In this video we'll be answering the biggest question we've received since we posted our last video "Good Bye Costa Rica?" That question is "Why did you leave?" Enjoy www.YoungBlackExpats.com
I am of color, and have lived in Costa Rica for 6 years. I own a beachfront on the Pacific side. My property tax and corporation tax, is only $600.00 a year! In terms of expenses, it boils down to lifestyle and expectations. If you want a North American lifestyle when shopping in CR, expect higher prices with import duties and taxes. CR recently added a new 13% VAT tax. I know of American and Canadian expats who live in CR merely on social security. I have lived in several countries, and choose to stay in CR. People always ask me why I live in CR, my response is freedom, healthier living, and living with natural flora and fauna. After experiencing freedom, I could never return to The Divided States of America, its police state, racism, inequality and the government's financial shafting. Pura Vida
Hey, Can i message you sometime? I am looking to visit for a few months in the summer and possibly move. Im gathering info, as a POC of course there is an extra layer of that
I greatly appreciated this comment! What other countries have you lived in? I myself am trying to get out of the divided states of America. Bali would be ideal but we are not allowed there at this time.
You guys do so well together!! - You just pick up after each other - not trying to out talk or compete with each other. I can see a lot of harmony and mutual respect and compatibility in this relationship. Thanks for the info...
Thank you for sharing your experience in Costa Rica, it sounds like such a wonderful place to explore. Your videos are super informative and when I watch you guys it feels like I’m talking to family. Hope the two of you are happy and flourishing wherever you go!!
GirlGoneSlightly no one said you hate, person said it's good to see black ppl not hating lol guilty conscious and then someone has a big head on them when they say there universal cause there color to have to think of yourself so highly is mental illness lol just stating facts and Africa failed if you think it's so amazing go lol they have statues where racists blacks go to hate white men no lie look it up it's not grate at all an the only ppl I ever hear talk bout racism are blacks again just stating facts peace
Antking1117. Your thoughts create your environment including the people you'll meet or interact with' it has to do with your own personal thoughts or believe system,you think negative you see negative so if you seek different do different.
I completely understand. I am glad that you've shared your experience. Costa Rica was actually my first extended overseas experience. I loved it. I'm still overseas now so I know what you mean when it's time to move on! Thanks for sharing!
peace family. thank you so much for sharing this. i'm glad you mentioned your intention wasnt to move there forever. i like yall perspective a lot. yall really dropped some knowledge. wow i def preciate it!
Proud of you both for taking the leap and sharing your experience and encouraging others to do the same. Continued success, blessings, and safe travels. 😇
This video is SO inspirational! The title made me think it could be about something negative, but the whole video has been so constructive and positive. Thank you for giving your perspective! I can really relate to wanting to reset from the expensive city life! I feel like this video should be called "Why we moved to Costa Rica". This video gives me lots of motivation to go there so I feel the title gave the expectation like why I wouldn't want to live there.. Anyway love what y'all are doing! Keep it up! Black love, family, traveling life and entrepreneurs is GOALS!! Keep inspiring our community
This was a Beautiful, informative and Reality based video. T'm going to costa rica in a few months and the RESET image really resounded with me. Thank You !!!
Thank you. Your helping change people lives by sharing your story. I am planning to move to a less toxic environment where my daughter and I can be save as people of African decent
Thanks!! My Husband and I are retired! Me early..but my Husband has a Great Pension. We travel a lot. You have convinced us to go to Costa Rica for maybe a month. Sounds like fun!
@@tonypeters3320 Hi! No we haven't gone yet. Spent a month in Europe. It was terrific! Not traveling during this Pandemic...but Costa rica is still on our bucket list for sure in the future!
I thank you for just being adventurous enough to take a chance to live somewhere else besides the United States. You two are an inspiration to those of us who would love to live abroad one day. You are blazing a trail for others to follow. I look forward to more videos. Thanks.
I used to live in the DMV and now reside in Cali (Los Angeles, not Colombia). How do you all get the proper Visas to stay so long in another country (i.e., 3 years in Costa Rica)?
Hey Guys Love both of you. Thanks for the insight. I always wanted to move to Costa Rica but I definitely need the City Space so it looks like Medellin for me.
Gracias for sharing the video about why you decided to leave. I think 3 years in Costa Rica was a great starting point for you. Where ever you decide, I hope it has what you want. Please share more videos when you get settled. Thanks, Julie
Awesome perspective! My wife and I have 3 kids and have been putting in hours of research on possible Latin American countries we could relocate to that would be conducive to raising our children and most cost efficient. Love the 'on the ground' info you guys provide. Keep it coming. Be blessed.
+shawny81 Ecuador was our first choice when we first started looking a month ago. We've now set our sights on Medellin but am leaning towards Playa Del Carmen because of the white sand beaches and beautiful blue Caribbean water.
Thank you! Exactly!! Sometimes we just need to RE-SET! And it's difficult to do in the same environment that you're currently in. Thanks Brotha for watching!
Hey now! I love the knowledge and i love how such a young , black, succefful couple and how intuned with one another you are. I am looking to move abroad with my young family and CR has been on my mind, maybe Limon. Can you give some advice schools for children/ work industries.. and what kind of vista should one apply for, to stay 2-3 years such as yourselves? Thank You Royal Family, Bliss!
Interested in moving my family from Bmore to Costa Rica with my husband and 3 kids... Time to live a better life! Currently saving and getting our business off the ground! Thank you for such an amazing insite in Costa Rica!
A friend and I recently spent a month in CR and Panama. From the first touch down my friend, much to my embarrassment, kept comparing everything to the US and what she is accustomed to. It was a miserable time for her and she came back early. For me, even though some things are obviously different, I really tried to look at cultural differences/customs and appreciate the people, culture and time for what they are in that it is different than 'home', but different doesn't mean bad. I fell in love with all 4 places I was, with the exception of San Jose. I got to talk to some lovely people in SJ, it just wasn't for me. I remember going to Walmart there and ended up paying roughly $8 for 2-1 shampoo. I came back to the states with a very distinct appreciation for slowing down and smelling the roses. :)
My wife and I were wondering about the issue you guys brought up about finances in one of your other videos.You were talking about the trouble you were having with the ATM machines in Columbia. Did you travel with a lot of cash on hand? You mentioned that money was hard to bring into Medellin? We are retirees.Our money's are in direct deposit through our banks.How do we utilize the ATM's in Columbia?
Kenneth Ratcliff Excellent question family!! We have a VERY IMPORTANT video that we have been studying about that people will need to know. But to answer your question directly .... we found an ATM that we use. It's the Citibank ATM. Check with your bank. Let them know what you're doing and where you're going. Usually we find that Credit Unions or smaller banks can't withdraw money here. So be sure to check in advance and make any necessary arrangements prior to coming. Thanks for the question and thanks for your support by watching our vids.
I was thinking about moving to Costa Rica I'm 20 & only have 4,000 to my name but I just don't want to be in the US no more. I'm just scared I won't find a job,
gabby hopkins You should try to secure a job before moving. Check out Amazon, CitiBank and look for teaching jobs. Find a roommate situation, and learn the exchange rates. Take the bus everywhere. Taxis are pricey. And drop the meats to become vegetarian..., These things will stretch your $$.
Young Black Expats International in very interested but I'm concerned about visa and immigration issues/employment also. Can you recommend any websites to look into?
Wow! What a stark dichotomy...the difference between what actually 'feels' free and natural is countered by the stressors of contemporary living -the psychology of which makes it apparently far too compelling and inescapable. On some level, it is sad to me to see that degree of cultural expression, community, and harmony with nature eclipsed by the relentless push-n-pull of the modern economy. Of course, everyone's situation is different as are one's choices in the scheme of it all. Nonetheless, very insightful, thank you so much! Much love and respect to you both for your courage -for even briefly 'stepping outside the box', and for sharing the experiences of your journey.
We did not take our vehicles. We have been taking public transportation the whole time while living abroad. We know other expats that transported their vehicles. It's a personal choice.
I've been researching some places to go and Costa Rica has been one I had been researching. A shame the cost of living has went up so much :( I've heard that Ecuador is nice and still very affordable, but not sure? But glad I came across your site and I look forward to learning new things from your videos and find out where you moved. Peace :)
Canvases and Gifts Shop Hey! I know this is a late follow up. But we were in Spain and we met some Expats that live in and love Ecuador. I've been running into some people from Ecuador talking about how beautiful and affordable it is there. I was strolling through the comments. Thought I'd mention it.
Yep Ecuador is high on my list and beautiful country from the pictures. I'm preparing for a trip next year and visit overseas to make a choice as the research takes you a bit, but really visiting and staying somewhere to experience says everything! Thanks so much for all the helpful info on these countries :)
Hey ya'll! If you want to stretch your dollar and don't mind going to Asia... Thailand - Chiang Mai. Check it out. I went for a month, it has challenges, but it is beautiful, people are friendly and rent is low, low low!
The coolest thing about Central America, is that they actually own their stuff. Basically taxes, HOA, age discrimination, old debt.... won't keep taking from you until they take your house. Meaning, That they day you purchase a Car or House in the United States, is the same day you pay taxes (Inspection fees, HOA) forever on the property. However in most of Central America, you will find that your car once paid, will no longer be subject to a tax, or inspection, or anything used to nickel and dime you, until your death bed. I found that after people who were close to me, after they retired would find themselves being taxed until, they were forced to move by their HOA, or locality taxes. Once that happened they were forced to auction, or sell, or give away all their belongings. Which in the end made them... "quote on quote incompetent or unable to support themselves and they lost it all". The fact that most African Americans especially men, are finding it much easier and beautiful without the need to survive and be treated with love from Police Officers and keep all the things they paid for without extremely high taxes or prejudices that make them feel inferior. While at the same time getting respect, and love from 98% of the people there / here. The other 2% you will find that they are rare but do have their opinion of blacks and other races, however they usually come from the prejudice areas located in remote, or seldom visited areas. With remote work now being sought due to the COVID-19, and more Americans accepting lower pay to live in different parts of the country / and out of the country. I choose to cut my salary from x amount of dollars to one tenth of that. Then pay for all my stuff and actually own it. Get in contact with me. I have lots of business information about Central America, I can get you a 6 bedroom house, 4 car garage, with maid, Buttler, security guard, and decent car/truck. For less than $66,200. Without any kind of future payments to hold you back in life and remove racist people that smile in your face and stab you in your back. 5 Bedroom House 4 Car Garage: $35,000 1 Toyota Tacoma 2015: $15,000 1 Grown Man Butler: $6,000 1 Grown Woman Maid: $5,500 1 Security Guard: $5,200 Office Equipment, Electronics, Furniture, Extra car, and lots of parties will depend on your standard of living. ;)
Mitchell is that You? this Akhira from drivetime> Im so happy for you guys what a greatbexperience for you guys> lovely wife also/ Peace and blessings keep living
American Expat Hey family! Thanks for commenting. It's best for us to have a chat. Follow this link and set up a time that's convenient for you. Chat soon! live.vcita.com/site/mdgmastermind
hey family is it hard to get land and live there for Americans? I'm ready to leave the states and live of the land. was going for Honduras but Costa Rica keeps coming up..
me too! im so ready to leave the states and I keep hearing about Costa Rica....my father is from Honduras so I might actually have some family there....I have to check on that
isn't honduras the death place ? drug gang thing there . people moving out . great place to get killed fast . baddest place in the world i here . warning is all .
+TheSistaWarrior how much should one save before relocating to Central America ? And how does one generate income abroad ? I'm seriously considering leaving the states
+TheSistaWarrior I've been considering Belize , I have a decent paying job here in the states my only concern is when I relocate how would I generate income ,the money I'm saving will only go so far
Your reasoning definitely makes sense. You had to relocate to a place that made you a little more comfortable financially. It's the right thing to do for the betterment of your family. You're also right in your assessment regarding how things are different outside the US. I remember living in London, England (several years ago) and saw how the news in the UK was reported vs the US. The US news is more sensationalized. The UK news is straight to the point without the shock value. Their policing is certainly different than the US. They are also less racially focused than the US, for sure. I loved every moment living there and look forward to going back next year.
+Brandi Smith Thanks for commenting. It is so true! Many things seem to be more sensationalized in the States. But, if you never travel, you would think it's that way all over the world. Thanks for your support.
america is hyperemotional about everything and always intent on reminding everyone of its values of social hierarchy - it's part of being a sick society built on. values of status, power, race and money. even though there are so many dfferent parts and the people are very different everywhere in the US
Lived three years in San Jose as a U.S. Embassy employee. Worst assignment in my career: litter, prostitution, police harassment, houses have no addresses. Panama much better: lower cost of living, better roads, which is why I have a house in Santiago now.
Interesting. Were there black hair salons in Costa Rica? I'm a young black male with Dreads & I'm wondering if Costa Rica had hair salons dedicated for black people...
There were black owned hair salons that catered to the latino community. There may be someone in Puerto Viejo that may be able to keep you tight. But not off my head do I know anyone in particular. One of our brothers that was CR had to keep his own dreads up because of lack of salons. But he was also a barber so he was use to maintaining his own anyway.
lpward90 yes there are... specifically in the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica which is mostly Afro costaricans and the culture is about Rastafarian and reggae...towns like Limon, Puerto Viejo de talamanca,Cahuita or Manzanillo...look it in RU-vid or Google and you can see next to the beach
6:30 I'm wondering though do those other countries offer as much open-mindedness, decent healthcare, expat communities, safety (crime/political stablity?), ecological diversity and environmental progress? Those I feel are pretty unique about Costa Rica.
The VAT there, sucks. Many places charge the 13% plus 10% service charge. And the costs there seemed much higher than I expected. But leaving the corrupt, broken US continues to be my goal...
No. We did not! We only gave birth to our daughter there. So she was born with dual citizenship. And automatically giving us Residency if we chose to live there again.
I gave birth at home with a Midwife. Which was an excellent experience. I used a wholistic Practitioner for aftercare. He was also knowledgeable and professional. I chose a local Public hospital for checkups prior to birth (for the experience). The facilities were clean but Costa Rican style. Slow, they use paper file system vs Computers. And they spoke NO English. Americans may not like it. Costa Rica does have CIMA. Which is an American Style Hospital that most ex-pats utilize. The staff usually speaks English and the Dr usually have obtained there Doctorate in Westernized Universities.
Go to the mainland Africa, Ghana West Africa, less expensive integrating into society, one at a time no need to rush and stress through it especially with couples with kids and thinking about the safety of their family life, you need to start from somewhere safer that suits the family budget and feels more as home away from home
Go to Nicaragua. You get pretty much the same as CR and mich more. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. That means we have the biggest lakes and islands along with the biggest volcanoes and Cathedral churches. Lots of beaches and English-speaking nicaraguans on the Caribbean coast. Top destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling found in Corn Islands. Worldwide famous naturalist painting movement found in Solentiname Islands. Activa lava lake in Volcan Masaya, a rarity worldwide. Colonial cities like León and Granada with lots of history. Nicaragua has been a top destination since California's gold rush in the 1850s. We have an established off-the-beaten-path for foreigners and Travellers alike. Remember, this is where the original Canal was supposed to be not in Panama. Bosawas is the largest rainforest outside the Amazons in the Americas. Nicaraguan laws make it so much easier to start a business and for expats and foreigners to have a job here. CR makes it nearly impossible for foreigners to work. Plus, nicaraguans love travelers and foreigners unlike many Costa Ricans. The difference between us and CR is we have similar standard of living for much, much cheaper. For $1,500 a month you live like a king! Message me or add me on IG @casagardenia22 for more information...
When yall were talking about other countries with lower costs of living I kept thinking yall must be moving to Nicaragua lol. Thats probably because Nicaragua is a place I've been looking at myself.
The infrastructure in Costa Rica is abysmal. Every morning I have to drive my wife (a Tica) to work and it takes anywhere from 35-45 minutes to drive five kilometers. The roads are filled with potholes and many don't even have assigned lanes or any sort of congruency. Driving at night is not recommended at all! The country is safe and the food is great, but like the presenters said, it's very expensive and it's not exactly the paradise that they try to sell you. The cities are old, run down, and in very poor condition, in my opinion. My one cent: find another country. : )
