Retiring in Costa Rica

Hello Everyone,

Actually, I moved to Costa Rica in 1980 and was too young to retire at the time. I had to make a living so I founded a language school that I ran for several years.

I had a career change and began to write books about living and retiring here and in other countries in the area (Panama, Nicaragua, Colombia and Cuba). In 1988 I wrote and published  the first edition of "The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica - the official guide to relocation". I just finished the eighteenth updated edition.

At present I publish a blog about living and retiring in Costa Rica. People who are interested may read it at: ***.  I also write another blog for those who want to learn Costa Rican-Spanish at *** It is full of useful tips about mastering the nuances of the local lingo.

I hope the above helps those who are interested in living here — the best country in the world in my opinion. I actually have a Canadian friend who lives here when he is not traveling.  At one time or another he has visited every country in the world (his hobby), and also considers Costa Rica to be the best place to live for expats.

¡Pura Vida¡ (national motto)

Christopher

Ex Patriot, How we Survive in Costa Rica. dr Meno's Tour of His Front x Patriot, How we Survive in Costa Rica. dr Meno's Tour of His Front[/url]

Why did you choose to retire in Costa Rica? What are the advantages compared with your home country?
I had traveled to a number of countries before retiring to Costa Rica eight years ago.  I did not know if I'd stay long term and thought I'd stay a year and see how it went.  I do like it here now and do consider this home.

The advantage for me over the States is first the peacefulness of the country as a whole and the warmness of Ticos (...when they are not in their cars).  NOT that I'm discussing politics of course, but I also cannot imagine living under the current U.S. goverment.  I feel that CR is a much, much truly free county by comparison.

My opinion is that the overall cost of living is higher here.  At the same time I could not afford my house with the view I have here.  An ocean view anywhere in the States would be double and my property taxes are much lower when you compare in this way.

What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc..
The main reason for my move here was the peacefulness, tranquility.  I have TBI and need quiet solitude each day.  Not something I felt that I could find in the U.S.  Even now when I go back I feel the intense rushing of life there.  Hard to explain the differences.  Just one of those things you'd have to experience.

What is Costa Rica's healthcare like? Have you had any good or bad experiences dealing with healthcare professionals?
The health care system  here is rated above that of the U.S.  (According to the W.H.O.)  But, what you have to compare is quality heath care of the private hospitals and those of CAJA.  It's the same as what you'd compare in the States when comparing the Mayo Clinic to a low income or welfare hospital.  You get what you pay for.

Do you have any tips for other retirees in Costa Rica?
I have said it before and I have to say it again, I do not think that the most important part of retiring is to have a large retirement fund.  Yes, you do of course need to have a financial plan; however, I feel it's much more important to have a plan of what you will do with you life once you retire.

Yes, all of the usual plans for retirement such as golfing, sitting a reading, visiting the touristy places, etc. are great; but, those will only get you by for a year or two.  It's SO important to have more to do.  I have been shocked by the number of retirees I've personally seen come down and die a few short years later.

It's imperative that you find a physical and mental hobbies.  The construction of my house kept me busy, well, still keeps me busy and I taught myself to weld for my daughter's parrot rescue center.  For the foreseeable future, helping her build and maintain a new center will be my main focus.

I also do yoga and stretch, seriously stretch to stay flexible.  I was visiting another rescue center and a lady that was 10 years younger than me bent down to pick up a mango that was on the ground.  She actually struggled to come back up.  It really made me think about how important it is to stay flexible as we age.  I walk fast and on hills to stay in shape and try to eat less as I get older.

I just feel that it's important to have a goal of some kind to keep you focused.  I can think of four Gringos that live within a few kilometers of me that either sit in front of the TV or the computer - e v e r y   s i n g l e   d a y.  From what I've seen, they don't have long to live.  If that's how you choose to retire, that is of course your prerogative.  Just be aware of what it leads to.

Another thing to be aware of, comments by anyone that have nothing but praise for Costa Rica.  If they speak of nothing but rainbows and unicorns, most likely they are connected to the tourist industry, selling real estate or trying to sell books. 

Yes, I do think it's a wonderful place to live.  But, as with any country, there are many disadvantages as well.  Look into the things that you need in any country that you are considering for retirement.  When you discover something about a country that you do not like, ask yourself if you age going to be able to adjust to it.  If not, it may not be the country for you.

I have taken something positive from all countries that I have visited and those that I lived in.  I also cannot say that just one is “that much” better than another.  It just depends on what “you” are looking for.

- Expat Dave