What's it like for Americans that move to Costa Rica to live?

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tica_nan

I retired here in Costa Ricaabout 10 years ago. It's WONDERFUL to say the least. It wasn't my first trip, but over the years I have learned to speak enough Spanish to get by. My hubby is Tico, he understands Emglish, but like lots of Ticos he chooses not to speak English.
If you come here as a tourist, you are NOT allowed to work. It is strictly against the law. Unless you have a specialized skill that is in demand. Then you can (after mucho hassel) get a 6 month work permit, followed by a 6 month extension. You can find under the table jobs working for other foreigners is you are say a finish carpenter , or electrician. The other options include buying a business. In Quepos, a guy bought an industrial steam cleaner, and went around pressure cleaning walls & driveways. He made a living at it. There isn't enough work to go around for the Ticos so adding foreigners to the work force is illegal.
Living here is cheap by comparison. I pay $160/mo for a fairly nice 4 br house in Golfito. Lots Tico houses have open wiring hanging around, no insulation, no glass windows, just shutters. That type of house , or more likely apartment costs $40/mo.
And yes the ability to speak Spanish HELPS. Ticos appreciate foreigners who can talk to them. Making the effort to learn makes friends and influences people.

kittkatt

Gringo in CR... well there are lots of pros and cons. Will you find a job... probably, will it pay you the same as in U.S. not likely. Certain companies will require a working permit...but others won't. You can check the local paper for jobs to get a better idea at www.nacion.com or the gringo paper www.ticotimes.net Here a good paying job pays about $4-5 an hour... and again this depends on what you have in mind.
Everything moves A LOT slower than in the U.S., so be prepared for a little frustration at times...just takes getting used to... and in my opinion its all worth it to live here!

Oh... and in response to Paul B's comment about driving down a road that seems like the U.S. ... well... the scenery yes... the roads... A WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY! lol
You may disappear into a pot hole...when least expected!

blackdiamondroofs

i dont think Paul B has ever spent a day in costa rica. his answer is nothing like how costa rica is. first off, not over 50% of ticos speak english. the only places english is spoken are on the coasts in heavy tourist areas, bell hops at hotels, and major businesses in san jose, the capital. its' probably only about 10% or less of ticos who can speak enough english to where you would understand...although not a bad thing, because spanish is their language!! secondly, there is not one place where from driving on a road in costa rica that you would think you were in the US. the roads there are very ''pot-holey'' and bumpy. they are paved, but are very badly taken care of. the highway out of san jose to the guanacaste province is one of the worst paved roads i have ever been on. cars have dropped nose first into pot holes!! and as for working there as a US citizen, dont count on it. they dont like to give out work to anyone other than costa ricans, unless it's a job that requires a special skill that only you can fill. you will also be required to show proof of $800/mo. income, even if you dont need that much to get by. i have been to costa rica MANY times and usually go for months at a time. i ended up marrying a young lady from there, and even i have to wait 2 years before i can get my citizenship there to be able to work if i want to. i love the country more than anything though...it's the greatest place on earth!

knowalotlearnalot

Non-citizens cannot legally work.

The local people (called Ticos) are very nice and polite, which makes it very easy for people to move to the country. Because of so much tourism from the United States, it is especially good for people from the United States who will find that many businesses cater to U.S. culture.

Paul B

Well if you are going to expect anything like a Culture shock you will be very disappointed!

Over 50% of the People or "Ticos" living in Costa Rica speak English and it is one of the most literate countries in the North, South, and Central Americas!

I have been going to Costa Rica for over the last twelve years and love it dearly.

There are many places in Costa Rica - that if you did not not know better - you would swear that you were driving down an American street or road!

If you have any specialized training in Computers it would be easy for you to get a job there.

Good Luck!

God BLESS America :)

Learn to speak Spanish first and then think about it...You may apply for a job teaching English...but the pay won't be like U.S...living is not as much as U.S. either....C.R is nice but you'll have to pay for the creature comforts that you are use to as an American.....
....
You really need to go there first....That is the most logical way, and while you are there you will meet other American's...Spend a few months, and see if you like it........

Blessings...Vaya Con Dios!

fakesister

heya
im from NYC and i have been living in COSTA RICA for over 5 years. I moved here when i was 8 and im gonna be 14 in a couple of weeks. I go to school and speak fluent spanish and i am LOVING IT
i live in quepos which is on the pacific side and is in Puntarenas. I love Costa Rica and almost everything about it ticos (locals) are super friendly and everything here was easy for me to get adjusted to

if you want to come here and get a job, since you speak good englsih i would recomend you coming here and going to spanish school for about a month...there are a lot of these schools here...and than go to work in a hotel or something because if you speak english and spanish...and if you speak more even better...it is a lot easier to get a job in the tourism industry which is one of the biggest economical industries in costa rica right now

BajaRick

dont know I moved to Mexico 3 years ago , lol I have a freind who moved there 30 years ago but he's a dentist and doing well

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