LIVE! Don't Move to Costa Rica Unless... | Black women abroad

[@chloewaller1589]

I lived in Costa Rica for 2 years in Heredia! I loved it... I currently live in Italy... My dream is to retire and spend 5 months a year in Florence, 5 months a year in Provence and 2 months a year in Costa RIca to escape the cold weather. I love you channel! As a black woman I have lived and worked in Rennes, France, Heredia Costa Rica, MOntreal Quebec and now in Florence Italy! You are so inspiring! Keep it up girl!!!

[@danielleforbes5714]

Your "disheveled" and "imperfect" format is one of the key reasons I follow you. There's a sense of authenticity and trust that it delivers that works! Thank you!!

[@StephaniePerry]

Thank you so much Danielle. 💗 💗

[@BurningSky444]

I Concur 🕉️

[@hykuvava2269]

STOP worrying about your absolutely lush, beautiful and blessed crown!! Most beautiful hair I've seen in 44 cities and 12 countries!! Retired international hair stylist. Every hair platform artist dreams of having you in their chair!! Natural, blowout, braids, twists. Just don't fiddle with it Stephanie. 90% of the people watching have hair that doesn't look as good as yours. Even when you don't do shit to it. ❤🎉❤

[@Cheryl-sv1uv]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@StephaniePerry]

I remembered the 8th thing...Earthquakes. Costa Rica has earthquakes. If that's gonna upset you, this isn't the place for you. But there IS a place for you. Come to ExodUS Summit 2024 and learn how to scout out your future home: exodussummit.com Ticket prices go up October 11th.

[@ltgemini1599]

My first trip to Costa Rica we had an earthquake. Terremoto! Hope to make it back one day!

[@LaToyJames]

@@StephaniePerry been there for a month (June-July) it’s preferred not to flush bathroom tissue in preservation of sewage systems. During this adventure I experienced one minor earthquake, had seen remnants of a couple of land slides, and told the volcano in La Fortuna has not erupted in ten years.

[@EB-sl9nk]

Ok, i was with you until the earthquakes. I spent two months in Panama so the rainy season is not a major turnoff for me. I'll check out an airbnb for awhile but i'm definitely a "city"girl. NOT big city but city-ish

[@teddydavis2339]

Stephanie just described Guatemala. It must be a Central American thing. Her transparency is always appreciated. Chrishan calls Costa Rica nosta rica. Thank you for not pretending that Costa Rica is perfect because folks do follow the crowd. Costa Rica sounds like my kind of place. Good non racist people are the kind of people I love to be around.

[@actionvj]

Rushed, spilled water, forgot #8 and it was STILL an excellent video. You know we love a list. Thank you.

[@StephaniePerry]

😆 Thanks so much Action VJ! 💗

[@GoddessY1968]

I do love a good list❤

[@Kattywagon29]

I live in CR and I would agree with everything Stephanie is saying about San Jose specifically, but I would add some things/context: 1) San Jose is not a city city - San Jose looks like a city, as in it's got buses, taxis, metro train, traffic...etc. It's definitely the place where you will find most of the things, museums, markets and stores that you are used to from the US/Canada and yet somehow, it does not have the 'vibe' of NY, Chicago, Mexico City...etc. It is a strange thing that is hard to explain. There is no charm. 2) You wanna start your day late - every person and all the animals are up early. LOL That sun pops up like clockwork all year at 5:30am and is down at 5:30pm. People from CR will text you early because they assume you are up. 😆An it gets dark, like really dark especially in areas outside of the city. There are rarely lights or even street reflectors on these mountains roads, so you wanna be home before dark in a lot of cases. 3) Rainy season - I agree with Stephanie that rainy season is only annoying for people who want to be out and about often. I am mostly a homebody, so during rainy season, we do what we need to do early in the day. That said, it doesn't pour all day, but it will be cloudy and will rain off and on throughout the day into the evening. 4) You need direct flights - No notes. This is a fact. LOL Luckily for me, I am only every flying back and forth to FL to visit family, but I know if I go anywhere else, it will be a slog. 5) San Jose is not pretty - Full stop, it's not. There are pretty neighborhoods, but the true beauty will be in the rural, mountain or beach areas. 6) If you need it to be budget friendly - CR is expensive when it comes to items. However, once you have the things you need, you're good. Like are you really buying another couch? Do you need another blender? One thing I will say is that although things are expensive in CR, I spend less money here than in the US. Everything in the US is cheap and that causes you to buy more things than you actually need - Everything is so disposable. When I am in the store in CR, the price makes me ask myself if I really need that item right now. 7) If you don't want to ship things - I am one of those people who flies back to the US or has people bring me stuff when they come. I find this to be a good thing. When you are in the US, you shop on a whim - you see something, you buy it. When you gotta think about how big an item is, how much it weighs or whether TSA is likely to take an item from you, just like the point before, it slows you down. I consider myself to be a frugal person, and even still the fact that I can't just buy whatever and have it delivered to me by the end of day, is a good thing. 8) If you need a job in another country - You can work in CR, but you have to be a permanent resident to do so and that takes years to accomplish, so yeah, you need to work remotely.

[@karynprice6941]

“I don’t like to see white people with guns”. Love that! I’m a white woman that feels exactly the same. Planning a move to Costa Rica cuz US just be crazy at this point. I’m too damn old (68) to put up with all the stupidity. Looking forward a kinder, gentler way of life and your videos give me real info but also hope! Thank you!

[@CoachDonnaMarie]

The prettiest natural hair on KZbin! Did you name your hair? It deserves its own name.

[@michelleadams2355]

Watching the replay. Stephanie I so appreciate your honesty and transparency. You talk about feeling disheveled, but you just seem real to me. And it makes me feel better about my own realness if that makes sense. 😍

[@StephaniePerry]

I appreciate that Michelle. Thank you. 💗

[@bedinabebe4521]

🎯

[@MorKing86]

I agree with you. I stayed in San Jose Costa Rica for 3 weeks. I attended a spanish immersion school during the week and would travel to other parts on the weekend. I had to watch my step because the sidewalks were uneven, and you could just fall in a hole. Not much of a city to look at. Food is very bland. But the people are wonderful and the mountains, volcanoes, and beaches are great for getting outdoors.

[@latonyadover3588]

How can I enroll in the Spanish immersion school? I have been looking for one?

[@rdhawk929]

I'm finally doing my research with a new dedication to GTFOOD (getting tf out of dodge). I love what you are sharing. Keep up the great work.

[@EB-sl9nk]

same.....Costa Rica is high on my list along with parts of Mexico

[@TKay2778]

You are such a humble and beautiful person.

[@sabrinamadison8769]

Hi all, watching on replay. Your honesty is what i need.

[@adrianehill8291]

My favorite is Cahuita and Puerto Vejo. Flip flops and a sarong all day every day!!

[@tonyetheselfcaremaven]

Watching the replay and I love the detailed reality check. I’m not a “big city” woman either so Costa Rica sounds lovely.

[@FindYourFree]

CR is lovely but i couldn’t do the weather and how slow it was. We moved back to Brazil and adore it. Direct and nonstop to MIA

[@crystylecouture]

I want to learn more about Brazil and creators you suggest? Thanks

[@debrasmall9095]

what part of brazil?

[@jeanettesdaughter]

Whew. Nick of time. Costa Rica was on my top five list. Not that I have five dollars ( right now ) to go anywhere but Walgreens but I hope, I dream and I I plan, and I do know how to save for later. Love you, Ms Perry. So inspirational. It’s a mind thing with me “ I dwell in possibility, a surer house than prose…” As the mind goes, so goeth the Black woman❤

[@LHarris3000]

Hi, Stephanie! I was in San Jose Dec-Jan last year in rhormeser right near the embassy’s. I can agree to everything you mentioned. The city is very sprawling and I found it difficult to cultivate community as I took Spanish classes in Barrio Dent on the other side of down town plaza, so they were different people from who I saw in the evening/weekend near my Airbnb… but I really enjoyed my trip there! My Airbnb neighborhood was a mix of hotels, residential, government agencies, and businesses, so there weren’t many elements there for me to get a feel of “living there”, it felt more transient. Like there wasn’t a local community center, or rec center, or park activity, volunteer opportunity that cultivated community connection. I mean the restaurant and other business owners were very friendly, the people who lived there seemed closed off but polite, like they were cautious of the transient nature all of the hotels/airbnb created. Many people even told me that most only commuted from more “suburban” areas to workin that area. I’m curious, in what ways do you find yourself in community there? Also, how do you locate domestic services there? Thank you for your videos!❤

[@antheafearon1632]

Stephanie, Thank you as always for your honest & transparent view, God bless you xx

[@StephaniePerry]

You're very welcome. Thank you so much! 💗

[@notjessica828]

At this point Stephanie, just pack me in your luggage. I feel like that's the only way I'm going to get out of the US

[@elithompson5909]

I lived in CR (both the San Jose and Puerto Viejo areas) for 6 months, and life begins early Every Day! However, it was refreshing for me it was refreshing to hear life begin all around. Perhaps I will see Pam Perry there upon return. 😊

[@asiablackgrl6482]

Always appreciate your honesty! Thanks for not sugar coating anything, Stephanie! I also appreciate how you get straight to the point right when the video starts! 🙏🏿

[@livefromtheground7274]

It’s not bad rain!! It’s an awesome cleansing and clearing rain. My skin looked awesome from the hydration - oh hello yall!

[@DntUTlkAbtAntHenny]

That is the reason why I have not relocated...I am an only child caring for my mother (2019-present) 😢I planned to move in 2020.... I have no small children....retired early My income would offer a comfortable way of life abroad... 😊EXPENSIVE FOOD & EVERYTHING SHIPPED IN Yesssss... I learned that while staying in Bahamas 34yrs ago... My hosts took me grocery shopping for things I missed from the States... Everything was SUPER SMALL (7"11 sizes). Every container was tiny, and I became so overwhelmed by the prices! Loaf of bread was crazy expensive, I loaded 2 carts, and they shut me down, saying, 😮"All of this will cost more than $600"... My hosts explained... The upcoming Saturday, we would take the boat to Miami for large grocery shopping, HBA products, and clothing... All FOODS were crazy high in Bahamas...

[@rdhawk929]

Appreciate you sharing that.

[@lisalove395]

We did the same thing in St. Croix and most of the food went bad. We learned to only get what we needed for that week. 😂

[@GoldenOracleArtsLRSTARR]

Watching the replay from the future. 🎉 Appreciate you Stephanie!

[@miapellegrino8654]

Everytime I see that artwork behind you I think about a very similar print I have by my bed. ❤️. Appreciate your transparency and always keeping it real

[@vienicestyles]

This is good information. Thank you for being transparent about Costa Rica 🇨🇷. 🥹🙂🙃😊☺️

[@ingridbrown4631]

Will there be a 2025 Summitt?

[@chondramontemoino8082]

Hey beautiful... thank you for your info Been there and loved it very muched...

[@terragarmon3790]

Catching up. This is very good as usual. Thank you. I really like Costa Rica so this is good information. Imperfect is perfect for me...🙂

[@patriciaoleary-smith4001]

Luv You! You inspire Me

[@StephaniePerry]

Thank you! Love YOU! 💗

[@Mz.ScorpioSexy76]

​@@StephaniePerry Just came across this video, wish I could've caught it live. God Bless You Darling 😇🙏🏾🌹

[@Avigailthementalhealthcoach]

Your videos remind me of a time in my life when I was at peace.

[@cecilea6617]

Thanks for the heads up. We are more drawn to a genuine urban scene!

[@stawill7854]

Love that the sun rises early like me!!

[@roxiepayton5864]

This type of information is very helpful, OMG! Thank you for sharing. ❤❤

[@sweetpeasbackyardgarden1236]

"They are the best people!" That part. Hits different now.

[@vessel4thefather]

Wonderful tips I'm an early bird so these tips definitely help ❤

[@herwanderland]

I'm in Costa Rica now scouting and I agree that San Jose aint it!

[@bernstin6846]

Panama sounds great

[@mokahgirl5165]

Can't wait to watch the video. Costa Rica is where I want to live for the summer next year 🤞🏼. Someone told me they didn't like it because of the bugs, so idk🤷🏾‍♀️. Still, I'm not deterred. 🙃

[@StephaniePerry]

If you're not in the jungle or the beach, you don't need to be worried about the bugs. See you next summer!!

[@rachelroberts2528]

Love, love, love Stephanie Perry. Thank you.

[@AuroraCrystal]

Good Afternoon watching the Replay as I waa getting my mail. So background.(..I don't wear T-shirts) As Stephanie is talking I curiously opened up the package let out a scream so loud that a neighbor was knocking on my door concerned And yes, I told her I was fine, and she commented on what a nice T-shirt! I replied "I know" Thank you ExodUS Summit I love it!

[@jacquelineellis7136]

We love your imperfections ❤

[@LifeBetweenTheDash]

This is one of the best videos. You've given me so much more to add to my list of must haves.

[@michellelewis8716]

Thanks Stephanie! Appreciate your content and you.

[@faithwilliams7978]

I agree with most of what you said, except when you said it wasn't beautiful. Costa Rica is STUNNING! But, I guess it depends where you stay. You certainly were on point about the rain and about the difficulty of getting things that you need or getting them affordably. Great video :)

[@Kattywagon29]

She said that San Jose is not beautiful and it is not. LOL I live in CR and there is beauty everywhere, but San Jose is not it unless you can get high enough to overlook other things, then it's better.

[@inspiredfaith197]

​@@Kattywagon29Yes, but her video was was about why you should not move to Costa Rica. I have seen San Jose, and I agree. But Costa Rica is gorgeous outside of the cities, as you said. I have been in Costa Rica for just over two months. Ciudad Colon and Rivas, which is in the mountains, are stunning.

[@Kattywagon29]

@@inspiredfaith197 Being up in the mountains gives you the most spectacular views and great weather. Too bad you gotta drive up those mountain roads to get there! 😄

[@inspiredfaith197]

@@Kattywagon29 Right!

[@deborahsavageshaffer6846]

Beautiful!

[@reneemills5558]

You got that right Stephanie, in and out of the house. I live in Philly.

[@bedinabebe4521]

Stephanie you're doing great at multitasking while remembering to take care of YOU. Thanks for graciously informing us. From Guanacaste I took Water Tax to COCO BEACH for amazing shops, cafes, spas, black sand beach🌊🚕i🛥

[@BurningSky444]

This is so raw and authentic… you’re a great teacher for the collective who are visual 😂….. I have a the personality to adapt to most places BUT… there are certain things I need to feel good…. 😂 I definitely feel like I’ll stay on my path to Mexico as planned….. I appreciate you 🕉️😉 I will still continue to watch your videos… they are refreshing and I appreciate the information ✨✨✨ Ps…. I can’t wait to leave the US…. !!!

[@AleciaRenece]

💛💛💛💛💛

[@zenandfit]

This video was informative. Thanks for the post ❤

[@michellejackson9171]

Good afternoon from the future!

[@yolizen9980]

You don’t know how aware you are in the U.S.😢 that hit hard as a black woman

[@SKIMSPersonalStylist]

Good morning ❤

[@Angela-pi6zc]

Thank you🎉

[@Angela-f5m8d]

Appreciate this so much!

[@therapidrg]

Love your hair and content!! Awesome black woman!!

[@MReneeSmith]

Greetings all - visited in August Reason # 9 - Open Sewers and piles of bagged trash (San Jose and less populated areas too). Reason #10 - TRAFFIC; in San Jose traffic roads are black-top BUT volume of cars etc. Reason #11 - $$$$

[@GoddessY1968]

It was already a No for me but adding your #9 and #10 sealed it

[@theschwartzawakens9021]

Westerville in the house!!

[@LeahTVdotcom]

Really good tips❤

[@capricornwoman6726]

Great videos as always!😊

[@LifeAD3.0]

I always love Stephanie's candor and thoroughness. She just described all the reasons that most people don't move to San Jose. I don't know anybody who's retired to CR, that chose SJ. I'll be visiting CR in january. I'm only staying in San Jose long enough to get some dental work done and recover. Then I'm off to other cities.

[@JudiVentress]

Please advise if you'd recommend your dentist!

[@LifeAD3.0]

I couldn't wait. I was in too much pain from the mistake my US dentist made in putting new crowns on teeth with cavities ( i need it root canal first.) I live in Arizona. I went across the border to Mexico. Very happy with the work, and I can't believe the low cost!

[@kaysalaam7413]

Portugal 🇵🇹 sounds better to me now.

[@JudiVentress]

Yesss, the way she described the city. I also marveled at the beautiful tiled buildings/homes. 😍❤️🥰

[@FunkyBruja]

Stephanie is so precious. She said.. "I know I'm LIVE" 😅🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kmartin8365]

Good Morning

[@Wer76der]

Hi Stephanie, you have a lovely voice and charming way of speaking...thanks for your advice...are flights to Miami expensive? But what I found is that the Post in Costa Rica is not reliable...at least when sending things there.

[@Bohemianpearl519]

Hi Sis. I was looking at Costa Rico to retire. I would love to hear more directly if that’s possible

[@gg13308]

Hey I missed the live, yeah San Jose is not for me Love you keeping it real

[@beverleypollard2561]

You have to give us a tour.

[@Free2BecomeMe]

Loved the info, we are expats, on the top of list for us was Panama, Costa Rica and Belize, we are now living in Belize…. Definitely a culture shock from the USA, but adjusting, we will be in Costa Rica next month to visit…very excited for the experience

[@shirleygriffin7672]

Sharing post immediately so others will know

[@Nubian-li6bb]

I would like to know how to become a house sitter please

[@cheche5172]

In what ways did Portugal not fit your needs please? thank you for all you do by the way:-)

[@janelltabora527]

I just came back from there. The white Portugués don’t seem to smile or acknowledge you.The Brazilians were nice. Brazilians are all colors but they were much warmer than portugués. I started asking after I experienced such a vast difference.

[@mikkibarker8671]

Everywhere you go take a Bkack Heritage Tour.

[@owladmirer3926]

Good evening ladies ❤

[@memewalkerb5305]

I'm not catching this live. Are there any place to move in a 4 season climate? I have a -25 down jacket that keeps me warm to enjoy the winter wonderland. I attended a pro-football [American/Canadian] with a high temp of 12 degrees F and lived. In the lyrics of My Favorite Things "Silver white winters that melt into spring, these are a few of my favorite things".

[@jasmineisshorter]

Wow thats a bit discouraging on the “need a job” piece. Many Black Women like me have a hard time finding and keeping a stable job in the US…and that’s the reason why we are not established financially 😢 Where can you go abroad where the area/country is nice, welcoming, not racist, safe enough and where you can work to sustain living there? 😞

[@juliebrinkley4064]

Hi Stephanie, hi ladies

[@crystylecouture]

Watching the replay and thank you for your honesty!! I love the dishelvedness it’s authentic 😉 and yes very scared of yt people with handhelds 😳😳

[@dorismoton7108]

7 Month Rainy Season…….NOT FOR ME!😆

[@livinglifemyway6511]

Hello from Portugal!

[@StephaniePerry]

Hiyee! 💗

[@LaToyJames]

Hyper vigilance is stressful.

[@kaysalaam7413]

Why did you choose Costa Rica over Portugal?

[@danielleamory5428]

Watching the replay. I need sunlight. Lived in HI 30 years, came to the PNW and SAD set in. Even with the rain, are there days and weeks of actual sunlight? The 'sunlights' do not work for me.

[@marilynpeoples5099]

Stephanie, you so nailed the CR “ Nots”. I wintered in CR for five years. The rain was the deal breaker for me… oh the reason you forgot , it gets dark at 5:30 pm Everyday! Weather wise my body feels better in CR , but I enjoy Mexico more.

[@brooklynqueen7089]

I just returned from Lisbon and Barcelona. I absolutely loved Lisbon, just disliked the cobblestones and hills. I was surprised I did not like Barcelona. You can’t go by what people tell you because everyone I know loved Barcelona. I couldn’t even find great paella🤷🏽‍♀️

[@paulahoward516]

What about the bugs there? Someone said they look like aliens. lol

[@JudiVentress]

Ooohhh, yeah! She forgot! #9: IF you have a problem with bugs, mosquitoes!! 😫, spiders, lizards/geckos... Possibly rodents 😬... Ummm, yeah, don't choose to live in/near the jungle. (I'm presently dealing with the mosquitoes!! I'm doing so because I love the people and the vibe. 😏🤷🏽🥰 I ain't moving back to the US either! 🙎🏽😂)

[@Tatianalb24]

Can you have a house keeper in Lisboa also?

[@reginamorris9908]

❤❤

[@josettecompton7448]

Hi, sisters

[@GoddessY1968]

I appreciate your transparency. Its a no for me. As time permits, can you or someone provide this for other locations?

[@chondramontemoino8082]

so where in Costa Rica is there LESS Rain... The rest I can deal with

[@Kattywagon29]

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

[@darlynnjordan1462]

I'm an 70 year old African American looking to exit the US. Costa Rica does not appear to be the best place due to this video (like more sunshine). I believe I have sufficient funds to live comfortably (monthly income of $3000). What would be the best place for me? Preferably in Mexico or Caribbean.

[@JudiVentress]

Check out Panama and Colombia... Caribbean area is better than Mexico (bc imho, it's too close to the USA in proximity and politically. And, depending on the area, it's "not cheap." Even though you have the budget, why spend unnecessarily unless you're in a place you love and feel safe. Definitely travel around and stay 2-3 months in each place. Enjoy the journey!! 😃)

[@fdoctor79]

Yeah, It's going to be a NO for me dawg. lol 😅 However, I hope you find peace and happiness in Costa Rica, Stephanie. 😊

[@kimberlygila]

Costa Rica sounds like similar to Panama to sun rises early and it gets dark early in Panama l remember so better to do chores in the daytime as l don't like going out at night 😊living in city at times maybe a change for slower life.

[@stephanierandall1170]

Hi, Stephanie I love watching your videos. I have been watching your videos since last year and in this video I saw you had a water bottle with your name on it, may I ask you were did you get your water bottle from? I truly appreciate what you are doing for the culture.

[@robertawedge7185]

Europe is easier but I seem to see a lot of nationalist issues there too. Visited playa del Carmen and saw on the news that Barcelona (a place I wanted to visit) people are throwing things and shouting at tourists. Germany - a black woman married to a German man said that nationalists came at her with a chainsaw. It all makes me uncertain.

[@realist2035]

Hi this is Cheryl from Philly How are you?

[@chondramontemoino8082]

where is the exodus being held LIVE