5 Questions for Expats.

Hi Newt,

Welcome to Expat-blog!

I hope other members will be able to help you.

I wish you good luck
Christine

I will try to answer some of your questions:
For question 1. The answer is a big NO- starting with the boarders of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador I think you will be playing Russian roulette.
For question 2. Absolutely bring your best friend! Any reputable airline can accommodate this.
  I have a dog I just can't leave behind. Has anyone had bad experiences with shipping a medium sized dog? Are dogs relatively safe in CR? Is it difficult getting around with a dog? Is it too stressful on a dog?
3. Where would be the best place to start looking for a small community with good quiet beach and cool mountains nearby?   Good question.
With medical care not too far for emergencies? Away from the touristy areas?

For question 4. Most of my single acquaintances enjoy living in Puriscal.
and living in the  Is it safe for, and are there many single white women who move down and live alone?
Question 5.  Creating your own business is the safest form of employment and it will give you something productive to do and meet people.
My husband is a contractor/builder, what are the prospects like for employment. Do many expats create employment for themselves? 

Hope this helps!

Yes, thanks for the answers. I am happy my dog and single women are safe. I will look into Puriscal.

1. A resounding NO!

2. Many of my friends have brought their pets with no problem.

3. I've lived on the Caribbean side in Puerto Viejo for almost 4 years and I just LOVE it. That would be a very good place to start. The town itself is a bit touristy but there are many places nearby that have everything you need but are out of the tourist areas. I have lots of info about the area on my website: travelexperiencecostarica.com/

4. I am a single woman (56 years old) and I moved there on my own and I live alone. I have never had any safety issues. I have had things stolen, until I learned how to take better care. But that is an issue everywhere in Central America.

5.Yes they do! The best thing to do is have a bit of savings in the bank to get you started and then see what the needs of the community are. There seems to always be a need for a good builder.

Best of luck and have fun! Pura Vida!
Lisa

I brought my 2 dogs with me from the US last year on Continental airlines. They traveled as cargo.It was okay until I went to pick them up. I was then told I must pay $500 ( basically ransom) to get them released. In all my earlier talks with airline personnel this was never mentioned.These officials at the cargo center would not allow me to put the fee on my debit/credit card. They instead walked me to an ATM machine in their building where I withdrew cash. I know in my bones that this was a rip off, but at the time I was only concerned about getting my dogs  released. I hope you can somehow avoid these problems.

Oh my! Howw awful! Has this happened to anyone else?