Costa Rica´s Best Guide Online Magazine

There is a group of persons in addition to those mentioned above who want to move to Costa Rica but need to realistically acknowledge the facts which are as follows:

(1.) You cannot legally work in Costa Rica unless you have your residency. There are always exceptions to any rule, such as getting pre-hired by a company here for your expertise.

(2.) The pay rate if you are working for a company in Costa Rica is significantly lower than you would get in North America (check out our September 15th issue for an article on minimum wages and on requirements if you employ persons in Costa Rica) unless you are pre-hired by a foreign company doing business in Costa Rica. (3.) Costa Rica is not the cheapest country to live in, in Latin America (I do believe it is where you get the most bang for the buck and the best quality of life) so if your top goal is to live in the cheapest place possible, there are other countries better suited for you. Having said that, a person can live here on as low as $1000 a month (try that in North America) if they choose where they live in Costa Rica carefully, choose the best places to buy your food and other necessities and manage with public transportation, Uber and cheap private taxis. Also, if you live in a place with just a few hills, an electric bicycle or moped can be a great and inexpensive mode of daily transportation. Do take into account that you will need an initial amount of money to purchase appliances, furniture and a mode of transport if you plan to have one. Keep in mind that unfurnished apartments and houses rent for significantly less money. (4.) An important point to keep in mind I that Costa Rica is its own country. In other words, it has a way of life of its own and if you are to live here long term and be happy then you must learn that it is a different set of customs and things operate at a different pace for the most part. Also, do not be too trusting, like anywhere in the world, you will find some bad apples, scammers and less than trustworthy people, both Foreigners and Locals, so do get real references and ask for advice before you part with your money as recourse here is very difficult or non-existent. Probably the best first move is to find a good bilingual lawyer, that comes highly recommended and has ample experience before making any purchases and other business deals. Costa Rica will not adjust to you; you will need to adjust to Costa Rica or forever be unhappy or end up leaving sooner than anticipated. Do your homework beforehand. I often hear the misnomer that it is easy to buy in Costa Rica but hard to sell. That is only because you overpaid in the first place by not doing proper due diligence beforehand so naturally selling later will be nearly impossible if you are hoping to get the same high price you overpaid for. (5.) BE REALISTIC! Bring enough money to survive for at least 6 months with 0 income plus any unexpected events like a medical emergency or an accident and have a Plan B in case Costa Rica turns out to not be the best place for you. 6.) Last but certainly not least, LEARN SPANISH! I have known people who spent 25 years here and did not bother to learn the Spanish language. Ticos (Costa Ricans) are non-judgmental when it comes to your trying out your Spanish so don ´ t be shy. The sooner you can speak in the local language the better you will be treated and the more you will expand your enjoyment of the country and its people. PURA VIDA!

COSTA RICA ´ S BEST GUIDE MAGAZINE 186