The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica as well as a partial compilation of reading and sources of information...
1. If I have a fixed income of between $2000 and $4000 per month, can I live comfortably in Costa Rica?
yes, without a doubt. Many people live comfortably in Costa Rica on only their Social Security..
2. How much would it cost to build or buy a 2-3 BR house with perhaps an acre of land...in a safe area away from a major city?
Approximately $75,000 to $150,000 depending upon
location and amenities ( 12-1500 sf ). Our house,
excluding land, cost around $80,000 and our very first home , built in 2002, cost us around $40,000 in construction costs. Rustic cabinas or smaller homes can cost well under $40,000.
3. Is living in Costa Rica safe for Americans or Canadians?
yes...there is petty crime but violent crime is very very rare.
4. Is the water safe to drink?
water quality is better than almost any other country in the world.
5. Are the utilities, i.e., electric, telephone, readily available and reliable?
As good as in the States or Canada
6. Do I have to give up my citizenship to live in Costa Rica?
No...you can apply for Residency , which allows you certain special privileges and allows you to stay in the country beyond the 90 day period, which is the longest a visitor without special papers can stay in the country ( the country must be exited for 72 hours
before re-entering.
7. Will I feel like a "fish out of
water"?...especially since I don't speak Spanish?
It depends upon your personality. We speak poor Spanish and manage to communicate quite well. There are a large number of Ticos ( Costa Ricans ) who speak English ...so your "charade" skills will come in handy. A lot of your comfort level is an individual
thing. it is what you make it. Costa Ricans are
among the friendliest people in the world and will bend over backwards to make visitors feel comfortable.
8. How are the roads? I have heard that they are
horrible.
most roads are equivalent to the States or Canada...there are some areas where the roads are seldom fixed and slow driving is recommended. There is a decided lack of major roads or highways and those that are there, are crowded.
9. Are the banks safe? Can I have my pension or Social Security sent to Costa Rica?
yes, the public banks are insured. Most retirees have their funds deposited in the States and then draw on it thru their bank in Costa Rica or through a local ATM.
10. What about the doctors...the
dentists...chiropractors...veterinarians? The hospitals?
The medical profession in Costa Rica is excellent as are all the professional services. The mortality rate is better here than in the States or
Canada as is the life expectancy. Unlike other
countries, Costa Rican doctors are not part of HMOs or governmental controls...they practice medicine the way
it was practiced in the 50s. Dentistry here is the
same...superb and inexpensive...the same quality or better costs about 25% of Stateside.
11. What is there to do in Costa Rica?...
well , for starters about 25% of the country is
national parks . The country contains several
volcanos, mountain ranges, literally dozens of different microclimates, several mountain ranges, several rivers suitable for rafting, some of the world's best birdwatching, jungles, rain forests, cloud forests, and of course, two oceans...and much
much more. Much more than you will ever visit or see
in your lifetime. And it is gorgeous! ( and to top
it off, the people are among the friendliest in the
world!)
These are just a few of the most common questions and answers by those thinking of retiring or relocating to Costa Rica? We have listed below several books which are strongly recommended reading for a more in depth look at the country...as well as a local website with no hidden agenda.
The New Golden Door to Retirement & Living in Costa Rica (2007 ) by Christopher Howard
Living Abroad in Costa Rica (2004 ) Erin van Rheenen
Choose Costa Rica for Retirement (2006) John
Howells
...and for those who like to "surf the net" ...
www.therealcostarica.com and of course, our own
website ( which is real estate oriented..but much more information can be gleaned from it ).. www.cr-home.com
|
