Can I ask why it took 8 years. I'm looking to buy a business and make this my forever home, but I was under the impression you could apply after 2 years. Is the application process 4-6 years after application?
@@macpony2571780 gottcha! Thank you for the reply. I'm thinking about buying a business and making the move from Colorado to just start a life of living and not one of worrying.
Been living in Tamarindo for 3 years. I absolutely love it. It’s not the cheapest, but you can find affordable options. It has way more activities than many other communities, which is crucial for my family with two kids. They surf, dance, rock climb, do silks, basketball, baseball. It’s amazing. Definitely not leaving…building my forever home this year and my kids (12 and 9) will graduate high school here.
please, by the everything sacred, stop gentrifying our country and promoting this destructive development model, if you KNOW you're part of the problem, why buy land? why stay? tourists we can handle, responsible tourists we actually like, but "expats" buying up all the land in this teeny-tiny country of ours is NOT good for anyone. I mean, what's the plan here? wait until we have no other choice but to make you feel openly unwelcome?
Costa Rica seems like a slice of paradise! 🌴 Love hearing the perspectives of these American expats. What's your dream destination for a new life? Let's share the wanderlust and swap stories! ✈
I was in Costa Rica in August, on the Pacific Coast there was always a cool sea breeze, in San Jose and most places inland that are at higher elevations it was also cool, most people wear jackets even in August. I hear the Carribean side is humid like the Carribean which is why I didn't go there.
Love Costa Rica, been 5 times. We plan to buy something there within the next 1-2 years. But we don't care for Tamarindo too much. Too busy, too touristy, to congested.
I felt the same way about Tamarindo when my wife and I visited there. Nosara which is a couple hours south from there is a beautiful rainforest and is much less busy. I would love to buy something in that area. The problem is that I’m not a citizen so I don’t think I could get hired by any employers
@@mannyquintana8074 yea, we're considering the same thing. We are planning to have enough residual income from US stuff to afford the house in CR, while also hoping to rent out the CR house when we're not their. But in terms of actually buying there, if the CR govn requires you to have active income from CR, well, we're screwed. I can't afford to work there. Income would be too low. Nosara is pretty. The only beach we saw north of Tamarindo was Playa Grande, which looks awesome but seems to be developing so fast, it looks like one big construction project that will be 10x the cost in 5 years. And full of white people, probably. We'd like something more established and actually want to be surrounded by Costa Ricans.
I’m Canadian living here 24 years. IMHO the thing that annoys people from the US most is the bureaucracy and slowness of getting things done. You need to have forms and permits for everything and often have to travel to other parts of the country to get them. I’ve seen people from US getting upset just waiting in line to pay at the grocery store because it it was taking too long😂😂😂
I leave my heart in Costa Rica each time I go, and I look forward to the day we can retire there and live the Pura Vida life. Tico, our doggie we brought home from there in 2014, is in my pic, and he is the smartest, most special pup I've ever known. There is just something so magical and special about that country. We will visit again this July, and I am counting the days!💛💮🌅🐒🦎🌄🏄🐢🐦🌋🌴
Weather is one of the reasons with multi climates many places that you live for less money and still be aval to travel and have fun all the year around .❤Living the Pura Vida life style 😊
@@KeyserSolze We are in Guanacaste/ Nosara area. no we started the process a few years ago and decided not to. It’s long and lengthy and costly, they decide how much you pay into Caja and if you are American which they love to see coming 🤑🤑🤑 God knows how much they will decide for you to pay. Aside from that we love to travel so we leave every 3 months. There are stories circulating that U.S. passports may stay for 6 months. Also you can go to Nicaragua for a cup of coffee and head back. This all seems easier than dealing with the Costa Rican gov for residency. I’d rather spend the funds on travel than to feed the bureaucracy of becoming a resident. 😂
@@TravelSaavyChic I just got my residency approved a couple of weeks ago - took 9 months to go through but was a very easy process. For sure, it can be expensive upfront depending on which route you take, however, it is worth it because I choose to live here full time and only travel to the US occasionally. If buying property is part of someone's plan, then they might as well just apply for residency. That said, it is easy to come in and out of here if you don't want to take the financial plunge immediately since they are now officially giving 180 days tourist status now.
Quick question… I’m planning on going to Costa Rica in September for the first time. How is the weather like in September? Or should I go in June? Please help. I need advice 😅
Can you let me know if I can be a Real Estate agent in Costa Rica? Im currently a Real Estate License broker in Arizona looking to move to Costa Rica 👍🏼
I think I would be too scared to move to Costa Rica. I watched a documentary a few years back about an island just off the coast that was infested by dinos. I think the documentary was called, Jurassic Park. How many people on the mainland get eaten every year?
How people get help if they need ER? I didn’t understand medical part including medications. For example, I am under 15 medications every single day. How can I maintain it there? I have a bouquet of illnesses and I need doctors on regular basis. Yes call of that happen because of high stress level in US, but I want to live to Costa Rica and it is my real concern. Thank you so much in advance for the response🙏🙏🙏
I just left there. The clinic has two ambulances. They can transport you to nearest emergency facility, that can then address larger issues. If you have chronic problems there are pharmacies that can fill medications. You would need to take a bus or rent a car if you needed be seen for more chronic issues. Keep in mind, you can reside in San Jose’ the countries capital, and have full access to public facilities and live in the quiet mountain areas. The whole country is a rain forest. Drive 30 minutes to an hour in any direction and you have mountains, water falls, jungle, or beaches. You will be fine. Check in to the healthcare center as soon as you touch down. Start in San Jose.
Sorry for the negative comment that was just at the beginning. The video was great and very informative. I enjoyed the last part of the video with the Thanksgiving celebration.
So Costa Rica has a less humid and hot climate than the rest of Central America, and places like Grecia has a better climate than the rest of Costa Rica?? How is Costa Rica affected by the migrants flow, the droughts, economic instability and worsening drug trafficking affecting other countries??
It’s very expensive. People say it’s only in the tourist areas, but that’s where everyone wants to be. There’s lots of Venezuelans passing through, you’ll see them in San Jose but I’ve yet to see any issues. And the cartel activity has risen extremely. Last year was the deadliest year Costa Rica has seen in a long time. Mostly between rival cartels. Sadly it’s becoming a narco state and the ease of money laundering doesn’t help
@@dovygoodguy1296 it’s still very manageable, Ecuador is a much worse situation. I’ve already been here over a year and have a great community so I’m staying and seeing where it’s going. But if I was to start over, I’d look into El Salvador. Lowest violent crime rate in the hemisphere, great beaches, lots of culture, economy is growing, and easy to get in and out to the states.
@@djmack8 My huge question is what will be after Bukele leaves office? Is there enough of a consensus and cohesion in the governments of the country to maintain his policies? Are they all part of his popularity? Will he eventually be rejected if he gets too comfortable in his position? After all, Bukele is very young. He could remain as president for 30 years! Long after many of us aren't here anymore. In the meantime I am personally saddened to read that now Costa Rica is being infected by the scourge of the cartels, and overall there's apparently nothing collectively that will be done. Why can't Obrador launch an alliance in Latin America to destroy the cartels? Why is Mexico hopelessly impotent to make a major strike against them? Do they contribute to the building up of the Mexican economy as a form of bribery??
Migrants are looking for financial gain, is the Costa Rican government putting Americans up in hotels free? Stupid comment. Ex pats actually contribute to the economy versus migrants living off the government and keeping citizens from receiving help. Tell that to all the veterans kicked out of their homes to make room for migrants in the US. So the term EX pat is valid, they aren’t destitute.
I went recently to check it out and listen. Many problems including water distribution there. I am now a widow since January 2024. I have lived in 7 countries and speak Spanish. Petty crime is real. Food prices were very high for my regular Whole Foods healthly diet. In fact all prices are higher than in France. The medical care system is well explained on RUclips. It relies on preventing disease with a check up. Too few doctors for certain specialties. Check everything before moving there. I will stick with France.
This is exactly what expats need to hear before moving to Costa Rica. Great job from a local!
After eight years of waiting I finally got my Costa Rican citizenship and all I can sat is pura vida God bless Costa Rica.
Can I ask why it took 8 years. I'm looking to buy a business and make this my forever home, but I was under the impression you could apply after 2 years. Is the application process 4-6 years after application?
@@zrodfx_K9 I Married a Costa Rican woman and bought a farm in Cartago it took me about two years for my residency it was worth it
@@macpony2571780 gottcha! Thank you for the reply. I'm thinking about buying a business and making the move from Colorado to just start a life of living and not one of worrying.
Been living in Tamarindo for 3 years. I absolutely love it. It’s not the cheapest, but you can find affordable options. It has way more activities than many other communities, which is crucial for my family with two kids. They surf, dance, rock climb, do silks, basketball, baseball. It’s amazing. Definitely not leaving…building my forever home this year and my kids (12 and 9) will graduate high school here.
please, by the everything sacred, stop gentrifying our country and promoting this destructive development model, if you KNOW you're part of the problem, why buy land? why stay? tourists we can handle, responsible tourists we actually like, but "expats" buying up all the land in this teeny-tiny country of ours is NOT good for anyone. I mean, what's the plan here? wait until we have no other choice but to make you feel openly unwelcome?
Where did you move from? I'm in the US trying to do something similar with my family of 4
Costa Rica seems like a slice of paradise! 🌴 Love hearing the perspectives of these American expats. What's your dream destination for a new life? Let's share the wanderlust and swap stories! ✈
Costa Rica is a beautiful place!!!❤❤🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷⛰️⛰️🏔🏔🏄♂️🏄♂️🌎💙💙🌊🌊🌊🐢🐢🐢🐒🐒🦥🦥🦥
I was in Costa Rica in August, on the Pacific Coast there was always a cool sea breeze, in San Jose and most places inland that are at higher elevations it was also cool, most people wear jackets even in August. I hear the Carribean side is humid like the Carribean which is why I didn't go there.
Thanks for this information. I will explore for sure.
Love Costa Rica, been 5 times. We plan to buy something there within the next 1-2 years. But we don't care for Tamarindo too much. Too busy, too touristy, to congested.
I felt the same way about Tamarindo when my wife and I visited there. Nosara which is a couple hours south from there is a beautiful rainforest and is much less busy. I would love to buy something in that area. The problem is that I’m not a citizen so I don’t think I could get hired by any employers
@@mannyquintana8074 yea, we're considering the same thing. We are planning to have enough residual income from US stuff to afford the house in CR, while also hoping to rent out the CR house when we're not their. But in terms of actually buying there, if the CR govn requires you to have active income from CR, well, we're screwed. I can't afford to work there. Income would be too low. Nosara is pretty. The only beach we saw north of Tamarindo was Playa Grande, which looks awesome but seems to be developing so fast, it looks like one big construction project that will be 10x the cost in 5 years. And full of white people, probably. We'd like something more established and actually want to be surrounded by Costa Ricans.
I’m Canadian living here 24 years. IMHO the thing that annoys people from the US most is the bureaucracy and slowness of getting things done. You need to have forms and permits for everything and often have to travel to other parts of the country to get them. I’ve seen people from US getting upset just waiting in line to pay at the grocery store because it it was taking too long😂😂😂
I leave my heart in Costa Rica each time I go, and I look forward to the day we can retire there and live the Pura Vida life. Tico, our doggie we brought home from there in 2014, is in my pic, and he is the smartest, most special pup I've ever known. There is just something so magical and special about that country. We will visit again this July, and I am counting the days!💛💮🌅🐒🦎🌄🏄🐢🐦🌋🌴
Weather is one of the reasons with multi climates many places that you live for less money and still be aval to travel and have fun all the year around .❤Living the Pura Vida life style 😊
Looking for a POC to set up scouting tip and move. References and what you provide?
We built a home and moved there in late 2020. We currently go back and forth
No sugar here, we both worked hard and invested time & funds. It’s nice to have a life like ours. Haters will be haters. Bwa Bwyyyyyeee 😜😜😜
Was thinking of doing the same, have you gotten your residency? What area are you in?
@@KeyserSolze We are in Guanacaste/ Nosara area. no we started the process a few years ago and decided not to. It’s long and lengthy and costly, they decide how much you pay into Caja and if you are American which they love to see coming 🤑🤑🤑 God knows how much they will decide for you to pay. Aside from that we love to travel so we leave every 3 months. There are stories circulating that U.S. passports may stay for 6 months. Also you can go to Nicaragua for a cup of coffee and head back. This all seems easier than dealing with the Costa Rican gov for residency. I’d rather spend the funds on travel than to feed the bureaucracy of becoming a resident. 😂
why not got back, and stay there?
@@TravelSaavyChic I just got my residency approved a couple of weeks ago - took 9 months to go through but was a very easy process. For sure, it can be expensive upfront depending on which route you take, however, it is worth it because I choose to live here full time and only travel to the US occasionally. If buying property is part of someone's plan, then they might as well just apply for residency.
That said, it is easy to come in and out of here if you don't want to take the financial plunge immediately since they are now officially giving 180 days tourist status now.
I love Costa Rica and have visiting the Jaco beach area for over 20 years. I have many videos of the are on my channel.
Quick question… I’m planning on going to Costa Rica in September for the first time. How is the weather like in September? Or should I go in June? Please help. I need advice 😅
Pura vida, Costa Rica!😍😍
Nice!
How are these people allowed to work in Costa Rica without residency?
Strange! International Living deleted my comments! As an expat having lived in Costa Rica for 15 years. Everything is not rosy in Costa Rica.
please@@anniesshenanigans3815
Please tell us more
Me and my wife are on the fence, please please tell more, I do not want to make a huge mistake retiring there , any info would be deeply appreciated
Please elaborate. I’ve been planning on moving there but have heard it could be dangerous.
Please post again. It's silly that they wouldn't want honest opinions on the subject they're reporting on
Can you let me know if I can be a Real Estate agent in Costa Rica? Im currently a Real Estate License broker in Arizona looking to move to Costa Rica 👍🏼
I think I would be too scared to move to Costa Rica. I watched a documentary a few years back about an island just off the coast that was infested by dinos. I think the documentary was called, Jurassic Park. How many people on the mainland get eaten every year?
Are you serious? 😂😂 😂Where on this planet Dinosaurs exists?
FYI- Dinosaurs in Dino Land are mechanical replicas of Dinosaurs.
@@Staronqueen, Did you ever watch Jurassic Park? The movie takes place on a fictional island, just off the coast of Costa Rica.
😄😄😄
Dinos?😮 what? Never heard of that… I’ve been to Costa Rica I love it… we’re going again and buying a house this time❤😅
@@nycpennypowell
Jurassic Park joke.
We are leaving CR after 7 years ….. prices are outrageous …..and its full of American living in gated communities ….
Just what I don't want 😢. I am trying to get away from the Americans
How people get help if they need ER? I didn’t understand medical part including medications. For example, I am under 15 medications every single day. How can I maintain it there? I have a bouquet of illnesses and I need doctors on regular basis. Yes call of that happen because of high stress level in US, but I want to live to Costa Rica and it is my real concern. Thank you so much in advance for the response🙏🙏🙏
I just left there. The clinic has two ambulances. They can transport you to nearest emergency facility, that can then address larger issues.
If you have chronic problems there are pharmacies that can fill medications. You would need to take a bus or rent a car if you needed be seen for more chronic issues. Keep in mind, you can reside in San Jose’ the countries capital, and have full access to public facilities and live in the quiet mountain areas. The whole country is a rain forest. Drive 30 minutes to an hour in any direction and you have mountains, water falls, jungle, or beaches. You will be fine. Check in to the healthcare center as soon as you touch down. Start in San Jose.
Beautiful country but to rainy and humidity for me and the bugs is a no for me. Anything delivered is to expensive
I like to live where my car stuff is ok...
Good video but the sound was very bad.
Sorry for the negative comment that was just at the beginning. The video was great and very informative. I enjoyed the last part of the video with the Thanksgiving celebration.
Claim Your FREE Report on Retiring in Costa Rica-the World’s Easiest Place to Retire - IntLiving.com/CostaRicaReport 🇨🇷 🏝
Thanks for your videos, the information very important please give me the contact of the men rent arbnb,and the lady teach yoga.
Huges fraternity.
Great vlog, more people moving there 😂
International living hasn’t replied.
So Costa Rica has a less humid and hot climate than the rest of Central America, and places like Grecia has a better climate than the rest of Costa Rica?? How is Costa Rica affected by the migrants flow, the droughts, economic instability and worsening drug trafficking affecting other countries??
It’s very expensive. People say it’s only in the tourist areas, but that’s where everyone wants to be. There’s lots of Venezuelans passing through, you’ll see them in San Jose but I’ve yet to see any issues. And the cartel activity has risen extremely. Last year was the deadliest year Costa Rica has seen in a long time. Mostly between rival cartels. Sadly it’s becoming a narco state and the ease of money laundering doesn’t help
@@djmack8 Similar situation to Ecuador?? From bad to worse? Is the government able to do anything at all?
@@djmack8 I guess Costa Rica isn't a first choice for expats anymore..... have to check out Uruguay and Paraguay instead.....
@@dovygoodguy1296 it’s still very manageable, Ecuador is a much worse situation. I’ve already been here over a year and have a great community so I’m staying and seeing where it’s going. But if I was to start over, I’d look into El Salvador. Lowest violent crime rate in the hemisphere, great beaches, lots of culture, economy is growing, and easy to get in and out to the states.
@@djmack8 My huge question is what will be after Bukele leaves office? Is there enough of a consensus and cohesion in the governments of the country to maintain his policies? Are they all part of his popularity? Will he eventually be rejected if he gets too comfortable in his position? After all, Bukele is very young. He could remain as president for 30 years! Long after many of us aren't here anymore. In the meantime I am personally saddened to read that now Costa Rica is being infected by the scourge of the cartels, and overall there's apparently nothing collectively that will be done. Why can't Obrador launch an alliance in Latin America to destroy the cartels? Why is Mexico hopelessly impotent to make a major strike against them? Do they contribute to the building up of the Mexican economy as a form of bribery??
If they elect Trump, I will join you before this year is up. Alajuela is on top of my list.
I see, so you like high inflation, high crime, and millions of people coming in illegally? Not to mention Biden mumbling and tumbling?
Why wait. Just leave now. All Biden voters and leftists should self-deport.
please stay away form c.r we love trump. you and dems have fucked up usa.
You along with all of your celebrities!
Good bye!
Start packing your bags now. Joe Biden crapped his pants today.
For Tom Brady yes, for most of the regular people from America, no
Expats? Don't you mean migrants?
Migrants are looking for financial gain, is the Costa Rican government putting Americans up in hotels free? Stupid comment. Ex pats actually contribute to the economy versus migrants living off the government and keeping citizens from receiving help. Tell that to all the veterans kicked out of their homes to make room for migrants in the US. So the term EX pat is valid, they aren’t destitute.
Spot on. It's not like you'll be out of your home country once and for all. It's just a change, a switch of mindset maybe...
yep it was nice until you gringos and digital nomads ruined the economy. Locals cant even live at a reasonable price anymore.
Tell us where in the world has not been affected by higher prices.
It’s a world issue.
Oh well...🙄
@@ricski64 you DO know it's the 1st world citizens doing the gentrifying? i mean come on...
There has to be a way to stop tourist from pushing out locals. It’s truly unfair. I’m so tired of people saying, “well that’s just how it is.”
I am so sorry to hear this... Hate this is happening everywhere
We are leaving CR after 7 years ….. prices are outrageous …..and its full of American living in gated communities ….
I went recently to check it out and listen. Many problems including water distribution there.
I am now a widow since January 2024. I have lived in 7 countries and speak Spanish. Petty crime is real. Food prices were very high for my regular Whole Foods healthly diet. In fact all prices are higher than in France. The medical care system is well explained on RUclips. It relies on preventing disease with a check up. Too few doctors for certain specialties. Check everything before moving there. I will stick with France.
@@ParisianThinker CR has become hideously expensive