I purchased a condo on the Pacific side of Costa Rica (Ocotal) 13 years ago. It was a 5 minute walk to one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere in the world. The very next morning, I met a Tica, Jenny, who became the love of my life. It was the best part of my life getting to know her, her family and friends. Jenny was an air traffic controller, me, a retired flyer for the USAF. We spent the next 13 years traveling and just loving life. I was beyond grateful for the life we shared and the way Jenny helped me to understand the ways here in Costa Rica. If I did not have Jenny in my life here in Costa Rica, I would not have stayed. So, the point is, every decision is unique...as Jenny used to say, attached to nothing and open for everything. She passed away from brain cancer 2 months ago. I pray all of you will be encouraged to heed Jenny's words.
I have been in Costa Rica 6 years. There is no way I could live virtually anywhere else where the view of the pacific ocean and my home was in my grasp. Plus the people of Panama are not nearly as nice and kind as Costa Ricans. The government is the MOST stable in all of Latin America. The doctors are great. I am really sadden by your assessment. You need to do more homework. There is a lot that goes into retirement other than tax breaks. I am a Pensionado and yes I did not get the breaks of 20 years ago. It is still so much cheaper than the Us. Yes you have to deal with dirt roads. I have chosen to live in a jungle. I do not want a highway everywhere. I didn't come here to get rich, I came here to be content and at peace. That I have found in Costa Rica.
You say she should do more research, but she didn't lie with anything she said, did she? You yourself agree that the Pensionado system isn't like it used to be and the roads are bad. You have chosen to live in a jungle. GOOD FOR YOU! The average person expects to drive and therefore expects well maintained roads. She's providing valuable information by telling us you're not going to get that in Costa Rica. Honestly, I don't know why you're upset. You love Costa Rica, great. If it were me, I'd want less people to show up and she's doing that for you.
@@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403 Well when she described San Jose she said "very traffic city?" Not sure what that is. She didn't lie but she described Detroit, New York, Dallas, Toronto, Winnipeg, L.A. They have recently changed things to make moving here more appealing and the road system is being improved. It's funny because the people that don't make it here are the ones that want to try and change it or have it the same as where they came from. Also when was the last time this lady has been here? We have plenty of proof Costa Rica has gotten better since we moved down 6 years ago.
I’m trying to come over for retirement but I 😂have to get over the bugs lol 😂took me ten years to get used to Dallas bugs but I definitely don’t want the traffic I travel in daily to be the same as I deal with here. I want a road too if possible but if it’s dirt I’ll adjust! I’m 😂sure I will have a lot to adjust to but I’m am here for the quiet chill atmosphere I keep hearing about in Costa Rica.
My goodness, this video is straight fire! Real talk; straightforward, honest, genuine, no hate or manipulation, no ulterior motive. I really appreciate your candor and wisdom! - Mel C.
very good, most people do not want to hear the negatives....also c.r. has the highest cost for gasoline at around $6 a gallon and has been like that for years..i have been going there for 13 yrs- 17 trips already..my wife is from c.r.... the corruption of the petrol industry must be reversed...the average tico cannot afford gas to get to a job that pays between $2-$4 per hour...prices are crazy and the real estate agents have everything way over priced in the name of getting a bigger fee...sad but true...
Ok, as a Costarican who has traveled the world as a Freelancer, including the Caribbean, Central, North, and South America, I have a few things to correct, confirm or even add to the information I saw here. (Note after typing everything: Beware, most of the downsides she mentions here apply only to the city of San Jose, where expats or retirees don't live). 1-San José (downtown) is still crowded and just like any other city, it has its bad and good places, but mostly it's not a place where you wanna go and retire. The rest of San José (not the city) is mostly ok, but still not good for expats who look for a tropical paradise. 2-Costa Rica is mostly paved and has good roads, the reason why she says "they have mostly unpaved roads" is because she's talking from other expats' experiences, people who go live in faraway places that they clearly see aren't paved, and still choose to live there. Road infrastructure is good for the most part, what's not good is that a lot of the roads are not meant for the current traffic volume at peak hours, and in the city, the traffic jams are terrible, in peak hours you may spend 1 hour to travel 20km, 1.5 hours if it rains. That's just in the city or what we call the GMA (Great Metropolitan Area), just step out of the GMA and this doesn't happen. 3-I know sh*t about pensionado programs, sorry. 4-San José IS unappealing for expats. You're not here for a downgraded city, are you? If you are, you'll get used to it, the bad part is the traffic, just avoid peak hours. 5-"Infrastructure remains broken down", I think she's still talking about roads, same point *2* above, but I'll add that everything is being rebuilt and optimized for the current traffic volume, however, it's still good roads but too many cars. Move one country to the north and you'll see narrower roads, poorer streets, etc, but not so many cars, therefore it doesn't take as long to go from point A to point B. 6-The cost of living increases everywhere. Why even mention it? 7-There is progress in road infrastructure in faraway places, I travel a lot within the borders and can see how it progresses. 8-The weather is very good in CR compared to the rest of Central America, one country south or one country north you'll roast everywhere. In CR there are microclimates, she mentions the microclimate created "by some hills" but she's referring to the Great Central Valley, but it seems to be about the same in the entire country, with a few hotter places and a few colder places, except the coasts which are always warm, not so much so during the rainy season though. She's right about something else, in the rest of Central America, the only places you won't get cooked are deep into high mountains or volcanos. 9-Did she say "free children" or "three children"? I'm asking 'cause I know Americans pay a lot of money to have babies, and here babies are "free" haha... By the way, we have free health insurance. 10-Yeah, they say education is very good here, and free unless you look for a private school. My son is in a top private bilingual school and it costs about $300 a month. Panama has very good universities too. 11-Yeah, roads again. I confirm there weren't many changes in roads in the past decades until the government snapped and found there are too many cars for the roads we have and started optimizing everything, but it's been nearly a decade, so, it hasn't been enough yet. This accounts for the GMA again. I've never taken 5 hours to go anywhere within the GMA, not even with traffic accidents and rain, but rain and car crashes can add up to an extra 100% of the time the trip usually takes, i.e. I used to go from Belen (Heredia) to San Pedro (San Jose) (20km trip) in 45 minutes to 1 hour in car, with rain and minor car accidents it may have taken about 1.5 hours, I don't remember it ever taking 2 hours, and that's crossing the GMA from one end to the other. 12-Governmental institutions do take a lot for everything, there's too much bureaucracy. 13-The country isn't broke. It has the best economy in Central America, with the highest Gross Income Per Capita, the highest minimum wage in all Hispanic America, and a public debt of about 50% of GDP. 14-Panama does come out better in terms of the cost of living, it's much cheaper, and the roads aren't as plagued with cars as they are here, but they're not excempt of expensive places and traffic jams, just like everywhere else. Services and social guarantees are basically the same as in CR but they don't take as long for everything. 15-Not again... Traffic within the GMA, gawddamn... WRONG about the restriction. There's a restriction, depending on the plate number that you have, you cannot enter San José downtown ONE day a week during peak hours to help with the traffic flow, but nobody obeys the restriction. I'm not sure, but I think it was three days during the pandemic. 16-"No local voters for expats", man, absolutely everything's a 30-minute drive away, no matter where you live. I'll just add that most people choose to return to CR not for our beaches, not for our volcanos, mountains, natural reserves, or the tropical paradise in general, but for our people, that friendly touch I haven't been able to find anywhere else in the world. Just reading the comments section here I found more than 20 different individuals talking about our people. You'll always find a welcome smile, we just have an innate willingness to help and be friendly. To sum it up, it all comes down to our "PURA VIDA" (yeap, look it up, it's worth it) CR also has a very stable government and economy, and no army. You look for other good things, I already spent half an hour typing this. Oh, and yeah, it's very expensive, the most expensive country in Central America haha...
Se nota que nunca has salido de Costa Rica, decir que en otros paises de Centroamérica no tienen sitios con el mismo clima que CR es ridiculo y si san jose no sirve.
I've lived in Costa Rica for 14 years now (where does the time go?). I live in what is termed, the land of eternal spring, and some say it has the best weather in the world, in a town outside of Grecia. Speaking in generalities, I am always so grateful for how kind and friendly people generally are. Strangers say hello to you, people wave at you when you drive by. They smile so much more, children are well behaved, and parents hug and kiss their children. Yes, there are also assholes, like there are everywhere in the world, but it really is different, in a good way, here. Do I have things to complain about? Of course, but not here today.
I was in CR back in April, and I'm looking to make a life in CR with my family. I have a 12 year old son, and when we were there, he walked the streets so confident. The infrastructure as far as roads were not an issue. We landed in Liberia and took a taxis to Samara, and the roads were freshly paved. That was a 2 hr drive. I also rented a car and drive around the country, and again, no issue. Sure, off the beaten path you will have gravel and several pot holes but again no issues. As far as safety goes, I would take CR over any other Latin America Country. The People are incredibly friendly. CR reminded me a lot when I was growing up playing on the streets with no worries. Friends knocking on the door, being out late, and my parents didnt have to worry. That's what CR gives you. Also, education, medical and dental the best in the Area.
Well there is always that one exception old school retired brother expating up in little mountain gem town in costa rica toward the liberia airport with the friendliest people that i have met in my 67 years going on my fourth year nice wide paved streets everything in walking distance and have more money at the end of the month than i had in the states so the pura vida is exactly that pure simple life love it here.
Wow! (Very long pause) Just wow! I can appreciate what you are trying to do to help people make informed decisions about where they would like to live and retire, or move to. But…I could not help but feel that the information you provided was completely inadequate for the plethora of incredible things Costa Rica has to offer. Yes, much of what you presented on incentives for retirees, the infrastructure and government related issues were correct to a point, but maybe be fair and recognize the remaining 98% of information that you neglected to talk about that makes Costa Rica an amazing place for people to live in, move and retire to. I have been living in Costa Rica for over a year and a half now and have made numerous connections and friends with successful realtors, lawyers, doctors, successful business owners and what we can call regular, everyday people who are both residents of Costa Rica and those who have chosen to move and/or retire to Costa Rica. For one, the cost of living in Costa Rica can, in various places be high just like it is in a huge variety of locations around the world, depending where you choose to go. Your cost of living is exactly what you make it to be and there are countless people who have made and are living comfortable financial lifestyles here in Costa Rica. You spent so much time focusing on just San Jose and many of its problems, that you disrespectfully disregarded the innumerable amount of beautiful cities, towns and small villages that Costa Rica has to offer. Failing to mention that there are plenty of quality roads throughout the country that take you to beautiful locations, with amazing activities and sites, and wonderful options for anyone to move and retire comfortably. And if you would do your due diligence and some real, formidable research, the number of quality properties, at very affordable prices, are available in countless areas. I will go on to say that I would put the kindness, humility and genuine nature of the people of Costa Rica as some of the very best quality people you will find anywhere in the world. I see and respect that you are trying to provide a positive informational service to your viewers, but please, in the future, do a respectable amount of research before you present an outdated and uninformed video (despite being a month old), and give people fair and honest information, to be able to make informed and rational decisions for their future.
Yes and no. I'm a citizen, been here 20 years. SJ and many parts have grown up a LOT in the past 5 years. The roads are WAY better than before. People like the dirt roads in many places. The west side of San jose (Rohmoser to Ciudad Colon) is pretty nice in many parts. Great restaurants, good roads, lots to do. This is why most wealthy people in the country live in these areas. I lived in Panama 2 years, it's ok, not great infrastructure outside the city, crazy hot, people are not really warm and inviting usually. Residency in CR also doesnt really matter to many. Just leave the country every 90 days... y Ya!
Sound like you don't have enough or make enough money to Life in Costa Rica! Please Move On! ....Costa Rice is Beautiful and the Best place to Live in Central America...Period....Happy Trails....
I understand everything that is being said, but Costa Rica is fat above Panama when it comes to beaches, parks, nature and most of all the people. I found Costa Rican’s far more friendly than Panamanian’s.
Great Video, Not one lie told. The video is made for those want to retire and make the best decision. It is no secret that money is one of the key factors in that decision, in the mid 80's and 90's you could buy a house for 80k-100k easy in the Guanacaste area, obviously times have changed so you can't expect the same prices but now we're talking about 2 to even 4 times as much for a house in the same area, heck even on the same unpaved road lol. The infrastructure sadly is still lacking (Especially if you consider how much taxes are collected in those areas due to a higher I.V.A) if you choose to live where many expats currently live you will notice higher taxes and prices in that area (specifically if you live where the beach is only 10-20 mins away) but that isn't true for all regions. The central and southern part of this country is definitely cheaper. Also bank loans/interest rates have changed and you should definitely shop around when making a decision. Imported goods are expensive and what would cost you ie: $1,000 you would have to add about 20-25% more for the final cost. I saw that some people mentioned that Ticos are more friendlier than panamanians. I can tell you from personal experience, that is 100% subjective. There is nothing in a countries DNA that will make a whole population more friendlier. Most latin american people are already warm due to their culture, they just reflect your attitude/behavior so you get what you put in. Yet the natural beauty, the wildlife and biodiversity of this country in my opinion is unmatched.
I agree with most everything you said. I am a Canadian but I have lived in Honduras for 20 years. I have friends in Costa Rica and travel extensively throughout Central America and Mexico. The only thing I am surprised with was the statement about the roads. When I go south I usually take my Harley which only is happy on good roads. I have traveled all over Costa Rica and have found that the roads these days are the best in all of Central America, including Panama (where I also travel a lot). Believe me, the Harley will advise me of bad roads immediately. I can understand if some side roads leading into a small development may be poor. That would be expected, but all major and secondary roads are outstanding - better than most in the US. Overall a niggling point that doesn't change the fact that CR is a wonderful place to visit but not to move to.
The US have some bad and dirty areas, the US have some horrible paved road. I’ve traveled to Costa Rica and I love it, if you want to live longer and enjoy life after retirement, Costa Rica is one of the best places.
I have more good reasons to visit or move full time to c.rica . It's a new lease on life. I feel this way &even a 77 year old man ;a good friend from new York state says also c.rica is thee place to enjoy ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ .
I am going there for retirement. I don’t plan on driving much, so a few pot holes on the road will not bother me much. I will walk to the beach every day.
I have lived in both Costa Rica and in Panama, and I am now a permanent resident of Panama. Panama is head and shoulders above Costa Rica in terms of government efficiency, the cost of living, the friendliness of the population, the infrastructure, and most other things. There really is no comparison.
I would agree as i have been to both and Panama wins out although Panama City is very humid pretty much year round in my understanding. Still enjoyed it very much and would spend a winter there no problem. (Not really looking to move permanently to anywhere).
From my limited time in Panama and in Costa Rica, it seems like Costa Rica beaches are prettier. Does anyone else think that? Where besides maybe Bocas del Toro are there as pretty beaches in Panama
Why don’t you talk about the Philippines? Full retirement visas are available for anyone 50+ and besides Canada and Mexico it is probably the most US like country in the world.
Being from CR and from San Jose, I can assure you that San Jose has never been seen as a pretty city. Tourists don’t go to CR for San Jose, they go for the beaches. You might want to make a video letting so called expats know that life in CR is like anywhere else in the world - it’s not all about looking at sunsets and drinking beer.
You really have a negative view of Costa Rica. My daughter lives in Costa Rica, in Santa Teresa, and, although I agree, the infrastructure sucks, I still believe it’s the best country for Americans in all of Central America. I’ve actually never seen anyone as negative and Costa Rica as you guys. You seem to like Panama, however, you failed to mention that Costa Rica is way more beautiful and biologically, diverse, and the people are far nicer than Panamanians.
Costa Rica Still in the Top in many Expand Magazine. For 30 years.. The Expats Retired Law Benefis are never take it away. Costa Rica Law N. 9996: Tax Exemptions, Duty-Free Imports & Other Benefits for Expats in Costa Rica (2022 Update)) In many parst of Costa Rica we dont even have a. Road. ( Tortuguero Natonal Park) for you is Bad Infrastructure. For many is The Charming of the Place. If you need Pavimet Roads or Concret Pier to walk be Beach I recommend Miami, no Costa Rica. We dont want to changue thiose thing's our Countr. If someone dont like. Is Ok. Research is easy . To foud out how lie.
Excellent video. I’ve been to Costa Rica but found it expensive, and it has a very high crime rate. I moved to Malaysia and it’s not only much cheaper, but also much cleaner, great transportation, and fantastic food. The islands and beaches are fantastic.
@@gusgrizzel8397 If people can't afford to retire in the US, would those family members or friends forget the one who can't stay there? Then how dear are they? I've got plenty in common with people who are cheerful and friendly, which is a common trait in more rural areas of SE Asia.
I have been to Panama and loved it. I have not been to CR but would love to go and explore. I have watched numerous videos about both countries and depending on the persons personal views it can go either way. I know some people in Panama so I am leaning to that, but when i travel I am going to visit CR as well.
I've stayed in Costa Rica in playa del Coco several times. It is beautiful area to visit for a couple of months but I don't think I could live there full-time. In addition the prices have skyrocketed for rentals in that area over the last 3 or 4 years so now I am looking for other options for my yearly pilgrimage to warm weather.
Hi could I ask you which counties you are thinking of. I (Dutch)retire end next year and considering CR but also Mauritius and Cambodja. The warmer the better and scuba diving possibilities are a must. I will only have a small pension.
We used to live in CR and have family there still, but in Latin America there are sooooo many choices that we prefer, and most are much less expensive.
@@johngarbarzyk5549 Nicaragua Mexico Colombia We have not been yet but likely Ecuador, Peru, Argentina….many countries in SE Asia….a few in Eastern Europe. It isn’t that Costa Rica is a terrible place, but bang for your buck is low. We are currently in Matagalpa, Nicaragua in the mountains. It is very similar to CR in many ways but WAYYYYY cheaper. We’ll be here for a year or two.
@@johngarbarzyk5549 I feel very safe. We walk a Lot. Pretty much every day we walk all over town….never one issue, and I stick out like a sore thumb. People know immediately that I am a foreigner. And in my neighborhood I feel completely safe. I already know many of my neighbors on a first name basis. My Spanish is not great and they understand, although I do speak with them the best I can. Make sure when you meet someone you put Don or Donia before their name. Juan is a friend of ours so I always refer to him as Don Juan. If it is a female like our friend Anna, she is always Donia Anna. It is just a way to show them respect. But we love our neighbors and feel very safe here. We are early risers and by supper time we are ready to hang out at home with the dogs and relax. We have been told that things get dicey around the park about 8pm. That is when you will start to see hookers and drunks. Fine with us….we are always home by then.
@@therehastobesomethingmoore Thank you for your advice. Before I make a decision on whether I want to move to Costa Rica or not, I will try spending some time in Panama, Nicaragua and Mexico too.
@@Jan-fx2ny Oh ffs. No government is great but at least we have our freedom and a beautiful country to live in. Plus its what you make of your life...people should stop blaming Trudeau for everything, when its provincial governements that need to do better.
First of all......great video, very well presented and informative IMO. I can't comment on the driving in San Jose but I will say our trip to the coast and then south to our house rental went very well and the highway was in pretty decent condition. Then again, I am used to roads in Quebec that are awful by any standard. It took awhile getting to the coast but the drive south was reasonably quick. However we were told to rent a four-wheel drive and I am glad we did. The house was in the hills and a very rough and non-maintained gravel/rock road was a challenge. I felt sorry for the expats that had built their beautiful homes in this so-called subdivision as it was obvious no further development was taking place. The thing that that surprised me most about CR was the cost of living, gas and food were almost as expensive as in Canada! The country is beautiful but I doubt if we would return for a second visit.
Costa Rica is not cheap and that is what makes it a great place to retire. Our house is surrounded by million dollar mansions that people keep in immaculate condition. If you claim the infrastructure hasn't changed then you are clueless and haven't been there in years.
This made me like the CR more. I prefer no paved roads, I want to spend time there to live a more natural life. Please dont turn this into another westernized country. Please no more westernized development.
I watched the video again and it’s obvious to me. You obviously have an ax to grind with Costa Rica for some reason… What is it? You said absolutely nothing about all of the great reasons to live in Costa Rica, and we’re more than happy to bash it.
Right now Vietnam does not have a retirement program for expats . They kicked out many expats who lived theater using the visa run strategy. I would go there as my first choice but will not go to a country that basically does not want you there