Im costa rican, and sure costa rica is expensive even for us, but it doesn't has to be always expensive, you can choose to live like a local as well if you want to save money, it's VERY expensive if you try to copy paste your north-american/european lifestyle, but little decisions like buying 0.5$ butter instead of 10$ peanutbutter, or buying a $5 T-shirt instead of a Nike $50 Shirt, is going to make your money last longer.
Well said Kyané! Thanks for adding value to the community. Dan Have you seen our RUclips country playlists yet? ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
I've been living in Costa Rica for the past eight years in San Jose area and I think this country is heaven on earth and I did my share of traveling in the Navy; but you have to have a good income or retirement if you really want to enjoy the magic of this country. Pura Vida.
@@barco581 I thank God every day when I wake up to my sweet beautiful Tica wife of twenty years it is like living a dream from the dark place I came from when living in the US Pura Vida
You are welcome Michael Datur-Soliday. Your comment grows our channel. :-) Dan Have you seen our RUclips playlist for each country? ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Hey Dan and Qiang, thanks again for the very honest rundown on your reasons for not liking Costa Rica. It was informative and when taken in the context of all the other outstanding videos you produced from South and Central America (and of course all the other ones, too) it is super helpful. Hope you enjoy a nice rest in Malaysia. Cheers
Yes, Costa Rica is one of the most expensive Central American countries to live in but it is also more established than many other Central American countries. Expats have been buying and retiring in Costa Rica for years which is the reason the cost of living is higher. There are many communities where expats have gathered and settled down but a lot of expats purposely choose areas that they find comfort in, and where similar people reside. Most of Costa Rica is still native Tico people, who I have found to be gracious and helpful. The bus system in Costa Rica is amazing and inexpensive. You can travel rather cheaply anywhere in the country through the public transit system. You have a multitude of climates to choose from and many parks to explore. The local food is great and generally inexpensive if you dine at the local Sodas. Yes, there are many expensive restaurants which can give you a nice variety but the local restaurants far exceed in numbers than more expensive dining. The only things that I've found truly expensive is gas and electric (based upon where you live). I love Costa Rica and purchased a home there over three years ago. I feel that I have an amazing house and value for the money I spent. I can be surfing in the morning and mountain hiking the same afternoon. I can shop locally in my little town or within 30 minutes, north or south, I can shop or dine in fun touristy beach towns. Like anywhere else, what's good for one person may not be good for another. We all have our opinions. Pura Vida..
Thank you for the wise thought Steven Eisenberg. Luckily we all don't love the same place more than any other place. :-) It would get too crowded. This channel is all about new ways of looking at things. Plus, comments, subscriptions, and likes, cause RUclips to grow our channel which also grows our income. So, thank you, :-) Dan
Costa Rica is what you call a "Twice Baked Potato". It is all done and then some. Been there twice 2 decades apart and wow has it changed. I agree with this Video Whole Heartedly.
You can go to the beach in Uvita for free, but the national park is $6. The access at the end of the beach is fabulous, free parking and an amazing place for cheap and delicious empanadas! The beach at Manuel Antonio you have to pay for, but the beach next to it is free and just as beautiful but very busy.
The irony of all these useful, fun, inspiring RUclips videos about becoming a digital nomad or expat, is that people in First World countries want a cheaper way of life, but bring their own needs/wants/acquisitiveness/cultures and then jack up all the prices of goods, real estate, and cost-of-living, and mess things up for the local populations, who cannot afford to keep pace with wealthy digital nomads/retirees. It becomes a vicious cycle, sadly. This has grown exponentially with blogs, vlogs, ebooks, country rankings, etc. So everyone wanting to get away from the high cost of living in the US and Europe or tough political situations wind up spoiling the best places because of their high incomes and high numbers. Self-defeating.
You are right. I have seen this happen. That is why the number of palces have quadrupled over the last 20 years. The secret is to find out what culture you love and then mover away from the expats and digital nomads and integrate into a nearby smaller city.
I'm costarican and I agree with what you said, however I noticed you guys only talked about the west coast, which is indeed very americanized, the east coast on the other hand is the complete opposite, no fancy hotels, no big condos and not that many gringos, the feel is more natural, people will still speak english since most people there are afrodescendants that came from Jamaica.
Well said Hao Chung! Thanks for adding value to the community. We will make it over there next time. I have a friend that lives over there. Dan Have you seen our RUclips country playlists yet? ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Hi Dan, as a Costarícan myself I fully agree with the analysis you both made which confirms your views and contents are very objective and accurate. I would add as pros the strong and stable democracy and that distances are short so in some places you can have mountains volcanoes and quickly reach the beaches as well. But again, retirement view the analysis made is precise and correct. Many blessings and keep going!
@@ladysmith7747 respect your view, but I refer to the fact that the country is one of the most stabilized democracies (more than 200 years) with a strong institutional framework with effective division of powers and NO army since 1948. I agree with all of Dan´s points in the video but it is difficult to consider it totalitarian given what I mentioned. Again, respect all views and that you should have seen something that gave this impression but what I mentioned are concrete facts. Peace and blessings to you.
@@mauricioalvarado2183 I lived in Costa Rica twenty five years. I was rugged but very pleasant then. I left after a couple of years. I moved down four and half years and have residency. I left in November because of government over reach. I am sure that you are happy and proud of your country but there are some policies that I find disturbing to say the least.
Thank you Gregorious Gotti! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Nice to get an update.I was first in costa rica in 88 then 28 years later 2016 And was. Surprised how expensive it had become. We paid 1800 US month AIR BNB casa rental , grocery store prices were similar to canada After watching your videos, I would explore other places before going back to Costa Rica where I have friends living
Speaking as someone who was featured in an article in International Living regarding Costa Rica several years ago, I agree with your assessment that it is expensive in Costa Rica. However, It is amazing to live in a rainforest...I live in the biological corridor of Manuel Antonio park, the animals here are one of the main reasons I love it, the beach here is amazing and the air and water are clean. I also believe that Costa Rica affords far more personal freedom than the country I moved here from. There are many reasons I have enjoyed my 22 years here. It is not for everyone but it has really worked for me. I was just in Los Angeles and I could never live in a city again!
Well said Robbie Felix! Thanks for adding value to the community. After all, this is just our opinion. It is good to hear others in life when making any important decisions. Thanks, Dan Have you seen our RUclips country playlists yet? ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
I've been living in Costa Rica for the past eight years and I came back from a trip to my old home town New York a few month's ago and I'm still suffering from shell shock; They prettied up the city since I've been there; but the attitude of a lot of the people there made so much happier I chose the Pura Vida lifestyle. But it may be a little more expensive than neighboring countries and that helps keep out the riff raff
Hey Robbie, it's Theresa gringo massage therapist here. We have met several times. Thank-you for your time to post on the positives of living and loving in Costa Rica
I went to Costa Rica for my 30th birthday in 1989. I took Graciela from Panama City where I was working. I remember the Museum of Gold and the Emperador Hotel. Thanks for the memories.
Thank you James landis! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Great post my friends. Thanks for sharing this information here. My sister spent some time in Costa Rica on an Eco vacation living in a yurt ? .... walking tree lines above the forest floor.... 😇🌞🌴⛵
Finished three months in CR now finishing 5 months in Panama stay away from Gringo towns ex: Boquete: and it’s great: Costa Rica was just a straight up street hustle everyday
Hey have a question. Isnt Costa Rica the safest or one of the safest central and South American countries? Or are there countries as safe in Central and South America. I looking to moved very soon and would pay more in Costa Rica becuase its safer or am I wrong?
I agree 100% with you both on Costa ripoff!! I was there 10 years ago for quite a while and Panama and I liked Panama a lot more and it was cheaper. Costa Rica has been a hype machine for a while with lots of tourism money spent and lots of gringos throwing cash around.. It is a sanitized "Gringolandia" 🤣🤣🤣. I would never retire there. I hope you guys have a great time in Malaysia! 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you Wild Bill! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Bang on review. Have been there and throughout most of Latin America. Couldn't agree more. In my opinion there are many other places in Latin America that are equally beautiful with better value and are as safe.
Exactly. Here are my top picks for central america and for all of latin america: vagabondbuddha.com/best-places-to-retire-in-central-america/ vagabondbuddha.com/best-places-to-retire-early-for-cheap-in-latin-america-2021/
Costa Rica is very commercialized. To your point too "American". Expats have been traveling and moving to Costa Rica for decades. Not surprised that it's too expensive. I would delete Costa Rica as a cheap destination for retirees. You might as well call Costa Rica as the 51st state of the USA.
This would have been a much better video if you had a map to highlight the areas you were talking about and B-roll clips of the areas. Keep exploring and growing. Best wishes!
I love that you're telling your own opinion or experiences or observations living in Costa Rica. There is nothing wrong with that in fact its a great thing that you know what fits your lifestyle or your personality. Funny locals with misunderstand this lo. I would move to Costa Rica if only its cheaper. And I don't really believe the hype. I did my assignment on my own. Now I'm here in El Salvador.
I agree with you about the cost in Costa Rica being expensive now. Still beautiful country. We rented a car and enterprise charged us $350 for insurance for one week!
Dan where is the best place to Live or Visit that’s within a 6 or 7 hour flight from the United States. Some of us can’t travel to the other side of the world due to having elderly parents. You might consider this for one of your videos. Thanks ✌️
@@VagabondAwake Thanks for your recommendations. What would be your guesstimate of the price difference between the two cities. I’m sure there’s a lot of people in my predicament with an elderly parent.
Obviously the question is despite the cost, it is still a better option for health care for seniors? I've been taking a hard look at Nicaragua in the future. What do you think Dan?
Thank you Bella Kleininger! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Yes Costa Rica is for visiting not a place to retire. Tamagringo is way over developed. I’m all about the beaches and less developed places. Santa Teresa and Samara are still good.
Thank you Stephen Beaton! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
So basically: Expensive food Expensive rent Expensive Uber Not much local culture, authenticity Too americanized Some beaches cost money to visit Yeah sounds like Panama is better 🇵🇦
Possible that you didn’t assimilate with the local culture because you didn’t learn Spanish? That’s the only way to assimilate with the locals - to learn their language
I agree 100% with you guys. I went to Costa Rica 30 years ago because people also told me what a great place it is. I was very disappointed like you it is not a bad place just very over rated. Thanks guys
Thanks Dan. Yes, the standard of living in Costa Rica has really increased the last couple of years. It also has a very high American expat community like Panama. Currently Philippines is the best value for money with good weather and cheap health care.
Aloha! Love your channel - honest, transparent and genuine. Have you two travelled to Colombia? Or other spots in South America? Thank you and wishing you both the best.
Hi Jim Sutton, We have youtube playlists for each of our retire cheap in paradise countries. You will find that information on your requested country there: ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists Whereas all our reports on each city in those countries are in our membership catalog here: vagabondbuddha.com/ Thank you , Dan
Aloha Dan & Q , and any expat that would like to chime in. I'm getting ready to make the jump and would like to hear everyone's thought's on which mail forwarding service you prefer. I have looked at about a half dozen online and two that stood out to me was iPostal 1and US Global Mail. Please give me your opinions and experiences with chosen provider. Thanks for your help.
I've used VirtualPostMail for several years, no others. No issues. They receive a letter, they email me photo of the envelope and ask Do you want to scan this? If yes, the next day they send a PDF of the pages. Your monthly bill includes x number of scans, extra $ for more. I never had more than 3 in one month. You want to first contact everyone who is mailing you and stop paper billing etc. Also when you compare services, don't get confused with the low price they show for the first months, look at the final price. Also to initiate the service, there is an official post office form you have to fill out to forward bc they are a third party service.
Thanks Formica. I have stayed away from commercial mail forwarding as I explain in my free eBook, so thanks for answering Formica. Here is my free eBook: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Very interesting Dan & Qiang! Funny because CR was recently on my radar for visiting and possible retirement. I would love to know your choices for retirement if you were to retire in Central America. Would you prefer Panama over CR? Thank you!
Here is our video on that. ruclips.net/video/FXOqV0WhWUQ/видео.html I have RUclips playlists on all kinds of topics like this: ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Luke you said,it was not your cup of tea. If you are in the tourist areas you are going to pay more for things because it is all about the tourist. I didn’t Louie Tamarindo either because the traffic and parking were crazy, but I’m glad I checked it out. If you like slow paced country towns, I liked Playa Negra . The surf scene was local surfers heading out after school and work. There was a nice mix of locals and tourists. I felt safe everywhere I went.
Hey Gina Pattison, thanks for sharing this idea. Thanks for commenting too. When people comment, our videos are suggested to more people. So thank you so much! Best, Dan
Nice information in your last video. I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THE BEST REASONS TO RETIRE IN MALAYSIA VS THE PHILIPPINES. I HAVE VISITED MANY ASIAN COUNTRIES BUT HAVE NOT BEEN TO MALAYSIA. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO.
Hi bill curry, We have youtube playlists for each of our retire cheap in paradise countries. You will find that information on Malaysia here: ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists Whereas all our reports on each city in those countries are in our membership catalog here: vagabondbuddha.com/ Thank you , Dan
That was spot on........I have been going to Costa Rica for many years and I'm finally finished .........place is beautiful but very expensive most expensive in Central American even higher than the usa.........another thing is the food .........not good at all very basic and expensive......even fast food is higher the back home in usa......I agree with everything u folks said about the cons.......for someo e living on a budget or retirement t I would look elsewhere....
Hi Tim, Thanks for adding value to the channel! Here is my ranking for top places to retire cheap in the world. vagabondbuddha.com/best-places-in-entire-world-to-retire-early-cheap-in-2021/ Dan
Hi JFK 540, I have spent many many months in Malaysia over the last 6 years since meeting Qiang. We have youtube playlists for each of our retire cheap in paradise countries. You will find that information on your requested country (Malaysia) there: ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists Whereas all our reports on each city in those countries are in our membership catalog here: vagabondbuddha.com/ Thank you , Dan
Yeah, Costa Rica doesn't make much sense if you're trying to save money. Panama is probably heading toward a similar path as it is always on perennial retirement destination lists. They have visa and property incentives and they use US currency so at least there's that. But insulating oneself in a gated, specialized ex-pat community doesn't make much sense to me. When I was a kid and my family lived in Guam for a year, we lived in average, middle income, locals housing, we were the oddity being 'statesiders'. But everyone was great and we got along and to know each other.
Your review on Costa Rica is spot on! Having traveled there last November for the first time in Central America I stayed in La Fortuna and Tamarindo for a few weeks. I found the Arenal area beautiful with a different climate and slower pace of life. Tamarindo was too expensive and touristy and felt like Santa Cruz, California in the 70's. I'm planning a trip back in June and will spend time in San Jose and the Lake Arenal area of Guanacaste. What are your thoughts on El Salvador? Thanks again for keeping your travel and experience videos real :)
Thank you Steve Hartz! Thanks for watching and commenting. I have not been to San Salvador yet, Next go. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Thanks Dan! It was El Salvador, not San Salvador I was asking about. I will download your free eBook, thanks for the link. Also, just to let you know I really enjoy your channel and love the relationship you have with Qiang, you guys are a wonderful couple :)
Jesse Phillips, Thank you for the great idea for a new video. I added your idea for a new video to my new video topics list. Thanks for watching and commenting! That helps our channel grow. Best, Dan Please grab my free eBook if you don't have it yet (How I Fired My Boss and Traveled the World for 15+ Years): vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
My daughter lives in Santa Teresa, on the Nicoya Peninsula. It is difficult to get to, and it’s infrastructure and roads are absolutely horrible. That said, it’s a little bit of paradise, and the surfing is fantastic. It has an international crowd from the US and Canada, as well as Europe and Israel, and I dig it. I have thought about retiring there, myself. It is quite expensive though, and there are a number of really fantastic restaurants around there that are mostly pricey, but that’s the price you pay if you want to live in a little slice of paradise, I guess.
I have been there. Cost Rica's prices and beaches don't come close to many other parts of the world. I suggest travelling a little more before you make a final decision. But if you are happy, that is all that matters.
I couldn't agree more. Finally, someone is saying it! I have a college friend that lives outside of San Jose...I like visiting her. But I couldn't live there. My favorite area is down by the boarder of Panama - Punta Uva (Una?) We stayed for a month is a hostel, but we have a private house, which was really nice. The fresh food and the beach being a 4 minute walk was wonderful. We became very close friends with the hostel owner and staff. After we left the crime became unbearable, and my friend had a home invasion on her rental properties. It's a remote region with little to no police. So I doubt I'll be back. But I do have wonderful memories!!
Last summer I guessed that the Philippines would open for vaccinated people in the first quarter of 2022. My guess for unvaccinated people is first quarter of 2023.
@@VagabondAwake I'd like to see you guys take on Belize...I've heard good things and I've heard of bad things of course, but what I see looks intriguing, would love it if you guys would go vlogging there... 🙏🏻
Sadly, I lived in the city 13 years and ran across very few tourists. The locals have too much of a “me first” attitude and get offended easy. Everything is a “luxury” and you will be charged.
Thank you Autumn Moon! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Hi Travel Therapy, We met two expats in Panama before heading to Costa Rica that had moved to Panama because they said "Costa Rica is no longer safe." They said when you leave for a week or two on vacation or to visit family at home, you have to pay someone to stay on your house or someone might be living there when you get back. When you show up in a new town anywhere in the world, even the USA or Europe, you are at a disadvantage. I have a report that explains how I stay safe when I arrive in a place I am not familiar with yet. Here is a link to that report: vagabondbuddha.com/how-to-travel-the-world-safely/ Thanks for watching and commenting. It helps our business grow. Dan
Have you seen our RUclips playlist for each country? The costa rica playlist shows you where we stayed and what we paid for it. ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists All countries we have visited around the world have that sort of information.
I was together with Costa Rican lady for many years and was planning to live there with her, I bought land in Limon province and was planning to build a home there The lady lived San Jose and i had the property in Puerto Viejo, Limon Province, south of Limon City. you probably never went there because it's culturally diverse with ethnic Jamaicans and indigenous Indian tribes and it's on the beach many surfers go there to ride the "Salsa Brava" near the town of Manznillo. The beaches consists of anywhere between black volcanic sand to white sand the further south you go.The food is a mixture of Jamaican and Costa Rican cuisine, also reggae music can be heard all the time. It's really a laid back part of the country. It's also the largest banana producing area. That's how it was up until 2016 when I left there.w I've been to the Pacific Coast, Jaco and Manuel Antonio, too Americanised and expensive, while many rich Americans have built mansions there, no that part of Costa Rica is not for me. The town of La Fortuna is too close to the Arenal Volcano for me, otherwise many things you mentioned both the pros and cons i agree.
You are correct. We did not get over there to the east side of CR. I have a friend that lives over there and he said that it is less gringoized but just as expensive. So we hope to go on the next trip.
20 yrs ago I was going to go to Costa Rica but friends told me to choose Panama instead and I have been here for 20 yrs. Your comments on gringo living is founded in fact. Gringos want to be around gringos and most do not want to take the effort to learn espanol. So you take the good with the bad. I have gringo neighbors that I detest and haven't talked to for 3 yrs. You see a lot of the "Ugly American" syndrome. I get along much better with the local people who are for the mostpart gentle and considerate and tolerant. Costa Rica by comparison is much more expensive than Panama and I can confidently say there is less crime in Panama. What you did not discuss is temperature. In latin america many places are hot hot and there are places at elevation, San Jose being one that has a very fresh climate.
You might want to check crime statistics, because Costa Rica has less crime than Panama, in fact, Costa Rica has less crime than pretty much every country in Latin America.
Yes! We travel to explore new worlds. Not half baked attempts at creating our old world. Why leave home if you are not interested in learning "what is out there?"
You mention medical care as a pro, which it may be but Costa Rica recently started charging applicants for new residency exorbitant costs for mandatory health insurance. It shouldn't be mandatory, should be at least partially optional. It's being fought in court but I don't expect it to change and if it stays as high as it has been lately, I doubt that I will renew my residency.
Agree great video the thing that bothered me the most about Costa Rica was buckets of rain feet per month except Jan Feb and high cost. Pacific coast of El Salvador decent cheap good surfing still lots of rain. For me Loja/Cuenca Ecuador best climate and Pacific coast of Mexico and Fortaleza Brazil for beach.
Well said Robin Murray! Thanks for adding value to the community. Dan Have you seen our RUclips country playlists yet? ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
I need to correct you about CR climate. The dry season here (Atlantic coast is different) is mid November-ish till mid May-ish. And when i say dry I mean the barest amount of condensation. And even during the rainy season the months of July through end of September can have moderate to almost no rainfall (depending on El Niño or La Niña).
Having lived in Mexico and Costa Rica I know there are mitigating circumstances for anyone moving to, then leaving, a "foreign" country. We've encountered those people in both countries. Sometimes the reasons are health-related, sometimes it's family, and sometimes it just doesn't work out. When we moved to CR our first home was in the Central Valley. We found the people, including the expats, to be somewhat cold and standoffish. There wasn't anything really special about the area. We've since relocated to the Lake Arenal area. We have a beautiful view of the lake and the volcano, and thoroughly love it. My feeling is, when it comes down to it, Costa Rica will continue to attract the type of people that have always found it desirable. Those that are simply looking for a "cheap" place to live will eventually look elsewhere. As far as Costa Rican cuisine....it's rice and beans all the way 😂 Pura Vida 🤙
Well said. Natural beauty near a lake at a higher elevation with low density population and no requirement to have a large hospital within an hours drive and money is not so tight (have $3k a month?) then hard to argue with your logic Larry. What is your budget like and does it include rent or do you own?
@@VagabondAwake Our budget is $3,000 a month, but we spend much less than that. My wife raised three boys on her own, and put them through college, so she knows how to stretch a dollar! We are currently renting while we're having a house built. Out of our monthly budget we are paying for rent plus saving for furniture and appliances for our new home. We are using the money from the sale of our house in the Central Valley to build our new home. Before our move to the Lake area we easily lived on about $2,000 per month. We don't see any reason for that to change once we move into our new home. We don't live extravagantly, but we live comfortably. We have our own vehicle so we don't need to worry about transportation. We go out to eat several times a week with friends and go to music venues when available. We shop at the local ferias (farmers markets) and at both the local grocery stores and PriceSmart (a Costco clone). Regarding our proximity to the hospital in Liberia, it's about the same distance, timewise, as it was when we lived in the States. We lived several miles outside of a metropolitan area, and it would take us an hour or more to get to a major hospital. All in all Costa Rica has provided us with all our needs...we are in want for nothing. We are happy with our decision to move here, and consider CR our home.
@@larrycooper7261 that is a great description and details of your life in Costa Rica. Glad you are happy there. It is a great example of how expats can live and be happy there. I see way too many living the lives of the richest 1% of Ticos and then complaining about expenses.
Thanks for the video I hear that the dating scene is really good in Costa Rico but I'm not sure.. I can understand you not wanting to live somewhere that's just like your home country.
But that is what people tend to do. People don't change much so if enough people move to the same area they gradually change it into where they left, at least to some degree, depending on how many of them relative to the indigenous population.
Great ask and answer you two. The Asian cultures feel more comfortable for me for dating. Here is my video about best places in the world to find love: vagabondbuddha.com/best-countries-to-find-love-in-retirement/
We were considering going and will go eventually, but reluctantly. People say it is as expensive as Costa Rica and has the water beauty but not the land beauty. But I will go and see with my own eyes net visit to Latin America.
Good work, I like the Dan & Quiang Sitting videos! This one is shows that western foreign retirees can be carved into two groups: the International Living crowd, and the Cultural Experience at Low Cost crowd. As the comments show, you have captured the 2nd group very well. Your followers are looking for a truly foreign and more diverse life experience, along with ways to save money. Because most retirees take a large cut in income, and some viewers are younger and looking for ways to retire early or work remotely. There are many many YT channels for the IL folk where limiting culture shock is really important, but they also serve people with a wide range of incomes. Some people can see themselves in poverty in the US, but who can preserve a middle class lifestyle by emigrating. Both audiences are valid. I am starting to see myself as a crossover. Six years ago I came to Saigon, plus we had an 18 month stay in Bangkok. Our budget for two has always been under $1500 w/o travel. The longer I am here, the more I miss lifestyle conveniences that I gave up (riding a bike, driving a car, more foreign food) and notice I am more annoyed by things that I accepted the first years (roosters, barking dogs, burning, trash, etc). I will be migrating to more expensive neighborhoods here or other cities/countries, and it will be worth the extra expense. Choice is a luxury. Retirement can be a journey not a single destination.
yes Co$ta Rica is expensive. It means Rich Coast hellooo :-) Nicaragua is also having some gentrification. The thing is, if you are only looking for the cheapest place you will always be moving around which is fine if that is what you like doing. No commitment, no responsibilities with owning real estate. And do not judge Costa Rica based on Tamarindo and Guanacaste expensive resorts. There are so many non-touristy beaches to stay and explore in Costa Rica but all in all, yes it's gringo land but I feel safe there. Great videos, keep up the good work.
Coastal touristy areas of C.R. yes are expensive however who wants to live in an overrun high price touristy area? Go to central valley around San Jose and rents are cheaper and can blend in more with the locals especially if speak even basic Spanish. You can also travel down country (south) and find not as many tourists. Even around San Jose can get away from tourist scene if you want and it also there if you want that. I love the central valley because the weather is very good and pretty stable year round. I live in Texas and like to go to San Jose in the summer when hot as hell in TX and when bruja cold in the Winter I like to go to San Jose. Some like to travel to Jaco or other beach areas but why is hot and sticky. I can get that in the summertime in U.S.
many would argue with your views on Costa Rica but I agree I found it too expensive compared to other countries in the region you can get a bigger bang for your buck else where
Sorry to hear of the sour taste Costa Rica left with you all. I found the people, environment, and weather to be the best in the world. Not to mention no military so they used many of those saved resouces on education, and healthcare for the people. I found it really cheap but I stayed in the Tico areas and speak ok Spanish. I focused on all the things they had like the best and cheapest food almost anywhere in the world and all the diffrent micro climates, plants, and animals... Be safe in your travels friends..
@@VagabondAwake I don’t really think there’s much turning to do as your concerns are not popular among the reviews I’ve seen. Many people rely on tourism here and they were hit pretty badly during the pandemic, so I think it is important to ear this type of criticism to shape the industry in favor of the consumer (and the environment of course )
What we learned when we went to Costa Rica was about the local women. We were told when we were there and what I also learned from RUclips was that if are a man looking for a young Tico girl, that it is a bad idea. The divorce rate between foreigners and Costa Rican women is very high, and that the women there have much more rights than men. Generally, it was advisable not to get married with the local women.
Thanks for sharing Retired in Bali! It makes our community more interesting. :-) Dan :-) Please grab my free eBook if you haven't already. vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
How does the war in Ukraine and the influences of the Russian Federation, the PRC in China and the US empire affect retirement choices for safety and war avoidance.
Juli Grlee, Funny that you ask. I am thinking of doing a video on that topic on Saturday! Thank you for the great idea for a new video. I added your idea for a new video to my new video topics list. Thanks for watching and commenting! That helps our channel grow. Best, Dan Please grab my free eBook if you don't have it yet (How I Fired My Boss and Traveled the World for 15+ Years): vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
@@VagabondAwake I've been retired for 30 years. If I fire my boss I'd be firing myself. I am certainly looking forward to hearing both of your thoughts about retirements in the current military and war environments.
I am living in Thailand. The Russian war is having an impact on the economy similar to the rest of the world. Otherwise Ukraine it is a far away war. China is the big power in SE Asia. Right now they have been closed for Covid so you never see them. Taiwan is always an issue. I might be concerned about living in Taiwan. The Philippines is close to China but aside of issues around control of the South China sea I don’t see China invading the Philippines or Vietnam. In fact China has been successful for decades expanding its influence through economics.
as a tico I agree 100% there's no denying the foreign influence, I'm afraid is going to become controlled by rich gringos exploiting the poor ticos. I think some foreigners are looking to take advantage of not only C.R but other not so developed Latin countries, like for example the fact that one of the factors to measure is how "cheap" it is to live there. if some foreigners don't really care about the culture, lifestyle or people please look somewhere else that you do cause otherwise you are not going to be happy and you will be just eternal foreigners who don't care or want to be immersed in the country.
Disagree totalmente.. Just don't go where the tourists are.. I bought a townhouse very reasonable. My electric bill $12 a month. Water $10. I live for free.. Credit union coops pay 10% interest on your money. Just went to the dentist had a major tooth problem.. $60 when I left. Awesome experience. I pay $48 to belong to the public free health system.. Learn Spanish.. When in Rome act like the Romanians.. Haha. No se payaso.. I am going for lunch now.. Plato executive.. Mahi Mahi breaded, salad, fresh veggies or fries, with fruit shake drink. 5 mil includes tip. $9 US
Thank you cj Swa! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
In 1997, I came to the same conclusion as you about Costa Rico by just looking at the cost of living. So, I never actually visited Costa Rico. + I have had encounters with a few people from Costa Rico and a found all of them to have an undesirable attitude similar to people of Venezuela and France.
Thank you Curtis Gregory! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
We feel the same way about gringos... But that does not mean that everyone is the same, it is better to visit the country and them talk about it. Its like talking about a topic that you never learn.
I have 30 years living in Escazu it been good ,,yes its more money to live here ,,,but that keeps away those drifter . Low ender..you were cool. …good observation skill be good
Well said wind solar! Thanks for adding value to the community. Dan Have you seen our RUclips country playlists yet? ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Hello to you both.. I' am happy to see & listen of the experience you both have. We're going to be station this YEAR in Costa Rica & I'm not happy at all except my HUSBAND .. The reason why we're going to this PLACE is BECAUSE of the job of my hubby.. We we're also been station in PANAMA b4 1993 to 96 ' It was ok because we're on Base of the U.S. MILLITARY. AND its ok for us exept not off base nO its dangerous out side to the civilians very corrupt.
I think that foreigners who want to go live in CR always look for the most expensive places to live, they look for the most touristic places and that is very expensive even for us Ticos, if they will look for normal places where Ticos live and where they eat normal food Everything would be much cheaper from a Tico, there are many places to buy houses at affordable prices and beautiful houses in the mountains and some places near the beaches.
Costa Rica was the place to go 30 years ago. I heard it's hard to get a visa and live there legally to. Maybe if you're retired no so hard. $6 to go to the beach. Is this California south? No thanks.
Thanks Dan, I thought you had to learn to say Pura Vida in Costa Rica. Also, I would not move there or any foreign country just to live the same way as home.
☆★☆ 𝐋𝗜𝗡𝗞 𝗧𝗢 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗢☆★☆
vagabondbuddha.com/why-we-left-costa-rica/
☆★☆ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗘-𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞→ 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 ☆★☆
vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
☆★☆ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲☆★☆
vagabondbuddha.com/
☆★☆ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 $$$ 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲☆★☆
vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-hobby-income-course/
Im costa rican, and sure costa rica is expensive even for us, but it doesn't has to be always expensive, you can choose to live like a local as well if you want to save money, it's VERY expensive if you try to copy paste your north-american/european lifestyle, but little decisions like buying 0.5$ butter instead of 10$ peanutbutter, or buying a $5 T-shirt instead of a Nike $50 Shirt, is going to make your money last longer.
Well said Kyané! Thanks for adding value to the community. Dan
Have you seen our RUclips country playlists yet?
ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
I do Tico shopping. I love to visit mercado central!
YOUR PURA VIDA, 👍, HAVE A BEER AND RELAX, BROTHER
You are absolutely correct
Thank you so much Love you Both ♥️
Andy from Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦
Thank You again
💖♥️❤️
I've been living in Costa Rica for the past eight years in San Jose area and I think this country is heaven on earth and I did my share of traveling in the Navy; but you have to have a good income or retirement if you really want to enjoy the magic of this country. Pura Vida.
You make a good point. There is no place in the world where everyone agrees that it is the perfect place in the world. Thanks for sharing Mac. Dan
Exactly, when I lived in Costa Rica for a semester most of the happiest and most adjusted expats lived in The Central Valley.
@@barco581 I thank God every day when I wake up to my sweet beautiful Tica wife of twenty years it is like living a dream from the dark place I came from when living in the US Pura Vida
Thank you thank you for the warning!
You are welcome Michael Datur-Soliday. Your comment grows our channel. :-) Dan
Have you seen our RUclips playlist for each country? ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Hey Dan and Qiang, thanks again for the very honest rundown on your reasons for not liking Costa Rica. It was informative and when taken in the context of all the other outstanding videos you produced from South and Central America (and of course all the other ones, too) it is super helpful. Hope you enjoy a nice rest in Malaysia. Cheers
Thank you John!
APPRECIATE THE INSIGHT . Thank you so much .
Thanks for watching!
Yes, Costa Rica is one of the most expensive Central American countries to live in but it is also more established than many other Central American countries. Expats have been buying and retiring in Costa Rica for years which is the reason the cost of living is higher. There are many communities where expats have gathered and settled down but a lot of expats purposely choose areas that they find comfort in, and where similar people reside. Most of Costa Rica is still native Tico people, who I have found to be gracious and helpful. The bus system in Costa Rica is amazing and inexpensive. You can travel rather cheaply anywhere in the country through the public transit system. You have a multitude of climates to choose from and many parks to explore. The local food is great and generally inexpensive if you dine at the local Sodas. Yes, there are many expensive restaurants which can give you a nice variety but the local restaurants far exceed in numbers than more expensive dining. The only things that I've found truly expensive is gas and electric (based upon where you live). I love Costa Rica and purchased a home there over three years ago. I feel that I have an amazing house and value for the money I spent. I can be surfing in the morning and mountain hiking the same afternoon. I can shop locally in my little town or within 30 minutes, north or south, I can shop or dine in fun touristy beach towns. Like anywhere else, what's good for one person may not be good for another. We all have our opinions. Pura Vida..
Thank you for the wise thought Steven Eisenberg. Luckily we all don't love the same place more than any other place. :-) It would get too crowded. This channel is all about new ways of looking at things. Plus, comments, subscriptions, and likes, cause RUclips to grow our channel which also grows our income. So, thank you, :-) Dan
Well said, Steven
Thanks for the updates, much appreciated!
Youa re welcome M R.
Costa Rica is what you call a "Twice Baked Potato". It is all done and then some. Been there twice 2 decades apart and wow has it changed. I agree with this Video Whole Heartedly.
Hello Antonio Chevalier, thanks for the chuckle. :-) Dan
....and it is crazy expensive!
You can go to the beach in Uvita for free, but the national park is $6. The access at the end of the beach is fabulous, free parking and an amazing place for cheap and delicious empanadas! The beach at Manuel Antonio you have to pay for, but the beach next to it is free and just as beautiful but very busy.
Are you there now? Maybe things have changed during the pandemic. The only free beach we could find is about 2km north of Uvita.
The irony of all these useful, fun, inspiring RUclips videos about becoming a digital nomad or expat, is that people in First World countries want a cheaper way of life, but bring their own needs/wants/acquisitiveness/cultures and then jack up all the prices of goods, real estate, and cost-of-living, and mess things up for the local populations, who cannot afford to keep pace with wealthy digital nomads/retirees. It becomes a vicious cycle, sadly. This has grown exponentially with blogs, vlogs, ebooks, country rankings, etc. So everyone wanting to get away from the high cost of living in the US and Europe or tough political situations wind up spoiling the best places because of their high incomes and high numbers. Self-defeating.
You are right. I have seen this happen. That is why the number of palces have quadrupled over the last 20 years. The secret is to find out what culture you love and then mover away from the expats and digital nomads and integrate into a nearby smaller city.
100% true
spot on as usual
Thanks Bake!
I'm costarican and I agree with what you said, however I noticed you guys only talked about the west coast, which is indeed very americanized, the east coast on the other hand is the complete opposite, no fancy hotels, no big condos and not that many gringos, the feel is more natural, people will still speak english since most people there are afrodescendants that came from Jamaica.
Well said Hao Chung! Thanks for adding value to the community. We will make it over there next time. I have a friend that lives over there. Dan
Have you seen our RUclips country playlists yet?
ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Thanks for a truthful reality check !!!
You are welcome Ken.
Hi Dan, as a Costarícan myself I fully agree with the analysis you both made which confirms your views and contents are very objective and accurate. I would add as pros the strong and stable democracy and that distances are short so in some places you can have mountains volcanoes and quickly reach the beaches as well. But again, retirement view the analysis made is precise and correct. Many blessings and keep going!
All great points Mauricio!
The democracy did not seem so stable to me. It seemed more like totalitarianism.
@@ladysmith7747 respect your view, but I refer to the fact that the country is one of the most stabilized democracies (more than 200 years) with a strong institutional framework with effective division of powers and NO army since 1948. I agree with all of Dan´s points in the video but it is difficult to consider it totalitarian given what I mentioned. Again, respect all views and that you should have seen something that gave this impression but what I mentioned are concrete facts. Peace and blessings to you.
@@mauricioalvarado2183 I lived in Costa Rica twenty five years. I was rugged but very pleasant then. I left after a couple of years. I moved down four and half years and have residency. I left in November because of government over reach. I am sure that you are happy and proud of your country but there are some policies that I find disturbing to say the least.
@@ladysmith7747 Got you, thanks for the feedback, sorry to hear about that negative experience. Wish you the best
Great job Dan. & Quiang. We waiting You Nice people in 🇵🇦..
Thank you Gregorious Gotti! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan
Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Thanks & good job. I appreciate your honesty.
I appreciate that!
Nice to get an update.I was first in costa rica in 88 then 28 years later 2016 And was.
Surprised how expensive it had become. We paid 1800 US month AIR BNB casa rental , grocery store prices were similar to canada After watching your videos, I would explore other places before going back to Costa Rica where I have friends living
Thank you for sharing your thoughts openly :)
THANK YOU BOTH wonderful people for all the hard work and time you put into these videos. I get uplifted.
Our pleasure!
@@VagabondAwake were you/are you going to phillipines? God Bless you both
Speaking as someone who was featured in an article in International Living regarding Costa Rica several years ago, I agree with your assessment that it is expensive in Costa Rica. However, It is amazing to live in a rainforest...I live in the biological corridor of Manuel Antonio park, the animals here are one of the main reasons I love it, the beach here is amazing and the air and water are clean. I also believe that Costa Rica affords far more personal freedom than the country I moved here from. There are many reasons I have enjoyed my 22 years here. It is not for everyone but it has really worked for me. I was just in Los Angeles and I could never live in a city again!
Well said Robbie Felix! Thanks for adding value to the community. After all, this is just our opinion. It is good to hear others in life when making any important decisions. Thanks, Dan
Have you seen our RUclips country playlists yet?
ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
I've been living in Costa Rica for the past eight years and I came back from a trip to my old home town New York a few month's ago and I'm still suffering from shell shock; They prettied up the city since I've been there; but the attitude of a lot of the people there made so much happier I chose the Pura Vida lifestyle. But it may be a little more expensive than neighboring countries and that helps keep out the riff raff
@@macpony2571780 riff raff? C’mon bro. I can afford Costa Rica too, but our cash flow does not define us.
Hey Robbie, it's Theresa gringo massage therapist here. We have met several times. Thank-you for your time to post on the positives of living and loving in Costa Rica
NO IS NOT EXPENSIVE, been in C,R, since 2017, and coming since 1993,
Excellent video: Love your honest takes ! Makes all the difference to us. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I went to Costa Rica for my 30th birthday in 1989. I took Graciela from Panama City where I was working. I remember the Museum of Gold and the Emperador Hotel. Thanks for the memories.
Thanks for sharing!
Your video is spot on. I lived there on and off in Tamarindo.
Thank you James landis! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan
Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Great post my friends. Thanks for sharing this information here. My sister spent some time in Costa Rica on an Eco vacation living in a yurt ?
.... walking tree lines above the forest floor.... 😇🌞🌴⛵
Sounds fun!
I loved your yellow and blue color stream with what is going on in Europe right now.
Well said my friend. I agree completely.
Finished three months in CR now finishing 5 months in Panama stay away from Gringo towns ex: Boquete: and it’s great:
Costa Rica was just a straight up street hustle everyday
Hello Randall Stevens, thanks for the chuckle. Great advice. :-) Dan
Good video. I had heard it had gotten expensive
I agree. Stupid expensive. You could live on the Med for what it costs here.
Have a friend I used to work with has a business in Costa Rica and you are spot on. He is married to a lady from there. Spot on.
Thank you Dennis.
I agree guys, I spent a short vacation there about 15 years ago and it was too expensive then!
Hey have a question. Isnt Costa Rica the safest or one of the safest central and South American countries? Or are there countries as safe in Central and South America. I looking to moved very soon and would pay more in Costa Rica becuase its safer or am I wrong?
Safety is a neighborhood question not a country question. I met several people in Panama that left because they were tired of the crime there.
I agree 100% with you both on Costa ripoff!! I was there 10 years ago for quite a while and Panama and I liked Panama a lot more and it was cheaper. Costa Rica has been a hype machine for a while with lots of tourism money spent and lots of gringos throwing cash around.. It is a sanitized "Gringolandia" 🤣🤣🤣.
I would never retire there. I hope you guys have a great time in Malaysia! 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you Wild Bill! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan
Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Bang on review. Have been there and throughout most of Latin America. Couldn't agree more. In my opinion there are many other places in Latin America that are equally beautiful with better value and are as safe.
Exactly. Here are my top picks for central america and for all of latin america:
vagabondbuddha.com/best-places-to-retire-in-central-america/
vagabondbuddha.com/best-places-to-retire-early-for-cheap-in-latin-america-2021/
Costa Rica is very commercialized. To your point too "American". Expats have been traveling and moving to Costa Rica for decades. Not surprised that it's too expensive. I would delete Costa Rica as a cheap destination for retirees. You might as well call Costa Rica as the 51st state of the USA.
Hello Eddie, thanks for the chuckle. :-) Dan
53rd, the US Corporation includes 52 total land entities and countless islands in total/partial control of US Army & Navy (incl. Japan)😀
Great video. I agree that CR is a great starter country for living abroad.
This would have been a much better video if you had a map to highlight the areas you were talking about and B-roll clips of the areas. Keep exploring and growing. Best wishes!
Thanks for the tips!
I love that you're telling your own opinion or experiences or observations living in Costa Rica. There is nothing wrong with that in fact its a great thing that you know what fits your lifestyle or your personality. Funny locals with misunderstand this lo. I would move to Costa Rica if only its cheaper. And I don't really believe the hype. I did my assignment on my own. Now I'm here in El Salvador.
I agree with you about the cost in Costa Rica being expensive now. Still beautiful country. We rented a car and enterprise charged us $350 for insurance for one week!
Everywhere you turn in CR someone has their hand in your pocket.
Dan where is the best place to Live or Visit that’s within a 6 or 7 hour flight from the United States. Some of us can’t travel to the other side of the world due to having elderly parents. You might consider this for one of your videos. Thanks ✌️
I would probably do Queretaro Mexico or Puerto Portugal? It depends on your budget.
@@VagabondAwake Thanks for your recommendations. What would be your guesstimate of the price difference between the two cities. I’m sure there’s a lot of people in my predicament with an elderly parent.
Obviously the question is despite the cost, it is still a better option for health care for seniors? I've been taking a hard look at Nicaragua in the future. What do you think Dan?
I have a report on Granada Nicaragua that talks about healthcare near the bottom: vagabondbuddha.com/granada-nicaragua-cost-of-living/
Good morning guys!
Thank you Bella Kleininger! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan
Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Did you spend time in Southern Costa Rica?
We entered CR by land from Pamama and slowly traveled north. Beautiful place to visit.
Yes Costa Rica is for visiting not a place to retire. Tamagringo is way over developed. I’m all about the beaches and less developed places. Santa Teresa and Samara are still good.
Thank you Stephen Beaton! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan
Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
So basically:
Expensive food
Expensive rent
Expensive Uber
Not much local culture, authenticity
Too americanized
Some beaches cost money to visit
Yeah sounds like Panama is better 🇵🇦
You have summarized this well. Sorry about the extra words!
@@VagabondAwake Happy to help! Maybe we can get you on the My Latin Life podcast sometime
Possible that you didn’t assimilate with the local culture because you didn’t learn Spanish? That’s the only way to assimilate with the locals - to learn their language
That might make sense if we didn't love other Spanish speaking parts of Central America.
#Vagabond Awake. Thanks for sending everyone elsewhere. Have a great trip in Asia.
You are welcome Mark Diener. Your comment grows our channel. :-) Dan
I agree 100% with you guys. I went to Costa Rica 30 years ago because people also told me what a great place it is. I was very disappointed like you it is not a bad place just very over rated. Thanks guys
That is a great way to describe Costa Rica ... hyped and overrated
@@VagabondAwake then keep away....we dont want you here.
Thanks Dan.
Yes, the standard of living in Costa Rica has really increased the last couple of years. It also has a very high American expat community like Panama. Currently Philippines is the best value for money with good weather and cheap health care.
Where in the Philippines would you suggest? Should expats be at all concerned by the election of Bongbong or is it business as usual? Thanks!
Aloha! Love your channel - honest, transparent and genuine. Have you two travelled to Colombia? Or other spots in South America?
Thank you and wishing you both the best.
Hi Jim Sutton, We have youtube playlists for each of our retire cheap in paradise countries. You will find that information on your requested country there:
ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Whereas all our reports on each city in those countries are in our membership catalog here:
vagabondbuddha.com/
Thank you , Dan
Wonderful. Thank you!
Aloha Dan & Q , and any expat that would like to chime in. I'm getting ready to make the jump and would like to hear everyone's thought's on which mail forwarding service you prefer. I have looked at about a half dozen online and two that stood out to me was iPostal 1and US Global Mail. Please give me your opinions and experiences with chosen provider. Thanks for your help.
I've used VirtualPostMail for several years, no others. No issues. They receive a letter, they email me photo of the envelope and ask Do you want to scan this? If yes, the next day they send a PDF of the pages. Your monthly bill includes x number of scans, extra $ for more. I never had more than 3 in one month. You want to first contact everyone who is mailing you and stop paper billing etc. Also when you compare services, don't get confused with the low price they show for the first months, look at the final price. Also to initiate the service, there is an official post office form you have to fill out to forward bc they are a third party service.
Thanks Formica. I have stayed away from commercial mail forwarding as I explain in my free eBook, so thanks for answering Formica. Here is my free eBook: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Thank you, I was thinking about retiring in Costa Rica but I am already living in SoCal on less than $4K per month.
Her are our favorites in the world right now! vagabondbuddha.com/best-places-in-entire-world-to-retire-early-cheap-in-2021/
Wow...lucky dog!! Any tips on how to do this? We would move in a second if we could live on this amount.
@@pacificH2O Pay off you house and cars. And live as a minimalist.
Very interesting Dan & Qiang! Funny because CR was recently on my radar for visiting and possible retirement. I would love to know your choices for retirement if you were to retire in Central America. Would you prefer Panama over CR? Thank you!
Here is our video on that. ruclips.net/video/FXOqV0WhWUQ/видео.html
I have RUclips playlists on all kinds of topics like this:
ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Luke you said,it was not your cup of tea. If you are in the tourist areas you are going to pay more for things because it is all about the tourist. I didn’t Louie Tamarindo either because the traffic and parking were crazy, but I’m glad I checked it out. If you like slow paced country towns, I liked Playa Negra . The surf scene was local surfers heading out after school and work. There was a nice mix of locals and tourists. I felt safe everywhere I went.
Hey Gina Pattison, thanks for sharing this idea. Thanks for commenting too. When people comment, our videos are suggested to more people. So thank you so much! Best, Dan
Nice information in your last video. I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THE BEST REASONS TO RETIRE IN MALAYSIA VS THE PHILIPPINES. I HAVE VISITED MANY ASIAN COUNTRIES BUT HAVE NOT BEEN TO MALAYSIA.
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO.
Hi bill curry, We have youtube playlists for each of our retire cheap in paradise countries. You will find that information on Malaysia here:
ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Whereas all our reports on each city in those countries are in our membership catalog here:
vagabondbuddha.com/
Thank you , Dan
That was spot on........I have been going to Costa Rica for many years and I'm finally finished .........place is beautiful but very expensive most expensive in Central American even higher than the usa.........another thing is the food .........not good at all very basic and expensive......even fast food is higher the back home in usa......I agree with everything u folks said about the cons.......for someo e living on a budget or retirement t I would look elsewhere....
Back in the 90s it would have been the time to invest in property if u were looking to own there
I prefer mexico......Thailand to retire on a budget
Hi Tim,
Thanks for adding value to the channel!
Here is my ranking for top places to retire cheap in the world.
vagabondbuddha.com/best-places-in-entire-world-to-retire-early-cheap-in-2021/
Dan
Please tell us more about what’s happening in Malaysia if you are currently there
Hi JFK 540, I have spent many many months in Malaysia over the last 6 years since meeting Qiang. We have youtube playlists for each of our retire cheap in paradise countries. You will find that information on your requested country (Malaysia) there:
ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Whereas all our reports on each city in those countries are in our membership catalog here:
vagabondbuddha.com/
Thank you , Dan
Yeah, Costa Rica doesn't make much sense if you're trying to save money. Panama is probably heading toward a similar path as it is always on perennial retirement destination lists. They have visa and property incentives and they use US currency so at least there's that. But insulating oneself in a gated, specialized ex-pat community doesn't make much sense to me. When I was a kid and my family lived in Guam for a year, we lived in average, middle income, locals housing, we were the oddity being 'statesiders'. But everyone was great and we got along and to know each other.
Great points Pete. And you were lucky to experience so much at a young age.
Your review on Costa Rica is spot on! Having traveled there last November for the first time in Central America I stayed in La Fortuna and Tamarindo for a few weeks. I found the Arenal area beautiful with a different climate and slower pace of life. Tamarindo was too expensive and touristy and felt like Santa Cruz, California in the 70's. I'm planning a trip back in June and will spend time in San Jose and the Lake Arenal area of Guanacaste. What are your thoughts on El Salvador? Thanks again for keeping your travel and experience videos real :)
Thank you Steve Hartz! Thanks for watching and commenting. I have not been to San Salvador yet, Next go. :-) Dan
Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Thanks Dan! It was El Salvador, not San Salvador I was asking about. I will download your free eBook, thanks for the link. Also, just to let you know I really enjoy your channel and love the relationship you have with Qiang, you guys are a wonderful couple :)
Move to Southern Calif and see how far your money goes?
Steve.... I think you'll like the Lake Arenal area. That's where we are now and we absolutely love it!
@@michaelscott653 he's lucky he left a long time ago.
how about doing a viedo on parguay
Jesse Phillips, Thank you for the great idea for a new video. I added your idea for a new video to my new video topics list. Thanks for watching and commenting! That helps our channel grow.
Best, Dan
Please grab my free eBook if you don't have it yet (How I Fired My Boss and Traveled the World for 15+ Years):
vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
My daughter lives in Santa Teresa, on the Nicoya Peninsula. It is difficult to get to, and it’s infrastructure and roads are absolutely horrible. That said, it’s a little bit of paradise, and the surfing is fantastic. It has an international crowd from the US and Canada, as well as Europe and Israel, and I dig it. I have thought about retiring there, myself. It is quite expensive though, and there are a number of really fantastic restaurants around there that are mostly pricey, but that’s the price you pay if you want to live in a little slice of paradise, I guess.
I have been there. Cost Rica's prices and beaches don't come close to many other parts of the world. I suggest travelling a little more before you make a final decision. But if you are happy, that is all that matters.
I couldn't agree more. Finally, someone is saying it! I have a college friend that lives outside of San Jose...I like visiting her. But I couldn't live there. My favorite area is down by the boarder of Panama - Punta Uva (Una?) We stayed for a month is a hostel, but we have a private house, which was really nice. The fresh food and the beach being a 4 minute walk was wonderful. We became very close friends with the hostel owner and staff. After we left the crime became unbearable, and my friend had a home invasion on her rental properties. It's a remote region with little to no police. So I doubt I'll be back. But I do have wonderful memories!!
Sherry, I have heard these same kinds of stories from multiple people. Thanks for sharing. Dan
Thanks guys for your review...very interesting, didn't realise CR was so expensive....think I will stick to moving to Mexico😁
Thanks for watching! I prefer Mexico too. So large and diverse and culturally interesting to me.
I got another 180 days in Mexico and am living in San Luis Potosi. But San Juan del Sur in next unless the Philippines opens up for non jabbed folks.
Last summer I guessed that the Philippines would open for vaccinated people in the first quarter of 2022. My guess for unvaccinated people is first quarter of 2023.
Say have you guys been to Belize?
I got to look through your videos and see if you spent time in Belize I bet you have....
I have only spent a few days in Belize. Hope to get back soon so I know enough to report on its cost of living and livability.
@@VagabondAwake I'd like to see you guys take on Belize...I've heard good things and I've heard of bad things of course, but what I see looks intriguing, would love it if you guys would go vlogging there... 🙏🏻
Sadly, I lived in the city 13 years and ran across very few tourists. The locals have too much of a “me first” attitude and get offended easy. Everything is a “luxury” and you will be charged.
Thank you Autumn Moon! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan
Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Where did you live, Escazú?
Bless your hearts! ❤️If only I could understand your partner! ❣️
Thank you Joseph Carulli! Your interactions help our channel grow! Have a great day. :-) Dan
Very interesting 👍 video. How you see safety in Costa Rica? compare to other places in Latin America
Hi Travel Therapy, We met two expats in Panama before heading to Costa Rica that had moved to Panama because they said "Costa Rica is no longer safe." They said when you leave for a week or two on vacation or to visit family at home, you have to pay someone to stay on your house or someone might be living there when you get back. When you show up in a new town anywhere in the world, even the USA or Europe, you are at a disadvantage. I have a report that explains how I stay safe when I arrive in a place I am not familiar with yet. Here is a link to that report: vagabondbuddha.com/how-to-travel-the-world-safely/
Thanks for watching and commenting. It helps our business grow. Dan
What you guys think about Nosara abd San Juanillo area??
Have spent time in south Spain?
Yes. Also in Madrid. Have you seen our RUclips country playlists: www.youtube.com/@VagabondAwake/playlists
Please don't use terms like super crazy rents or too expensive. Please give out numbers, thank you.
Have you seen our RUclips playlist for each country?
The costa rica playlist shows you where we stayed and what we paid for it.
ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
All countries we have visited around the world have that sort of information.
I was together with Costa Rican lady for many years and was planning to live there with her, I bought land in Limon province and was planning to build a home there The lady lived San Jose and i had the property in Puerto Viejo, Limon Province, south of Limon City. you probably never went there because it's culturally diverse with ethnic Jamaicans and indigenous Indian tribes and it's on the beach many surfers go there to ride the "Salsa Brava" near the town of Manznillo. The beaches consists of anywhere between black volcanic sand to white sand the further south you go.The food is a mixture of Jamaican and Costa Rican cuisine, also reggae music can be heard all the time. It's really a laid back part of the country. It's also the largest banana producing area. That's how it was up until 2016 when I left there.w I've been to the Pacific Coast, Jaco and Manuel Antonio, too Americanised and expensive, while many rich Americans have built mansions there, no that part of Costa Rica is not for me. The town of La Fortuna is too close to the Arenal Volcano for me, otherwise many things you mentioned both the pros and cons i agree.
You are correct. We did not get over there to the east side of CR. I have a friend that lives over there and he said that it is less gringoized but just as expensive. So we hope to go on the next trip.
@@VagabondAwake please stay away from this country.....why come if you dislike it so much....we dont want your negativity here....take elsewhere.
Costa Rica is even expensive for nationals, and unfortunately most of the problems are due to the bad government they have.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Kim. :-) Dan
20 yrs ago I was going to go to Costa Rica but friends told me to choose Panama instead and I have been here for 20 yrs. Your comments on gringo living is founded in fact. Gringos want to be around gringos and most do not want to take the effort to learn espanol. So you take the good with the bad. I have gringo neighbors that I detest and haven't talked to for 3 yrs. You see a lot of the "Ugly American" syndrome. I get along much better with the local people who are for the mostpart gentle and considerate and tolerant. Costa Rica by comparison is much more expensive than Panama and I can confidently say there is less crime in Panama.
What you did not discuss is temperature. In latin america many places are hot hot and there are places at elevation, San Jose being one that has a very fresh climate.
Cayrick Pan, thank you for being part of our community :-) Dan
Do you get my free eBook yet? vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
You might want to check crime statistics, because Costa Rica has less crime than Panama, in fact, Costa Rica has less crime than pretty much every country in Latin America.
Do a new video about living in Malaysia pls. I'm stopping in Malaysia on my way to the Philippines 👌
I travel to foreign countries to be around 'foreigners' from that country.
Yes! We travel to explore new worlds. Not half baked attempts at creating our old world. Why leave home if you are not interested in learning "what is out there?"
You mention medical care as a pro, which it may be but Costa Rica recently started charging applicants for new residency exorbitant costs for mandatory health insurance. It shouldn't be mandatory, should be at least partially optional. It's being fought in court but I don't expect it to change and if it stays as high as it has been lately, I doubt that I will renew my residency.
We feel CR is not a good choice.
Agree great video the thing that bothered me the most about Costa Rica was buckets of rain feet per month except Jan Feb and high cost.
Pacific coast of El Salvador decent cheap good surfing still lots of rain.
For me Loja/Cuenca Ecuador best climate
and Pacific coast of Mexico and Fortaleza Brazil for beach.
Well said Robin Murray! Thanks for adding value to the community. Dan
Have you seen our RUclips country playlists yet?
ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
@@VagabondAwake No Dan THANKS will have a look.
I need to correct you about CR climate. The dry season here (Atlantic coast is different) is mid November-ish till mid May-ish. And when i say dry I mean the barest amount of condensation. And even during the rainy season the months of July through end of September can have moderate to almost no rainfall (depending on El Niño or La Niña).
@@dyathink Yes drier in the west but BUT overall FEET of rain most spring summer months see WEATHER2TRAVEL
Having lived in Mexico and Costa Rica I know there are mitigating circumstances for anyone moving to, then leaving, a "foreign" country. We've encountered those people in both countries. Sometimes the reasons are health-related, sometimes it's family, and sometimes it just doesn't work out.
When we moved to CR our first home was in the Central Valley. We found the people, including the expats, to be somewhat cold and standoffish. There wasn't anything really special about the area. We've since relocated to the Lake Arenal area. We have a beautiful view of the lake and the volcano, and thoroughly love it.
My feeling is, when it comes down to it, Costa Rica will continue to attract the type of people that have always found it desirable. Those that are simply looking for a "cheap" place to live will eventually look elsewhere.
As far as Costa Rican cuisine....it's rice and beans all the way 😂
Pura Vida 🤙
Well said. Natural beauty near a lake at a higher elevation with low density population and no requirement to have a large hospital within an hours drive and money is not so tight (have $3k a month?) then hard to argue with your logic Larry. What is your budget like and does it include rent or do you own?
@@VagabondAwake Our budget is $3,000 a month, but we spend much less than that. My wife raised three boys on her own, and put them through college, so she knows how to stretch a dollar!
We are currently renting while we're having a house built. Out of our monthly budget we are paying for rent plus saving for furniture and appliances for our new home. We are using the money from the sale of our house in the Central Valley to build our new home.
Before our move to the Lake area we easily lived on about $2,000 per month. We don't see any reason for that to change once we move into our new home. We don't live extravagantly, but we live comfortably. We have our own vehicle so we don't need to worry about transportation. We go out to eat several times a week with friends and go to music venues when available. We shop at the local ferias (farmers markets) and at both the local grocery stores and PriceSmart (a Costco clone).
Regarding our proximity to the hospital in Liberia, it's about the same distance, timewise, as it was when we lived in the States. We lived several miles outside of a metropolitan area, and it would take us an hour or more to get to a major hospital.
All in all Costa Rica has provided us with all our needs...we are in want for nothing. We are happy with our decision to move here, and consider CR our home.
@@larrycooper7261 that is a great description and details of your life in Costa Rica. Glad you are happy there. It is a great example of how expats can live and be happy there. I see way too many living the lives of the richest 1% of Ticos and then complaining about expenses.
I always say there are places to visit short term & long term & it’s all about having fun in life
What a great way to think about life.
Thanks for the video I hear that the dating scene is really good in Costa Rico but I'm not sure.. I can understand you not wanting to live somewhere that's just like your home country.
But that is what people tend to do. People don't change much so if enough people move to the same area they gradually change it into where they left, at least to some degree, depending on how many of them relative to the indigenous population.
Great ask and answer you two. The Asian cultures feel more comfortable for me for dating. Here is my video about best places in the world to find love: vagabondbuddha.com/best-countries-to-find-love-in-retirement/
Becouse you feel attract to Asians. If you like Darker Skin will be a issue to found the right one in Asia.
@@6789axe I honestly don't know what you're saying there's lots of women with dark skin in Asia
Did you visit Belize. If not, why not.
We were considering going and will go eventually, but reluctantly. People say it is as expensive as Costa Rica and has the water beauty but not the land beauty. But I will go and see with my own eyes net visit to Latin America.
Ever been to Saipan???
Good work, I like the Dan & Quiang Sitting videos! This one is shows that western foreign retirees can be carved into two groups: the International Living crowd, and the Cultural Experience at Low Cost crowd. As the comments show, you have captured the 2nd group very well. Your followers are looking for a truly foreign and more diverse life experience, along with ways to save money. Because most retirees take a large cut in income, and some viewers are younger and looking for ways to retire early or work remotely.
There are many many YT channels for the IL folk where limiting culture shock is really important, but they also serve people with a wide range of incomes. Some people can see themselves in poverty in the US, but who can preserve a middle class lifestyle by emigrating.
Both audiences are valid. I am starting to see myself as a crossover. Six years ago I came to Saigon, plus we had an 18 month stay in Bangkok. Our budget for two has always been under $1500 w/o travel. The longer I am here, the more I miss lifestyle conveniences that I gave up (riding a bike, driving a car, more foreign food) and notice I am more annoyed by things that I accepted the first years (roosters, barking dogs, burning, trash, etc). I will be migrating to more expensive neighborhoods here or other cities/countries, and it will be worth the extra expense. Choice is a luxury. Retirement can be a journey not a single destination.
Maybe a great video topic? International Living crowd, and the Cultural Experience at Low Cost crowd. Very insightful Formica.
yes Co$ta Rica is expensive. It means Rich Coast hellooo :-) Nicaragua is also having some gentrification. The thing is, if you are only looking for the cheapest place you will always be moving around which is fine if that is what you like doing. No commitment, no responsibilities with owning real estate. And do not judge Costa Rica based on Tamarindo and Guanacaste expensive resorts. There are so many non-touristy beaches to stay and explore in Costa Rica but all in all, yes it's gringo land but I feel safe there. Great videos, keep up the good work.
Joao Delinger, thank you for being part of our community :-) Dan
Do you get my free eBook yet? vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
Coastal touristy areas of C.R. yes are expensive however who wants to live in an overrun high price touristy area? Go to central valley around San Jose and rents are cheaper and can blend in more with the locals especially if speak even basic Spanish. You can also travel down country (south) and find not as many tourists. Even around San Jose can get away from tourist scene if you want and it also there if you want that. I love the central valley because the weather is very good and pretty stable year round. I live in Texas and like to go to San Jose in the summer when hot as hell in TX and when bruja cold in the Winter I like to go to San Jose. Some like to travel to Jaco or other beach areas but why is hot and sticky. I can get that in the summertime in U.S.
That is right. We preferred San Jose and surrounding areas for that reason.
many would argue with your views on Costa Rica but I agree I found it too expensive compared to other countries in the region you can get a bigger bang for your buck else where
Thank you moresugar tradercc! Your interactions help our channel grow! Have a great day. :-) Dan
Sorry to hear of the sour taste Costa Rica left with you all. I found the people, environment, and weather to be the best in the world. Not to mention no military so they used many of those saved resouces on education, and healthcare for the people. I found it really cheap but I stayed in the Tico areas and speak ok Spanish. I focused on all the things they had like the best and cheapest food almost anywhere in the world and all the diffrent micro climates, plants, and animals... Be safe in your travels friends..
Yes, we preferred the Tico areas too. Thank you Gringogg! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan
Wish the costarican institute of tourism is paying attention to these reviews
After 40 years of forming CR into its present state, I am not sure they could turn the ship at this point.
@@VagabondAwake I don’t really think there’s much turning to do as your concerns are not popular among the reviews I’ve seen. Many people rely on tourism here and they were hit pretty badly during the pandemic, so I think it is important to ear this type of criticism to shape the industry in favor of the consumer (and the environment of course )
What we learned when we went to Costa Rica was about the local women. We were told when we were there and what I also learned from RUclips was that if are a man looking for a young Tico girl, that it is a bad idea. The divorce rate between foreigners and Costa Rican women is very high, and that the women there have much more rights than men. Generally, it was advisable not to get married with the local women.
Thanks for sharing Retired in Bali! It makes our community more interesting. :-) Dan :-) Please grab my free eBook if you haven't already. vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
So did you marry a Balinese?!
@@formica. No, but 36 years to a Taiwanese girl.
@@retiredinbali9565 Just teasing! Yes Asian women are best.
How does the war in Ukraine and the influences of the Russian Federation, the PRC in China and the US empire affect retirement choices for safety and war avoidance.
Juli Grlee, Funny that you ask. I am thinking of doing a video on that topic on Saturday! Thank you for the great idea for a new video. I added your idea for a new video to my new video topics list. Thanks for watching and commenting! That helps our channel grow.
Best, Dan
Please grab my free eBook if you don't have it yet (How I Fired My Boss and Traveled the World for 15+ Years):
vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
@@VagabondAwake I've been retired for 30 years. If I fire my boss I'd be firing myself.
I am certainly looking forward to hearing both of your thoughts about retirements in the current military and war environments.
Nowhere near the impact of China’s bioweapon. Many borders still not open. Wonder how many foreign men were caught in the the Ukraine dating market.
I am living in Thailand. The Russian war is having an impact on the economy similar to the rest of the world. Otherwise Ukraine it is a far away war. China is the big power in SE Asia. Right now they have been closed for Covid so you never see them. Taiwan is always an issue. I might be concerned about living in Taiwan. The Philippines is close to China but aside of issues around control of the South China sea I don’t see China invading the Philippines or Vietnam. In fact China has been successful for decades expanding its influence through economics.
as a tico I agree 100% there's no denying the foreign influence, I'm afraid is going to become controlled by rich gringos exploiting the poor ticos. I think some foreigners are looking to take advantage of not only C.R but other not so developed Latin countries, like for example the fact that one of the factors to measure is how "cheap" it is to live there. if some foreigners don't really care about the culture, lifestyle or people please look somewhere else that you do cause otherwise you are not going to be happy and you will be just eternal foreigners who don't care or want to be immersed in the country.
Well said. I talk abut that subject in this video. vagabondbuddha.com/why-most-people-do-not-retire-cheap-overseas/
Disagree totalmente.. Just don't go where the tourists are.. I bought a townhouse very reasonable. My electric bill $12 a month. Water $10. I live for free.. Credit union coops pay 10% interest on your money. Just went to the dentist had a major tooth problem.. $60 when I left. Awesome experience. I pay $48 to belong to the public free health system.. Learn Spanish.. When in Rome act like the Romanians.. Haha. No se payaso.. I am going for lunch now.. Plato executive.. Mahi Mahi breaded, salad, fresh veggies or fries, with fruit shake drink. 5 mil includes tip. $9 US
Thank you cj Swa! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan
Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
In 1997, I came to the same conclusion as you about Costa Rico by just looking at the cost of living. So, I never actually visited Costa Rico.
+ I have had encounters with a few people from Costa Rico and a found all of them to have an undesirable attitude similar to people of Venezuela and France.
Thank you Curtis Gregory! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan
Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/
all of them have an undesirable attitude?
wtf just come here once so you can check that's not true at all
Costa Rica! Not Costa Rico. Jeez
@@dyathink sorry
We feel the same way about gringos... But that does not mean that everyone is the same, it is better to visit the country and them talk about it. Its like talking about a topic that you never learn.
Think income requirement is/going to be $1275.
When d o they make the change?
@@VagabondAwake Apologies. Wrong country. Sorry about that! :(
I have 30 years living in Escazu it been good ,,yes its more money to live here ,,,but that keeps away those drifter . Low ender..you were cool. …good observation skill be good
Well said wind solar! Thanks for adding value to the community. Dan
Have you seen our RUclips country playlists yet?
ruclips.net/user/VagabondAwakeplaylists
Hello to you both..
I' am happy to see & listen of the experience you both have.
We're going to be station this YEAR in Costa Rica & I'm not happy at all except my HUSBAND ..
The reason why we're going to this PLACE is BECAUSE of the job of my hubby..
We we're also been station in PANAMA b4 1993 to 96 '
It was ok because we're on Base of the U.S. MILLITARY.
AND its ok for us exept not off base nO its dangerous out side to the civilians very corrupt.
I think that foreigners who want to go live in CR always look for the most expensive places to live, they look for the most touristic places and that is very expensive even for us Ticos, if they will look for normal places where Ticos live and where they eat normal food Everything would be much cheaper from a Tico, there are many places to buy houses at affordable prices and beautiful houses in the mountains and some places near the beaches.
We are not tourists. We travel 365 days of the year.
@@VagabondAwake you are a tourist if you are not a legal resident of a country. You came to CR on a tourist visa, ergo, you were a tourist.
Costa Rica was the place to go 30 years ago. I heard it's hard to get a visa and live there legally to. Maybe if you're retired no so hard. $6 to go to the beach. Is this California south? No thanks.
Luckily there is a place in the world for almost everyone. :-)
California is 100x better than that dump costa narco.
Thanks Dan, I thought you had to learn to say Pura Vida in Costa Rica. Also, I would not move there or any foreign country just to live the same way as home.
Very true!