For those that have actually done it, what advice do you have for someone moving to Costa Rica from the US?

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CostaRicaBlogger.com

Buenas WhiskeyMan,

Congratulations on your sense of adventure!

I too had visited Costa Rica many times for extended stays and finally made the move ... but there is no amount of time you can spend in Costa Rica that will completely prepare you for an actual relocation.

Reality is its own animal.

In my short time here I can share three realized truths:

1. Urban Costa Rica is best enjoyed when somebody else does the driving.

2. Personal security is an issue even in the "Switzerland of Central America" (who keeps saying that anyway?! ;o)

3. Learn to enjoy the differences instead of getting frustrated by them (this requires constant self-reminders).

It took me approximately 6 months to realize this really was my home and I am more comfortable by the day.

Having moved here as an non-Spanish (English) speaking, full-time single parent with an non-Spanish speaking 9 year old, ... I like to think of myself as being proof positive anybody can do it!

I have been documenting the experience for the benefit of others via my site Costa Rica Blogger (www.CostaRicaBlogger.com).

You are cordially invited to review its content for all sorts of REAL, Honest, Unbiased information.

Â¡Pura ReubicaciÃ³n!

-Bill

dougger

Reconsider it. By far most of the US citizens that come down fall in love with the place and in 2 years are whining, complaining, pains in the butt. If they have been renting they are in fairly good shape. If they have bought property getting out can be difficult. And right now property prices seem to be poised for a serious drop. So rent first and for a long time. Most foreigners enjoy the place generally until they buy something, a car, land, anything significant and then the problems start.

So, don't do that until you have seen some of the horror stories take place.

Petty theft and break-ins are common, consider it a tax. But violence is going up dramatically. Use your head in picking where to live.
Avoid real estate agents, especially the foreign ones. You will pay a high price dealing with Costa Ricans but you will be robbed blind by the expatriate agents. (There may be exceptions to this but I know of none.)

In brief, rent first. For a long time.

Kristina L

OK, i don't actually qualify, but I do have a website for you. I consult this sight before I go down. He is an American living in CR and he has a whole section on moving and living in CR as an American. He has a very comprehensive list of information. Thought it might be useful

http://www.therealcostarica.com/

AttorneyKearney

Speaking some spanish is not requeired but sure is helpfull, books are good for the beginner, since you have been here already then you know what itÂ´s like and enjoy it.
You have two choices either rent first like some say and buy later at a more expensive price or buy soon and get it at a lower price than in a year.
Real Estate in Costa Rica has not lowered and probably wonÂ´t for at least maybe 10 years if at all.
What you should do is find an area you like and then buy, i have seen too many expats waiting for something better, bigger or cheaper and then end up paying more or not getting the property they like.
ItÂ´s funny how the ones against buying are the ones who own property.
Check out our website.
Lic.Gregory Kearney Lawson.

dytica

I reccomend knowing the area you are moving to before you get there. Know nearby stores, restuarants, and shoping places.
Do you know where you are going to be working?
there are often bilingual work fairs, where companies gather to find employees.
Another important thing that i realized when i moved there is that when ever you don't like what you see on the street(ex: beggars, homeless scary people, etc.) just look up. The beauty of the mountains and the sky always cheered me up.
Also, know what you want to do there, get your priorities straight, and work to get/do what you want while ur there.. this took a while for us to realize..
good look!

Tico Calamity

I also don't qualify, but I agree with the security statement. You should know your area and don't get too overconfident. Crime is on the rise, not that you can't do anything, but you should be careful, specially at night.

Leon G

Before you move consult your tax advisor. If you are US citizen your tax filing obligations do not end when you physically move out of the US. Uncle Sam can have a hold on you for the next ten years.

Pure Vida

What ever you do. Just dont become an alchoholic like many others do.

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