I have been scanning the web for someone who might be able to give us some insights into Costa Rica. My husband and I are keen to relocate to Costa Rica mid 2014 with our three boys who, by then, will be aged 9, 7 and nearly 6. Our idea is to spend 18 months living in Costa Rica and travelling around wherever the wind takes us.
We are from Australia but have been living in Dubai for the past 14 years. We feel as though we need a complete change and to give the kids a sense of the “real world” before we head back to Australia or decide what to do next. We would like to do some charity work but would also like the kids to go to school in Cost Rica and learn Spanish.
We need to figure out where to live that has reasonable schooling and medical facilities. I would prefer to live near to the beach also. I have tried to research places and have read numerous school webistes etc but there is such a lot of information on the web that is conflicting and it is really difficult to make any sort of decision.
We are flying to Costa Rica for a 2 week trip in August this year to have a look around and see what the best options are and hopefully to be able to book the kids into a school.
Do you know of any good relocation agents who can help us and who can give us an idea of what areas to look at and who could organise visits to schools etc. We simply won’t have time to do everything so we need somehow to narrow it down and look at the better options only in our 2 weeks.
Any recommendations you could make on who might be able to help us out would be greatly appreciated.
I LOVE your books. I have been sending them to various friends and relatives who I know will also enjoy them and maybe even get them motivated to come visit CR. I was there last Summer and fell in love. I am taking my wife and kids in April. We will mostly be staying around Manuel Antonio. Also visiting Poas Vocano. Am thinking that it would be fun to move the family down for a few years. I am mostly looking at MA and the Central Valley because of access to schools. We lived in Europe and Dubai for 10 years and it has been a bit of a reverse culture shock coming back to the US. We miss the expat lifestyle. CR fits well for us now because we have family obligations in the US and its so close. We live in Denver which has a direct 5.5 hour flight. Keep writing!
Thank you so much for your books, I have read both and eagerly await more. My husband and I were in CR last year and this year I am relocating to the Arenal area.
My question (yes, I narrowed it down to just one, for now) is now that you have lived there for a while, is there anything that you did not initially take with you, that you wish you would have? Flashlights, batteries, clothes line, measuring cups, coffee grinder etc.?
I have been reading EVERYTHING I can get my hands on about CR, the good, the bad and the ugly. I love your writing style, sense of humor and honesty. Some of the ebooks I have read are so negative and badly written. One book in particular had me wondering if the author has even been to the country. I also follow several blogs and vlogs to help me make good decisions regarding my choices,, but no one has really covered the ‘dang, wish I would have known’ aspect.
Hi Laura, I love the Arenal area and will be visiting there again shortly. I can’t say what I wish I had brought because I was able to improvise. Recently, I needed a rolling pin and used a glass bottle. I think I’ve learned to just go without, which in a way, feels pretty good. It makes me concentrate on all the other aspects of “living”. Stuff tends to weigh you down, even the stuff that you find necessary.
Have fun with your adventures, there are going to be a lot of them!
Just finished your book-loved it! Thanks for the inspiration. I am a teacher and live like a billionaire each summer-for 15 years now. I am author of the book “Summers Off-the worldwide adventures of a schoolteacher” which depicts some of my most memorable times while traveling (including Costa Rica). I plan on living your lifestyle in just a few short years. Thanks for reminding me it is possible, and giving me a little more encouragement. I look forward to another book from you.
Enjoy,
Peace,
Larry
Thanks Larry for stopping by. My mother is a teacher so the profession is dear to my heart. I have another book coming out in a few weeks. There is always something to write about…especially when my husband keeps doing dopey things!!
Thanks to your terrific book, I and my adventurious wife and kids are seriously considering transitioning to Costa Rica. We’re in our early 40s our kids just turned 13. We would have to go rentista status and I’m wondering if you know if after depositing 60k into a CR bank and we were initially only in-country for 4-6 months out of the year if we would only have to do the monthy conversion into Colones the months we were in-country? Also wondering if you have ever run into any registered nurses who make their way as Costa Rica residents by flying back periodically to the States to work for 3-5 months and live out the rest of the year in Costa Rica?
rest year in Costa Rica? come back to unwind and live come.back to
Thanks for purchasing my book. It’s been such an incredible journey, I’ve never looked back and so happy I took the risk to do this.
As for residency requirements, you always have to convert your money every month regardless whether you are in the country or not. I don’t know of any nurses that do that, but sounds like an interesting job! Wouldn’t it be something if more professionals could do that, work some part of the year in the office, then do the rest in another country.
Hi. I finished reading your book a few days ago. I’ve never read an informative yet totally hilarious combination of a true story before. What a creative writer you are! My husband and I have researched Costa Rica and are interested in the Caribbean side – south of Limon. Do you have any recommendations or contacts? Thank you!
Hi Eric, I have a friend named April who works out at The Lotus Gardens in Puerto Viejo. She is great and probably can help you. I love it out that way, the best snorkeling in the country. Plus lots and lots of sloths!!
Without a doubt, I will be reading your books! We are planning a visit, but wondered if you knew of a genuine guide that does not have a vested interest. We are looking at retiring there, so any information is most helpful. Thank you so much!
OMG! Just finished your book. Fantastic. I’ve lived in Playa Conchal for 8 years and it is all so true and funny. Have lived all the experiences (except the bat cave) and even more. Although it is not for everyone the decision to retire there was one of the greatest ones my husband and I ever made. Kudos to you for putting it in print.
Thanks Jean! I love Playa Conchal…one of the prettiest beaches here. I’m happy that you had a similar experience to mine. There may be some obstacles, but with the right attitude…anything can be funny!
I found some of this very entertaining. I have lived in Costa Rica for over six years. Is it possible you stretched the truth a little???? Just to make the story better?
LOL…no…they are true. I’m surprised you think that after living here. I’m sure you have lots of funny stories as well. There is nothing more humorous than sitting with a bunch of gringos about the crazy obstacles they face here. It makes for a very amusing evening!!
When I wrote the book, I decided to put it all out there, every embarrassing moment that most people would never admit to. But I think that’s what makes life so interesting. It’s a scary thing to land at night in a country where you don’t know the language and only have a couple suitcases of your belongings. Little did I know that night was going to start a wonderful journey.
Just finished your book on my iPad. Glad you mention the good the bad and the ugly! Have always wanted to live overseas. Am a single gal in my 50′s. A little concerned about safety. My friend who lived there says she knew people who had the windshields of their cars stolen right out of the vehicle! She insists that I should not go there. Despite that advice I am still considering a move Need a change. I just spent a year with serious health problems and a simultaneous layoff from my job. Not sure if my health issues would keep me from getting residency. Considering CR since I’m a Spanish medical interpreter-hoping I can find work escorting traveling patients or something else along those lines. I’m also a certified teacher of Spanish and English to Speakers of Other Languages. Would like to find an attorney or more legal info about residency and work. Have some savings, but read I may need to invest $200,000 to get residency if I cannot prove a passive income of $1000/mo. That is more than I can afford. Really feel the need to leave the US due to the high cost of medical care and insurance. Have heard wonderful things about the healthcare system there. Any specific advice for me? Contacts? ¡Mil gracias!
Hi Ex-Pat Wanna-Be. Thanks so much for purchasing my book. It’s been a blast living here and it’s fun to write about all those embarrassing and challenging moments. As for the windshield story, sounds about right. I’m not sure if there is more or less petty theft here, the difference is you really don’t have much recourse. Police take a while to show up as opposed to in the states where they will come very quickly. So that is a big change living here.
Residency laws are always changing. This just came into effect in March for rentistas (people who are not yet of SS age): The new requirement is that applicant must prove the ability to receive $2,500 monthly income for 24 months (2 years), instead of the 60 months (5 years) mandated under the prior requirement. The income can be proven by a bank letter stating the applicant has an account with a balance of at least US$60,000.
If you can get residency, then your health care would cost around $50/month. It’s worth looking into and visiting different areas of the country. What was nice about Grecia was that I was near lots of hospitals. Now that I’m at the beach, I have to go much further. I would start there.
Loved the book. Burned through it in a day. My wife fell in love with Costa Rica on a college trip. we are both health care professionals and have been working on the logistics of creating a life in CR.
Thanks for dropping by! I hope you find this site informative, splashed with the silliness of living somewhere and having no clue what’s going on around you. And the funny thing is…I’m the happiest I’ve ever been!
I’m anxiously awaiting your next book! I gave my mother a copy of Happier Than a Billionaire for Mother’s Day and she loved it. Even better….my son read it and he’s not a reader! We are so pumped for our upcoming trip! Thanks for letting us live vicariously through your adventures.
Thanks Robin, I’m finishing up the second one as we speak. I’m glad you enjoyed my adventures! If you have a good sense of humor, and a lot of patience, Costa Rica is a great place to live.
I have read much about Costa Rica and want to go down to see the country – with the idea of retiring there (I am 62 on US SS only); I speak very little Spanish and have a fixed income – what areas of the country can someone recommend i look in that would be near a decent sized city and include an english speaking populace?
Some areas that i have looked into include Santa Ana, Escazu maybe even Liberia.
Would like to be near San Jose only for the possibility of medical care – am i wrong on that?
Everyone says you can live there much cheaper than the US -but i just don’t sense that from the reading I have done – can I really find a place to rent that is nice for 500 a month near or in one of these cities?
“Everyone says you can live there much cheaper than the US” — that statement needs to be clarified. You can live cheaply here if you ALSO live simply. IMHO, I would not recommend someone to move here whose primary goal was to save money; you’ll be disappointed. Panama is probably a better choice. Pura Vida
I agree. Many people end up living near Escazu, and it is very expensive to live there as opposed to other parts of the country. I never lived in Panama, so don’t know what to say about expenses. I visit there often, but that really doesn’t mean anything in regards to cost of living. I do have friends there and their budget it similar to mine.
Areas like Santa Ana and Escazu are more expensive than other area of the country. I’m not sure what rent goes for there, I do know that it wasn’t unusual to rent a house for $500 or under in Grecia. I would explore Atenas and San Ramon as well.
These areas are all near San Jose and some major hospitals so you are close to medical care.
The cost of living in Costa Rica is very complicated!
If you are looking to live near a town that has no industry or commercial and that means no movie theaters you could live cheap. If you want a normal life and be able to work and live near shopping, schools, and the normal life than it is very expensive.
Many people think Costa Rica is cheap but in realty it is more expensive in the normal day to day living. Gas is above $5.0 a gallon, private schools for you children are at the lowest of $400 a month and to get a number 1 combo at Mc Donalds is over $5.
Costa Rica’s base economy is growing because of major companies such as Bosten Sci, Medtronics, Amazon, HP and the list goes on. Because of this most Costa Ricans’ live in the central valley and that is where the jobs are. On the beaches it is mostly tourist and that is not where the jobs are now a days.
But if you include the cost of medical insurance and taxes than Costa Rica is cheap. You can get private health insurance for $1,200 a year and be able to go to the private hospitals.
What ever you do if you plan to come to Costa Rica to live, have a job where you are being paid in the U.S. and work from the home. Don’t expect to find a job here making $3,000 a month because even the big companies are paying $1,000.
I just relayed the message and Rob did not high five me. I’m not sure he has yet to embrace my sense of humor, especially when it involves writing stories about him!
I just finished your book–very funny and thoughtful. Made me want to sell everything, pack up the kids, and move. I’ve spent considerable time abroad on my own and would like to get the family on board for something drastic. That’ll have to wait until I figure out how to make my fortune.
I do have a confession to make, though. Even though you described your appearance, I kept picturing you as a short woman of Asian descent with thick black hair. Don’t ask me why. I feel like a total doofus now that I’ve seen your picture–good thing I am perfectly comfortable as a doofus!
Since this is the internet, I guess I can be anything…however, I’m unsure why tall, sultry blonde was not on your list. Because, in my head, that is how I was supposed to be born.
Good luck with your next adventure. I believe there are many more like us, people who want to try out different cultures and see what else this world has to offer. Life is to short to stay in one square mile the rest of your life. And the world is too beautiful to miss any of it.
Very nice blog Nadine! I have ordered the book and am very exited from what I’ve seen. I hope one day I could move to Costa Rica since I’m single! I have also planned a holiday in San Jose! Thank you for inspiring me! You are very helpful warning me with your humer and facts about these animals. Thank you,
Becky R.
Just finished reading your book (Purchased off Amazon). Although we are already committed to the move and will make our second trip im May, your book had me in stitches with reality humor what more could you ask for? MY wife work in CR for two years developing educational software and has many Tico friends which should make our transition a little smoother than yours, but I am sure not all will be without some mishaps. When they occur I will think back to your experience and hopefully have a big smile on my face. Thanks
Thanks so much Rey. Your transition should go much smoother than mine. I did not know anyone here so really had to learn some things the hard way. Having some friends here to advise you will make things so much easier!
I was looking for a good book to read about Costa Rica and found your book. After reading the great reviews I had to purchase it. I can’t tell you how silly I looked laughing out load, but I couldn’t help it. My plan is to move to Costa Rica after retiring from my horrible government job, hopefully I make it to retirement, lol. We will be in Tamarindo CR in June, can’t wait. Looking forward to reading your next book.
Just finished your book, will be purchasing several to give as gifts this year for Christmas! What a “hoot”! My husband and I are divers and have been putting a bit of thought into moving to Costa Rica ourselves, in about 10 years…but… Your book has shed a little light on what to expect and I am really excited to see how it all pans out. Thank you for giving us all a bit of insight!
Just finished your book AMAZING! you are so funny! i have extreme wanderlust and your book helped bring me to another world for a short time, it was like crack i would need a fix every now and again and in between chasing my kids i would grab your book and read as much as i could!
Thanks for purchasing my book and I’m glad I could provide you a few giggles along the way. I am working on another one, hoping to get it done within the year. Always something funny to write about here, especially with all my husband’s wacky ideas.
I just finished your book and could not wait to tell you how much I enjoyed it. I laughed out loud so many times. Thank you for this bit of pleasure. I will share it with my friends and family.
I was introduced to your book by your friend Jackie, from York, PA. She told me your story one day while we were having lunch and I knew I had to read your book.
Hope I can vacation there one day and see your beautiful sites and taste the fresh coconuts. Please keep me posted of any new books.
Jackie is such a good friend, thanks Sandy. I love to share my experiences about living here. It’s been crazy at times, but also a lot of excitement. I think I missed that most while in the office, just doing exciting things. Unfortunately, some of my exciting things are no water or electricity. But oh well, I’ve learned to adjust and go with the flow.
Nadine, I just finished your book and I really enjoyed it. A very good read and you have a great sense of humour.
I have been living outside Canada now for about 9 years in Southeast Asia. I can relate to many of your feelings and experiences, especially in the early years, as I guess it is pretty normal to go through a huge emotionaly adjustment when one moves to a foreign country. But for me, those special feelings wore off a few years ago and I actually enjoy going back home more now that ever. It’s funny how it took time away from home to actually fully appreciate it, so we’re talking about moving back. Makes me think of a good friend of mine who has travelled to over 50 countries and he has lived in several. I asked him once what he ‘learned’ from all his travels, and he humourously said, “Where ever you go, there you are”. I laughed, but I but I think he is right…..perhaps we all need to be reminded to bloom where we’re planted from time to time. However, I wax philosphical and that’s enough of that.
My boyfriend has wanted to move out of the US for many years now. My brother has been to Costa Rica and loved it. So my boyfriend saw your book and read it, he laughed almost all the way through it. So I had to read it too. I laughed just as hard. We will be there in August for a week. We’ll be in Samara and Tilaran, they are two place we may think of moving in 4 yrs. We have to get to that age we can get our SS and 401 K’s to live off of. Can’t wait to see so many new things. I want my toes out od shoes all year round. I have always loved the beach and hope to be near one when we move. I’m guessing we will marry before we come because I have been divorced as he also has and there is a lot o paper work to get married there. But life is good for now and can’t wait to be there in 163 days!!!! Again great book and love the blog! Keep the sun shining and maybe see you in August!!!
How wonderful Robin. I can hear your excitement jump off the page as I’m reading your post. I love the Samara area, the beaches are incredible and that Carillo beach might be the prettiest one in the country. Good luck to you!
Yes we are so excited to be heading there for a week maybe the rest of my life. We will be staying at the Tree House Inn and it looks so peaceful! They say that Carillo is the prettiest beach in the country in all the guide books. We really enjoy your stories. When is the next book coming out? Can’t want to read more of your fun life! Have a sushine day!
Loved the book, had me laughing outloud more than once. I’m retired and thinking of CR as an affordable place to live. However being a “Northerner” I’m a little concerned if I could deal with the bugs. Was that a problem with you folks?
Well, Costa Rica is buggy, there is no way around it. But it really doesn’t bother me. Sometimes you get some bugs inside the house, but not too much.
There is so much beauty around me, mostly because there still is a lot of nature left here, that I welcome the bugs. If that means I get to have monkeys in the trees and parrots in the air, I will take the occasional scorpion or ant!!!!!
The offset of bugs is the number of creatures that eat bugs and keep nature in balance. Insects can be annoying but most are just wandering around. A house toad or two, and a bat and a cuyeo are fun to watch. As I recall, the northern states set the record for zancudos (mosquitos).
I agree Tom. The insects are fascinating here, and the reason I get to enjoy so much wildlife is because there still is an ecosystem around me. I love going into the backyard and staring into the flowers and plants to see what’s hidden in there. So many incredible critters, with deep metallic hues of greens and blues. It’s like my backyard has turned into my own playground.
Just wanted to say that i loved your book and pictures. Went to costa rica last august and had the best time of my life. Can’t wait to go back. It is the most magical place..never felt happier or healthier. I plan on retiring there.
I feel I have to pipe in as many people seem to be in “Pura Vida” bliss. CR is not the exotic place most have heard of. I have traveled to 32 countries and lived in Colombia, Ecuador and CR. CR has to be in the top 3 most expensive places I’ve been to. More expensive than Monaco, excluding rent. The only cheap things in CR are bananas, medicine and pineapple. Coffee is expensive and of low quality. If it has a motor or a plug, expect to pay 200-350% more than U.S. prices. Nearly everything is imported, and local brands are a monopoly, expensive, and of inferior quality.
I can talk for days about the horrible everyday conditions, but I will give a short list of some more memorable experiences…
Apt. building was taken over by three gun wielding thugs after they cut through 3 security locks at 5pm. They brought us to the back of the building and put us on the floor with guns to the back of our heads. Not cool. Stole over4k worth of stuff from me alone. Police came 3 days later after two trips to the OIJ office. One agent dusted for prints for 5 mins, then left.
My lawyer of 3 years somehow managed to alter my corp. books and put himself as a signatory on my bank account and pulled a debit card in his name!!!!! (It was discovered before anything was stolen)
I just read your book (in two days..by the way) and wanted to say you are a HUGE inspiration. I have been traveling on my own for about 4 years, with the personal belief of needing to leave the country at least once a year, by any means necessary. I went to Costa Rica (Pacific side, Playa Hermosa and Coco area) in 2009 and it was really cool to hear you talk about the places I visited! I loved Costa Rica for a lot of the reasons you expressed in your book. The simpler way of life, and have always fantasized about just packing a bag and making it work there. Reading your book was a great way to live vicariously through you! You made me think along those lines again, and I wanted to thank you for that. You rock, just thought I should publically mention that! Thanks for such an amazing read!
Thank you so much Natalie. As you already know, this country is so beautiful. And the people have been nothing but friendly to me. It’s an interesting thing when you travel, to release your prejudices and see different things without the filter of the place you are from. Once you are able to do that, travel opens your heart and makes this planet such an incredible place.
I am much like you. I see places on TV and say, “OH lets go!”. I want to experience it all. And I am so lucky I get to live everyday in a place that allows me to live my dream.
Just finished your book and loved it. My husband and I spent a week in Costa Rica several years ago, and reading about the roads with the potholes (we thought our rental VW was going to get swallowed up!) and your night at Arenal brought back lots of memories. You’ve done something I have always wished I could do. I’m in my late 60′s now but still dream about escaping to a Latin American country. Love your blog and will continue reading about your adventures. Thanks so much.
I just finished your book and have to say what a laught it is. My partner and I spent a few weeks in Dominical… Renting a house and I can relate to a few of your stories. Best experience was having my hair highlighted…um… Striped is more like it and for the next two weeks local people looked and me and asked “Tica?” and then went off on a tangent of Spanish. What a great country!!! Can’t wait to return.
That’s so funny. I once had mine done and it lookes like Tony the Tiger. I bet you could relate to my stories. It’s always funny getting together with other gringos and sharing these tales we accumulate.
I’m reading your book on iBooks…it’s awesome! Me and my husband are considering a similar move to Costa Rica, so finding your story has given some excellent insight and inspiration!
Just finished your book. Loved it! In November, 2009, we sold everything, I quit my job in Wisconsin and moved to Mazatlan, Mexico (about 10 years before retirment age for me). There are many similarities with our experiences. I’m glad I found your blog and will check in often! I often wonder if your summer is as hot and humid and miserable as it is here? Keep enjoying life!
Pam
Thanks for purchasing my book. I bet you could relate with so many of the stories. The summers here are hot at the beach, but when I lived in the mountains, they were wonderful. Still trying to get used to the heat but I suppose it’s the trade off for all these lovely beaches.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and come back soon!
I just finished your book on my Kindle. I’ve been”wintering” in Fiji for the last 10-12 years 2-3 weeks at a time. Mostly because of my hostel type accommodations there (search Tubakula Resort) . Costa rica seems different yet familiar but I need a place that isn’t a resort to stay. Suggestions ??
Thanks for purchasing my book. Fiji must be wonderful, it is on my hitlist of places I want to see. I check out the accomodations and believe you can find something similar here in Costa Rica. I’ll have to think of a place, but there are equal number of low cost places as are resorts. Since this is a surfers paradise, they are known to not have lots of money. So all these little places open up catering to people on a budget. If I hear of one in particular with good reviews, I’ll post it.
I found this great website called airbnb that is highly rated in various media outlets and have booked my stay in Costa Rica using this resource. We found the most amazing treehouse to stay in that is very inexpensive and near the sights that we want to see. I recommend checking out this site and I will let you know how our stay was when we return late next month.
I’ve been putting together an itinerary for a trip to Costa Rica this spring and have done lots of research. I’ve been using hostelworld.com to research budget accommodations for my trip and have found lots of places for $10 to $20 a night in Jaco, Quepos, and Dominical, which are places I intend to visit. Give it a try. You can choose dates, check availability and even book right there on the site.
Hi Nadine,
We are on week 3 of living in Huacas, got our SUV all legal and I just finished the book on my Nook. I laughed so hard, I woke John up! I can’t wait to share it with my sister in PA who thinks we’re completely nuts. You are 100% right about the way things are here….hummingbirds, butterflys and potholes all in the same moment. Thanks for writing the book and setting the path.
Thanks for reading my book. People must think you are nuts….they have to….or else this journey of yours would not be so momentous. I’ve learned that the more people think I have lost my mind, the better my life turns out. Maybe it is all about taking chances. And sometimes those chances means saying the hell with it, packing up, and moving south.
Just read your book while on a beach vacation to Destin, Fl; so you made my vacation a whole lot more fun. I too would like to sell it all and move to an island (North Shore, HI in my case). Your book and webpage are so entertaining to see how you are indeed happier than a billionaire. But part of your book title includes the zero hour work week, and your book never detailed that part of your lifestyle. How does moving to Costa Rica solve the need to work for an income to pay for the fun? Or are you able to live off your non-work income (prior to the book) easier in Costa Rica than in the USA? Congratulations on the book. ..Johnny
Hi Johnny, thanks for reading my book and checking out my blog. When deciding on a different path, we had to find a place where we could live for around $1000 a month and have a nice lifestyle.. That pretty much excluded everywhere in the US. And after selling everything, we figured we could do if for 7-10 years. During that period, we could take our time and figure out the next step. I didn’t want to jump into another business until I learned about Costa Rica and what red tape I would encounter.
So the zero hour work week was how you view your life, your future, when you are not stuck in the office all day. It was like gifting myself a lifestyle withdrawal. Many people would say “aren’t you bored” or “what do you do all day” as if taking time for myself to determine the next part of my life wasn’t of any value. I learned being busy sometimes accomplishes less, and taking moments to find the gratitude in life is more rewarding than anything I ever owned.
I look back over those first few chapters and remember that overworked person. Ungrateful for all the things she had and unable to enjoy the full meaning of life. For me it took this big of a move to refocus and start to appreciate why I am really here.
Good luck with your plans. I hear Hawaii is breathtaking and would love to visit one day, I believe you will get there!!
First of all, thank you for your book, it’s been very eye-opening. I laughed and smiled but what was more important for me was to be able to reflect. Professionally, I don’t think I’m quite at the stage where you were at before quitting your job, but I’m getting there. It’s not as much a desire to get out of this job but more what seems to be a profound need to live a more simple life where there isn’t snow for 5-6 months in a year (I live in Montreal).
We spent 3 weeks in Thailand this past December for vacation but all the while nourishing the idea of maybe moving there one day. If it was not for the distance and, especially language, I think we would have simply come back here to sell everything and pack the rest and go back.
Costa Rica is our next exploration, we are planning for next December. In the meantime, I guess I’m doing a little like what Rob did, reading everything I can on Costa Rica and be as informed as I can. That’s how I came about your book and when I saw the title, my wife said “Honey, this is exactly the book for you!”.
You mention in your reply that you needed a place where you could live for 1000$ a month. Has that worked out for you in Costa Rica?
As much as I love nature (Thailand was so amazing for that, not to mention culture), I need to be close to the beach, I want to see and if possible hear the water. I’m assuming being that close to the beach on a budget of 1000$ must be impossible, but I’d greatly appreciate your opinion.
Just finished your book 5 minutes ago. I couldn’t believe you writing about the sea containers, as my wife and I have been talking about that precise option for the last month! (not ready for the toilets with no water though!!!)
So I wonder, are you still renting or have you built now? This info might be on your page, as I haven’t read everything yet. But if it is, I apologize for asking, I’ll eventually find it.
Again, thank you for your book. What I loved the most about it was how down to earth and realistic it was. I’ve caught myself too many times daydreaming that moving South would be all fun and games and relaxation without having to lift a finger. I know it isn’t, but I sure appreciated you spelling it out for me, and I’m sure there were other misadventures you haven’t mentioned.
I tend to agree with you when you ask yourself if one can find what you have found elsewhere. I believe one can. I can relate to hitting the pause button. I don’t know if Costa Rica will be the place for us since we’ve never been, but we’ll start finding out later this year. By the way, we were on the fence between Costa Rica and Belize for our next trip. But when I read the Belize comments you wrote coming from Rob, that settled it for us
And thanks to Rob!
Have a great day (was gonna write weekend, but I’m assuming those don’t exist no more for you).
Marc
Wow, thanks so much for taking the time to write. I have not started the building process yet and still rent. Our rent now is ridiculously low, only $150/month. That is not the norm, more like $450-$700 for something by the water. It all depends, but the longer you are here, the more you will hear about good deals and people needing renters.
Funny you mentioned the weekend. You are right, the days blend together in Costa Rica. It’s a nice way to live!! I hope you find your paradise as well, no matter where it is on this planet!!
Thanks Deborah, I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s interesting living here to say the least. Everytime I get aggravated with something, a beautiful bird lands on my terrace or a monkey peaks out from the trees. It’s what Costa Rica will always guarentee you, moments of complete absurdity followed by a moment that takes your breath away.
Just finished reading your book and enjoyed it immensely. I was happy to see that you have a blog and will enjoy reading further about your new life in Costa Rica. And, love the pictures of your “night stalker”, the kinkajou. How did you resist the urge to invite him in, he’s so cute??
I love that little guy. I never even knew one existed before that night. I wish the states had more animals like this, especially ones that try to break in at night!!
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I really did enjoy your book–a sort of “Stephanie Plum goes to central America” feel, and quite an adventure. It’s a fabulous idea to mull over… though I realized I like my life here too much to leave. But for a few months–ohmygoodness!! Heck, now I even want to go to Nicaragua!
But even if I never go–it was fun to go with you!
Deb
My family and I would like to spend a month (June 2012) in Costa Rica. Is there anyway I can communicate with you to ask you where to live, what to bring, etc.
Hello Nadine.. I just wanted to say that I read some of the book on my moms Kindle and it was great what a sense of humor, and the funny part is that its true.. Costa Rica is such a wonderful place, the land, water, air, the people.. The experience was a timeless time that I will always remember.. I’m so proud you and your husband; I hope to someday follow in the both of your footsteps.
Once you move here, you will probably pay around $500 and up for a house. But once you start looking around and asking people, that’s where the best deals are. We were moving to the beach and my husband called a property manager and asked if she knew any great deals. Just happened to know of a couple that rarely use their house and need someone to live there. We didn’t hesitate, met the couple, and they immediately liked us.
It’s a good lesson. Because we didn’t have a lot of stuff to move, we could jump at the opportunity. But if you came down, I bet you could find a place for around $350-$400 a month. I have plenty of friends who pay about that.
please take a look at my website and tell me if you think i can make a living selling my wares down there in paradise.
I am burned out on the hussel here.
I am an artist / vendor in Texas.
I could close my shop, sell my house, put some of my stuff in storage here and come back for a show or two during the year .
What do you think ?
sincere thanks, Ginger Jo
Please feel free to facebook me @ Ginger Jo Sklavos ,
PEACE.
I hope you got my response, I sent it privately. I do think you can do it down here, I would just check out some areas first. I am sure the artists here can give you a lot more advice.
Hey, could you put up a FAQ, a how-to? Especially where the Ticas are concerned! Do you have to be a “comfortable” foreigner, or are they as “open” as Gaugin’s Tahiti beauties??
Great website. My wife and I will be traveling to Costa Rica. We have never been before and we’re excited about the trip. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?
Please let me know if it would be appropriate to ask you about the country?
Absolutely. Hopefully I can help you. I fell in love with this country and eventually moved here in search of a different way of life. I definitely found it!
I’m so happy you emailed me. I lost your email with the recent death of my previous computer:(. So nice to to hear from you and see this great blog you have set up!!! You go girl!!!! I love it!! I missed your stories…thanks for thinking of me! Please give my regards to your hubby Rob!
You guys are my heros. I am planing a trip to CR this May any chances that I can buy you guys a dinner and enjoy your company?
Hi! Drop me a line at puravia @happierthanabillionaire.com when you are in the Tamarindo area!
Hi Nadine,
I have been scanning the web for someone who might be able to give us some insights into Costa Rica. My husband and I are keen to relocate to Costa Rica mid 2014 with our three boys who, by then, will be aged 9, 7 and nearly 6. Our idea is to spend 18 months living in Costa Rica and travelling around wherever the wind takes us.
We are from Australia but have been living in Dubai for the past 14 years. We feel as though we need a complete change and to give the kids a sense of the “real world” before we head back to Australia or decide what to do next. We would like to do some charity work but would also like the kids to go to school in Cost Rica and learn Spanish.
We need to figure out where to live that has reasonable schooling and medical facilities. I would prefer to live near to the beach also. I have tried to research places and have read numerous school webistes etc but there is such a lot of information on the web that is conflicting and it is really difficult to make any sort of decision.
We are flying to Costa Rica for a 2 week trip in August this year to have a look around and see what the best options are and hopefully to be able to book the kids into a school.
Do you know of any good relocation agents who can help us and who can give us an idea of what areas to look at and who could organise visits to schools etc. We simply won’t have time to do everything so we need somehow to narrow it down and look at the better options only in our 2 weeks.
Any recommendations you could make on who might be able to help us out would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Shelley
Nadine
I LOVE your books. I have been sending them to various friends and relatives who I know will also enjoy them and maybe even get them motivated to come visit CR. I was there last Summer and fell in love. I am taking my wife and kids in April. We will mostly be staying around Manuel Antonio. Also visiting Poas Vocano. Am thinking that it would be fun to move the family down for a few years. I am mostly looking at MA and the Central Valley because of access to schools. We lived in Europe and Dubai for 10 years and it has been a bit of a reverse culture shock coming back to the US. We miss the expat lifestyle. CR fits well for us now because we have family obligations in the US and its so close. We live in Denver which has a direct 5.5 hour flight. Keep writing!
Rich
Thanks Rich. This place really seems to fit me. Perhaps I’m an expat at heart!
Hi Nadine!
Thank you so much for your books, I have read both and eagerly await more. My husband and I were in CR last year and this year I am relocating to the Arenal area.
My question (yes, I narrowed it down to just one, for now) is now that you have lived there for a while, is there anything that you did not initially take with you, that you wish you would have? Flashlights, batteries, clothes line, measuring cups, coffee grinder etc.?
I have been reading EVERYTHING I can get my hands on about CR, the good, the bad and the ugly. I love your writing style, sense of humor and honesty. Some of the ebooks I have read are so negative and badly written. One book in particular had me wondering if the author has even been to the country. I also follow several blogs and vlogs to help me make good decisions regarding my choices,, but no one has really covered the ‘dang, wish I would have known’ aspect.
Thanks Nadine! Keep up the great work!
Laura
Hi Laura, I love the Arenal area and will be visiting there again shortly. I can’t say what I wish I had brought because I was able to improvise. Recently, I needed a rolling pin and used a glass bottle. I think I’ve learned to just go without, which in a way, feels pretty good. It makes me concentrate on all the other aspects of “living”. Stuff tends to weigh you down, even the stuff that you find necessary.
Have fun with your adventures, there are going to be a lot of them!
Hi Nadine,
Just finished your book-loved it! Thanks for the inspiration. I am a teacher and live like a billionaire each summer-for 15 years now. I am author of the book “Summers Off-the worldwide adventures of a schoolteacher” which depicts some of my most memorable times while traveling (including Costa Rica). I plan on living your lifestyle in just a few short years. Thanks for reminding me it is possible, and giving me a little more encouragement. I look forward to another book from you.
Enjoy,
Peace,
Larry
Thanks Larry for stopping by. My mother is a teacher so the profession is dear to my heart. I have another book coming out in a few weeks. There is always something to write about…especially when my husband keeps doing dopey things!!
Thanks to your terrific book, I and my adventurious wife and kids are seriously considering transitioning to Costa Rica. We’re in our early 40s our kids just turned 13. We would have to go rentista status and I’m wondering if you know if after depositing 60k into a CR bank and we were initially only in-country for 4-6 months out of the year if we would only have to do the monthy conversion into Colones the months we were in-country? Also wondering if you have ever run into any registered nurses who make their way as Costa Rica residents by flying back periodically to the States to work for 3-5 months and live out the rest of the year in Costa Rica?
rest year in Costa Rica? come back to unwind and live come.back to
Thanks for purchasing my book. It’s been such an incredible journey, I’ve never looked back and so happy I took the risk to do this.
As for residency requirements, you always have to convert your money every month regardless whether you are in the country or not. I don’t know of any nurses that do that, but sounds like an interesting job! Wouldn’t it be something if more professionals could do that, work some part of the year in the office, then do the rest in another country.
Hi. I finished reading your book a few days ago. I’ve never read an informative yet totally hilarious combination of a true story before. What a creative writer you are! My husband and I have researched Costa Rica and are interested in the Caribbean side – south of Limon. Do you have any recommendations or contacts? Thank you!
Hi Eric, I have a friend named April who works out at The Lotus Gardens in Puerto Viejo. She is great and probably can help you. I love it out that way, the best snorkeling in the country. Plus lots and lots of sloths!!
http://lotusgardencr.com/blog/
Without a doubt, I will be reading your books! We are planning a visit, but wondered if you knew of a genuine guide that does not have a vested interest. We are looking at retiring there, so any information is most helpful. Thank you so much!
Sorry Misti, don’t know of any guides. We just came here on our own and traveled around. But if I hear of anyone I will check back and let you know!
check out Tim at http://www.therealcostarica.com
Thanks Michele!
OMG! Just finished your book. Fantastic. I’ve lived in Playa Conchal for 8 years and it is all so true and funny. Have lived all the experiences (except the bat cave) and even more. Although it is not for everyone the decision to retire there was one of the greatest ones my husband and I ever made. Kudos to you for putting it in print.
Thanks Jean! I love Playa Conchal…one of the prettiest beaches here. I’m happy that you had a similar experience to mine. There may be some obstacles, but with the right attitude…anything can be funny!
I found some of this very entertaining. I have lived in Costa Rica for over six years. Is it possible you stretched the truth a little???? Just to make the story better?
LOL…no…they are true. I’m surprised you think that after living here. I’m sure you have lots of funny stories as well. There is nothing more humorous than sitting with a bunch of gringos about the crazy obstacles they face here. It makes for a very amusing evening!!
When I wrote the book, I decided to put it all out there, every embarrassing moment that most people would never admit to. But I think that’s what makes life so interesting. It’s a scary thing to land at night in a country where you don’t know the language and only have a couple suitcases of your belongings. Little did I know that night was going to start a wonderful journey.
Just finished your book on my iPad. Glad you mention the good the bad and the ugly! Have always wanted to live overseas. Am a single gal in my 50′s. A little concerned about safety. My friend who lived there says she knew people who had the windshields of their cars stolen right out of the vehicle! She insists that I should not go there. Despite that advice I am still considering a move
Need a change. I just spent a year with serious health problems and a simultaneous layoff from my job. Not sure if my health issues would keep me from getting residency. Considering CR since I’m a Spanish medical interpreter-hoping I can find work escorting traveling patients or something else along those lines. I’m also a certified teacher of Spanish and English to Speakers of Other Languages. Would like to find an attorney or more legal info about residency and work. Have some savings, but read I may need to invest $200,000 to get residency if I cannot prove a passive income of $1000/mo. That is more than I can afford. Really feel the need to leave the US due to the high cost of medical care and insurance. Have heard wonderful things about the healthcare system there. Any specific advice for me? Contacts? ¡Mil gracias!
Hi Ex-Pat Wanna-Be. Thanks so much for purchasing my book. It’s been a blast living here and it’s fun to write about all those embarrassing and challenging moments. As for the windshield story, sounds about right. I’m not sure if there is more or less petty theft here, the difference is you really don’t have much recourse. Police take a while to show up as opposed to in the states where they will come very quickly. So that is a big change living here.
Residency laws are always changing. This just came into effect in March for rentistas (people who are not yet of SS age): The new requirement is that applicant must prove the ability to receive $2,500 monthly income for 24 months (2 years), instead of the 60 months (5 years) mandated under the prior requirement. The income can be proven by a bank letter stating the applicant has an account with a balance of at least US$60,000.
If you can get residency, then your health care would cost around $50/month. It’s worth looking into and visiting different areas of the country. What was nice about Grecia was that I was near lots of hospitals. Now that I’m at the beach, I have to go much further. I would start there.
Loved the book. Burned through it in a day. My wife fell in love with Costa Rica on a college trip. we are both health care professionals and have been working on the logistics of creating a life in CR.
Pura Vidal!
Mitchel
Thanks for dropping by! I hope you find this site informative, splashed with the silliness of living somewhere and having no clue what’s going on around you. And the funny thing is…I’m the happiest I’ve ever been!
I’m anxiously awaiting your next book! I gave my mother a copy of Happier Than a Billionaire for Mother’s Day and she loved it. Even better….my son read it and he’s not a reader! We are so pumped for our upcoming trip! Thanks for letting us live vicariously through your adventures.
Thanks Robin, I’m finishing up the second one as we speak. I’m glad you enjoyed my adventures! If you have a good sense of humor, and a lot of patience, Costa Rica is a great place to live.
I have read much about Costa Rica and want to go down to see the country – with the idea of retiring there (I am 62 on US SS only); I speak very little Spanish and have a fixed income – what areas of the country can someone recommend i look in that would be near a decent sized city and include an english speaking populace?
Some areas that i have looked into include Santa Ana, Escazu maybe even Liberia.
Would like to be near San Jose only for the possibility of medical care – am i wrong on that?
Everyone says you can live there much cheaper than the US -but i just don’t sense that from the reading I have done – can I really find a place to rent that is nice for 500 a month near or in one of these cities?
Any comments would be appreciated……
“Everyone says you can live there much cheaper than the US” — that statement needs to be clarified. You can live cheaply here if you ALSO live simply. IMHO, I would not recommend someone to move here whose primary goal was to save money; you’ll be disappointed. Panama is probably a better choice. Pura Vida
I agree. Many people end up living near Escazu, and it is very expensive to live there as opposed to other parts of the country. I never lived in Panama, so don’t know what to say about expenses. I visit there often, but that really doesn’t mean anything in regards to cost of living. I do have friends there and their budget it similar to mine.
Areas like Santa Ana and Escazu are more expensive than other area of the country. I’m not sure what rent goes for there, I do know that it wasn’t unusual to rent a house for $500 or under in Grecia. I would explore Atenas and San Ramon as well.
These areas are all near San Jose and some major hospitals so you are close to medical care.
The cost of living in Costa Rica is very complicated!
If you are looking to live near a town that has no industry or commercial and that means no movie theaters you could live cheap. If you want a normal life and be able to work and live near shopping, schools, and the normal life than it is very expensive.
Many people think Costa Rica is cheap but in realty it is more expensive in the normal day to day living. Gas is above $5.0 a gallon, private schools for you children are at the lowest of $400 a month and to get a number 1 combo at Mc Donalds is over $5.
Costa Rica’s base economy is growing because of major companies such as Bosten Sci, Medtronics, Amazon, HP and the list goes on. Because of this most Costa Ricans’ live in the central valley and that is where the jobs are. On the beaches it is mostly tourist and that is not where the jobs are now a days.
But if you include the cost of medical insurance and taxes than Costa Rica is cheap. You can get private health insurance for $1,200 a year and be able to go to the private hospitals.
What ever you do if you plan to come to Costa Rica to live, have a job where you are being paid in the U.S. and work from the home. Don’t expect to find a job here making $3,000 a month because even the big companies are paying $1,000.
Thanks for the fun and thought provoking read : )
I’m also lucky enoughto be married to a woman who missed her calling as a stand up commedian. High five Rob!
I just relayed the message and Rob did not high five me. I’m not sure he has yet to embrace my sense of humor, especially when it involves writing stories about him!
I just finished your book–very funny and thoughtful. Made me want to sell everything, pack up the kids, and move. I’ve spent considerable time abroad on my own and would like to get the family on board for something drastic. That’ll have to wait until I figure out how to make my fortune.
I do have a confession to make, though. Even though you described your appearance, I kept picturing you as a short woman of Asian descent with thick black hair. Don’t ask me why. I feel like a total doofus now that I’ve seen your picture–good thing I am perfectly comfortable as a doofus!
Since this is the internet, I guess I can be anything…however, I’m unsure why tall, sultry blonde was not on your list. Because, in my head, that is how I was supposed to be born.
Good luck with your next adventure. I believe there are many more like us, people who want to try out different cultures and see what else this world has to offer. Life is to short to stay in one square mile the rest of your life. And the world is too beautiful to miss any of it.
Very nice blog Nadine! I have ordered the book and am very exited from what I’ve seen. I hope one day I could move to Costa Rica since I’m single! I have also planned a holiday in San Jose! Thank you for inspiring me! You are very helpful warning me with your humer and facts about these animals. Thank you,
Becky R.
That awesome Becky. I’ll keep writing about my adventures here, and I’m sure they will include many more wacky animal stories.
Just finished reading your book (Purchased off Amazon). Although we are already committed to the move and will make our second trip im May, your book had me in stitches with reality humor what more could you ask for? MY wife work in CR for two years developing educational software and has many Tico friends which should make our transition a little smoother than yours, but I am sure not all will be without some mishaps. When they occur I will think back to your experience and hopefully have a big smile on my face. Thanks
Thanks so much Rey. Your transition should go much smoother than mine. I did not know anyone here so really had to learn some things the hard way. Having some friends here to advise you will make things so much easier!
I was looking for a good book to read about Costa Rica and found your book. After reading the great reviews I had to purchase it. I can’t tell you how silly I looked laughing out load, but I couldn’t help it. My plan is to move to Costa Rica after retiring from my horrible government job, hopefully I make it to retirement, lol. We will be in Tamarindo CR in June, can’t wait. Looking forward to reading your next book.
You are the best Sandra. Good luck with your adventure as well…one day you’ll be sipping a pina colada on one of these beautiful beaches!
Just finished your book, will be purchasing several to give as gifts this year for Christmas! What a “hoot”! My husband and I are divers and have been putting a bit of thought into moving to Costa Rica ourselves, in about 10 years…but… Your book has shed a little light on what to expect and I am really excited to see how it all pans out. Thank you for giving us all a bit of insight!
Thanks Michelle. It has been a blast living here, and I’m already writing a sequel.
Hello!!
Just finished your book AMAZING! you are so funny! i have extreme wanderlust and your book helped bring me to another world for a short time, it was like crack i would need a fix every now and again and in between chasing my kids i would grab your book and read as much as i could!
how bout writing another one??
Thanks for purchasing my book and I’m glad I could provide you a few giggles along the way. I am working on another one, hoping to get it done within the year. Always something funny to write about here, especially with all my husband’s wacky ideas.
Hello Nadine,
I just finished your book and could not wait to tell you how much I enjoyed it. I laughed out loud so many times. Thank you for this bit of pleasure. I will share it with my friends and family.
I was introduced to your book by your friend Jackie, from York, PA. She told me your story one day while we were having lunch and I knew I had to read your book.
Hope I can vacation there one day and see your beautiful sites and taste the fresh coconuts. Please keep me posted of any new books.
Regrads,
Sandy Green
Jackie is such a good friend, thanks Sandy. I love to share my experiences about living here. It’s been crazy at times, but also a lot of excitement. I think I missed that most while in the office, just doing exciting things. Unfortunately, some of my exciting things are no water or electricity. But oh well, I’ve learned to adjust and go with the flow.
Nadine, I just finished your book and I really enjoyed it. A very good read and you have a great sense of humour.
I have been living outside Canada now for about 9 years in Southeast Asia. I can relate to many of your feelings and experiences, especially in the early years, as I guess it is pretty normal to go through a huge emotionaly adjustment when one moves to a foreign country. But for me, those special feelings wore off a few years ago and I actually enjoy going back home more now that ever. It’s funny how it took time away from home to actually fully appreciate it, so we’re talking about moving back. Makes me think of a good friend of mine who has travelled to over 50 countries and he has lived in several. I asked him once what he ‘learned’ from all his travels, and he humourously said, “Where ever you go, there you are”. I laughed, but I but I think he is right…..perhaps we all need to be reminded to bloom where we’re planted from time to time. However, I wax philosphical and that’s enough of that.
Hope the magic of CR keeps working for you….
All the best.
Cheers,
Martin
Thanks so much Martin. It’s wonderful to travel and experience different cultures. Adds so much spice to life.
My boyfriend has wanted to move out of the US for many years now. My brother has been to Costa Rica and loved it. So my boyfriend saw your book and read it, he laughed almost all the way through it. So I had to read it too. I laughed just as hard. We will be there in August for a week. We’ll be in Samara and Tilaran, they are two place we may think of moving in 4 yrs. We have to get to that age we can get our SS and 401 K’s to live off of. Can’t wait to see so many new things. I want my toes out od shoes all year round. I have always loved the beach and hope to be near one when we move. I’m guessing we will marry before we come because I have been divorced as he also has and there is a lot o paper work to get married there. But life is good for now and can’t wait to be there in 163 days!!!! Again great book and love the blog! Keep the sun shining and maybe see you in August!!!
How wonderful Robin. I can hear your excitement jump off the page as I’m reading your post. I love the Samara area, the beaches are incredible and that Carillo beach might be the prettiest one in the country. Good luck to you!
Yes we are so excited to be heading there for a week maybe the rest of my life. We will be staying at the Tree House Inn and it looks so peaceful! They say that Carillo is the prettiest beach in the country in all the guide books. We really enjoy your stories. When is the next book coming out? Can’t want to read more of your fun life! Have a sushine day!
Loved the book, had me laughing outloud more than once. I’m retired and thinking of CR as an affordable place to live. However being a “Northerner” I’m a little concerned if I could deal with the bugs. Was that a problem with you folks?
Well, Costa Rica is buggy, there is no way around it. But it really doesn’t bother me. Sometimes you get some bugs inside the house, but not too much.
There is so much beauty around me, mostly because there still is a lot of nature left here, that I welcome the bugs. If that means I get to have monkeys in the trees and parrots in the air, I will take the occasional scorpion or ant!!!!!
The offset of bugs is the number of creatures that eat bugs and keep nature in balance. Insects can be annoying but most are just wandering around. A house toad or two, and a bat and a cuyeo are fun to watch. As I recall, the northern states set the record for zancudos (mosquitos).
I agree Tom. The insects are fascinating here, and the reason I get to enjoy so much wildlife is because there still is an ecosystem around me. I love going into the backyard and staring into the flowers and plants to see what’s hidden in there. So many incredible critters, with deep metallic hues of greens and blues. It’s like my backyard has turned into my own playground.
Just wanted to say that i loved your book and pictures. Went to costa rica last august and had the best time of my life. Can’t wait to go back. It is the most magical place..never felt happier or healthier. I plan on retiring there.
Thanks Christine! It’s been a wonderful experience and hope to have many more years here. Please do come back….there is a sunset waiting for you!!
I feel I have to pipe in as many people seem to be in “Pura Vida” bliss. CR is not the exotic place most have heard of. I have traveled to 32 countries and lived in Colombia, Ecuador and CR. CR has to be in the top 3 most expensive places I’ve been to. More expensive than Monaco, excluding rent. The only cheap things in CR are bananas, medicine and pineapple. Coffee is expensive and of low quality. If it has a motor or a plug, expect to pay 200-350% more than U.S. prices. Nearly everything is imported, and local brands are a monopoly, expensive, and of inferior quality.
I can talk for days about the horrible everyday conditions, but I will give a short list of some more memorable experiences…
Apt. building was taken over by three gun wielding thugs after they cut through 3 security locks at 5pm. They brought us to the back of the building and put us on the floor with guns to the back of our heads. Not cool. Stole over4k worth of stuff from me alone. Police came 3 days later after two trips to the OIJ office. One agent dusted for prints for 5 mins, then left.
My lawyer of 3 years somehow managed to alter my corp. books and put himself as a signatory on my bank account and pulled a debit card in his name!!!!! (It was discovered before anything was stolen)
Hey,
I just read your book (in two days..by the way) and wanted to say you are a HUGE inspiration. I have been traveling on my own for about 4 years, with the personal belief of needing to leave the country at least once a year, by any means necessary. I went to Costa Rica (Pacific side, Playa Hermosa and Coco area) in 2009 and it was really cool to hear you talk about the places I visited! I loved Costa Rica for a lot of the reasons you expressed in your book. The simpler way of life, and have always fantasized about just packing a bag and making it work there. Reading your book was a great way to live vicariously through you! You made me think along those lines again, and I wanted to thank you for that. You rock, just thought I should publically mention that! Thanks for such an amazing read!
Thank you so much Natalie. As you already know, this country is so beautiful. And the people have been nothing but friendly to me. It’s an interesting thing when you travel, to release your prejudices and see different things without the filter of the place you are from. Once you are able to do that, travel opens your heart and makes this planet such an incredible place.
I am much like you. I see places on TV and say, “OH lets go!”. I want to experience it all. And I am so lucky I get to live everyday in a place that allows me to live my dream.
Just finished your book and loved it. My husband and I spent a week in Costa Rica several years ago, and reading about the roads with the potholes (we thought our rental VW was going to get swallowed up!) and your night at Arenal brought back lots of memories. You’ve done something I have always wished I could do. I’m in my late 60′s now but still dream about escaping to a Latin American country. Love your blog and will continue reading about your adventures. Thanks so much.
The potholes are legendary, they stay with you forever. Maybe that should be my next book…Lost in a Pothole.
Yes folks, they get that big. I should invest in a flare gun.
I just finished your book and have to say what a laught it is. My partner and I spent a few weeks in Dominical… Renting a house and I can relate to a few of your stories. Best experience was having my hair highlighted…um… Striped is more like it and for the next two weeks local people looked and me and asked “Tica?” and then went off on a tangent of Spanish. What a great country!!! Can’t wait to return.
That’s so funny. I once had mine done and it lookes like Tony the Tiger. I bet you could relate to my stories. It’s always funny getting together with other gringos and sharing these tales we accumulate.
I’m reading your book on iBooks…it’s awesome! Me and my husband are considering a similar move to Costa Rica, so finding your story has given some excellent insight and inspiration!
Thanks for checking it out. I hope you come on down and see for yourself. Perhaps you will not go back!!
Just finished your book. Loved it! In November, 2009, we sold everything, I quit my job in Wisconsin and moved to Mazatlan, Mexico (about 10 years before retirment age for me). There are many similarities with our experiences. I’m glad I found your blog and will check in often! I often wonder if your summer is as hot and humid and miserable as it is here? Keep enjoying life!
Pam
Thanks for purchasing my book. I bet you could relate with so many of the stories. The summers here are hot at the beach, but when I lived in the mountains, they were wonderful. Still trying to get used to the heat but I suppose it’s the trade off for all these lovely beaches.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and come back soon!
I just finished your book on my Kindle. I’ve been”wintering” in Fiji for the last 10-12 years 2-3 weeks at a time. Mostly because of my hostel type accommodations there (search Tubakula Resort) . Costa rica seems different yet familiar but I need a place that isn’t a resort to stay. Suggestions ??
Thanks for purchasing my book. Fiji must be wonderful, it is on my hitlist of places I want to see. I check out the accomodations and believe you can find something similar here in Costa Rica. I’ll have to think of a place, but there are equal number of low cost places as are resorts. Since this is a surfers paradise, they are known to not have lots of money. So all these little places open up catering to people on a budget. If I hear of one in particular with good reviews, I’ll post it.
I found this great website called airbnb that is highly rated in various media outlets and have booked my stay in Costa Rica using this resource. We found the most amazing treehouse to stay in that is very inexpensive and near the sights that we want to see. I recommend checking out this site and I will let you know how our stay was when we return late next month.
I’ve been putting together an itinerary for a trip to Costa Rica this spring and have done lots of research. I’ve been using hostelworld.com to research budget accommodations for my trip and have found lots of places for $10 to $20 a night in Jaco, Quepos, and Dominical, which are places I intend to visit. Give it a try. You can choose dates, check availability and even book right there on the site.
Pura Vida!
Love it, thanks for sharing.
Hi Nadine,
We are on week 3 of living in Huacas, got our SUV all legal and I just finished the book on my Nook. I laughed so hard, I woke John up! I can’t wait to share it with my sister in PA who thinks we’re completely nuts. You are 100% right about the way things are here….hummingbirds, butterflys and potholes all in the same moment. Thanks for writing the book and setting the path.
Thanks for reading my book. People must think you are nuts….they have to….or else this journey of yours would not be so momentous. I’ve learned that the more people think I have lost my mind, the better my life turns out. Maybe it is all about taking chances. And sometimes those chances means saying the hell with it, packing up, and moving south.
Just read your book while on a beach vacation to Destin, Fl; so you made my vacation a whole lot more fun. I too would like to sell it all and move to an island (North Shore, HI in my case). Your book and webpage are so entertaining to see how you are indeed happier than a billionaire. But part of your book title includes the zero hour work week, and your book never detailed that part of your lifestyle. How does moving to Costa Rica solve the need to work for an income to pay for the fun? Or are you able to live off your non-work income (prior to the book) easier in Costa Rica than in the USA? Congratulations on the book. ..Johnny
Hi Johnny, thanks for reading my book and checking out my blog. When deciding on a different path, we had to find a place where we could live for around $1000 a month and have a nice lifestyle.. That pretty much excluded everywhere in the US. And after selling everything, we figured we could do if for 7-10 years. During that period, we could take our time and figure out the next step. I didn’t want to jump into another business until I learned about Costa Rica and what red tape I would encounter.
So the zero hour work week was how you view your life, your future, when you are not stuck in the office all day. It was like gifting myself a lifestyle withdrawal. Many people would say “aren’t you bored” or “what do you do all day” as if taking time for myself to determine the next part of my life wasn’t of any value. I learned being busy sometimes accomplishes less, and taking moments to find the gratitude in life is more rewarding than anything I ever owned.
I look back over those first few chapters and remember that overworked person. Ungrateful for all the things she had and unable to enjoy the full meaning of life. For me it took this big of a move to refocus and start to appreciate why I am really here.
Good luck with your plans. I hear Hawaii is breathtaking and would love to visit one day, I believe you will get there!!
Hello Nadine,
First of all, thank you for your book, it’s been very eye-opening. I laughed and smiled but what was more important for me was to be able to reflect. Professionally, I don’t think I’m quite at the stage where you were at before quitting your job, but I’m getting there. It’s not as much a desire to get out of this job but more what seems to be a profound need to live a more simple life where there isn’t snow for 5-6 months in a year (I live in Montreal).
We spent 3 weeks in Thailand this past December for vacation but all the while nourishing the idea of maybe moving there one day. If it was not for the distance and, especially language, I think we would have simply come back here to sell everything and pack the rest and go back.
Costa Rica is our next exploration, we are planning for next December. In the meantime, I guess I’m doing a little like what Rob did, reading everything I can on Costa Rica and be as informed as I can. That’s how I came about your book and when I saw the title, my wife said “Honey, this is exactly the book for you!”.
You mention in your reply that you needed a place where you could live for 1000$ a month. Has that worked out for you in Costa Rica?
As much as I love nature (Thailand was so amazing for that, not to mention culture), I need to be close to the beach, I want to see and if possible hear the water. I’m assuming being that close to the beach on a budget of 1000$ must be impossible, but I’d greatly appreciate your opinion.
Just finished your book 5 minutes ago. I couldn’t believe you writing about the sea containers, as my wife and I have been talking about that precise option for the last month! (not ready for the toilets with no water though!!!)
So I wonder, are you still renting or have you built now? This info might be on your page, as I haven’t read everything yet. But if it is, I apologize for asking, I’ll eventually find it.
Again, thank you for your book. What I loved the most about it was how down to earth and realistic it was. I’ve caught myself too many times daydreaming that moving South would be all fun and games and relaxation without having to lift a finger. I know it isn’t, but I sure appreciated you spelling it out for me, and I’m sure there were other misadventures you haven’t mentioned.
I tend to agree with you when you ask yourself if one can find what you have found elsewhere. I believe one can. I can relate to hitting the pause button. I don’t know if Costa Rica will be the place for us since we’ve never been, but we’ll start finding out later this year. By the way, we were on the fence between Costa Rica and Belize for our next trip. But when I read the Belize comments you wrote coming from Rob, that settled it for us
And thanks to Rob!
Have a great day (was gonna write weekend, but I’m assuming those don’t exist no more for you).
Marc
Wow, thanks so much for taking the time to write. I have not started the building process yet and still rent. Our rent now is ridiculously low, only $150/month. That is not the norm, more like $450-$700 for something by the water. It all depends, but the longer you are here, the more you will hear about good deals and people needing renters.
Funny you mentioned the weekend. You are right, the days blend together in Costa Rica. It’s a nice way to live!! I hope you find your paradise as well, no matter where it is on this planet!!
Thanks for writing the book Nadine!
Now I know what I am buying everyone for Christmas!
Thanks Deborah, I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s interesting living here to say the least. Everytime I get aggravated with something, a beautiful bird lands on my terrace or a monkey peaks out from the trees. It’s what Costa Rica will always guarentee you, moments of complete absurdity followed by a moment that takes your breath away.
I bought the book and love it. I am planning a trip. Maybe I can dream about moving there if I like it. Looks and sounds so wonderful.
I hope you do come!! Even for a visit, it is such a beautiful country with so much to see.
Just finished reading your book and enjoyed it immensely. I was happy to see that you have a blog and will enjoy reading further about your new life in Costa Rica. And, love the pictures of your “night stalker”, the kinkajou. How did you resist the urge to invite him in, he’s so cute??
I love that little guy. I never even knew one existed before that night. I wish the states had more animals like this, especially ones that try to break in at night!!
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I really did enjoy your book–a sort of “Stephanie Plum goes to central America” feel, and quite an adventure. It’s a fabulous idea to mull over… though I realized I like my life here too much to leave. But for a few months–ohmygoodness!!
Heck, now I even want to go to Nicaragua!
But even if I never go–it was fun to go with you!
Deb
My family and I would like to spend a month (June 2012) in Costa Rica. Is there anyway I can communicate with you to ask you where to live, what to bring, etc.
Sure. You can email me at puravida (at) happierthanabillionaire.com.
Let me know if what mountains, beaches, wildlife, etc. Costa Rica has it all. (I’m sounding more and more like the tourism board)
love your site and waiting to get there once my home is sold.
Can’t wait for you to join us in down here!
Hello Nadine.. I just wanted to say that I read some of the book on my moms Kindle and it was great what a sense of humor, and the funny part is that its true.. Costa Rica is such a wonderful place, the land, water, air, the people.. The experience was a timeless time that I will always remember.. I’m so proud you and your husband; I hope to someday follow in the both of your footsteps.
I was looking at real estate their and i could not find anything for rent like what you were talking about. could help me out.
Once you move here, you will probably pay around $500 and up for a house. But once you start looking around and asking people, that’s where the best deals are. We were moving to the beach and my husband called a property manager and asked if she knew any great deals. Just happened to know of a couple that rarely use their house and need someone to live there. We didn’t hesitate, met the couple, and they immediately liked us.
It’s a good lesson. Because we didn’t have a lot of stuff to move, we could jump at the opportunity. But if you came down, I bet you could find a place for around $350-$400 a month. I have plenty of friends who pay about that.
please take a look at my website and tell me if you think i can make a living selling my wares down there in paradise.
I am burned out on the hussel here.
I am an artist / vendor in Texas.
I could close my shop, sell my house, put some of my stuff in storage here and come back for a show or two during the year .
What do you think ?
sincere thanks, Ginger Jo
Please feel free to facebook me @ Ginger Jo Sklavos ,
PEACE.
I hope you got my response, I sent it privately. I do think you can do it down here, I would just check out some areas first. I am sure the artists here can give you a lot more advice.
Hey, could you put up a FAQ, a how-to? Especially where the Ticas are concerned! Do you have to be a “comfortable” foreigner, or are they as “open” as Gaugin’s Tahiti beauties??
i like your photo gallery, where exactly in puerto jimenez are you?
I was visiting the area and couldn’t believe how beautiful and unspoiled it was. I will definitely be going back.
Great website. My wife and I will be traveling to Costa Rica. We have never been before and we’re excited about the trip. Would you mind if I asked you a few questions?
Please let me know if it would be appropriate to ask you about the country?
Thanks in advance.
James Hall
Absolutely. Hopefully I can help you. I fell in love with this country and eventually moved here in search of a different way of life. I definitely found it!
I’m so happy you emailed me. I lost your email with the recent death of my previous computer:(. So nice to to hear from you and see this great blog you have set up!!! You go girl!!!! I love it!! I missed your stories…thanks for thinking of me! Please give my regards to your hubby Rob!
Mercedes