You are so right when you state that an American/Canadian tourist or long term residents need to have: PATIENCE!!!! Yo got that right! People in Costa Rica aren't particular about deadlines, nor do the natives worry about arriving or leaving by a tight schedule. Time is a flexible commodity and EVENTUALLY things will get done!!! Just chill and you'll fit in!! Nice video with highlights of what you should know when visiting or thinking about living in Costa Rica
Thanks! I like to save people a lot of time and hassle if possible. Saw so many cases of people selling everything, relocating, the reselling everything again and moving home! I can't wait to get back. The States is much more foreign to me now! :)
@@RawTropicalLiving People have asked me about medical care in Costa Rica and my experience with clinics and doctors have been limited in my travels. Perhaps you could address this issue in one of your videos? I know that private insurance will not cover expenses unless it is an emergency, or if you carry travel ins. you will be reimbursed later as I was....your thoughts?
Funny anecdote: one of my friends (from the US) said that one of her friends thought that we were like a primitive village and that we had no internet, electricity, or any kind of civilization, for that matter. Also, that we had to go to a well for water and that we had to hunt our food. lol I almost actually rolled on the floor laughing, for real.
+Christopher Garcia Oh yeah. I get a laugh all the time at people's perceptions of Costa Rica! They would be very shocked to hear that my internet here is faster than the ATT Uverse connection I have at my mom's house in the states.
Wanting to add my two cents to this video as I'm living in Costa Rica as well as a Gringo. Great video by the way. I was born and raised in California for the first 22 years of my life. Im living in Costa Rica now as a normal civilian a guess you could say. (Im 24 now). I was lucky enough to have Bilingual parents so I learned Spanish early on. But let me say you can survive almost anywhere here in CR since a lot of young people now speak fluent English. If you're lost just ask a 20 year old. Costa Rica is made up of 4 major city provinces. Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, and of course San Jose (Aka: Chepe). City life in CR is completely different then the rural areas. There is A LOT more crime in the 4 cities listed above and you really have to be careful not only at night but what neighborhood you walk into in heavy popluated areas. Street crime such a muggings can lead to fatalities if you resist or if they think you are. They will shot or stab you. CR has seen a surge in drug related murders, kidnappings and beatings. The drug trafficking issue is most heavily seen in a city called Limon. Which is pretty much like a little Jamaica (Obviously no racism intended) but the culture and people make it seem like you're literally in Jamaica and you may get discriminated against if you're not dark skinned. But Limon is very dangerous, please be careful if you go visit. People here are amazingly friendly. But roadrage is VERY common here. Many people have already died this year because of roadrage confrontations already. But you don't see this in rural areas, mostly in the city. I hold a normal office job and live like a full fledged civilian, going to work everyday, paying the rest, paying the car, taxes, buy groceries that isn't just vegan, etc and I'd have to say the standard of living is highest among all other Central American countries. It isn't cheap living here and you will have to make some adjustments to your life like maybe not having a car or not having the best furniture or living in the biggest house. Because in the city it is very expensive to live. Out in rural areas it's cheap but when I say rural...well, at least in in rural parts of th U.S. you can drive 20 minutes and find a Walmart. Not here. But all negativity aside because Im honestly only listing the bad of what I've seen so far in my short time of living in CR. I can honestly say the good outweighs the bad. The people here are awesome, the young people love to party and go out. A lot of people are really into hiking, mountain climbing, surfing, soccer. Social events are great (if you watch your back for muggers) and beer is cheap and tastes better than most. I know I couldnt possibly cover everything in this comment or anything but likewise im happy to answer questions about CR. Just reply. Pura vida!
Hey, I am a tico and I think you have given some very practical tips about CR style life. Yes, it´s a different style of lile from american. I think, you've got to get the best of both worlds and learn how to to enjoy it. CR is a very Natural place to live!!
Hey Jack! Really enjoyed your comments. I'm on the hunt to move someplace tropical and I will be in Costa Rica for my second trip this August. Pure Vida!
Thanks dude. This was very helpful. I'm strongly considering coming down to Costa Rica for a couple months to check it out and this video gave me a better idea. Once again...thanks.
Hi Jack, interesting share. My brother-in-law has a good friend who bought a place in Costa Rica about 2 or 3 years ago - perhaps longer than that. BrainFog LOL....It's not a tourist town, but a fishing village. The friend and brother-in-law know Spanish. fairly well and both are retired. My brother-in-law says the same thing as you did about living there. My brother-in-law has had to have medical attention, both emergency room visit and major dental. He says it's cheap, cheap, cheap! And also says that the quality of care is better than he gets here. My brother-in-law stays there about 6 to 8 months out of the year. When he comes back, he is always much slimmer. He says he drinks a lot of coconut water while there and eats far better. No fast foods where he is, nor processed foods. That's his experience.
Gail*Michelle*11 So cheap here that many people do dental vacations to come down to Costa Rica... It's so hot down there that I think even people that aren't health conscious eat healthier just because it is more comfortable in the heat.
Jack Albritton You're right, my brother-in-law is far from being a health conscious eater! And, yes! He tells of people that have taken "dental" vacations too!
good, honest and raw info...how it should be. I do agree with you not to sugar coat the cons of living there. I love it there too! went there 7 yrs ago, such a contrast to the uk!
People see all the 'recruiting' info for expats and think everything is cheap and easy, so I really like to balance that out. Still a great place to live for sure!
Jack you should check out the Diamante valley when you get back. Amazing community there a really awesome all organic market every Tuesday in Tinamaste(Vida Authentica) that has lots of exotic fruits year round. Also the San Isidro feria has incredible selection of fruits and vegis and a big certified organic section.
Fruitful Living I follow them on FB! I am planning a trip down to the San Isidro area soon after I get back to Costa Rica and do some video... Will probably hang around Dominical for a few nights as well.
A US citizen, Canadian and most of the countries in the EU can stay in Costa Rica for a full year of your entry date, after that you can pay a ridiculous small fee per year that allows you to extend you stay for whatever time you need. NOW, this does not apply to all countries!! And yes there is a way for residency when people from this countries want to move.
More than welcome dude , i love your videos and look forward to every upload. i see your channel being massive just due to the pure honesty and its all about the movement. Modern day Jesus :)
Thank you for sharing some insights about your life between the US and Costa Rica. I would love to know do you have temporary jobs in the US and save up money to go to Costa Rica or do you have a remote job (apart from making content for raw tropical living)?
+JOSE ELLSWORTH Hi Jose. Nice to meet you! I've been here for almost 17 years and really love your country... One thing I don't think people realize is how diverse it is! Pura Vida!
Jack Albritton Have you ever thought about living in Nicaragua at any point while you've been in Central America? I've been to Nica, have not been to CR, and many, many more people seem to travel to CR than anywhere else down there (I work in the travel industry). I hear the prices in general are much more expensive in CR as well. What has your experience been?
Megan Brynildsen I like it a lot in Nicaragua! Definitely much cheaper up there... I don't remember how abundant fruits and veggies were there as most trips there in the past were mixed with a lot of alcohol... I haven't been in probably 5 years but may make it up there later this year.... Raw restaurant in San Juan del Sur that I would love to check out.
We actually looking to live in Colombia but travel throu costs Rica mid January. We are vegan family of 4 .... I am on a detox transitioning to be a raw vegan or atleast at minimum 80/20. We trying to figure out which area there is best to experience and activities for those 3 days. We don't want tourist but to experience the life and different activities.
hmm Such a short time... So something you can get to fairly quickly and not be on the road all the time. All the beaches are going to be busy as this will be peak of high season... Now, I'm in the Alajuela area. Which is basically where the airport is. In my area, there is a huge farmer's market on Saturday morning. I mean seriously big. For things to do, there is a very nice volcano to hike. And also a place that has stunning gardens, waterfalls, and many animals. It acts as an animal sanctuary. Also there is a place called Zoo Ave close. Almost every species of animal in Costa Rica. But this is not a zoo either. All are animals that have been rescued and when possible they release them. Highlighting this area mainly because of proximity to airport. There is also Arenal Volcano but is going to be much busier this time of year. Monteverde is cloud forest and even though it will be high season, it's not as crazy there as at the beaches..
the most expensive part of moving out of state within the US (for me at least) to this day is the actual moving of physical.. Are you really prepared to part with so many of your belongings like that?
Great video Jack! Do you know anything about the schools there? We are planning a move in about 2 years and have a 9 month old baby. I would assume we would have to have citizenship to use the public schools, but not sure about private. I work remote and can live anywhere, so we were thinking of giving this a go for a few years. Worst case, we could home school for a few years.
Hai Jack☆ Thank you for this honest video :) I knew nothing about CR..now i do;) Must be a great place to live.. You didn't mentioned healthcare (i know as a raw vegan you don't need a doktor so oft) Greetings from Holland
Mirjam Raehse Healthcare is actually quite good in Costa Rica.... Only time I have been to doctor is when I cut thumb last year and had to get stitches...
I want to start an online business, I’m great with technology but I don’t particular excel in one area. I’m going to be traveling the world for a few years and want to make some money along the way ( don’t need to make millions but enough to where I’m not draining all of my savings ) I want to do travel photography with a mix of culinary photography. I’m a 21 year old real estate agent whose leaving it all behind to see the world. I know what I want but I don’t know how to get there. Any suggestions from a fellow online entrepreneur?
Hi Jack nice video i just loved is! My nam is Mehdi and im living in Canada but im from morroco and sufing is my passion since I moved here I never had the chance to practice I was thinking about going to Costa Rica for a month or 2 try to live there for short periods and maybe buy a land. And going back in the rainy season to see how it look, for sure it's not going to be worse than the the Canadian winter. I start taking Spanish courses and need an advice from you were is the best spot were I can surf and live since i don't know alot about the geographie of Costa Rica. Thank you!
+mohammed nokrachi The central Pacific coast of Costa Rica offers the most options for surf. Check out Jaco. It has waves suitable for beginners all the way up to pros!
just out of curiosity could one go to Miami and get on a boat and make it to Costa Rica without having any problems and live in the mountains or on the beach without attempting to become a resident ? and if so what type of problems could you see him or her or them having? I look forward to your answer and I'm seriously inquiring thank you much
+Jack Albritton I innerstand what you saying.... but if someone is there without messing with the bureaucracy you know all the red tape then how else would they be or have gotten there?
My house is your house now, when you return, let me know if you need to stay in San Jose I live in Hatillo and also in San Rafael Abajo in Desamparados. so any of those are yours if you need it
Would need to know more information. Costa Rica is a really diverse country so it really depends on your interests and what you are interested in seeing. There are beaches, mountains, jungle and more. Areas where it is hot all the time and areas where it is more temperate... :)
Whats up Jack ! Just one quick question for you since you been traveling all over the place in Central America. We are moving to Mexico, Oaxaca ( 2 raw vegans, me and mi mujer,we do speak spanish) for fruit,surf,sun,beach - you name it and you know the deal - for paradise.But !!! But we are from Czech republic = poor bastards(Compared to people from Us,Oz blah blah). Thing is that Oaxaca budget for us would be something around 300 usd per month(both, incl.everything). Do you think we can get it down somewhere else? Guatemala,Costa Rica ? Let me know !!!I will be glad to hear something from you!Have a good one.Sry for novel:)
+VeganSoldier When you say $300 budget per month, what do you mean? $300 total for both of you to live or is that just food for one person? To be quite honest, I love Costa Rica but it is the most expensive country in Costa Rica. I really can't imagine CR being cheaper than Mexico. The only other country I've spent time in Central America is Nicaragua. Much cheaper but it has been about 6 or 7 years when I last went. Drank a lot back then on those trips and don't remember how abundant produce was. It is a very similar climate so I imagine that the fruits are great there as well. I don't know the produce situation there but have met many people who have spent time in Guatemala and say it is very cheap there as well. When are you moving?
+Jack Albritton Yeah for both of us ...everything incl.:) - we come from a place where this is half of salary so...and we been there in Oaxaca begore and its posible.Been living in south of India for 5usd per month.No biggie.Moving this week!!!Yes,thanks for Guatemala tip...!!!Thanks a lot for reply..its morning so Iam not Pc nerd yet-will type some coherent novels soon:))))) We will try to do it for 300 - 400 USD per month for both of us , if not we will move down to Guatemala.We do eat rice , potatoes and cocked evil deals so.....its easier :)
Abby Nurre All my work has been online in one way or another... Just finished a job where I was marketing and handling social media for a travel related business. Before that I wrote sports for a website for a couple of years... And in the past I had a small travel company...
I would check out Craigslist for Costa Rica. Check both the Apt/ Houses link and the rooms/ shared link. I found a great place through Craigslist when I moved to the city for a while several years back.
great info. I would love to live there for 3 months, sounds sweet! now I guess I will need to figure out how I can make income to survive and still cover my bill here in the states? Now that's the ultimate question???? have you heard of duolingo? its app. I've been using it to try to brush up on and strengthen my Spanish, I'm decent with reading , but writing and speaking I definitely need to brush it up
onli1luv For the Spanish you've got to have someone to talk with regularly! That is my biggest weakness with the language because I don't go out very much so I don't get much practice.
Jack Albritton Hi, I´m a tico, if you want I´d like to help you with that. both of you, Jack and onli1 just my pleasure to make new friends. not for money
Hi Jack, you rock! so if my income comes from my business in the states and i pay a lawyer to handle the red tape, is it safe to say that i can be as normal as can be living there?
silverfox After a few years of wading through redtape, yes..... Once someone gets into owning stuff, having a bank account and residency I'm not much of an expert on that. And along with residency somes the requirement to pay into the Costa Rica health care system although many foreigners don't use it. And, as far as owning and setting up a real life goes, Costa Rica is quite possibly on a similar path as Greece.
is it really that hard to get a bank account there? i mean, where do you keep you rmoney? in an american account you can transfer money out of into somwere in costa rica?
600 dollars a month for a 3bd 1bath, oh my, I live in Santa Barbara and I pay $830 to live in a split floor plan apartment, there isn't even a full wall between the two rooms! Maybe I should just quit college and move to Costa Rica, haha just kidding but maybe after I graduate :)
+Kat Davis and consider that is an expensive touristic place (Jaco), if you go to other places or areas, you can get a similar house or apartment in less than half of that price..
I live in Fort Lauderdale Florida Jack Albritton Actually I was born in Boston. My family is Costa Rican and I live most of my life in Santa Ana, Escazu, and Jaco. Worked en el Hotel Cocal for a while. Jaco looks VERY different now. It used to be a quiet small town and we surfed all day and spent most of the day on the beach and at night we would spend it at La Central club (now closed).
Jack Albritton hahaha hahaha LA Hacienda. Best bar ever )back in the day) Didn't think you were there for those days. Did you ever meet a guy name Durman Fallas?
having trouble finding local fruits and veggies?Immigration goons coming into the workplace?!? dude you need to get out of Jaco! here on the Caribbean side, you're fine as long as you don't act a fool, and every fruit you could imagine plus a few others are readily available. we have shakier infrastructure, the power goes out more days than not, for a few minutes, the water at least a couple times a week, but the lifestyle and quality of people more than makes up for the minor inconvenience. Jaco,Tamagringo, and similar places near there are just a branch office of California. the Caribbean side truly is a foreign country to the US, which made it a major attraction for me.Buena suerte(sp?)
![8 Reasons Why Americans LEAVE Costa Rica [Why I Left]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cbGMngGx2xk/mqdefault.jpg)
![8 Reasons Why Americans LEAVE Costa Rica [Why I Left]](/img/tr.png)
Thanks for the info & thanks for being a great ambassador for all of us!
You are so right when you state that an American/Canadian tourist or long term residents need to have: PATIENCE!!!! Yo got that right! People in Costa Rica aren't particular about deadlines, nor do the natives worry about arriving or leaving by a tight schedule. Time is a flexible commodity and EVENTUALLY things will get done!!! Just chill and you'll fit in!! Nice video with highlights of what you should know when visiting or thinking about living in Costa Rica
Thanks! I like to save people a lot of time and hassle if possible. Saw so many cases of people selling everything, relocating, the reselling everything again and moving home! I can't wait to get back. The States is much more foreign to me now! :)
@@RawTropicalLiving People have asked me about medical care in Costa Rica and my experience with clinics and doctors have been limited in my travels. Perhaps you could address this issue in one of your videos? I know that private insurance will not cover expenses unless it is an emergency, or if you carry travel ins. you will be reimbursed later as I was....your thoughts?
Funny anecdote: one of my friends (from the US) said that one of her friends thought that we were like a primitive village and that we had no internet, electricity, or any kind of civilization, for that matter. Also, that we had to go to a well for water and that we had to hunt our food. lol I almost actually rolled on the floor laughing, for real.
+Christopher Garcia Oh yeah. I get a laugh all the time at people's perceptions of Costa Rica! They would be very shocked to hear that my internet here is faster than the ATT Uverse connection I have at my mom's house in the states.
wow really? thats cool, i wonder where are the fastest internet speeds, this is really important if I am to move there and work from home
Wanting to add my two cents to this video as I'm living in Costa Rica as well as a Gringo. Great video by the way.
I was born and raised in California for the first 22 years of my life. Im living in Costa Rica now as a normal civilian a guess you could say. (Im 24 now). I was lucky enough to have Bilingual parents so I learned Spanish early on. But let me say you can survive almost anywhere here in CR since a lot of young people now speak fluent English. If you're lost just ask a 20 year old.
Costa Rica is made up of 4 major city provinces. Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, and of course San Jose (Aka: Chepe). City life in CR is completely different then the rural areas. There is A LOT more crime in the 4 cities listed above and you really have to be careful not only at night but what neighborhood you walk into in heavy popluated areas.
Street crime such a muggings can lead to fatalities if you resist or if they think you are. They will shot or stab you. CR has seen a surge in drug related murders, kidnappings and beatings. The drug trafficking issue is most heavily seen in a city called Limon. Which is pretty much like a little Jamaica (Obviously no racism intended) but the culture and people make it seem like you're literally in Jamaica and you may get discriminated against if you're not dark skinned. But Limon is very dangerous, please be careful if you go visit.
People here are amazingly friendly. But roadrage is VERY common here. Many people have already died this year because of roadrage confrontations already. But you don't see this in rural areas, mostly in the city.
I hold a normal office job and live like a full fledged civilian, going to work everyday, paying the rest, paying the car, taxes, buy groceries that isn't just vegan, etc and I'd have to say the standard of living is highest among all other Central American countries.
It isn't cheap living here and you will have to make some adjustments to your life like maybe not having a car or not having the best furniture or living in the biggest house. Because in the city it is very expensive to live. Out in rural areas it's cheap but when I say rural...well, at least in in rural parts of th U.S. you can drive 20 minutes and find a Walmart. Not here.
But all negativity aside because Im honestly only listing the bad of what I've seen so far in my short time of living in CR.
I can honestly say the good outweighs the bad. The people here are awesome, the young people love to party and go out. A lot of people are really into hiking, mountain climbing, surfing, soccer. Social events are great (if you watch your back for muggers) and beer is cheap and tastes better than most.
I know I couldnt possibly cover everything in this comment or anything but likewise im happy to answer questions about CR. Just reply.
Pura vida!
Hey, I am a tico and I think you have given some very practical tips about CR style life. Yes, it´s a different style of lile from american. I think, you've got to get the best of both worlds and learn how to to enjoy it. CR is a very Natural place to live!!
I've got to tell you that after 17 years I love the land of Pura Vida! Especially the people!
Hey Jack! Really enjoyed your comments. I'm on the hunt to move someplace tropical and I will be in Costa Rica for my second trip this August. Pure Vida!
Thanks dude. This was very helpful. I'm strongly considering coming down to Costa Rica for a couple months to check it out and this video gave me a better idea. Once again...thanks.
Great information, I'm a younger version of you and will be moving there soon. Pura vida👍
:)
Hi Jack, interesting share. My brother-in-law has a good friend who bought a place in Costa Rica about 2 or 3 years ago - perhaps longer than that. BrainFog LOL....It's not a tourist town, but a fishing village. The friend and brother-in-law know Spanish. fairly well and both are retired. My brother-in-law says the same thing as you did about living there. My brother-in-law has had to have medical attention, both emergency room visit and major dental. He says it's cheap, cheap, cheap! And also says that the quality of care is better than he gets here. My brother-in-law stays there about 6 to 8 months out of the year. When he comes back, he is always much slimmer. He says he drinks a lot of coconut water while there and eats far better. No fast foods where he is, nor processed foods. That's his experience.
Gail*Michelle*11 So cheap here that many people do dental vacations to come down to Costa Rica... It's so hot down there that I think even people that aren't health conscious eat healthier just because it is more comfortable in the heat.
Jack Albritton You're right, my brother-in-law is far from being a health conscious eater! And, yes! He tells of people that have taken "dental" vacations too!
good, honest and raw info...how it should be. I do agree with you not to sugar coat the cons of living there. I love it there too! went there 7 yrs ago, such a contrast to the uk!
People see all the 'recruiting' info for expats and think everything is cheap and easy, so I really like to balance that out. Still a great place to live for sure!
cool video, and informative on a informal level. I enjoyed it- thank you and wish you all the best.
+BLAST ZONE 2015 Thank you! Glad that you liked it and found it helpful! It really is an amazing country!
I enjoyed the video and information on Costa Rica. Thank you
You're very welcome David! I'm glad you found it informative!
I like how he said "The brain will learn faster when it has to."
Jack you should check out the Diamante valley when you get back. Amazing community there a really awesome all organic market every Tuesday in Tinamaste(Vida Authentica) that has lots of exotic fruits year round. Also the San Isidro feria has incredible selection of fruits and vegis and a big certified organic section.
Fruitful Living I follow them on FB! I am planning a trip down to the San Isidro area soon after I get back to Costa Rica and do some video... Will probably hang around Dominical for a few nights as well.
A US citizen, Canadian and most of the countries in the EU can stay in Costa Rica for a full year of your entry date, after that you can pay a ridiculous small fee per year that allows you to extend you stay for whatever time you need. NOW, this does not apply to all countries!! And yes there is a way for residency when people from this countries want to move.
I loved how you explain that Costa Rica is not an island😂💕
haha I can't tell you how many times I've gotten that one! :)
Love your videos dude, I am a clean eating vegan but considering going raw for the new year , so i take a lot of advice from your videos , :)
+Jimmy Vendetta Thanks Jimmy! I appreciate you watching and your kind words.
More than welcome dude , i love your videos and look forward to every upload. i see your channel being massive just due to the pure honesty and its all about the movement. Modern day Jesus :)
Thank you for sharing some insights about your life between the US and Costa Rica. I would love to know do you have temporary jobs in the US and save up money to go to Costa Rica or do you have a remote job (apart from making content for raw tropical living)?
Jack I forget about this video. When I asked you yesterday I should have checked first. Thanks anyway for your reply.
+theresa jurrus It's all good! I can't remember all my videos and I made them! haha Hope you have a wonderful weekend Theresa!
+Jack Albritton you too sweetheart. See you tomorrow anyway. 💖
Hi Jack Iam A Costa rican man whose live a Southern Ca 33 years ago..
+JOSE ELLSWORTH Hi Jose. Nice to meet you! I've been here for almost 17 years and really love your country... One thing I don't think people realize is how diverse it is! Pura Vida!
Hi Amigo Jack.
Jack Albritton Have you ever thought about living in Nicaragua at any point while you've been in Central America? I've been to Nica, have not been to CR, and many, many more people seem to travel to CR than anywhere else down there (I work in the travel industry). I hear the prices in general are much more expensive in CR as well. What has your experience been?
Megan Brynildsen I like it a lot in Nicaragua! Definitely much cheaper up there... I don't remember how abundant fruits and veggies were there as most trips there in the past were mixed with a lot of alcohol... I haven't been in probably 5 years but may make it up there later this year.... Raw restaurant in San Juan del Sur that I would love to check out.
We actually looking to live in Colombia but travel throu costs Rica mid January. We are vegan family of 4 .... I am on a detox transitioning to be a raw vegan or atleast at minimum 80/20. We trying to figure out which area there is best to experience and activities for those 3 days. We don't want tourist but to experience the life and different activities.
hmm Such a short time... So something you can get to fairly quickly and not be on the road all the time. All the beaches are going to be busy as this will be peak of high season... Now, I'm in the Alajuela area. Which is basically where the airport is. In my area, there is a huge farmer's market on Saturday morning. I mean seriously big. For things to do, there is a very nice volcano to hike. And also a place that has stunning gardens, waterfalls, and many animals. It acts as an animal sanctuary. Also there is a place called Zoo Ave close. Almost every species of animal in Costa Rica. But this is not a zoo either. All are animals that have been rescued and when possible they release them. Highlighting this area mainly because of proximity to airport. There is also Arenal Volcano but is going to be much busier this time of year. Monteverde is cloud forest and even though it will be high season, it's not as crazy there as at the beaches..
the most expensive part of moving out of state within the US (for me at least) to this day is the actual moving of physical.. Are you really prepared to part with so many of your belongings like that?
Great video Jack! Do you know anything about the schools there? We are planning a move in about 2 years and have a 9 month old baby. I would assume we would have to have citizenship to use the public schools, but not sure about private. I work remote and can live anywhere, so we were thinking of giving this a go for a few years. Worst case, we could home school for a few years.
+Will Sheffield I would say that all of my friends send their kids to private school... That includes my Costa Rican friends, not just other expats.
Hai Jack☆ Thank you for this honest video :) I knew nothing about CR..now i do;) Must be a great place to live..
You didn't mentioned healthcare (i know as a raw vegan you don't need a doktor so oft)
Greetings from Holland
Mirjam Raehse Healthcare is actually quite good in Costa Rica.... Only time I have been to doctor is when I cut thumb last year and had to get stitches...
Retired with pension. Do you keep your home, when you are in C.R.. I speak Spanish as a second language, and Acapulco is my favorite place.u
Where in Costa rica were you living before you went back to the states last year? Up on the mountain?
I was just outside of Alajuela on the way to Poas volcano.. :)
I want to start an online business, I’m great with technology but I don’t particular excel in one area. I’m going to be traveling the world for a few years and want to make some money along the way ( don’t need to make millions but enough to where I’m not draining all of my savings ) I want to do travel photography with a mix of culinary photography. I’m a 21 year old real estate agent whose leaving it all behind to see the world. I know what I want but I don’t know how to get there. Any suggestions from a fellow online entrepreneur?
Look into Merch by Amazon and POD platform for tshirts and products in general! You don't have to be a designer. I'm not. Check it out! :)
Hi Jack nice video i just loved is!
My nam is Mehdi and im living in Canada but im from morroco and sufing is my passion since I moved here I never had the chance to practice I was thinking about going to Costa Rica for a month or 2 try to live there for short periods and maybe buy a land. And going back in the rainy season to see how it look, for sure it's not going to be worse than the the Canadian winter. I start taking Spanish courses and need an advice from you were is the best spot were I can surf and live since i don't know alot about the geographie of Costa Rica.
Thank you!
+mohammed nokrachi The central Pacific coast of Costa Rica offers the most options for surf. Check out Jaco. It has waves suitable for beginners all the way up to pros!
Jack Albritton Jacò that town is epic haha, great video dude
just out of curiosity could one go to Miami and get on a boat and make it to Costa Rica without having any problems and live in the mountains or on the beach without attempting to become a resident ? and if so what type of problems could you see him or her or them having? I look forward to your answer and I'm seriously inquiring thank you much
I guess... Never known anyone to travel there by boat other than cruise ship though..
+Jack Albritton I innerstand what you saying.... but if someone is there without messing with the bureaucracy you know all the red tape then how else would they be or have gotten there?
My house is your house now, when you return, let me know if you need to stay in San Jose I live in Hatillo and also in San Rafael Abajo in Desamparados. so any of those are yours if you need it
Thank you! That is very kind of you!
Do the banks accepts traveller cheques and Canadian dollars?
Where is the best place to stay mom with little boy?
Would need to know more information. Costa Rica is a really diverse country so it really depends on your interests and what you are interested in seeing. There are beaches, mountains, jungle and more. Areas where it is hot all the time and areas where it is more temperate... :)
Burocracy is one of the worst things about This country, almost all our problems are related with that.
Beaurocracy is awsome!!
When you talk rent, are you talking USD ?
Whats up Jack ! Just one quick question for you since you been traveling all over the place in Central America. We are moving to Mexico, Oaxaca ( 2 raw vegans, me and mi mujer,we do speak spanish) for fruit,surf,sun,beach - you name it and you know the deal - for paradise.But !!! But we are from Czech republic = poor bastards(Compared to people from Us,Oz blah blah). Thing is that Oaxaca budget for us would be something around 300 usd per month(both, incl.everything). Do you think we can get it down somewhere else? Guatemala,Costa Rica ? Let me know !!!I will be glad to hear something from you!Have a good one.Sry for novel:)
+VeganSoldier When you say $300 budget per month, what do you mean? $300 total for both of you to live or is that just food for one person? To be quite honest, I love Costa Rica but it is the most expensive country in Costa Rica. I really can't imagine CR being cheaper than Mexico. The only other country I've spent time in Central America is Nicaragua. Much cheaper but it has been about 6 or 7 years when I last went. Drank a lot back then on those trips and don't remember how abundant produce was. It is a very similar climate so I imagine that the fruits are great there as well. I don't know the produce situation there but have met many people who have spent time in Guatemala and say it is very cheap there as well. When are you moving?
+Jack Albritton Yeah for both of us ...everything incl.:) - we come from a place where this is half of salary so...and we been there in Oaxaca begore and its posible.Been living in south of India for 5usd per month.No biggie.Moving this week!!!Yes,thanks for Guatemala tip...!!!Thanks a lot for reply..its morning so Iam not Pc nerd yet-will type some coherent novels soon:))))) We will try to do it for 300 - 400 USD per month for both of us , if not we will move down to Guatemala.We do eat rice , potatoes and cocked evil deals so.....its easier :)
what makes you move to costa rica?
Do you have a video on how you make your income?
Abby Nurre All my work has been online in one way or another... Just finished a job where I was marketing and handling social media for a travel related business. Before that I wrote sports for a website for a couple of years... And in the past I had a small travel company...
so, where does that money go if you can't have a bank account in CR where you live?
Do you know of anything Down Town, San Jose. Rent cost. One bedroom. I need to be close to DEL-REY.
I would check out Craigslist for Costa Rica. Check both the Apt/ Houses link and the rooms/ shared link. I found a great place through Craigslist when I moved to the city for a while several years back.
Thanks Brother. I need to start me research before any moves. I have been to Del -Rey many years and love that area and the people are great to me.
Good info. Ty
:)
great info. I would love to live there for 3 months, sounds sweet! now I guess I will need to figure out how I can make income to survive and still cover my bill here in the states? Now that's the ultimate question???? have you heard of duolingo? its app. I've been using it to try to brush up on and strengthen my Spanish, I'm decent with reading , but writing and speaking I definitely need to brush it up
onli1luv For the Spanish you've got to have someone to talk with regularly! That is my biggest weakness with the language because I don't go out very much so I don't get much practice.
Jack Albritton Hi, I´m a tico, if you want I´d like to help you with that. both of you, Jack and onli1
just my pleasure to make new friends. not for money
Hi Jack, you rock! so if my income comes from my business in the states and i pay a lawyer to handle the red tape, is it safe to say that i can be as normal as can be living there?
silverfox After a few years of wading through redtape, yes..... Once someone gets into owning stuff, having a bank account and residency I'm not much of an expert on that. And along with residency somes the requirement to pay into the Costa Rica health care system although many foreigners don't use it. And, as far as owning and setting up a real life goes, Costa Rica is quite possibly on a similar path as Greece.
gotcha, thanx much
is it really that hard to get a bank account there? i mean, where do you keep you rmoney? in an american account you can transfer money out of into somwere in costa rica?
Hi. Just curious what s your job?
where is there and where are you now ?
I'm in Costa Rica in the mountains above the airport now... I was living in Playa Jaco before.
600 dollars a month for a 3bd 1bath, oh my, I live in Santa Barbara and I pay $830 to live in a split floor plan apartment, there isn't even a full wall between the two rooms! Maybe I should just quit college and move to Costa Rica, haha just kidding but maybe after I graduate :)
Kaitlin Davis haha Yeah, I understand that is some really expensive real estate where you live!
+Kat Davis and consider that is an expensive
touristic place (Jaco), if you go to other places or areas, you can get
a similar house or apartment in less than half of that price..
im from thereeeee so..
Aryanna Batista It really is a beautiful country!
Ik but i speak little english
lol I'm from Jaco
Fruitveganful Martenson Really? Small world. Do you live there now?
I live in Fort Lauderdale Florida Jack Albritton Actually I was born in Boston. My family is Costa Rican and I live most of my life in Santa Ana, Escazu, and Jaco. Worked en el Hotel Cocal for a while. Jaco looks VERY different now. It used to be a quiet small town and we surfed all day and spent most of the day on the beach and at night we would spend it at La Central club (now closed).
haha I've been there a long time! I remember Central, La Hacienda for 2 Heinekins for 800 colones! You're right, very different town!
Jack Albritton hahaha hahaha LA Hacienda. Best bar ever )back in the day) Didn't think you were there for those days. Did you ever meet a guy name Durman Fallas?
Fruitveganful Martenson I didn't really know him personally but I remember him.. That was really sad....
having trouble finding local fruits and veggies?Immigration goons coming into the workplace?!? dude you need to get out of Jaco! here on the Caribbean side, you're fine as long as you don't act a fool, and every fruit you could imagine plus a few others are readily available. we have shakier infrastructure, the power goes out more days than not, for a few minutes, the water at least a couple times a week, but the lifestyle and quality of people more than makes up for the minor inconvenience. Jaco,Tamagringo, and similar places near there are just a branch office of California. the Caribbean side truly is a foreign country to the US, which made it a major attraction for me.Buena suerte(sp?)
Me gustan tus videos, checa los míos en mi canal. Abrazos dobles! :)
Most ex pats web each other about who’s got the best home security system.. I’d electrocute the perimeter of my home...
Are u on disability?