Expat Advice: Working in Jaco, Costa Rica

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Jaco

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Tourism. Have a job before coming here or a home based business. It is a beautiful country with wonderful people. You just need to learn the culture if you are going to try to work or do business here. It's a great community for expats that are retiring, second home owners and tourists!

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

Graphic Design / Marketing

How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

I work for US Companies. I own a business. Residency can take 12 months to 24 months. Start early or work as a perpetual tourist (leave every 90 days for 72 hours). Most people begin this way while the slow immigration department completes their paperwork. Use an attorney who specializes (important) in residency.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

No. It takes six months to adapt and learn the culture. On the surface, it is easy to adapt and fit in here, but to live you need to talk to an expat who lives here. Don't come to Costa Rica assuming it is exactly like the US or Canada. It is close, but under the surface you need to understand the Tico mentality. Once you get it, life gets much easier and less frustrating. Come with an open mind and patients. Don't try to convert Costa Rica to your culture.

What advice would you offer others about finding jobs and working abroad?

Come with a job or a business that occurs outside of Costa Rica. Don't think that you can move here and start working and making money.