An Expat Talks about Retiring in Grecia, Costa Rica

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

Grecia

Why did you choose to retire abroad?

I chose to retire abroad because I could live on my pension. I moved from Hawaii which was impossible to live on my pension without working a lot to supplement. Rent alone was more than 50% of my pension each month. I chose Costa Rica because of it's people, it's affordable living, and climate very similar to Hawaii.

Are you retired abroad all year or part of the year?

all year

Why did you choose the country you retired to?

I chose Costa Rica because of it's people, it's affordable living, and climate very similar to Hawaii.

Did you ever live abroad before you retired abroad?

No

How long have you lived abroad since you retired abroad?

I just moved December 7th, 2021

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Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.

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How many countries (other than your home country) have you lived in as a retiree?

none

What have been the most challenging aspects of being retired abroad?

Getting access to a bank account as a foreigner and learning how to transfer my US dollars to Costa Rica. Without a bank account, it has been challenging to know how to pay utilities and other bills. The language barrier has been difficult as well.

What have been the most rewarding aspects of being retired abroad?

The cheaper food: A farmers market shopping trip would have cost me $30+ in Hawaii, cost me $4.50 here in Costa Rica

What would you do differently if you were just starting the retire abroad process?

I would have applied for residency sooner and maybe visited prior to moving. I like the area Im in but feel it's not the one I'll stay in forever. I would have figured out how to buy a house too.

What is life like for a retiree in your city and its surroundings? (Is there an active expat community? Cultural Attractions? Recreation? Nightlife?)

Because of the language barrier, and no transportation, I'm limited to what I can do with my friend who is American, lives here, and has a car. My community where I live has a clubhouse with gym, pool, and restaurant 4 days a week and plenty of area to walk and ride a bike (if I owned one)

What residency documents or visas did you need to obtain to retire in your host country? How difficult was this process? (Please describe)

I needed health insurance, and will be providing certified FBI Background check as well as certified document showing my monthly income from pension. The health insurance was not cheap. The background check was not hard, but since I was moving, I had to have it returned to a friends house in Las Vegas and my friend will bring it back to Costa Rica with her. The visa here is 90 days so I have to plan to leave, either to US, or to do a border run to Panama or other neighboring country.

Did you buy a home or apartment, or rent one? Is this a difficult process? (Please describe)

I am renting an apartment for now. $800/month not including utilities. I would like to buy eventually. The process was done via a friend so that was helpful, but, to pay in cash to avoid taxes is a challenge. I have no idea how I am to pay the bills for electricity, water, cable, etc.

Financially, has living abroad in your host country met your expectations? Exceeded them?

yes. it is a much more affordable living. I did have to spend extra money initially to get set up again since shipping belongings here was too expensive. I also need a vehicle which I will have to save for.

What are the most important financial considerations for retiring to your host country?

Being able to live off my existing pension and afford to care for myself and my pets and give back to the community. I will finally have the ability to save some money each month instead of living paycheck to paycheck.

How much can a retiree live on comfortably in your host country?

2000-3000 seems very doable here.

Do you have access to quality medical care? (Please describe - is it close? Expensive?)

Yes. The area that I am in is close to major hospitals. I've also purchased private insurance which helps.

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Costa Rica Legal Residency is an articulately bi-lingual boutique firm with 15 + years of successful experience and exclusive focus on Costa Rica Temporary and Permanent Residency, Renewals, Digital Nomad, and Citizenship. Located minutes from the Department of Immigration.

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Is there a lot of crime where you live? (Please describe)

I imagine there is the usual crime, but it isn't obvious. I live in a gated community with roving security so I feel safe.

Describe available transportation where you live. Do you need a car? Is there access to safe public transportation?

yes. It seems a car is needed. There is public transportation but due to language barrier, it's not easy to understand. I am waiting for a friend to show me the local bus system so I can go to town as needed as well as go to a local mission to volunteer. I have heard the public transportation is safe and affordable. I can uber and take a taxi but that will cost more money. I am trying to be frugal

Is there high-speed internet access where you live?

Yes. I actually have fiberoptic internet for the first time in my life.

Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share about retiring abroad?

Making a move to a foreign country is not easy. My biggest challenge so far is finding all the things I enjoyed in the US, especially from Amazon. Costa Rica has some import rules that don't allow me to order and receive things like health supplements, etc. If you are flexible, willing to go without some comforts you've grown used to, willing to learn the language and put yourself out there even when uncomfortable, then retiring abroad may be for you. Id recommend visiting where you think you might want to go. Had I done that first, I might be living in an entirely different area.