Learning about Costa Rica... CR Sure sounds Wonderful

astorie wrote:

Good Day,

We will be travelling to Costa Rica for the first time in February, I see many have moved from many countries. I am thinking about this possibility. I have been reading books, viewing blogs and looking ate You Tube videos. I know this can not replace the visit. Hoping to also visit again for an extended 3 week period late November to early December.

I look forward to our new adventure in Costa Rica. What can you remember about your first experience, and what would you do differently.

I understand 50% of the expats who do come to Costa Rica return, why is that.

Thanks so much. I look to learning so much about Costa Rica

Happy Trails
Al

Hola Al,

Welcome to Expat.com!

Okay, the bad news, you cannot pick a place to live from blogs, books or dummies like me giving you advice.      You have to spend time in whatever country, town or pub you think you want to place roots in.  A few weeks of vacation will not help.  It takes months just to get a "maybe" idea of what you like.  And what you like may be what someone else detests.  You have to discover your perfect spot.

I spent time in about 12 countries before somewhat "choosing" Costa Rica.  I think it's important to explore and find what fits you.  No matter what country you choose, there will be an adjustment.  All countries are different than where you grew up, no matter where that it. 

My personal experiences of why the majority of people return to their home country is their failure to accept their new country for what it is.  It is NOT the country you came from.  It's not going to change, you have to change.  And again as I always say, if you are a Type A personality, you will have a less than 1% chance of adapting to Costa Rica - I am serious.

Living here takes patience, patience when you go to the bank and wait in line for hours - only to be told that you don't have all the documents needed, (although you were told the day before exactly what you'd needed to bring), patience when the "licensed electrician" places a new light switch in your bedroom... behind the door, patience when you get a bill from CAJA saying you owe $3,700.00 and YOU have to prove why you paid it all.  These are just a few of my own experiences and I can assure you that I could go on and on and on...  😱

Life is different here.  You have to adjust to your new life and new world, accept it for what it is, and do you best to find the humor in it all.

Perfect example:  new one way road in downtown San Ramon.  You come to the end of that road to a two way intersection, (meaning you can turn right or left).  There are two signs posted there, one says, "Un Via" (one way) with an arrow pointing left and another that says "Un Via" (one way) with an arrow pointing to the right.  Yes, it's a two way road but it's only one way in each direction.   Huh?     Ya just gotta laugh!

- Expat Dave
Expat.com Team Member