non-existent.
Example of Climate Extremes:
Guanacaste Region in the NW is VERY HOT, windy, dry during the "summer" which is January-May approximately. During the same time frame, the OSA peninsula far to our south in the SW is still lush and green, but a bit "dry" which means there are a few yellow leaves visible in the tropical, humid, no wind, peninsula. Monte Verde, Arenal, other locations with altitude can get COLD, like in the 30's, with snow on the top if your hiking.
So the question of what to bring, completely depends on what you're going to be doing, and where you will spend most of your time.
If you are in the NW in Guanacaste, you will need only casual clothing, beach attire mostly, I live in my flip flops and where them EVERYWHERE, except my job, where I have ONE pair of clogs. I have never had occasion to wear dress shoes or dress sandals.
If you are in the city, or will be living on a all inclusive North American styled resort, then you will need "country club and beach attire".
The only city probably large enough to have such dress needs is San Jose/Escazu.
There you will need a few light sweaters for evenings, think San Francisco, beautiful and sunny, but everyone travels with both T-shirts and polar fleece in their cars, San Jose and the higher elevation regions can be the same, maybe even colder. The ocean/beaches are HOT, sunny.
Personal hygiene and health items can be tricky to get, some there will be an abundance of, some none.
USA brands & European brands are ALL imported, so they are ALL more expensive, a lot more expensive.
DO BRING VERY HIGH SPF SUNSCREEN AND USE IT, EVERY DAY, YOU WILL TAN MORE (I used 50 on my face, and 30 on my body for 2 mos, don't forget to reapply) GRADUALLY, BUT NOT GET SKIN CANCER. BRING ABOUT 1 MED. SIZE BOTTLE FOR EACH 2.5 MONTHS.
Do absolutely bring:
ALL MEDICATIONS YOU MUST HAVE.
My doctor at home wrote me a prescription in the States with zero refills, but for 250 tablets enough for my full dose/1x per day, for the 6 months I'm here plus another month.
IF YOU NEED convenience medications, cold medicine, tylonol, aspirin, diarehha medicine, vitamins, herbal suppliments. BRING THEM. IN QUANTITY. Unless you live in San Jose, literally, these things can be gotten, but a gringo friend recently went to buy plain old aspirin, 150mg, 30 pills, the Farmacia (pharmacy) wanted $35 for this small quanitity. In Walmart he would have paid $3.00 for 150 tablets.
Herbal suppliments are virtually unavailable, even though some are produced here, they are NOT for sale here.
Many prescription medications are available in the Farmacia for little cost, they give you exactly the quantity of pistelles (pills) you need, but there is NO guarantee at any particular time whether they will HAVE what you NEED when you NEED it.
Do you expect ANY of the conveniences you are used to in the States or Europe?
They might be here, but then again they may not. Unless you are staying in an all inclusive, closed resort or self contained gated Gringo community, you are likely to miss somethings.
DO GO ONLINE AND READ, READ, READ every article you can find. There's one called "The Real Costa Rica". EVERYTHING that I've read has been true, not specifically to me, but I've met others who have had ALL of those experiences.
If you write me back specifically with your reason for coming and extend of stay, I can make some better suggestions.
DLLIMOGES@GMAIL.COM
Costa Rica: The TRUTH about how Foreigners are treated here in Costa Rica!:
Dear Writer, I really LOVE this article! I have only been here since Jan 7, 2012, this year. I came because I want and am learning about Costa Rico, how REAL Ticos live. So far its a very rich and rewarding experience. I know I can not shrug off being a Gringa, but I am here to learn, as you say. It is sad to me that in this 2.5 months stay I have met many, maybe even MOST of the Gringos I've met are burned out. I think many or even all may fit into the categories you describe of moving here not because they loved Costa Rica and Costa Ricans, but to make a fast buck, to pay very little for everything they get, and still expect to be waited on hand and foot with no tip, and sometimes no appreciation of the kindness and service they do receive. I LOVE Costa Rica, so far, and am seeking REAL opportunity for Spanish Immersion experiences, by living with a Tico family, by traveling, and by listening to people such as yourself and others who can point me in the positive direction. Thank you SO much for this great article. I'll be on the look out for more!
Costa Rica: The TRUTH about how Gringos are treated here in Costa Rica!:
Dear Canadian, Female, Fit and ready for a change, I am Canadian decent from the USA, who came to CR for a change. Please do some reading about CR. If you can check out www.therealcostarica.com you will find a wealth of information that has pretty much all been true from my 1 yr and 2 mos experience. Also if you would identify what your current hobbies are, what your top 5-10 needs desires are: example: I ONLY want to live with an ocean view. I want to live where there are more Ex-Pats (has its plusses b/c things will seem more similar) or I want to live in the rainforest and study permaculture. If you can identify 5-10 things that are the MOST important to you, and email that list to me: DLLimoges@gmail.com, I will try to make my best recommendations or suggestions. Once you've identified your top 10, and then tell me the top 3 things you hope to gain by coming to CR, I can try to help you narrow down places to live. One of the reasons its so hard to answer a general question like this, is CR is VERY diverse. One stretch of beach IS NOT like another. One city is NOT like any other (only a few actual "cities"), etc. You will hear positive and negative for every choice you make. Living in CR is actually very hard for single gringas (expat women) especially. NOT impossible, but difficult, what makes it so, is subtle, hard to explain. SO knowing ahead of time what you're looking for, will make a big difference. Two important notes: the cost of living is pretty expensive here, unless you are going to live like a tico (costa rican), so be prepared to pay almost as if you were on vacation, it is illegal for you to work here and hard to find any work at all. Last thing, you must learn to speak, read and write some Spanish. Although many CR's do speak English somewhat, YOU will not be able to get by if you do not know or are resistant to learning Spanish. Enjoy your research. My experience has been the full monty, so to speak, love it, struggle with it, feel happy to be here, and then think about moving back to the US. So, enjoy your journey its a fun one. Blessings, Deirdre
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