❌Top10 COMMANDMENTS for Living in CostaRica - ExPat Life, Relocate, Retire, Move, Live Abroad
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- Опубликовано: 24 авг 2024
- #LivinginCostaRica #expatliving #MovetoCostaRica www.TravelCostaRicaNOW.com
Want to move to Costa Rica? Live in Costa Rica? Retire in Costa Rica? Maybe even start a business in Costa Rica or find a spouse to share your life with in Costa Rica? Before you do anything, you need to watch this video, 'Top 10 Commandments for Living in Costa Rica - Expat Life, Relocate, Retire Move, Live Abroad' and take it as gospel.
If you plan on living in Costa Rica, these are it- The Ten Commandments for Living in Costa Rica. You follow these and your life living abroad in Costa Rica will be a slice of paradise. Thinking your the exception to the RULE (although you could be) could have you leaving Costa Rica broke with your tail between your legs. So it is written.... lol
Travel Costa Rica NOW is a full service travel agency. GO to TravelCostaRica... and fill out a 4-minute form and you will be that much closer to the vacation of a lifetime.
Email us- info@travelcostaricanow.com
One just doesn't move to Costa Rica. Spin the globe, close your eyes, and put your finger down. Living in Costa Rica. Retiring in Costa Rica. Starting a business in Costa Rica. Living the 'Pura Vida' in Costa Rica, takes preparation, homework and due diligence. I have hundreds of stories from folks who didn't make it, didn't listen, thought they were the exception to the rules of living in Costa Rica but sadly, most learned the hard way, they were not. You can laugh at these 'Ten Commandments for Living in Costa Rica'. You can shake your head at these, 'Ten Commandments for Living in Costa Rica.' You can disbelieve these, '10 Commandments for Living in Costa Rica'. BUT you better pay attention to them because trust me, the likelihood that YOU are the exception is between nil and none. OK, that's a little dramatic, obviously there's exceptions. Like the original, sometimes you just got to kill a fool..... lol. But these should at least be stored in the hard drive in the back of your head. Before you even consider Costa Rica you need to evaluate yourself, how is your mental attitude. ARe you a type-A personality. Can I adjust and adapt easily. Am I quick to fly off the handle. How do I deal with never-ending bueracracy. And you need to test drive Costa Rica first by living in Costa Rica for six to nine months. That way you will get an idea if Costa Rica and YOU are compatible. It's important, trust me.
By the way, did you know Travel Costa Rica NOW is a travel agency? If you go to TravelCostaRicaNOW .com and fill out the 4-minute form, you'll be that much closer to the vacation of a life time. Travel Costa Rica NOW is like you having best friends you live in Costa Rica, who know Costa Rica, totally hooking up your Costa Rica vacation. pura vida.
Planning on moving to Costa Rica with family? Move to Costa Rica for a year?
Relocating with a pet?
How do you... transfer as a single person? How do you master your banking options before moving to Costa Rica? How do you move to Costa Rica and live the Pura Vida lifestyle. Costa Rica is a top destingation for expats in Central America. International living is a great experience. Anytime you move to a new country, your broaden your horizons. And what a travel adventure. But what about shipping. Should you ship all your household goods, bet a container or just chuck it all and bring a few suitcases and start over? You know you can just 'rent' a little space in a container (a palette)? Costa Rica is going to provide the freedom from the hampster wheel way of life. Costa Rica is a lifesyle but you can start a business here without being a resident of Costa Rica. Do you, follow your dream, live your most authentic self. Detox, live healthy, go on an adventure, vlog about it, bring your kids, or not but what a great place to raise a family. Costa Rica is a beautiful country.
Costa Rica, How to re-locate to Costa Rica? Pura vida life. Central America provides a lot of opportunity for any expat gringo looking for a change. Expat Life, how to expat live in Costa Rica on the cheap. Budget travel/living is very possible in Costa Rica. You can rent in Costa Rica before deciding if you want to buy something. Travel Costa Rica NOW recommends renting, renting, renting. Why? Watch the above video- 'Top10 COMMANDMENTS for Living in CostaRica - ExPat Life, Relocate, Retire, Move, Live Abroad' for the answers.
Costa Rica is not for everyone. But find out if it's good for you. This video is a great 'base' for when you do decide to make the move to Costa Rica. Whether retiring in Costa Rica. Starting a business in Costa Rica. And the BEST option of all, living a more simple life in Costa Rica. Good luck and hope to see you down in Costa Rica soon. pura vida
I used to live in Costa Rica but moved to Panama (nearly 20 years now and married my lawyer of all things). Your advice is spot on and not just for Costa Rica... Try most of Latin America. And your advice about being wary of other gringos.... Legend.
I lived there 13 months back in 2006-2007. I’m married to a Tica, who is a US Citizen due to our marriage. You’re absolutely correct about everything. But you’re much kinder than I would be. I haven’t returned, and have no plans to.
So marrying the Tica didn't turn out well then or...?
I'm a retired lawyer, and lawyers know that if you litigate on another person's turf, you are likely to get "hometowned." It works that way in the U.S., and it is probably worse in CR. Listen to the man.
The narrator is for real and tells the truth. Love it.
Excellent video, wise advice. I considered retiring for many years in CR...I met a beautiful Filipina (Mary Ann beautiful, not Ginger beautiful). All your advice applies to the Philippines as well. I have violated most of those commandments, I got married, had a baby, bought a house, I support 7 people. All in all...I am very happy, The baby is the missing puzzle piece in my life. The nephews and nieces bring a lot of energy to the house. I am treated like a king by all family members. I am the golden goose and I raised the standard of living for one family. The key to my happiness is my wife. I am living the dream in the Philippines. I will add one more commandment in the Philippines. That is, if you marry a Filipina, You marry the family. If you are a player and come to the Philippines for the girls, boys, or ladyboys, one should take these commandments seriously. Cheers to one and all. Best of luck in retirement. I found my slice of paradise. I hope all of you find yours.
Wow Steve, you are very correct on your summation of the P.I., I was stationed at Clark Air Base, Angeles City many years ago, also i use to work at MIA , now know as the Ninoy Aquino Airport.
You are right when you marry a GIRL THERE YOU DO MARRY HER WHOLE FAMILY ;-), for some people it's no problem but for others this is a deal breaker.
It is much cheaper in the Philippines, but its a little less secure compare to C.R. also a hella lot longer flight...Lol
All together i lived in the Philippines for about 7 years all when i was in the United State Air force, 3 years at Clark Air Base, and 4 years in Manila, all while in the military, I had a over all great time there, I just tell people just be smart, learn a little Tagalog, learn the culture, customs there and you will be find.
Personally when i retire I'm moving to either Costa Rica or Colombia, HOWEVER after watching this video I might shelve buying property in either country, just rent and keep it moving!! LOL
God bless you man, enjoy your life to the fullest because you only get one!!!!
Michael, after listening to you for years and years, on the heels of me being a gringo who does business there, thank you for being very forthright and coming clean. I’ve always thought you had a slant that was off-base but all of these things on your list are very true. Very good advice for everyone
Thank you for being honest. We need to know the negatives along with the positives.
i think so..... it would have helped me back in the day.
Another SOLID video, Mike! Thank you for all your information. 🙌🏽
great vid man
One of the best videos on RUclips. Almost everything you said I learned the hard way in Mexico 11 years then left with my tail as you said but did get the kids out. Wife took it all except for the kids I got the kids out which is quite a story . Lost life savings down there.
Sorry, I disagree about building. We bought property, built a beautiful home and had a great experience doing it. I am sure it has a lot to do with who builds for you. Just saying
When building my house I had 5 crews that did horrible work and took way longer than what they said they would take. Even when running late on something they wont even show some days without reason. Had a couple crews take half the money up front and dissapeared even though I made them sighn a contract. Am currently waiting for my application to sue them to go through, been waiting for 2 years now and still nothing. Systems broken.
Mind sharing the company names? Good and bad please?
@@tcfkappa8007 you get what you pay for, I guess. If you paid above-average pricing, you’d receive above-average results. That’s what I would’ve done. That might mean a smaller house but finished the way you want
@@bepreparedforwhatscoming4975
Absolutely not true
I'm tica and I understood the practical nature of this video, I also love that the warnings have to do with us having great legal protection from our legal system! At the end, it is our country
@@douglasward718 When I said "US" I meant Costarricans. Also, we need to understand that CR such as any country in the world has rural and urban areas and several social classes.
Also, a tip for all the gringos who don't want to be "golddigged" here in CR: get an educated woman with her own money and who is around your same age.
The system actually does not care for the ticos, if they did then average tico would not be making 15 to 25 dollars per day. The system incentivizes corruption against not just foreigners but between each other and this cause non peace. Socialism / soft communism laws which give too much power to that little guy who want to work for you and then has power to extort your or cause you expenses and problems is bad for business and it only takes from those business owners who try to work hard and smart.
@@ingridmolina2173 same age is BS. Men look for beauty youth and child bearing ability which makes women peak at 20 and women look for success in men which takes time and decades.
@@HealthSupercharger I really hope you are ot living in costa rica because it sounds horrible
I can see how some locals may be offended, especially with generalized comments but it's two different perspectives. This is from a foreigner perspective vs the protected class (locals) perspective. I don't know if he's bias but he appears to just be transparent. As someone who has been burned badly, I completely agree with not marrying below your socio-economic level. You can't just trust that someone is a professional, the girl I married was graduating as an engineer and just found a job at the electrical company but after marriage, it became "You're the man so you're provider". I decided to be "fair" and give someone a chance and paid I for it. I think that finding a partner with financial compatibility is just as important as spiritual compatibility. Money management and financial planning is so important when the sums are large vs small. People tend to only see things from their own perspective and therefore get offended, but put yourself in the foreigners shoes and imagine losing your shirt just because of ignorance.
So much yes! I had dreams of buying or building. I'm a chef and brought it all so moving always not so easy. But My lady and I said. No buy, just rent. So much easier and yes cheaper. Gonna sublet to travel around. I love the coast but i don't surf, thinking Chirripo for a spell, got friends there. Def have roots in the southern zone. I was doing private chef work, then covid and I tore my shoulder again. So at 48 in Dec, I retired. I don't buy I can last til I'm gone. 3 dogs, 2 cats......lots of chef knives. We good. Love yer vids!
Thanx man, much appreciated. Sounds like you got a pretty decent plan...... and you still got your knives ;) have a good one.
Smart advice. I made 3 trips back in the nineties, but things have changed.
My father had land in Costa Rica and somehow a scammer posing as a notary forged the deed and resold the property to someone else. Long story short, my father ended up getting the property back and sold it, but not after many headaches.
This is gold!
Great advice...real world.
As always...thank you Michael. You are the font of info. Rock on!!! Choperz...out.
OMG. This is such a great video. You kill me. I’ll look on your channel for more. I stayed there for two weeks and thought I died and went to heaven and wanted to leave my property and job to live there forever. I’m not kidding. lol
hahah.. thanx for the nice words.
Buy a 1/2 hectare . Put 2 20’ containers on it at right angle. Build covered porch. Own a Jeep and live happy . Work half as much , live twice as much .
Cameras and a mean ass puppy
Agreed. That's it. DONE.
y vivir sin amigos pues no te enteras de ni una palabra
Perfect answer - do you own a Jeep because we are thinking of bringing ours when we come there to live.
Excellent suggestion bro, especially the mean puppy!! Lmao, I was thinking about buying some land in the Atenas area and building a home, this video got me pumping my naive gringo breaks...Lol
WOW, what the fuck is going on. I spent 6 mos in 1994 backpacking around pretty much the entire country,and hearing this video just blows my mind. As a Californian that just graduated college I jumped a plane and headed to San Jose. im telling ya from playa del coco to playa samara and down to Puerto limon on the carib side,to the peak of mt. chirpo everyone I met was as nice and kind as could be.three years of Spanish in school and I was shocked to hear most locals speak to me in English,and I would reply cuando yo estoy intu pais,me voy a hablar solemente espanol,gracias! they actually respected my decision and I carried that attitude everywhere I went and "tranquilo vida maae" the whole tico thing must be a recent happening cause I never saw any of this going on. must be the new generation of millennial ticos and that's the problem right there!!!!
Hey, sounds pretty simple to me! Thanks!
been here 20 yrs, no truer words have been said.
A couple of extra points. If you can stand to lose the item, when insuring the article, engrave a number in a hidden place and photograph the item...just in case, so you can get what's yours back.
On the hiring point of beware, not only may labor problems arise, but the "prospect"may be casing "the joint" and finding a way to get inside to prepare for a "job". ALWAYS do a background check on prospects. Always get their "Hoja de Delinquencia" provided by the LOCAL cops. Once inside they have been known to come with a moving van and clean out the house of EVERYTHING (even the DOG if it's purebreed).
Great video. I was bringing a yacht from the VI through Panama and needed a break. Besides we HAD to check in anyway. Welcome to Los Sueños Marina. Many love it but for me it was a nightmare.
48 hr advance call, we did but our agent was not there when we arrived. Matter of fact NO ONE WAS that could give us the required docs and stamp us through. The guy that could charge us was more more than available but explained that sailboats get a mooring ball not a slip and that the man we needed would not be in until Monday. It was Friday. Up went the Q flag and we sat on the ball. 13% taxes and a per day charge of 27 a day for the ball but we could NOT go ashore. At least we could rest a bit and a local fisherman brought us very needed supplies.
To cut to the chase, we got ripped off as it was not a mega yacht. We just wanted a few days rest and shore time but never saw it. Our agent eventually did call back but we left Sat. He explained that was illegal as we were not authorized to be in their waters. When he asked where we were I lied and told him 100 miles off shore heading for Australia. We were actually going North and cleared all the sillyness up in Mexico. Such a shame the area was amazing!
Very true! I’ve had my share of experiences with lawyers wanting some “chorizo” for something you’ve already paid for...
Absolutamente de acuerdo!!
Absolutely agree with Mike! I was living at Costa Rica for 7 years, last 2 of them with my now-wife (she is an amazing American Woman).
All these Commandments are absolutely true.
I never will be able to count how many times I was trying to start small business at Costa Rica, how many times I heard Tico-word "Yes", and almost always business was not happening. A lot of young and middle-age (up to 40 years old) Costa Ricans, Nicaraguans, etc are lasy (they work only when you are looking at them), they do not keep their word, they lie, they are cowards, they are back-stabbers, and manipulators. Also, I found that Russian community (including RU Embassy) does not help to each other, and are very OK to shamelessly use another Russians, especially who just came to Costa Rica.
I had pretty good experience with Americans and Canadians, and also with old Costa Ricans, who received their education at Soviet Union 40-50 years ago.
I would add my 5 cents to these Commandments.
1. DO NOT BUY property without good lawyer and investigator. It is very common thing to scum documents and to sell property without signature of real owner. It could happened 2 or 3 owners before you, or earlier. Some Costa Ricans are doing it professionally, and making huge money on that, and when you will try to sue them and take your money back - it just won't work by many reasons. If you still want to buy property at Costa Rica, hire good lawyer (by recommendations from another Americans), and good investigator, who will find ALL previous owners, contact them, and ask directly "did they sell their property to [name of next owner]".
And beware, Costa Rica has so many protected areas, and it is prohibited to buy land there. Especially at indigenous reservations (if you are not local native, of course). And local natives know that very well, and they like to offer land for sale, and are very friendly, and even have lawyers. But if you will pay them money - you WILL lose.
2. You should be more or less healthy to live at Costa Rica. Local medical system almost does not exist. If you have "investor-type residency", your basic medical insurance will cost the same like expensive medical insurance at the States ($300-$500/month). Basic medical service sometimes is OK, but very often is bad or just a nightmare. Also, Costa Rica has several big private hospitals (Cima, Biblica, Catolica) and a lot of small private clinics. They are often very expensive (but still less than at the USA, if you don't have US insurance). The difference between basic medicine and expensive one is only price, because qualification of doctors is THE SAME. Means, usually it is very shitty qualification.
Costa Rica has big pros: beautiful Nature, and ocean/sea which helps to people with health problems to feel better. But also Costa Rican climate is very humid, some places have extremely polluted water, cockroaches are normal for any big city and small town, and there are a lot of differend kind of bugs, mosquitos, flies which can bite and make you very sick. Personally, I had larva in my arm (1/2" long), deep necrosises and abscesses after sand-fly's bites, multiple skin infections, and had to heal it myself, including small surgeries without anesthesia. Usually, sand-flies (for example) are awakening near 4-7am and 4-8pm, so be careful at the beaches ;) Once I almost died at hospital (Hone Creek, Talamanca, Limon) because medical personal was spending as much time they could (when I had blood pressure 190+) to let me die, and probably to sell my organs. Yes - Costa Rica has an issue with illegal human organ traffic, DO NOT register yourself like "donator" (driving license), it is not the States, and it can finish very bad. Also, during last years Costa Rica started to use crazy amounts of pesticides, which affect not only fruits and vegetables, but rivers and sea-waters, too, so watch where you are swiming and be careful tap water (better drink and cook with "Cristal", a water from 19-liter "bidones")...
3. Do not buy anything during first year or two. Rent. Live at different places of Costa Rica. Actually, it is very beautiful and amazing and very diverse place with more than 12 different sub-climates. Find something suitable for yourself. Look at infrastructure, neighbours (closest ones, and people at the nearest towns), think about your income (there is big unemployment rate at Costa Rica even for locals!), try to feel it well, before you will pay big money (property prices can be pretty high).
4. Do not trust local people just right after you met them. There are nice people at Costa Rica, but for majority of Costa Ricans you (foreigner) are "walking wallet", very rich one, and some Costa Ricans will be proud to take your money. If you still do not know well a person's name, but he/she is telling to you already "Usted es mi mejor amigo!" ("You are my best friend!") - watch your pocket, pal, you are in potential trouble. But, again, there are very nice people too. I had dozens of good experiences, when Costa Ricans (who I did not know, or knew barely) were helping to me for free, and when I was offering money, they were answering "Olvidate, es Pura Vida mae!" ("Forget it, it's Pure Life, dude!"). But also you should know - more Costa Rica has internal problems - more will be scams and frauds and robberies, it's just life, they also need to eat. We should be aware and protect ourselves, but we cannot blame them too much, it's their country and their style of life...
5. If you decided to have a business there - do not rent. Buy property (but firstly, analyze ten times everything). Also, Costa Ricans do not need anything new, and exceptions proove the rule. If you want to make fast-food place - look what they like to eat. If you want to have small convinient store - look what they buy at another similar stores. Alcohol may bring good money, but you will need to buy it at the border with Panama (Costa Rican taxes will be necesary to be paid before Costa Rican police will stop you or come into your store), and alcohol license is difficult to obtain. Usually, it is very difficult to make good money at Costa Rica with convinient stores, if you do not have several ones. If you will start to grow fruits or crops at rented place, owner can wait and kick you out just right before everything is ready to collect. Remember, you are "rich gringo", you are stranger for Costa Rica, and it may be very difficult to find protection even from police or especially court. Also, rent will eat almost all income you may receive, and together with taxes and permissions and licenses and salaries you probably won't be able to gain anything.
6. Costa Rican police and law system is pretty corrupted. The laws are almost always on a side of criminal. And it's very diffucult to obtain CCW. Guns are twice more expensive than at USA. It is difficult to protect yourself and to do it by the law, and be safe after. For example, you cannot (by Costa Rican law) shoot more than 2 times at armed criminal, who is trying to hurt you. Well, sometimes 3 bullet holes are OK, sometimes not. If you shoot to a bandit 4 times - you will go to jail no matter what. And there are a lot of chances that family of criminal will sue you for hurting him (or killing him), because "he is only the one who brings food to the family, no matter that he is a criminal", and you will pay and pay and pay. Also, usually criminals are getting out without sentences, or sitting for a half of time, and Latin vengeance can be bloody. And Mike said right, if a criminal took your stuff, do not wait to get it back.
7. Roads usually are bad and narrow, sometimes very. People may drive crazy. Buy a truck, SUV, or pickup instead of sedan. Gas is expensive, too (near $6/gallon), but car insurance is cheaper than at the States ($240/year for SUV 2003). DO NOT buy a car with automatic transmission, if it will wear out too fast (because the roads have a lot of inclines and declines), buy a car with manual transmission instead. It is more reliable, and also "old-fashioned fun". You can receive Costa Rican driving license at San Jose (COSEVI) for near $10 fee, if you will show them your national one (it is better to do within first 3 months being there). Everybody can drive your car (if has a license), because car registration and insurance are not excluding that. Also you will need the RTV (tecnical revision), it's complex and should be done annually. If you can, do not let police to confiscate your car, it may be disassembled at police parking, be able to find a solution. Actually a situation "to find a solution during problems" is a very common issue at Costa Rica :)))
8. Find a forums and/or Facebook groups of American expats in Costa Rica, it will very help you.
9. LEARN SPANISH!!! It is vitally important! Start learning before you came. Practice every day here! It can save your life!!
Always assume that Costa Rica is wildland and badlands together. It is stunny beautiful, too. But you should know, that there are not any normal infrastructure, police and ambulance may even do not arrive. Year after year local people may like you less and less (just because you are not Costa Rican). Criminal rate is growing very fast. But for now it is still very gorgeous place to live. When I came to Costa Rica (a lot of years ago) I was in love with this country, and even after a lot of bad and good experiences, I still love Costa Rica.
P.S.: if somebody will decide to judge me and think "this guy writes like a racist" - go yourself to Costa Rica, live there 2-3 years, and make your personal suggestions, and then come back to me to speak again about it :))))))) Personally, I never felt such racism toward me and my American wife, as we got together in Costa Rica from local people. Yes, it was a lot of positive experience, too. But you need to understand, that we are foreigners for them, and always will be.
Buen Suerte!
Thanks dear, i want to spend next life,i agree with you. thank you very much.
Dude really, backstabbers??
I think your too naive, you just don't trust and do business everyone you meet.
And just like any other part of the world, there's lazy, bad, etc, but also honest, responsible, hard-working people
Evgeny Popov DSB I am assuming you are RUSSIAN!!! DId you know Russians have one of the WORST Reputation around the World??? Ask ANY flight Attendant whom has ever flown out of Russia!! Your people are VULGAR AND UNEDUCATED!! WE DONT WANT YOUR PEOPLE HERE, AS A MATTER OF FACT, NOBODY WANT YOUR SHADY MONEY. I WAS IN MONTENEGRO A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO AND ITS FULL OF RUSSIANS, BECAUSE THEY CAN GET EU CITIZENSHIP BY OWNING A PIECE OF LAND, OTHERWISE, ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE!!! I AM GLAD YOU FOUND AN AMERICAN WOMAN, AND GOT MARRIED!!! GUESS GOING AFTER A GREEN CARD IS MORE ENTICING TO YOU!!! COSTA RICA IS A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WITH BEAUTIFUL, FRIENDLY PEOPLE. I AM GLAD YOU ARE GONE, ONE LESS ASSHOLE TO DEAL WITH. COSTA RICA IS SUCH AN AWESOME DESTINATION, WE GET OVER 1 MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR AND SO THAT YOU KNOW, THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD, LOOK IT UP. WE HAVE PRIVATE HOSPITALS, JUST LIKE THE STATES WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND MOST DOCTORS ARE GRADUATES FROM US UNIVERSITIES. SO GET REAL!!!
This sounds like really great advice too. Americans will always be foreigners. Can we blame them? The natural beauty of the country is just incredible. That is the reason to move there. Not to get rich.
Great Information
I am Costa Rican and I can tell, you got it right regarding women. Gold diggers all around. Buyer beware!
Você é um homem de bem! Sem duvida você é um amigo de verdade!
Here's one more. If you plan on living in CR you have to sign up with the national health system (La Caja) and pay every month as an independant contributor (less that $10 a month).
@Sandy Degener are we able to sign up as an contributor if we do not have residency?
Originally from the US, my vision is to buy land in Costa Rica, plant thousands of fruit trees, and build beautiful cabins. I'd like to live in this Country and get residency. The excitement for me is in the build and sustainable agricultural process. Renting doesn't allow me to plant trees, improve land, and do all the building that I want to do. I really hope I'm the exception to the rule. I've been to Costa Rica twice, I'm learning Spanish, and I thought of this idea 3+ years ago.
you could absolutely rent land to grow here but I understand what you're saying.... and just by your comments, I'm sure you are the exception.
I'm happy to see your response. Thank you. I love this country and want to be a farmer here. Hanging out with Ticos and learning the lay of the land, I hope I'll be prepared for the upcoming adventure and land development. When I have my farm I'll let you know...could be a cool video.
Hey Farmer Benny, i absolutely love Michael´s videos and they are very informative and helpful. What i would suggest ( and michael said that in former videos) that you go there and rent for a year or so, that way you get a good idea where you want to do your business and you get all that knowledge you need to buy the best land at the best price. He also pointed out that you talk to more than one real estate agent in order to have the most complete information you can get. Never rely on just one person or opinion. And i encourage you to learn spanish. I would say that is very important, people take you more seriously and you understand them. I am german but i have been living in spain for 20 yrs and i cannot imagine myself living here without being able to speak the language. I wish you all the best for your upcoming adventure!!
Thanks for your advice. I'm currently renting in Costa Rica now and have been taking Spanish courses. Estoy aprendiendo poco a poco. I'm only able to live in CR for 3.5 months a year (I've been twice now) because of my work back in Boston. I'm looking at different land options and meeting local Tico Farmers. I'd prefer to buy land directly from the farmers. It's a big life change and it's certainly not a typical path. I really hope it's the right decision. I'm being called to do it.
I think you are on your way! Mucho animo amigo!
Mike is 100% correct on ALL points! All of his points apply to all latin and south american countries.
As a costa rican myself I could not agree more. Keep preaching so more people can keep out the thought of "really nigga?" when they visit our beautiful country
Grandioso como siempre amigo deberias de ser la voz de la razon en los infomerciales de bienvenido a costa rica sino de toda latinoamerica
Man your name is a trip, your comment "really nigga is funny as fuc*k, I will be spending a lot of time in Latin America when i retire, my motto is simple, WHEN IN ROME JUST DO WHAT THE ROMAN DO, AND LEAVE YOUR SILLY ASS AMERICAN ATTITUDES AT HOME!! Lol
Amen!
Thank you
Like always Mike, great content. Headed your way for two weeks this month. Your videos are a college course in travel and living abroad. Honest, unbiased, direct and with examples you are going to experience when abroad, almost anywhere.
Thank you so much Brian. It is very nice to hear a few words of recognition every now and then, much appreciated. And if you ever find yourself in La Fortuna, by all means......
I am from Costa Rica I'm a typical guy and I've been in America for 18 years you totally right and I like your advice I want to go back sometime since I haven't been for a long time but thank you very much that was good you not racist you real
Honest you tube videos have released me from my longing to live in Hawaii and this video has done the same with Costa Rica! Fortunately I have seen both places and I’m content they are better visited than resided. If I’ve learned anything it would be the grass is not always greener elsewhere. Utopia is difficult to realize and the familiarity of current home, friends and ways become more valuable with age!
Lol! That was funny and eduacational! I lived in Costa Rica for about 4 years from 2000-2004. I don't have first hand knowledge of some of the things he talked about, but I can tell you I would agree with a lot of what he said! Securing your property was huge! The litigation stuff and the employee stuff to name a few. Also I would add, be very weary of investing in construction projects on empty land, you may end up loosing your money!!
Great information.
Michael-Thanks so much, I left the US, and moved here in September, it is a blessing that before the move, I found your channel
I am glad they stick together and respect the women. Haha. And if I build I am going to have patience and build the nicest place I can. I see this all very differently than the creator but thanks for your opinion.
Poor u...Alice in Wonderland...because in the end the only way for you to get out of the situation is confronting the 👹 that they have already set up waiting for the next victim.
It is not about patient..it is about honesty something that most ticos don't don't know.or respect somelse's resources.
Family member tried to build a house and got completely ripped off. 24k out the window. Don’t do it.
I was recently in Costa Rica and won't be back. The infastructure was the pits particularly the roads around Nosara and Samara. I nearly buried myself in the potholes riding my quad bike or choked on the dust from other vehicles. There are few street signs only landmarks for navigating, the food was nothing special and our beaches are still the best. Pura vida Australia.
That's the piece of advice an older brother would give you. Direct and honest. Thank you!
I'd like to hear more about why not to buy property. I understand you may never be able to sell it for what you paid, but I've never actually heard anyone say "just don't buy." I'd love to see an entire video on that!
Because it costs too much to make it legal. I'll just buy my forest here in Missouri and pay $140 for title instead of going through IMAS, MAG, Hacienda, lawyers, and surveyors, paying $2000 or more--and all that takes 2 years. Well, no thanks. Not worth it. He is right--rent-don't buy.
Thank you for this video! please keep making more about CR :)
and youre spot on with the "hey your from Baltimore,me too". I must have met 15 Richard Whites from kc, that could get you anything boy,just give me a couple bucks ill be right back"
Love that KISS is playing in the background!
if you are rich this video is Not for you, perfecto!!!
"night guard" worked for me for 6 weeks I fired him for a good reason. Anyway 3 years later and $12,000 with the lawyer and I still had to pay the SOB $8,800. Thats a $20,800 FU gringo tax. PURA VIDA MAE
Oh my God, I'm so sorry, no good deed goes unpunished...smh
Love your honesty! God Bless You!
10:39 It wouldn't be Latino America if there werent any random rebar sticking out or some open manhole/drain right ..
so fun to see you years ago
Great Video--as someone who travels a lot to Mexico and Brazil I think a lot of your advice holds for those countries as well.
Really good video. Very straightforward and to the point.
So helpful thank-you so much!
They are basic things to live in any country; In legal matters, each country is different, but what is the same anywhere is both parties lose and lawyers take everything.
If you are going to hire in any country; do it according to the law, if don't do that; you are breaking the law just like an illegal in the US.
Building in Costa Rica is a hell even for the Ticos, the bureaucracy added to the fact that most of the builders are illegal immigrants from the rest of Central America.
Marriage? Love? Ticas?
Most foreigners are looking for a partner in places of fun, what kind of woman do you plan to find there? The other thing is that there is a lot of nationalized foreign women, I know that it is difficult for you to differentiate the country of origin of each girl, for you all are Latin and we are all Latin I know that it is difficult,
It is like for us to differentiate the people of the US with the Canadians this is hard for us find the difference.
And in matters of love anywhere in the world loses the one who falls in love.
Are you saying that all the Costarican women are GOLD DIGGERS?.... because according to what you said if you marry one of them you guys are going to lose everything you have, everything you own??... Mr let me tell you that you very wrong about this. I am a Costarican woman and I am not like this, my family doesn't have that mentality either and I have lots of friends, girlfriends that they are not gold diggers either. I know you are talking about the laws here in Costa Rica, but be careful what you said and how you say it, because not all the women in Costa Rica are the same way. I lived in USA for several years and believe me, I have seen more GOLD DIGGERS in USA than any other place that I have lived at. Women in USA can leave you without a penny in a blink of an eye, they can leave you practically homeless, just they need to hire a good lawyer. Lawyers in USA are even worst than in Latin America when is matter of divorce, that's why they call them sharks and I bet you know this better than me. So, be careful "gentleman" what you are talking about don't give the wrong impression to American man or the rest of people in other countries that could watch this video about Costarican women. And let me tell you something else: You american men better be prepared because if you are planning to marry an american woman you are going to need a prenuptial agreement too! if you don't want to leave on the street for the rest of your days after the divorce. (I'm sorry american ladies, my intention is not to offend you, I know they are good people in your country as well).
@Karen Moncada
All countries have good people and bad people .
What we have to do is make sure we do not associate with the bad people . Sometimes we need good legal advice.
Number 1 rule is always cya
Number 2 rule is reference rule number 1 before going to rule number 3
Jaja. Las mujeres aquí sí son así. Y cuando una de ellas dice "ay no... yo no soy así..." hay que salir HUYENDO. Esas son las más peligrosas.
Why are you taking it so personal? I didn't say anything like that. He never said all the ticas are golddiggers. He said laws in here favors women, which is true. So, if an expat is thinking about getting married in here, he or she should think about it very carefully.
Besides, with the alimony laws we got here, it's not a bad idea to get a prenupt, tico or foreign
I have no desire to visit any country south of Texas. Nothing there but hate and drugs.
Karen Moncada. I've been living in Costa Rica for 8 years and he is absolutely correct. I'm not saying that ticas are gold diggers but it is true that women win cases 95 percent of the time. I do agree that American girls are by far more interested in money than Ticas. On the other hand I had Costa Rican girlfriends and from my experience they are less trustworthy than say Nicaraguan girls. I got cheated on alot. Be careful if your girl tells you he's my "amigo". That's the kiss of death. Haha. My current wife is Nicaraguan and it's totally different. Also be careful of letting anybody know that you have even a couple hundred dollars in the bank cause you can get kidnapped and killed for that as crazy as it sounds. Pretty much keep to yourself and keep a low profile and you should be fine.
Your best video EVER, Michael! Thank you!
god bless you bro ,but i have my own island rules VB pacific .
Gratitude. much appreciated.
Gracias mate you can have it all to yourself!
Michael, I was in Costa Rica almost 20 years ago and I met a Michael from New York who worked for a lawyer. You remind me of him so much I have to ask if you did a 3 day raft trip on the Pacuare river. There was a girl with us and a guy from Guatemala that had met that Micheal online. Great trip but the guy from Guatemala couldn't paddle at all. LOL
I don't think it was me... but then again, I used to drink a lot. ;)
Buy if you find a bargain, already built and care about location, no isolated, cameras, yes!, also build a fence, is like a signal to stay out and it works
Peace Mike Great Information. Give Thanks. And your video is Excellente' ☝
Liked this video Michael, it all makes sense and as you say you are not at home anymore and you are going to lose. People need to remember when in Rome do as the Romans do, BUT that does not make you a Roman. Loved our visit to La Fortuna and love the culture and lifestyle we saw. Walking home tipsy, ya I thought about that every time we came home late as Di took a spill the second night we did so.
Thanks for keeping it real
Thanks so much for telling us this stuff.
There are bad and good people everywhere in all countries.
Costa Rica is beautiful, all depends where you go, just stay away from the bad cities.
Thanks body! I'll probably see you in a few years when I get my retirement check. I am going down south!
You are so right!! I made the mistake of building and it's already 16 months and it's not done and a complete nightmare that I will just have to sell and unless I want to wait years I won't get what I put into it. I was here 3 years before building and still got screwed over by poor workmanship, stolen property and contractors not keeping their word etc etc. DON'T DO IT!
over 600 videos now. Check them ALL out folks. Good shit!!!!!
Dude you Rock!
Great info.
Honesty! Appreciate the video
Thanks, a very informative video.
Don't even think in Buying u Will get screw and This guy is Right!!
.....So...should you build a house there.....after you marry a girl there....???
The laws do not protect you in any foreign country. Never give up your American citizenship.
I appreciate your candor. I was planning on buying and building a mini-farm. Changing my mind.
I was planning on retiring there. Have changed opinion. The Zona Sur (Coto Brus ) is overrun with drug trade. As a Gringo, that will not end up well for me.
You guys should consider the Marianas islands. Way better than mainland anywhere, dont have a tenth the drama that south america has, no taxes and owned by the US so everytihing is english and dollars. No visas, no headaches, none of this commandment bs. They call Saipan the island of theives, Ive been here a year with no front door or windows in a big building, never once did anything leave. The locals are very nice and accomodating, although there is a decent amount of theft, we havent seen but a drop of it. Far better scuba, far better isolation, far better.
You are Right !!!!
Funny he mentions how buying property is bad business, it is true, i am a tico and buying property down here is a rip off most of the time
Everything is a rip-off now a days
In Costa Rica is nice country is like seem in security 🇺🇸,
some place not good and the other is so fantastic place 70percent the area is good people the 30 is care
is just take information where your vacation and you leave for enjoy the live maximum! Can in the world 🌎 pura vida all people good you welcome Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Maybe he don’t have money for buy a house 😅 in Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Yes Costa Rica is very strict that you follow the rules! They are not very cruiser friendly ,we were several times with our boat there and experienced some difficult situations with the authorities to enter the country. Not only us but many other boaters also! The paperwork has to be exactly right, no copies of anything, should be original papers. This is certainly not the case in the countries around Costa Rica. So be aware of that.
Awesome video my friend
great vid, for sure one of your best. You are looking good and in shape man - its showing! keep it up
thanx man, totally appreciate the nice words and support.
these 10 commandments make sense to me
Great advice again.
I’ve been to Costa Rica three times all good advice here
Great information. Please do another one with more detail.
Great advice.
great video! Thank you! Do you have any suggestions on websites that have long term rentals? You REALLY helped me! I was gonna buy a place there. I'll rent instead!!!
Same here man, thank god i ran across this video and reading some first hand experiences, no dreamer here, i deal with the facts, just the facts! RENT DON'T BUY
Excellent stuff to consider.
thanx. I'm hoping it is.
Get a manager a bilingual knowable guy to manage your property, lease it when you are not there, the manager will take care of it , find a good one
Now I gotta change it up...was seriously thinking g about building there and including a rental property like bed & breakfast or airbnb🤔
I have one... usually for a tico trying to get a gringo to agree in a deal;When they say...Pura Vida?...they are really meaning:deal?..so if you gringo say Pura Vida back,You have got yourself a deal.
Isn't "Common Law Marriage" in CR just 3 years - BUT - if you've moved her in & made or just implied promises - you HAVE LOST!!!
ANOTHER WISE video Michael!!! THANX for sharing that!!
Appreciate you putting out the uncut
Dope.
Most people don't have the guts to call it as they see it.
Yes, there are exceptions. The problem is exceptions don't get you out of a jam of you married the wrong woman, get burned in a business transaction, or lose a property.
After those things happen people often ask "why didn't anybody warn me?"
Funny thing is, when somebody does warn others, they get shitted on by smart assess and guys who think they are special.
Rule number one:you got be smart to live in Costarica!!😉
Word, you are not in America anymore, the culture and the people is different.
Nice place to visit--not live there due to Gringo Pricing.