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Retirement in CR

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LazyJoe
  10/28/2019 21:10 EST

My wife and I are researching retirement in CR. When I say retirement, I don’t mean early retirement. I am 64 with approximately $100,000 of annual income. (Before taxes)
I plan have a daily life of doing only things that I enjoy and work is not it. Play, relax, have a cocktail, enjoy the beach, and relax more. Yes, I want a quite, fun retirement, with friends.

Should be rent or buy a house?

Safe area are important.

What area is right for an old lazy American?

Will a $100K be enough to retire comfortably?

Will I need a car?

How is healthcare?

Thanks for any advise!

Kohl
  10/29/2019 00:08 EST

After visiting the country, at least more than once and checking out multiple locations, I suggest you rent for an extended period. Very easy to buy...however very difficult to sell.

Whether or not, a car is essential will totally depend on your chosen location.

Your budget is very good...but again, it will depend on your location and how you intend to fill in your time and if you decide to purchase a vehicle.

Affiliating with CAJA, is mandatory with residency, and most expats also use private medical facilities.

Good info can be found here: https://costaricalaw.com/costa-rica-legal-topics/immigration-and-residency/residency-general-information-and-summary/

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LazyJoe
  10/29/2019 00:44 EST

Kohl,
Thanks for your response. I suppose that certain areas are loaded with Americans and would be in a fairly safe locations. My primary desire would be working through a Christian Missionary organization and helping the elderly and poor to have a better life. My wife and I have been blessed and it’s time to give back.

Denise53
  10/29/2019 10:21 EST

LazyJoe, Do not post personal financial details here. Delete your profile; create a new one, and repost using more generic details about your situation.

Denise53
  10/29/2019 10:21 EST

LazyJoe, Do not post personal financial details here. Delete your profile; create a new one, and repost using more generic details about your situation.

Kohl
  10/29/2019 10:54 EST

LazyJoe, your response makes it even harder to respond too. What you hope to do, is more complicated than most retirees are prepared to be involved with.

My first thoughts are 'do you speak fluent Spanish'? Without that, it will be hard to converse with the people you want to help.
I would, once again, suggest that you visit multiple times prior to packing up your home, and get as much information with the local churches and missionary groups, that you can. Maybe you can try to contact some before even coming here.

The often very basic living conditions of the poor, may be hard for you to imagine and difficult for you to work in.

The missionaries I have met here, are usually here for a short time period. and they tend to live in pretty basic conditions, themselves....and in poorer neighborhoods.

I wish you only good things in your quest.

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beach1girl
  10/31/2019 19:25 EST

If you want to give back, the ticos will be very happy to help. They will gladly take what you have and say Gracias a Dios. They have a lot of experience stealing from foreigners.

guestuser
  10/31/2019 20:06 EST

I find most people attract to themselves what they are

ILuvCR
  10/31/2019 23:08 EST

beachy, beachy talking the trash.

Never a nice word, sad to be you!

Pura Vida!

Blueridgeboy1
  11/2/2019 15:16 EST

To buy or rent? Rent !!! Very easy to buy property and VERY difficult to sell. Avoid title problems. avoid issues with the squatters' rights laws. And have the flexibility to move and try another location after six months. As to missionary work... CR is about 98% Catholic, so they are already Christians.

princzz
  11/2/2019 23:47 EST

I agree in full. Excellent comments.

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Jeanjames
  11/6/2019 18:21 EST

We’ve found some great expat churches in Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Uvita, and they all have service programs to their communities.

Don’t let the naysayers here scare you off a beautiful country and opportunity.

I agree that it’s better to rent initially. You’ll be able to see how your budget works and may change your mind as to where you want to settle in CR.

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