Would like to become an expat living in Costa Rica

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Member since 19 October 2012

england341Member22 October 2012 17:11:21

Is there any expats living in Arenal that are on this site and could guide me as to where to rent accommodation for a couple of weeks while I check on permanent living in the Arenal area. I was in Arenal in September and absolutely loved the place, people and environment. I am single with college education and a little bit of cash to do with what I want but need guidance from those of you more experienced in the Costa Rican way especially as a single women as a venture. Thank you to any one who can advise. I am thinking of next Spring sometime.

Christine ViP

Member since 29 September 2008

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ChristineViP23 October 2012 06:37:45

42879

Hi england341,

Welcome to Expat.com!

Concerning your accommodation search, you may put an ad in the housing in Costa Rica section.

Do not hesitate to ask your questions on the forum. I hope you get lots of replies.

Christine

england341 Member

Member since 19 October 2012

england341Member30 October 2012 16:44:48

Thank you Christine for your suggestion. I will do just that. I really want to find a way to live and support myself in Costa Rica. But my favorite area is the Arenal area and finding help in a smaller town such as this one is not easy. Thank you:)

MissB New member

Member since 05 June 2012

MissBNew member07 November 2012 00:51:38

You cannot work in Costa Rica until you become a resident. This takes a few years or you can spend lots of money on a lawyer or opening a business. Here is a website for you therealcostarica.com

samramon ViP

Member since 11 January 2011

samramonViP02 June 2014 00:16:32

1338

MissB wrote:
You cannot work in Costa Rica until you become a resident. This takes a few years or you can spend lots of money on a lawyer or opening a business. Here is a website for you therealcostarica.com

Well, yes and no.
You cannot work LEGALLY in Costa Rica until you are a resident, or unless you work on the internet and the home company is outside of Costa Rica.

Sometimes you can find a "situation" where you work for a bed and breakfast or small mom&pop type hotel or bar where they are willing to hire gringos off the books. Just like in the U.S. people sometimes work and get paid cash "under the table".

I'm not advocating breaking any laws, I'm just giving a realistic picture of what some people do.

Many people do work illegally and don't get caught.

Of course if you get caught you can get kicked out and not allowed back in for 5-10 years so it is a risk. Not sure if there are other penalties or not. You can also possibly get a company to sponsor you to work legally in Costa Rica if they need your skills and can't find a Tico to do what you do or if you find someone who is so impressed with you that they will pull for you.

Also unless it is a big company like HP or something, most jobs in Costa Rica do not pay much at all.

In my view the best way for an expat to work in Costa Rica is to find a legit business on the internet, or creating your own business(es) online.

Outlier Legal Services Active member

Member since 30 July 2013

Outlier Legal ServicesActive member03 June 2014 16:17:12

Look up the "Lake Arenal Community" on Facebook. It is a community of expats and they will be able to help you with any specific questions you may have. Good luck!

kohlerias ViP

Member since 05 September 2013

kohleriasViP03 June 2014 17:37:36

1572

You are replying posts over two years old ...

samramon ViP

Member since 11 January 2011

samramonViP05 June 2014 21:31:03

1338

LOL! Thanks kohlerias ! I guess I replied to 2 old threads, then!
Okay, I'll be more careful about looking at the dates!

Outlier Legal Services Active member

Member since 30 July 2013

Outlier Legal ServicesActive member05 June 2014 22:53:47

We did the same

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