New member- exploring move to Costa Rica.

I have heard there are incentives to move there.  Is this correct and how do I find out more information about this. 

We're everywhere...  some are on mountains with average daily temps in the 70's range; and some are in valleys that are warmer, and more tropical. And some are even on or near the beaches where it is hot as hell... but you can watch the sun set...  which happens every day. 

Some live 'near' areas that have more 'population' and thus, have the benefits of more amenities... which includes proximity to a hospital;  Do Not Assume that there are hospitals EVERYWHERE in CR... because there are not.  Clinics exist... but are not open every day... and offer no emergency care.  Remember... the ambulance needs to travel TO YOU first... then find you (addresses are void of numbers) and then get you back to the hospital (in tropical rains!!) before you die.  The ambulances do not have medics on board... just a driver.  ???

Rural areas are more authentic, of course... so perhaps, if you want the best of both worlds, live near or just 'outside of' a city or big town to have a great Tico experience and avoid dying from an ingrown toenail; or a mild heart attack. 

Only YOU know YOU... so you must visit... and don't just visit the destinations that are listed on the Tourism sites... expats usually don't live there... but we visit 'there' just like everybody else.

Common sense... make a NEEDS list for having a comfortable and livable 'life' here... and also make a WANTS list...  you're entitled to some fun and luxury... you've worked your whole life for it.

Come on down!!

There are some 'business opportunity' incentives if you are not just looking to fully retire yet.  Talk to a lawyer here for that.

Also... for 'some' expats, but not all, there is the CHEAPER Cost of Living 'incentive'... if you are willing to live more like a Tico... and less like a Foreigner living in their country... but with a comparable lifestyle to what was had before coming here.  Some find that too much 'change' will be a hard pill to swallow... or perhaps, just aren't interested in the 'challenge' of considering a different way of living.  I ask... "Why bother"???  But that is just me.

You can find low-cost real estate here if you aren't stupid enough to think that you'll find bargain basement Ocean Front property; or a $65K house 'deal' in a ritzy gated neighborhood or condo 'enclave' near the beach.  Live where the Middle class and Working class Ticos live.  They live everywhere... urban, suburban, small town, tiny village, low land, mountains, and rural. 

Utilities are cheap... almost laughable.  Save  Save  Save   ($10 water bill anybody???)

'Hired help' can be very very reasonable... just don't take advantage of that... KARMA will find you, or I will.

Groceries are not cheap... but CR grows amazing things to eat... and you can grow some too!!  or buy it locally... that will save you.  It can depend on where you live.

Not uncommon to have a 'local' build your furniture 'needs' ... just provide a drawing or photo and some dimensions (in centimeters of course);  very economical and the local tropical hardwoods are gorgeous.

You can have the locals 'build' for you as well... just get some testimonials or have the 'guy' take you to a house or two that he has built...  generally FAR LESS than hiring a 'developer'... especially if they are from Canada or the States... the CR building practices are very practical and simple.  No basements, no insulation, no triple pane windows, etc.  But you MUST tell them or show them what you want... do not let them design it for you... they tend to live without closets/storage/screens/etc.  they don't understand north American Bathrooms... nor kitchens,  ... they think of that afterwards and it always looks terrible and really quite stupid.  Remember that a good portion of your life WILL BE LIVED OUTSIDE of your house... so outdoor living spaces are just as important as your friggin walk-in closet (which I have and I'm not one bit regretful for having).

I think that when it REALLY comes to 'incentives' ... the main one for coming here is to leave your old life behind and start a new one in this lush green paradise.  At least... for me it was.

Live like the Ticos do.

Pura vida