Homes in Costa Rica's Lanscape
An expat who has had some challenges with the culture in Costa Rica makes some pointed observations about his experiences.
San Rafael, Heredia
Studying Spanish, visiting 6 times over 2 years.
Expats living in Costa Rica interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Yes, I speak intermediate-advanced Spanish.
Yes
Significant. Cultural and social mores are incredibly subtle yet profound. Do NOT believe what Hollywood and the US media 'sell' as nice, humble (their made up word) 'hispanics'!
Yes, and I believe that after 2 years of visiting, and 3 years of living in the culture, I continue to go through these stages daily. The MYTH is that these stages are 'stable'. No! These stages are 'jello', because the cultural mores are 'jello'; 'mas o menos' doesn't just mean 'more or less', it's a way of life in Latin America!
Frustration, try harder, more frustration, noting that Latinos can be just as mean and rude as the rest of the world (sorry CNN!).
Climate. Food. Music. Environment.
Lack of individualism. Rampant conformity. One better understand exactly WHAT socialism means before diving in. Don't read the US educational system's biased propaganda. Study the culture you will be moving to, and always ask 'WHY?'!
No, other than attempting to make sense of their monetary denotations and being ripped off at stores by knowing and unethical employees. Why? Because to them I'm a gringo.
Accept others, but know that others will not always accept you because of your culture, your skin color and your heritage. Understand that there IS racism in Latin America! Remain yourself. Love your heritage. Seek out the best in the new culture. Be both an expatriate and a newly baptized Latino. Refuse to accept the derogatory word 'gringo!' Do not apologize for who you are. Do not apologize for the US! And do not give one iota about the thin-skin of Latins who blame all that's wrong in their world on the US.
An Expat Shares What it's Like Retiring in San Isidro de Heredia, Costa Rica
Why retire in San Isidro de Heredia, Costa Rica? Can you live on $1,000 or $2,000 a month? How difficult is it if you aren't fluent in Spanish when you first arrive? A retiree who arrived in Costa Rica a month ago answers these and other questions.
An Expat Shares What it's Like Retiring in Escazu, Costa Rica
An expat talks about being retired in Escazu, Costa Rica. She appreciates leaving the rat race behind, meeting others through expat groups and volunteering, that buying a property is much easier than selling one, the need for private health insurance in Costa Rica and more.
An Expat Talks about Moving to Playa Hermosa de Jaco, Costa Rica
An expat who has lived in Costa Rica gives all kinds of great advice on living there. Cost of housing, what to bring with you, how to settle in and much more is covered in this comprehensive expat report.
An Expat Talks about Moving to San Marcos, Tarrazú, Costa Rica
It's a good idea to rent before you buy in San Marcos, Costa Rica. Meet your neighbors, get advice on where to live and if they know of any homes for sale. And, bring any electronics you'll need, because the cost is double in Costa Rica.
I first came to CR when 19 yrs old for 6 months. Then when 40 for 4 months. After many vacations and now 67 live in Grecia. I never experienced culture shock for a minute. But lived in south Florida for many years which has worse crime than what we experience in Grecia. In process of buying house. Yes, one lady was trying to get about $70,000 more for her house than worth, all the while crying and putting on a show about how she didn't believe in taking advantage. However, after we sold our house to a real estare house flipper lady in Florida she sold the house we had for $75,000 more than worth to couple from Canada. Was not worth that much any more than the man in the moon. However, we are now getting an adorable 4 yr old house at a fair price even according to Tico friends and others. And the price is lower than what had been offered to a Tico. People are people. We have wonderful Tico friends in a church with about 100 people, and we are the only Gringos and we are treated like one of them. We are invited to their birthday parties. And no they don't get presents or any bug offerings as we are pensionados. They have been sweet to us from day one. We walk everywhere, and made Tico friends that way. Most smile, but no not all, and of course we see the I hate gringo looks sometimes. But they are way friendlier than I ever experienced in Florida, Oklahoma and my mother's town (village) of 3500 people. When walking there we were lucky if people conversed. or said hello when passing them. Here strangers every day smile and say good morning. Sure things are different. But Grecia is smaller than San Ramon. We cannot walk to centro which is 30 min walk without Gringos and Ticos honking and waving and walking past us to smile and stop to talk. Also have cafe where a bunch of Gringos are there to chat with every day. I've always joked about being a Gringo. But after your reading your report will be asking a few Tico friends if it is considered as negative as you say like the N word for blacks OR is it like saying someone is gordita or gordito which they do not consider negative.
Expatriate Health Insurance
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Costa Rica from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Montezuma , Costa Rica
An expat talks about what it's like living in Montezuma, Costa Rica. The challenges he found in Montezuma where terrible roads, power outages, the language barrier and the prohibitively high cost of shipping into the country.
An Expat Discusses Living in Montezuma, Costa Rica
An expat in Montezuma, Costa Rica talks about learning to live more simply, let go of material things and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and life. But, you'll also have to adjust to living without Starbucks, driving on very bumpy roads, lots of insects and rainy season.
Costa Rica Residency
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.
Healthcare in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is 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.
10 Expats Talk About What It's Like Living in Costa Rica
Top 5 Reasons Expats Move to Central America
Copyright 1997-2020 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.
