Drawbacks of Living in Costa Rica - More EXPATS LEAVE than stay?

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

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[@warriorqueen8285]

Looking into this now!!! So wonderful your not out to take ppl money

[@trickbaby8441]

What exactly is an "expat" why do immigrants form US, Canda and GB called themselves expats. You are immigrants.

[@billgalli5991]

Costa Rica is a 3 world country, working to become a first world country. US. Working its way to a 3 world country.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

I agree....strange world we live in.

[@Spiritmindsoul]

So true!

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

@@Spiritmindsoul Sad but true

[@sandrabedard7848]

Truth

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

@@sandrabedard7848 Thanks

[@costaricaforexpats]

As a Tico, I can say this video is incredibly helpful for expats moving here.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for your input and sharing your thoughts as a Tico.

[@flblueeyes7740]

I have lived in Costa Rica since 2003 and agree with most of what he is saying. I still love living here in Costa Rica!!!

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

So glad you can confirm. It's just the honest part of Costa Rica you have to accept to enjoy living in Costa Rica.

[@jimtams]

what do you do for income?

[@Haminahaminahami1]

@@jimtams he said he bought a few hectares and I’m assuming he got a military check in America and retired

[@TVPuraVidaCR]

No place is perfect, but I sure am happy I am here... Pura Vida

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

That is correct. I love it here...but I like to teach others what they can expect if they decide to live here.

[@barco581]

I think a lot of it is people start with unrealistic expectations. Many try to live their US lifestyle there and then complain it is "too expensive." And like you said, visiting and living someplace are two TOTALLY different things.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Yes...you don't know the reality of a place until you have lived at least one full year. People need to go through all the seasons to realize the truth of a place.

[@reptilesplus4481]

I’m planning on retiring to Costa Rica in three years. Already doing research to learn as much as I can well before hand. I just want a small home, a calm, quiet place to chill. I’m already a minimalist so I don’t need much.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Congrats on your plans to move to CR. Sounds like you already have a jump start since you are a minimalist.

[@WillieLee-uu8bs]

Well it's a good start being a minimalist, you won't miss the stuff they're going to steal when they break into your small home in that calm quiet place in the middle of the night as they most definitely will, Gringo's are not welcome in CR, I spent 20 years there, do yourself a favor and check out the neighbor's, Panama overall safe and sort of welcome, Nicaragua very safe and you are welcome in most areas, El Salvador safe and overall you are welcome.

[@failyourwaytothetop]

​@@WillieLee-uu8bs Nicaragua safe with Ortega the Communist once a member of a vile terrorist group. Are you kidding me?

[@donalbershardt9290]

@@WillieLee-uu8bs Willie Thats the TRUTH.. We are only ATM Machines.. I feel the Poverty here. TICOS have a Hard Life. 50% of TICOS will never have a Car. 3rd World, Thanks to the Goverment. GOOD LUCK TICOS 🙏🙏

[@puravida5683]

I have lived in Costa Rica since 2009, and gotten used to keeping updated to important legal, tax and economic matters, in Costa Rica, by internet web searches only. I am a permanent resident. Because I like the beach, I bought a beachfront home in Guanacaste. I have developed the Pura Vida mentality, for better or worse! Having been in the military for 21 years, and living around the world, helped me adjust to any country! Some bureaucratic challenges are, renewing your residency, obtaining and renewing your Costa Rica driver's license, annual vehicle inspection, paying annual fees and taxes, just to name a few. In the beginning when I was still learning Spanish Costa Ricans that spoke some english were so helpful in navigating the bureaucracy. If I had a quarter for expats that I have seen come and go, and get divorced, I would become a millionaire!

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for sharing your insight. YES, it is true. It take a lot to get used to the Pura Vida mentality and MOST expats leave.

[@PAPITO_49]

I left CR 2009. I arrived in 1983 I saw a lot of changes non good. From no bars on window's, no Constantine wire, no nicas. Criminals went to the island or la Reforma, political corruption, all parties no jail time. If you commit a crime and leave the country for 10 years your never changed, except murder. Ya, I seen a lot of changes. Most the people who leave are the wives, lovely brown skin girls my be the reason.

[@dougtilaran3496]

CR is hard for most chineada gringas to take. They want malls and gringas with the same mentality. They can in no way relate with most Ticas. Ticas are laid back and don't give a damn about the gringa gadget flash-eating disorder nonsense... and THAT gets.... the guys in trouble.

[@sunnyw4040]

Thank you for candid and helpful video! I originally thought I wanted to retire in CR. But now I just want to do the 90 days during the winter months to get away from the snow in the US.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Glad it was helpful...after you spend some time and maybe. you will get used to things....then you can decide if you want actually retire here.

[@marquita3058]

Me too. I use want out of the winter months…. Needs roomie

[@dougtilaran3496]

CR suckz in the winter....just in different way. The month and a half long aguinaldo holiday, ripoff prices, tourists, predators.The best months in CR are beginning NOW...and run until oct/sept....generally

[@failyourwaytothetop]

I love the snow and wouldn't change life

[@drvee1983]

Great, honest, advice . Thanks for posting.

[@SarahDelouhans]

The cost of living isn't that much WHEN YOU ADAPT TO THE CULTURE. Most of us Europeans and US people want CR with our lifestyles. But if you live in the costarican way it will be cheap.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

You are Correct. If you are willing to adapt..it is EASY to live in CR for a $1,000 a month. Most Costa Rican people make UNDER a $1,000 a month and they are considered the Happiest people on earth??? Imagine that?

[@gissellevillegas3831]

I lived in CR since 1991 when I married a tico and lived there until 2020. I had to live like a regular tico in the city and work, not in perpetual vacation mode like most of us from the US live in CR. That said, Rent: Sure rent in certain places is indeed cheep, in the city its in the sketchy neighborhoods and out side the city limits. Also take into consideration that most rentals come without appliances so you have to buy your own and appliances are more expensive than in the US. I have an A personality and I never got used to the "mañana" mentality unless I was vacationing at the beach. Schools: Our daughter studied in Costa Rica in a private Bilingual School and received an excellent education. Public education is terrible in Costa Rica so that's an expense that one wouldn't have in the US. Banks: The State banks take forever, but the private banks like BAC and Scotiabank, etc. is quick enough (max 10 minutes) any time of the day and if your a senior citizen you get taken care of even faster. Crime: Per capita, its worse than the US. I personally was held up at gun point in broad daylight coming back home from work while renting a home around the US Embassy 22 yrs ago. Traumatized me and from then on I only accepted to live in controlled access neighborhoods which is also an added expense. Also had a few experiences of passive sexual assault while out running in broad daylight, with men doing things just to see my reaction. I never had that happen in any other country I have lived in. In Costa Rica its the good folks that live behind bars...barred doors, windows to keep the thieves out and don't go out and about with any kind of good jewelry. I've had friends have their gold necklaces and earrings yanked off and leaving their ears bleeding and of course terrified of the experience. Money indeed helps but its doesn't protect you completely. Medical: We used the CAJA and our experience with the docs there were good, sure you have to wait in line the day your appointment is scheduled and you have to wait but the service is excellent. I gave birth, had eye surgery with the CAJA and their equipment and care was excellent. I have also used the private sector and it is even better but of course you have to pay but it is more affordable than in the US. I had a colonoscopy for only $475 at a private clinic in Escazu with a great doctor. We never had a problem with our credit cards though nor with our internet in gated communities. I'm back in the US with my tico husband of many years and we now live in Indiana and our cost of living is actually lower here than it was in Costa Rica so go figure. We'll be retiring in a couple of years but we're going to Portugal.....I did my time in Costa Rica. Not even my husband who is a tico wants to go back to live.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for sharing your perspective... You hit the nail on the head! Everything you said I can relate to. Many ticos hate Costa Rica. That is why so many go to the US and never return.

[@dougtilaran3496]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica Or come back with "skills' learned in the Mpyre and take advantage of loose laws and cheap labor. Beware of Ticos that speak real good English, yet have no education. The spoken word can be more dangerous than any gun.

[@reapwhatusow]

Where in Portugal do you plan to live? I just returned from 2 weeks in Portugal. We went to Porto, Setubal, and Portimao. We plan to return to visit other areas, but I'm not sure where.

[@tc2425]

Extremely difficult to find housing of any kind 2024 ...Portugal is Pura Vida x3

[@swilhelm3180]

Your direct, to the point style that doesn't hold things back is so refreshing online. And so rare.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks...glad you enjoy it.

[@thatswhatshesaidbro]

From what I heard it is also the fact you pay first world prices for third world infrastructure and people are much happier in Mexico and Ecuador

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

A lot of truth in that statement.

[@thatswhatshesaidbro]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica hope I am not raining on your parade. Big fan love your videos.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

I admire your resolve and honesty. I don't think I could deal with what you describe. ¡ Pura vida !

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks...that is why I try my best to give you..."The Good, The Bad and The Ugly". Living in Costa Rica can be amazing...but you need to know that some things are very different.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica Different and.....difficult!

[@connie8885]

This is going to make people think twice about moving to Costa Rica, and give them an idea of what to expect if they do so.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

You are correct, but It is important that people get the truth!

[@cartoonprofessor]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica Thank you for your honesty. I have subbed.

[@sherylwagner2993]

They should think twice. Too often people have an image of what it will be like...a permanent vacation. Then when the truth seeps in of life 24/7/365 it can be difficult for them to adapt. Whether we like to hear about the cons, it's better to know going in so one isn't unpleasantly surprised later.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

@@cartoonprofessor Glad you enjoyed it...

[@mchaconcr]

Please stop spreading misinformation! Many Americans come to Costa Rica with a false expectation of what they THINK they'll find here... most of the times they think this is a fabricated paradise built and designed for Americans in a budget. Well that's what we are not! So, to live in a budget you need to live in the not-so populated cheap areas, where services and true Costa Rican lifestyle is hard even for locals. Trust me, I'm starting this comment from my 100% automated house, nearby 1st world class services, on my 1GPS fiber optics network. Things I'd probably miss If I move to Essex Junction in Vermont, or Mono Lake CA (And if I do so, saying that the US lacks a good way of living because It was better in CR would be misinforming. Also If my motivation was to live in a full 1st world standard... That wouldn't be the best option. Maybe the cheapest). But let's go step by step:
 - Medical:
Let's start by stating that life expectancy in Costa Rica is 80.8 years vs. 78.5 in the US (According to WHO). So, there has to be something good with that "public health system" (I'm quitting it as you did in 5:13). So... if you go to a public hospital with a bug bite, yes, It won't be the best experience, or the fanciest. And if you are not on "caja" CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) it might even be a bit expensive for the subpar service you'll get. But try being a housekeeper living in a budget in a rural area who gets Cancer, or a construction worker who needs brain surgery. Well, that pretty much explains why the hospitals infrastructure for basic services might not have TVs and why we are happy with the big tax cut we've been paying since we started working... because those hospitals are NOT meant and designed for foreigners who come and after a few months or years expect an almost free St. Jude hospital. But guess what? We still have CIMA, Biblica, Católica, and many other private hospitals with 1st class service! Obviously, they're not free (nor cheap) but definitively way more inexpensive that the US counterparts, so the problem here might be your expectations and budget vs reality. 
 -Education:
Pretty much the same as the above. If you want to live in the jungle in a secluded beachfront house, start by analyzing the meaning of "SECLUDED" [(of a place) not seen or visited by many people; sheltered and private. - Oxford]. The rural and secluded areas are not the best for infrastructure and services (That's why they are secluded). So you're VERY lucky to have a small school with just a handful of children attending with a single teacher. And even so, even those kids normally learn a second language. If you want Harvard-like and International bachelor degrees, come to the Central Valley, We have first world class education centers (Obviously for a price, and many of them above your monthly budget as you stated at the last part of the video). Check Lincoln School, St. Francis, St. Clare, Colegio Victoria, SEK, among others... Public and private education systems are very good for the population needs, and you can send your children to either one, knowing they'll come back home educated and safe.
And I don't even want to go to the University System where UCR, UNA, TEC and many others are world leaders and pioneers in several areas and student's don't have to live a full live working just to pay them! But that's a whole new comment so let's leave that for later.

 Housing:
You mention "Tico Housing". Well... I live in a house designed, engineered, and built in Costa Rica by Costa Ricans, and my whole family was born and live in Costa Rica. I guess that qualifies as a "Tico Housing". And so far I have no complaints with the security, the neighborhood, the elevator, the internal fiber optics system, or anything else and I haven't seen chicken around ever. So, I guess by "Tico" you meant "Poor" right? Because the budget you mention ($100 to $300) Is not only unrealistic but absurd! And try to think what $300 gets you in Manhattan? Well, over here, the average price of a single room tiny ugly apartment in Manhattan will get you a fancy house in very developed areas. I know you came here to live surrounded by Monkeys and snakes in places where no human have been in centuries.... Well guess what. That's the price you pay to get that.

 ATM and money services:
 Well at minute 12:52 you mention not all ATMs deliver US Dollars... well Many ATMS around the central area will deliver Colones, Dollars, Euros and Bitcoin. I can't say the same about the US. I've been to many states, and NEVER EVER have seen an ATM delivering Euros. (Not to mention colones of course). About deposit. I don't know. I haven't seen a Physical bill in YEARS. That's because we have SINPE for electronic inter banking and IBAN account numbers for international transfers. And almost everything I buy is paid via Apple-Pay in my watch or phone, or via SINPE. (Even a popsicle at a red light, one of this days, I paid with SINPE). So you might be right, deposits are left for just a few people, so a bank clerk might not even know what to do when someone comes in with cash.

 Chapter 4: I won't even go into details here.... But Have you left the US before accessibility laws? Have you ever been to CA? Is not so different.... 

 Chapter 5: Security: That's correct. Security is an issue in many areas. The partial solution: Gated communities. This is getting worse every day due the trafficking of illegal substances, we're in the middle of the path between producers and consumers.... That's an issue. 

 Chapter 6: Check Kolbi an dClaro's coverage maps. The coverage is pretty decent. AT&T and T-Mobile on roaming might not work as expected. Well that applies worldwide. And touristic areas are touristic because they are SECLUDED (Read my above definition of secluded). Even so, I've seen full coverage in the middle of the Braulio Carrillo Park, which is remarkable. But if you need Internet in VERY secluded areas where providers won't install a full range of cells just for you... you always have the Starlink option. That even works in the ocean or Isla del Coco! Amazing isn't it?. Well that's an "American" solution You should be familiar with it. Tech: Well, we have iCon iShop and others to buy the stuff you mentioned. A full range of tech stores at every shopping mall. (We don't have shopping malls next to the secluded beaches, accessible only by off-road vehicles). Are they more expensive. Well yes, they are. We have high import taxes. As those are imported items. So, the issue might be your budget and not the system. If you find it better to buy things in the US, go ahead. But just to let you know, we also have Aerocasillas, Aeropost and some other door-to-door services which will take care of all the importing paperwork and will deliver Amazon stuff to your door. I had no issues at all importing Apple stuff they don't sell over here (Like Apple Vision Pro, Apple home, etc...). More expensive? Well yes, let's start for the fact that AFTER Apple / Amazon's deliver they have to put them in a plane and start the customs and taxes process, then put them in a truck to get to your house, which Ideally will be in the Central Valley, otherwise it might get really expensive. So, I don't expect to have Apple get a 300% profit while the tico delivery/customs guys to work for free. 
 Electricity and water services: Try to find a building with built-in generators and water tanks. Some don't even cut the electricity at all for several hours if the public system fails. But in the Central Valley that rarely happens. In the jungle, sometimes specially during the rainy season, which might have really heavy rain, as we are in the middle of the Tropical RAIN Forest, well sometimes thunderstorms are too much for the electricity systems or a tree might fall and knock off some electricity poles of those forgotten rural streets... It might take a while for a repair team to get there. Normally Central Valley have lightning prevention infrastructures in buildings and electricity poles, so that's not so common. 

 About the residency process: Try to get a US Visa being a Costa Rican. There is a $100 payment which is not always returned even if the VISA gets denied. Do we Costa Ricans have the option to just move to the US and get a residency in 1 year,2.5 years, 3 years (as you suggest it takes an American to get a CR Residency at 22:35)? Well.... Simply put: No.

If there's anything else you need to clarify and get your expectations back on track. Please let me know. But as an advice: the $1K budget you mention a few times over your video.... Well that's not even realistic.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Zzzzzzzzzz...zzzzzzz

[@mchaconcr]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica sorry if it was boring, just a couple of misinformed facts would have led to a shorter comment or no comment at all… if you prefer a video response or a document with drawings please let me know.

[@LivingOrganismFromMarsAndVenus]

Right now to rent a decent 2 bedroom house with a garage in San Jose you need 550$-600$ and I'm not even talking about Escazú or San Pedro but at regular locations. I think the minimum for a single person is 2000$ living in San Jose. I heard that beach areas are a lot more expensive. A cheaper option could be Alajuela, Cartago. Heredia became expensive because it is near to metro park, ultra park, global park where most companies are located. I sometimes go to caja hospital because even if you have private insurance like ins you need to pay at a private hospital and then wait one month for a claim and many times they find any reason to not pay the claim. In an emergency in a public hospital it usually goes faster than in ebais but I do have caja which all residents have to pay mandatory even if not employed.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

@@LivingOrganismFromMarsAndVenus Yes...if you live near the city it will be expensive, But you can live near the beach for less than what you would pay in the city. You just need to go on the outskirts and you can easily find things around $200 a month to $350 a month, that is unfurnished almost anywhere in Costa Rica. You just need to know where to look.

[@DcArmy9015]

People forget, CR is not different than anywhere else, however...you hear of the crime in USA or Canada, but many are not worried about it? funny how that works. CR has issues as does any place but not one thing is worse, its perspective and entitlement that differ. NA(Canada/USA) often feel we are the Alpha and everyone one else desires to be us and that attitude drives people to believe other countries are worse or bad or slow, its their(CR) lifestyle and it should be admired. I for one am looking to relax, not worry about timings, about politics/bad news all day long, etc..just relax as that is the main reason people move, not to replicate their previous life.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for sharing your perspective...

[@gissellevillegas3831]

Per Capita Costa Rica is more unsafe than the US

[@sherylwagner2993]

The reason why people talk about crime here more is because it affects everyone equally. In the US, if you live in a good neighborhood, and avoid certain areas, your risk of being a victim are slim to nil. Once you live here, you will see how many people have become victims of crime, and it literally happens everywhere. I don't think in 40 some years in the US I knew more than a couple of crime victims. Now I can't count how many I know. From petty theft to home invasion survivors. It's all over the map.

[@victorlionelnazaire685]

So true what he said ! I was in the Puerto Viejo area and saw a rather young guy ( 30 to 40) just lounging in his hammock on his verandah. By God, just lounging every day and doing NOTHING. I told myself NO WAY to live this way ! America was built on entrepreneurship, not lazying on your porch. Vacation in Costa-Rica, fine ! Live there even in my 80s, not for me .

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@jimtams]

and that's why americans die in their 60s while costa ricans live to 100

[@capecoder73]

Great video but with respect to technology and internet, I have to disagree. Our place in CR is in Playa Bejuco and we have fiber optic cable in our neighborhood.....we don't have fiber optic cable in our home in Florida which is the second largest city area wise in the entire state.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for your input...however, many areas like Playa Bejuco now have fiber optic and that is because it is so close to tourist areas like...Jaco Since we have been here since 2013, we have seen a lot of advancement as far as internet goes. Enjoy.

[@randy2409]

I am retired and really want to get rid of the rat race where I live. You would things would get easier. I have no problem and would love to be able to slow down but now i worry about the crime.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

CRIME really is NOT a problem if you have "COMMON SENSE"! Most crime is petty theft because most people are poor. Have a big, good, scary dog, a fence and camera, and that will solve 90% of your crime issues.

[@DeborahRose2885]

You did a fantastic job thank you for your honesty

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thank you!

[@Bill-dj9hv]

Just live here for at least a year or two and commit to nothing. Long term resident.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

I agree...after a year or two...you will KNOW if you can handle living in CR!

[@jimtams]

long story short: if you want to go to another country but still be an american and live like an american, don't bother... other countries weren't made for you, you need to adjust to their way of doing things

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

That is true...thanks for sharing your prespective.

[@nicolespencer6217]

Omg 😂😂😂😂😂😂this was the best ever. I love you

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Glad you enjoyed it.....Thanks for taking the time to comment! You're Awesome!

[@rogerlecuyer6951]

Best explanation of how to overcome living in Costa Rica issues thank you

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bradj6985]

Awesome no BS video. Thank you.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for your input!

[@roupenohanian5652]

Finally an honest review Bravo !!

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

You want honesty? Keep watching my channel. I believe in giving the brutal truth. Lol. If you know the truth...then you can handle living in Costa Rica when the real issues arise.

[@jione8722]

Very informative and good advice. Thank you

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Glad it was helpful!

[@positiveme4063]

Im a Canadian looking for a place potentially in a safe spot Costa Rica

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

There are a LOT of safe spots in Costa Rica...if you get away from tourist areas and away from San Jose. I highly suggest anywhere around San Isidro Del General in the Perez Zeldon area. Nice area...no tourist and you get normal prices... I did a video on that area...a couple of videos...search them on my channel.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Your comments give alot to think about, especially in terms of figuring out how far can any of us are willing to go to sacrifice a mountain of little things.... maybe it's easier for younger people who are apt to be much more flexible and adaptable for the mountain of little things.......

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

It does seem you have to give up a lot...but it depends on what you want. The truth is...When you can control your environment... When you can buy your slice of paradise...then you don't have to deal with a lot of crap from the ticos...but you still have a lot of things you can't change regardless.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica Allen, I think it has a lot to do with age. Unless I'm wrong, for those of us getting up in years we probably have a lot less tolerance for the frustrations of what you've described compared to the younger folks....

[@connie8885]

The proyect is looking good, from now on construction is going to go faster

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

YES....things go faster after the framing is done. But we still have a lot of framing to do. Thanks

[@orelvysnieves4876]

Hahaha, You made me laugh at 12:23 Pura Vida Brother!

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

YES....heck, made myself laugh at that. Lol 😁

[@dougtilaran3496]

Dude. If I close my eyes I feel like I'm listening to Terry Bradshaw /a compliment !

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks....I'll have to go back to this video, close my eyes and listen to myself. LOL

[@BrixtonBeat]

Great video, congrats on your 11k subscribers!

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks...you're awesome!

[@failyourwaytothetop]

100 to 300 a month for rent? Sign me up!

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

YES....you can find cheap rent here.

[@sotonin]

So much of this seems wrong. I only lived there for 6 months but I had a very different experience. There's zero reason to have US dollars. I withdrew colons and that's it. always. I paid bills with it. Not a problem. Internet.... uhm. i lived in a tiny village not a town. I was still able to get a sattelite dish on my roof with 20MB up and 20MB down internet. Which seems slow but the symmetrical made it fanastic. I was able to upload tons of 4k videos to the cloud for backup, something I wasn't even able to do in the US because they have terribly upload speed in most cable internet plans.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Since you have only lived in CR for 6 months and I am sure that was only in 1 place…I can bet you don’t have any idea of what it is to live in as many different places as I have. YES, I tell everyone to spend colones…not sure what you are saying about US dollars. If you were paying for symmetrical internet…then you were paying a LOT of money to a private provider. And since you were living in a tiny village, I am willing to bet, your only choice for internet was the Private provider. Regardless…thanks for sharing your experience, but next time, it would be good to share, where were you living, who did you have internet service with so then you could give better information.

[@crss29]

The channel is called Offthegridhomestead. He chooses to live away from the comforts of modern society. Why he chooses to generalize his specifically chosen experience to the whole country I can't know. Probably because if he presented himself as an expert in living in the middle of the rainforest in the 1990s, his potential audience would be much smaller.

[@LivingOrganismFromMarsAndVenus]

I hate banks in Costa Rica 😂

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

I agree....I don't know anyone who enjoys banking in CR, but I now bank with Coopealianza and they are so much better than any of the others that I have worked with.

[@collingafar1638]

Good comments/info

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Glad you enjoyed it.. Thanks for taking time to comment!

[@victorlewis3251]

Hello Allen. I love your videos because you give a realistic depiction of Costa Rica. The more I find out about it, the less attractive it sounds. Having said that, I'm corresponding with an extremely attractive lady from San Ramon. We're taking it slowly. If we are suited for one another, I will move from Colorado, but I won't sell my little mountain top home. In addition, during this video you inadvertently answered one question that I had. I wondered about your background because you're so squared away. Now I know why.

[@gissellevillegas3831]

This is free advice from someone who lived in Costa Rica for 26 yrs (I'm from the US). Many ticas dream of grabbing onto a US or Canadian citizen because they want a Green Card and leave their country and life of poverty. I've seen it happen time and time again. It was also embarrasing to see 50 and 60 yr old foreigners with these 20 something yr old ticas who then play the oldest trick in the book and get pregnant by them. Just in case you don't know: The Paternity Law in Costa Rica is extremely in favor of the woman. She has the right to force you to get a Paternity test and if your the daddy but don't have a relationship with the woman anymore she can and will take you to court and you will be forced to pay a large amount of $$ monthly to support the kid until the age of 18 or 22 if the kid goes to college and if you want to leave the country you will have to leave thousands of dollars as a deposit. I've seen women doing this as a business, with at least 3 kids from different fathers living on the "pension alimenticia" which is child support in Costa Rica.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Glad you are enjoying the videos...DO BE VERY careful about getting involved with a Tica. I am sure they is a good one...but it is like finding a needle in a haystack. Most Ticas are only interested in you for the $$$$

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Folks, she is !00% correct on this....I used to think I wanted to have a Tica wife...but now....I don't think I would ever take that chance. Every Tica I have met...quickly showed that all they wanted was $$$

[@hermank1474]

Hey Victor, now it's a year later, how did it go with the attractive lady? Everything is good?

[@tc2425]

@13:00 ATM issues are world wide : Netherlands/Holland ......cashless $ less society ...finding ATMs difficult ...finding ATMs with cash well more difficult...Western Unions little to No Cash....Banks well difficult to find...need 1000 euro hire a professional driver with good knowledge of Holland. Albania they really like the Euro and only one Bank (Austrian) has Euro ...US debit cards will get bad exchange rate and off course it may not have cash ....... Philippines ...Everyone gets paid by cash from ATM ...a nation full of ATM and armored cars with cash ....easy to find 50 people in line at a ATM on a Saturday night !!! Portugal (Pura Vida x3) looking for cash and your not in Lisboa ....well... May the Force be with You !!!

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@WilliamNeish]

What’s the snatch situation like down there? I need a place to park my foot long? 😉

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

You can find plenty of prostitutes here.... But if you are looking for a decent girl...forget it. The only thing MOST Ticas here want is your money!

[@TRINZINI]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica WOW ! LOVE your honesty on that one ! (your answer could also apply to what I saw in Thailand actually ;)

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

@@TRINZINI Thanks for your input on that.

[@ParisianThinker]

What’s the point of living in CR? Too many problems !

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

That is why we give you this information. But if you are aware of what can happen, then you can avoid so many issues that other people have when you are not prepared.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

Why is there a special type to adjust to Costa Rica more than to Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador? Are there especially difficult circumstances in Costa Rica that have to be reinterpreted in an allegedly positive way, which you call the Pura Vida?? Is there something especially great about Costa Rica that requires an extra degree of devotion??

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

I can't really answer that question....as I haven't been to those other countries... But I know that Costa Rica makes it more difficult for foreigners. It seems they are always trying to make money off of them...in the most corrupt ways.

[@timmartin638]

another life saving vid

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Glad you enjoyed. This is the ONLY place you will find a channel, NOT trying to sell you Costa Rica so you can buy MORE of my stuff??? Crazy right?

[@johnmycroft3065]

i stayed there for 4 months . beautiful country but not for me.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

You are right...it is NOT for everyone. I had a really hard time adjusting and after 9 years...there are still things that drive me nuts...but, I've learned to just accept them.

[@craighutto9282]

"The majority of the KZbin channels are there because they are trying to sell you a product, trying to sell you a service." Although I respect your channel showing some disadvantages and realities about relocation, you are the most sales-oriented channel that I have viewed.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

That's strange. What am I selling? Please tell me?

[@markshoup]

Everything he said is 100% accurate.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@dougdileo4727]

true stuff

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks....glad you enjoyed it.

[@ParisianThinker]

Definitely not for the majority.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

You are correct...that is why you should be prepared prior to going to Costa Rica.

[@NibrocNod]

Use to watch your videos all the time but stepped away. Now I'm back and notice someone's missing? The red head still around?

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Glad you are back. To find out more about that wonderful Redhead....join the Member's Only Community. ​To discover videos that NOBODY else talks about... ***JOIN NOW createdforsuccess.com/endorses/investcostarica

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

@@misterniceguy67 I didn't do anything with Rebecca. Want to get updated about Rebecca...join the Members Only Community to find out more.

[@trickbaby8441]

I'm from Costa Rica and Costa Rica is by far the worst place I've ever been. I now live in South America and it's a million times better.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for sharing that info.

[@happyslave6783]

Does Amazon deliver in Costa Rica? Can't you buy your electronics that way?

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Amazon does deliver SOME THING to Costa Rica. But the import fees are CRAZY HIGH. So, I usually buy a suitcase full of the things I need when I go to the USA to visit. I have some stuff that came from Amazon right now....STUCK in CUSTOMS. I might never be able to get my stuff out of customs???

[@marjorieann2222]

yes. liberty express and dual are two companies that bring in anything from the states

[@intrigantina]

Yes but on 1000 usd orders you pay 400 usd freights and for delivery it takes 4 months ... embargo!!! Worst than Cuba

[@intrigantina]

@@marjorieann2222 yes with liberty on 2usd goods worth you pay 22 usd freight...

[@carmenthiemann1497]

ajajja Verdad! we are just pura vida!!

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for taking time to comment! You're Awesome!

[@SarahDelouhans]

Yup everything depends on your home country ... here in the countryside of France I went to the same type of schools as in CR , small schools with multiple ages with one teacher and then for high school I had to take a 1h drive every day. so out of home for 12h plus homework when i was home.... So Costa Rica education system to ME is very good and mentally healthy . Same with medical system, in France even tho public care is free it is very long and not the best.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Sounds like you will fit in to the CR life very easy and enjoy it here. I didn't know France was a lot like life in CR. Thanks for sharing that.

[@ParisianThinker]

@@SarahDelouhans Bonjour! I am Américain living in France for 18 years. The Medical system helped me care for my husband at home. Between the SAMU, SOS doctors, his doctor, nurses coming for his blood tests and checking on him 5 x a week, he lived to 99.5 years before an operation killed him.

[@Cheryliiina]

Excellent video

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thank you very much! Thanks for taking time to comment! You're Awesome!

[@LikeAGentlemanPlease]

I was so close to making the move. But I can’t adjust to this new lifestyle.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

It can really be tough to adjust to the Tico pace of life. It's not bad after you own your own place...but you still have to go to town and deal with the Tico Mentality. It can drive some personality types NUTS. It did for me...and after 9 years...I'm still adjusting.

[@LikeAGentlemanPlease]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica aye,,,, thank you so much. You are the ONLY person on YT who tell the absolute truth. Thinking about Brazil now or Argentina. I’ll go visit both this summer.

[@warriorqueen8285]

Brother where is this video taken what city it is beautiful I'm looking for a mountain region to move to with my family we like it cooler and prefer mountains over beaches

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

That is in the low mountains of Playa Hermosa near Jaco Costa Rica. Pretty, but too hot there and too expensive. Go to the area of Perez Zeledon and you will find a LOT of area that look like what you saw in that video.

[@warriorqueen8285]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica thank you so much for your information and response !!

[@dougtilaran3496]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica Turrialba is nice, Perez Zeledon, Bijagua, in the right parts and, if you like cool-cold, head up toward Irazu and look around on the way up. Forget Monteverde. Like everything else gringozzze ruined it..FACT.

[@Noonelson]

public medical is the same in Canada, wait all day to see a Dr. lol

[@edesouza2279]

Where in Canada do you live and what is “public medical” in Canada? Medical services are the same for all Canadians. I live in downtown Toronto, and if I need to see my doctor or a doctor that is available tomorrow; I just go online check available appointment and booked an appointment, show up, and no long wait. If you live further out of the city, where you have your oversized house and huge backyard with swimming pool, then you and your neighbours may not have the privilege of having many doctors available to you. Like any where else the smaller the community, fewer services are available to you.

[@dougtilaran3496]

Not even.My Tico neighbor buddy $$$$ farmer just got his knee done. SEVEN YEARS. Tell him it's BS he should have dropped the cash and had it done privately and OMG . The CR Govt is God on Earth. Be careful. These people are brainwashed more than the idiots in the uS raising a flag daily (made in Bangladesh)

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

I hate waiting on public medical...but the private medical is a lot better and not that expensive.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for sharing your input.

[@jimtams]

what? that's not true at all, unless you live in the middle of nowhere lol

[@kennethlane3896]

It appears to me if you want to stay in CR you'll need a U-Tube channel.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Why do you say that???

[@iamkevindchan]

I've just bought a property in Italy for 10000 is there something there for that price? I've been searching somewhere safe

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Yes. It all depends on where you look. I actually bought a piece of property for $1,600. Now that was a tiny piece of property...I think 200 sq meters. I needed that small piece for my antenna. But my point is... If you look and ask, you will find someone who NEEDS the money and they have a large piece they inherited and they need the money, more than they need the piece of land you want.

[@intrigantina]

My iPhone was stolen 2 days ago where to buy a new one?

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Only buy from iShop. They are a good place and Apple Authorized.

[@GlassellPark]

3:38 the wife should have told you to buy a property 9 years ago and hold onto it also what if I act crippled to get in front of the bank line 14:46

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

You could act cripple to get in the front...but is that being honest? Just accept what CR is doing and learn to slowdown or find honest ways around the system.

[@happyslave6783]

So, not a place for productive people.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

I see your point...I'm a very productive person, but it takes a LOT LONGER to be productive here than when I was in the USA. Everything is much slower in Costa Rica. Drives me NUTS

[@Maria-oh1nq]

Just stay in the USA and work until you die where youre just another number

[@Maria-oh1nq]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica then leave americans are ruining the country

[@robholland9781]

Hey brother. First of all Semper Fi! I was EOD for 15 years. Looking at moving down there. I appreciate the info. I bring home $6k a month, tax exempt. Any advice? I've lived in Europe, South East Asia. Stayed in Colombia for over a month. Looking for a laid back lifestyle.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

With 6K a month...you can live like a king...IF YOUR Lifestyle is NOT to extravagant. The key is NOT to make yourself a TARGET. I would suggest Moving to San Isidro del General in Perez Zeldon and live in the mountains near there. That area is ONLY 1 hour to the beach if you like beaching it.

[@robholland9781]

Appreciate it brother

[@robholland9781]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica Nah, looking at living low key

[@COLABRO12]

👍

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Enjoy

[@shreddxx]

LOL an info commercial to sell you property!!! No smart person would come here and buy right away

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Where did you see an info commercial to sell you property? I highly suggest everyone rent in Costa Rica for at least a year or two before buying.

[@Spitamen]

Why do you use term "expat"? Legal or not you are "immigrant" just like latinos are called in US. Double standards much? lol

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Look up the definition for expatriate or expat. You'll see that every intelligent person uses that term for people who are living in a country that is NOT their own. If you have a problem with the term...then that is your personal issue.

[@Spitamen]

@@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica are you implying that we don't have any intelligent person in US government, media or among ordinary US citizens? Everyone uses term "immigrant" and term "expat" practically never used towards latin migrants. I don't have problem with either term - I have problem with double standards. If we call latino people "immigrants" in US then we should call white US citizens overseas "immigrants" also.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

@@Spitamen I don't like double standards either...but I can't control them...and I don't have a problem what people say. If you want to say immigrants you say that....I say Expat... if you have a problem with what I say...that sounds like a Personal issue.

[@themaxandlucyshow7590]

There is a big difference between an expat and an immigrant. You should look up the definition. An expat is usually living temporarily in another country that is not their own. That applies to about 95% of the Gringos who move here. An immigrant usually moves to another country to start an entirely new life with no intentions of ever returning to the country they left. Like my grandparents who left russia. They were immigrants. Somebody who comes to Costa Rica and stays for 6 months is not an immigrant but an expat. The term expat also applies to those who go to another country for work. They are not immigrants. They are there temporarily therefore they are expats. The term immigrant is not a derogatory term contrary to what you believe. All the Latinos I knew in the United States were in fact immigrants because they left their countries to start an entirely new life in the United States with no intent of ever returning to their home country

[@Spitamen]

@@themaxandlucyshow7590 did you read OPs response to me? He said "there is no difference" and I actually agree with him. Why not correct him? And btw, how many latinos do you know among millions and millions of them? Did you know majority of immigrants return back? Here is PPIC study title for you "Vast Majority Of Mexican Immigrants To The United States Do Not Stay, Study Finds". So, based on your logic you should start calling mexican immigrants "expats". Will you now?

[@deadstock82]

wow so annoying

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

What did you find annoying?

[@scottmghill]

Seven minutes to get to the first point about unrealistic expectations. Gave up on the rest of the video.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Then YOU BETTER not go to Costa Rica. EVERYTHING is so much SLOWER in Costa Rica and 14K views who actually watched this video to get this great info.... says...you're gonna fail in Costa Rica. AND your comment tells EVERYONE that you can't tell time??? The first Unrealistic Expectation is at 3:30 but the info before it is very important. Go find another Channel to be a worthless TROLL at. Thanks for your input!

[@RobertoAfortunado]

Can you use a Visa debt. card there without a hassle?

[@dougtilaran3496]

Sure. No problem. One clown took my card to the back and returned 15 minutes later. The next morning I checked my stuff and found a dating site he charged,,,I dunno $15 or so . I confronted the owner. The guy came out in fake tears apologizing. I slapped his boss six times like a gurl and left. Those who have been here know why, Same reason , in the us, if a kid messes with your car or mailbox, you take it out on his old man. Super effective strategy.;-)

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Sure....you can use most any credit card....except American Express...most places will not take that one.

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

IN Costa Rica....YOU MUST keep your eyes on your credit Card. If NOT....they will take a photo of your credit card and use it all over the place.

[@eduardofernandez1040]

We call afromerican blacks becuse are black not because is racist, like here so f racist, we are humans diferents cultures, if you want to live in rural areas or beach areas is completely diferent to live in the Gam,

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks for your input

[@eduardofernandez1040]

That is a economic problem not education problem, there not jobs, and the family's can't keep the kids in high school

[@eduardofernandez1040]

It was cheap until Americans came

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

I don't agree. Has nothing to do with Americans. It has gotten more and more expensive because Costa Rica is a tiny country and they have to import a lot of things. They don't make most of their things...and The CR Gov't makes it hard on their own people.

[@dougdileo4727]

true stuff

[@OffTheGridHomesteadCostaRica]

Thanks....glad you enjoyed it.