@Christopher Howard
American expat in Costa Rica
Forum
17 posts
About me
American
Lives in Heredia, Heredia
Registration: 19 March 2016
Activity
First impressions after moving to Costa Rica by Diksha
Hello everyone, You probably have vivid memories of your first weeks as an expat in Costa Rica. Indeed, moving to a new country is a milestone in someone’s life. Today, we invite you to share with the community how you experienced your ...
Hola David, Research and read as much as you can. Then come and explore the country. It is not for everyone. However, there are many happy expats here. I would not live any place else. I have a network of contacts that can assist you. You may ... Read More
First impressions after moving to Costa Rica by Diksha
Hello everyone, You probably have vivid memories of your first weeks as an expat in Costa Rica. Indeed, moving to a new country is a milestone in someone’s life. Today, we invite you to share with the community how you experienced your ...
Hola Amigos, I moved to Costa Rica 40 years ago and it was a different world then. No internet or modern conveniences. With streaming, cable TV, Internet telephone connections, private postal services and slew of products form the US, life here is ... Read More
Language barriers in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Costa Rica. What is the official language in Costa Rica, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is it possible ...
Con mucho gusto Read More
Language barriers in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Costa Rica. What is the official language in Costa Rica, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is it possible ...
Hello Priscillla,. Here are the answers to your questions about Spanish in Costa Rica First, Spanish is crucial for anyone who plans to live here. The minimum is a survivor level Spanish to handle most daily situations expats will encounter. ... Read More
Finding your bearings in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, While technology has definitely helped us navigate ourselves more easily in most countries, it's not the case everywhere. How do you get to your destinations and navigate yourself in Costa Rica? Do you use gps systems such as ...
Hola, Waze and Google Maps are perfect for getting around Costa Rica, especially in the cities. Christopher Howard Live in Costa Rica Read More
Doing a conference on moving or relocation tours by Mizz Pear
Hi Everyone, I'm in the process of planning a trip there in Aug and will definitely be looking to move ASAP when I return! I've never been, but have been researching for yr. So much info it's overwhelming & I procrastinate! You ...
You won't regret your choice. Christopher Howard Read More
The nightlife scene in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, Having access to a good nightlife scene can be a determining factor for many expats upon choosing their next destination. Tell us more about the nightlife in Costa Rica. In Costa Rica, what is the nighlife culture like: is it common for ...
Hola Amigos, Nightlife abounds in Costa Rica, espcially in the Central Valley. There are dancehalls, bars, restaurants, concerts, theaters and a whole lot more. Here are some of the main spots to find entertainement: Barrios Escalante, Barrio ... Read More
How to discover the cultural scene in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello, Moving to a new place and learning about the culture goes beyond adapting to customs and traditions. The art scene (music, art, literature, and cinematography) is also a big part of discovering a new country. What are the best ways to ...
Costa Rica has a thriving art scene. When I moved here almost 40 years ago it was small. But things have changed, expecially around the metropolitan area. Costa Rican film makers have made several very highly-acclaimed movies. Art galleries ... Read More
Retiring in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in Costa Rica? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are ...
Hello Everyone, Actually, I moved to Costa Rica in 1980 and was too young to retire at the time. I had to make a living so I founded a language school that I ran for several years. I had a career change and began to write books about living and ... Read More
Recognition of foreign qualifications in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Were your professional qualifications recognised in Costa Rica? What country did you complete your qualifications in? What profession are you in? Did you have to go through any formalities to get your qualifications recognised, ...
In order to work here legally you have to have a type of residency called "Residencia Libre de Condiciones." If you are a profesional like a doctor,for example, you will have to take some exams in Spanish and do a year of social service in order to ... Read More
Doing a conference on moving or relocation tours by Mizz Pear
Hi Everyone, I'm in the process of planning a trip there in Aug and will definitely be looking to move ASAP when I return! I've never been, but have been researching for yr. So much info it's overwhelming & I procrastinate! You ...
Property prices in Costa Rica by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Finding affordable housing in Costa Rica is number one priority for newcomers. Tell us more about the estate market in your district/city/region. What are the most desired places to live? What are the most affordable ones? What ...
Heredia, Costa Rica Hola Amigotes, I have lived in Costa Rica since 1980 and have written several books about living here including one about real estate. I have also been a real estate investor here. What are the most desired places to live? If ... Read More
Are you happy in Costa Rica? by Priscilla
Hello everyone! According to the 2016 UN World Happiness Survey, Denmark, Switzerland and Iceland are the happiest countries on earth. How about you? Are you happy in Costa Rica? Do you feel happier today in your host country than before in ...
I have lived here for almost 40 years. Moving here was the best choice I ever made in my life. The country is NOT perfect but a lot better than most places in Latin America. I visited every country there before I decided to move to Costa Rica in ... Read More
Is Tap Water in San José safe Drinking water? by Daniel_T
Is all of the tap water in San José safe to drink?
I have lived in Costa Rica for almost 40 and the water is safe to drink almost everywhere in the country including San José. —unlike Ecuador, Nicaragua and Mexico. Christopher Howard liveincostarica.com Read More