What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
When we asked what advice they have for others considering retiring abroad, they advised...
"Make sure you have a plan. Research everything. Don't come with vices like drugs, heavy drinking. And make sure you keep busy. Hobbies, events, etc. I don't sit around," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

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RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"My wife and I retired to Costa Rica in 2013. Something we did that we felt helped was to prepare some "lists" before our scouting trips to CR: The first list was of things that we considered "essential" for where we planned to live (including housing, nearby conveniences, such as stores and restaurants, proximity to the beach and to an airport, etc.) The second list included items that would be nice to have but would not be essential; and the third list was of things we would like to avoid. It helped us to agree on what we wanted and helped us narrow down areas to look in," said another expat in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Costa Rica?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Costa Rica?
- Will I be able to find a job in Costa Rica?
- What is life like in Costa Rica?
- What do expats in Costa Rica appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Costa Rica?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Costa Rica accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Costa Rica like?
- What are healthcare services like in Costa Rica?
- What are medical services in Costa Rica like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Costa Rica?
- What are emergency services like in Costa Rica?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Costa Rica?
- How are local medical facilities in Costa Rica?
- As a foreigner living in Costa Rica, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What advice do overseas retirees have for others considering retiring abroad?
If you live in Costa Rica, newcomers to Costa Rica would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.