Living in Costa Rica w/ Autistic Son, Residency, Buying House, Making Mistakes 🧘

[@olafweyer859]

I've rented an furnished airbnb-house and am now paying cash at a much lower and to my mind rather reasonable rate. It makes sense for the landlord because they never got much business in the rainy season and now they got me as their tenet for the whole year. Win/win. Sold all my stuff back home and stored what I couldn't part with permanently in a friends attic. If by any chance I ever wanna leave this former airbnb I can be out and in a new place within a few hours. There's an unoccupied, unfurnished apartment even on my very street, but I want a house. If necessary unfurnished too, then I buy a mattress on the way :D I'm past my 40s, just to put that into perspective. PS: Great guest, nice discussion :) :) :)

[@Cierasoul]

I have talked to Sandra! I actually met her from a comment on this channel over 6 months ago and she answered so many questions for me and it is great to hear all these stories. SO helpful. My challenge is my young adults that don't want to move there despite being there twice...my goal however is to come and be self sustainable and live like Sandra eating at markets and shopping from locals as soon as I can! Love this channel!

[@geebs76]

It's so interesting hearing other people's stories. 89 days for residency! Good for you! My wife and I started the residency process in November 2020 and I still don't have my DIMEX in my hand but my wife's had hers for over a month. Now she wants to homologate her drivers license but the only appointments this month are in Guanacaste. We live in the central valley so we decided to make a road trip out of it. But it's all good, and like Michael and Sandy said if things like that frustrate you then Costa Rica may wear you down. If you can accept them then this place is wonderful.

[@CarlHancock]

We used Pet Lounge Costa Rica to bring our dogs to Costa Rica from the United States also and had a fantastic experience. They handled everything for us. We weren't even in the United States when we had it done. We were already in Costa Rica. They had our dogs picked up in our home state from our pet sitter, transported them to Florida and sent us updates and photos on how the dogs were doing every step of the way on the drive from our home to Florida, and then boarded them at a facility in Florida prior to transporting them to the airport for their flight to Costa Rica. They then handled picking them up from the airport, clearing customs, and delivered them safe and sound to our home in Guanacaste. Highly recommend them. But be aware shipping a pet is expensive.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

thanx for the info.

[@TF-mw4sy]

I used World Pet Travel bringing 2 cats to Costa Rica via American Airlines Cargo. Disaster experience. I used Pet Lounge like you to return my 2 cats from Costa Rica to USA. That experience was wonderful. Just my opinion on using both companies.

[@christineh9600]

If/when buying electronics beware that some are actually REFURBISHED ... Might come in original packaging but it's been refurbished but is sold as new.

[@paulvta761]

Really great video Mike, Sandy hit it out of the park.

[@RealEstateInCostaRica]

thanx paulvta..... appreciate you sayin'.

[@gladysm3404]

Please have more of these videos.. I to have a child with autism and want to relocate out of the country.. I been following and watching your u tube and other information, researching of Costa Rica I will be visiting and making plans as I go along.. I have expectations, but realistic and except things the way they r in Costa Rica thanks

[@deniseneicybear7997]

I thoroughly enjoyed this💜

[@cmduckworth]

Mike, I have been watching your videos for probably close to 10 years. Excellent video, greatly appreciate all of your work on these topics!

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

thanx. I appreciate that. muchas gracias 😊

[@maukamarine3083]

Great video showcasing someone with experience living in Costa Rica

[@renefrentzen8670]

WOWSA!!!! $300 yr prop taxes & $160 yr car insurance. You got me considering things…..

[@emeryg1400]

This was a great interview. A lovely lady. Thank you for sharing!

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Glad you enjoyed it, and thanx for taking the time to say, much appreciated.

[@kandyman2705]

Excellent video. My wife and I did everything wrong/differently but it’s worked out extremely well. Very different from Sandy’s experience but we love it. Now off to visit LaFortuna!

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

hey, nice to hear it at least worked out. Sounds similar to our story.... ;)

[@joycemalchin7320]

Thanks for telling your story Sandy. All the best! 🤗

[@dakotahstr]

why do I not get any notifications here. Great video ,very informative! Anyone considering moving there should take note.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

KZbin has been tanking my videos for a couple months now..... algorithm shi**t

[@dakotahstr]

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW prs eh?

[@frankc966]

Great info. I have met several families in Costa Rica who had an autistic child that thrived there.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Well, that's great to hear, since most, seem to have issues with 'changes'. nice.

[@rosemercer212]

I am planning a trip for Dec 2023. My son has Autism he is 24 yrs old . I am interested in hearing specifics about who to contact for surfing and help around the water . My son is a great swimmer but we are not .

[@mrshess443]

Good info as always!

[@RealEstateInCostaRica]

gracias Mrs. Hess. :)

[@korymalone6591]

Enjoy these videos. Thanks for the effort. Someday I'll get back there. Fingers crossed.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

🤞🤞

[@ghostshadow2959]

Lot of good information in this one. Maybe she will let you see her house.. sounds really nice.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

yeah, it does. That's a good idea😉

[@BrucesAdventures1]

Another great video!! I'll be in Costa Rica in 3 weeks. I'd love to meet you and buy you lunch if you're not busy. No video though. Lol

[@RealEstateInCostaRica]

If you're going to be in the la fortuna area.. by all means. Just give me a day or 2 heads up. I can't and won't do last minute ;)

[@gregorybiggs2068]

Costa Rican Pea Berry is my all-time favorite coffee!

[@janetbeattie6902]

Obsessing over that bird feeder! :-)

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

honey creepers. love them.

[@janetbeattie6902]

Hi Sandy! Thanks so much for sharing your story! We also live in and love Heredia - such a wonderful location! Dittos for the Pet Lounge rec, too. :-)

[@sandrabedard7848]

Hola, yes Heredia is a wonderful place to live 😊

[@stevesjohnson4902]

Another great video

[@victoriaphoenix4999]

Hi Sandy! Wonderful video filled with great info! Can you please give a little information about the attorney you used? I’m going to look into pet lounge as well. We have 2 German shepherds that are literally family to us.

[@1bs24]

Mike your awesome great job on your videos!

[@ninagawehns8652]

They said in Swizerland they would not transport our Tibet Terrier 😂

[@glenntellier8491]

Thamks

[@annazlegrie333]

I love your channel, been watching for years. 🙏👁️♥️Can you share how to get a reasonable house sit in the mountains somewhere safe. I'm in Canada I really need to come that this year I can't stay here anymore. I need to breathe can you do a show on that. 🤣❄️

[@carmenthiemann1497]

greatn my country is so good for health care, and the private clinics are not expensive at all!. Make a video on how medicate and social security money you receive in the states will get to you in CR!!! Gracias!!

[@jeannecollins777]

Great informative video,TCR! Have electric bikes taken off in Costa Rica yet? I know it's a little off topic, but just curious.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

i did a video about that a few months ago😉

[@markleexpatadventures]

Love this video, I’m watching it right now with my wife. We can relate so much. We’re American and about to move to Costa Rica in the next few months. We went there last year and stayed for 2 months. Would love to chat with Sandy. She has such a similar perspective as us. Same with you Micheal. We stayed in San Isidro but we are looking to go up north a little more. We live in Las Vegas right now and know Arizona very well. We had all the same things like sandy said “the new Mercedes, big houses etc.” We just don’t WANT that stuff anymore. Mike you say it well. Wants vs needs. Costa Rica changed me last year. That being said we came back last year so my wife and I could get jobs that we can do remotely. Mike do you know people that do that? If so I’d love to chat with you about that. I am starting to add people to my network in Costa Rica because our move date is approaching. Hopefully I hear from ya but if not loved this video and we’re watching a bunch of them tonight. I subscribed with notifications so I can keep up on your perspective down there. Your mentality is similar to ours. 🤙🏻

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Vegas, my old stomping ground ;) Yes, I know a lot of folks who work remotely here.... done a few videos on the subject. Glad you enjoyed the video and if you ever find yourselves in La Fortuna, by all means....

[@pristinepersians]

Puerto Morelos and Mazatlan are my picks. My best friend has special needs son too, but he won't travel 😢

[@paccarcrap]

Exactly,45:49, they have to focus on themselves and they don't know how.

[@cayetanocanales7662]

Saludos from tejas. Thanks for the video.

[@eduardodiaz1017]

Hey Mike another PURA VIDA video, Just like me Happy in NANDAYURE Guanacaste, C,R, from FORT LAUDERDALE South Florida,

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

nice to hear you are always 'pura vida' Eduardo. I'm jealous ;)

[@6789axe]

I'm Costa Rican and happen to me sending sfuff via International or non-recognized company.

[@dakotahstr]

its not annoying, its Costa Rica..

[@adamd3319]

Bird adds authenticity ;)

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

i love those birds- honey creepers🐦

[@pennymiller1277]

Great video and I have been watching you for years and you always talk about lawyers but nobody ever says how much a lawyer cost here. Is there any way that you can either let me know or bring it out in another video. Thanks so much.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Hey Penny, we very seldom mention prices in videos because they are apt to change. But as far as lawyers, there's just too many variables to consider. **Are you talking about residency?

[@pennymiller1277]

No, I was just talking about lawyers in general. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

@@pennymiller1277 The most important thing about lawyers here is to make sure you find a good and honest one.

[@lesiatrickett2661]

Sandy, thank you very much for telling us your story. We have 17 years old son with autism. He is non verbal. We live in Texas and considering in 5 years or so relocating. May I ask, how much would it cost to hire someone to come a few times per week to help with house work? How difficult would it be to hire a caregiver for our son, who can help with ADLs? Thank you

[@sandrabedard7848]

Hola, housekeeping is Cheap here usually around 3000 colones an hour which is around 5.00 an hour but you can find cheaper too depending on the location you are. Labor is cheaper here. I'm sure you can find someone for your child with references!! Hope you can make it happen for yourselves. This was the best choice for our family

[@6789axe]

The New President lived in US many years and He found out all the bureaucracy in Costa Rica don't make any sense in this Digital Era, so He going to work in all Institutions and Companys to change the Bureaucracy.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

vamos a ver.

[@Hopsterify]

I don't see Sandy's email in the notes section. We are going down same path with a autistic young adult. How can I get the lawyer information that Sandy used for their residency?

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

It's there, in the description. 😉

[@Hopsterify]

I swear at times I am blind. I see it now thanks. For some reason I am looking for it to be in blue text.

[@sandrabedard7848]

Hi Robert and Mary!! It was awesome meeting you all and spend the day with you. !!;new friends 😊

[@pristinepersians]

Appreciate it! I went from Bali to Costa Rica to Mexico 😂😂😂

[@eugenearisteo9727]

Sorry about the negative comments

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

been getting my share of negative comments for 14 years now.. all is good, I'm a big boy

[@paccarcrap]

Good, now I don't need to research cuz Sandy has. Thx

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

haha...true that

[@richardwateska]

Costa Rica...not Cost-A-Rica. Grrrrrr!

[@richardwateska]

Great video Michael! 🙂☮️💗💯✔️🌈

[@richardwateska]

Wow..awesome hummingbirds!

[@RealEstateInCostaRica]

@@richardwateska hahhahahahahhahah right.

[@robertm1672]

My U.S. property taxes? 350/year-40 acres. My car insurance? Full, med pay, etc...540. Cell, 45. Monthy groceries for 4, 700. Costa rica is beautiful. But its 3rd world at bel aire prices.

[@christopherhbrown]

Michael, What's in the bird feeder?

[@lisasummers191]

My question is.....if the people are so sketchy and service seems ok and heard food is ok but alot not wow....why choose there? I have been mexico and due to that I did not like it and won't go back. Then went curacao and alot better but the people and food was not great so we said no to there....we love belize due to all those things not that way but considering cista rica....so is it just the landscaping and Temps?

[@nstiNctiVnatur]

I work from home and I’m finding I have to take sips just to stay sane. I’m looking for some thing different. I also have a son with autism. He’s a teenager and I’m worried for his future here in the United States with everyone caring a gun if they see him wiling out I am so afraid that he’s going to get hurt, what is her KZbin page I would like to follow her?

[@Finley67]

Boy. Making my mind up for me.

[@Finley67]

I am ao happy I have watched many of your podcasts. I am backing out to the idea of moving there. I have a beautiful GX470 Lexus I can't part with My household items I could sell, but ya know, I have got it really good here. I know me. I would get down there and get home sick. Sandy has it pretty good. If the furniture had come, it would be a great move. It doesn't matter where you go. You are always going to have problems. I will save Costa Rica for my vacation destination. I want to thank you for taking time out of your day and being honest about the good and the bad of living in Costa Rica. It would be terrible to sell everything and move there and turn around and come back and have nothing. You put it all basically in black and white. Sandy, you have a wonderful life there, and keep up the bowling. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the words to help me decide. You did not paint a rosy picture and only told the truth. My thinking of being a gringo days are over. I hope other people will really listen to you and think really hard about it. Thank you. Pura Vida Marilyn

[@irinajasmer5796]

Can you please give lawyer's info, who helped Sandy to get residency

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

her email is in the description...u can as her

[@irinajasmer5796]

Thank you!

[@dakotahstr]

My grandson is on the spectrum. Are there any schools for children with special needs

[@sandrabedard7848]

I'm not sure but this is a great question because my son is an adult. Definitely worth looking into though 👌

[@6789axe]

Thank's to our neglected past Goberments the situacion about roads and another things was getting worse and worse. But now the new Goberment is going to fix and finish the proyects the never finish 20 or 10 years ago.

[@LidoLife]

I know her!!!!!!

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

hopefully that's a good thing 😉

[@LidoLife]

@@TravelCostaRicaNOW it is

[@sandrabedard7848]

Hola Bryne

[@LidoLife]

@@sandrabedard7848 Hola… just getting into port from Bahamas

[@sandrabedard7848]

@@LidoLife ahhh My home away from home Nassau.

[@Jen-vf6ym]

My family is working on a move to CR. We have an autistic son who is 24. I would love to talk w Sandy if she is willing. Do you have her contact info?

[@daniellow655]

Yep we have a dependent autisic 21 year old and want to retire outside the US. But our #1 chioce is Portugal but unless ww had another relitive come with us to be his guardian. So we are still looking

[@williamoconnor7930]

Hoping on Autistic info for a child; schools, medical. Since their child is older, not applicable here. 🤔

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

Well, she still may know. Can't hurt to reach out..... her email is in the description.

[@Original_Waterboy]

If you guys can do this, I can too.

[@marietasampilo545]

Hi Sandy, do you have your attorney's number that you can share. i am putting my early retirement as pensionada when I terminate my employee with the Judiciary. I would like to get all the information so I will be able to transition from NJ to Costa Rica.

[@pristinepersians]

Costa Rica forces healthcare. I'd legit fly back to the states.

[@omenlove1]

I got my residency in 24 hours, so a bit this lady on 89days.

[@dfwautomotiveservice]

Sloths are slow

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

yesssss,,, they are. very.

[@pristinepersians]

That's amazing though, but medicaid is free In US. If you are happy, hallelujah 🙏

[@Finley67]

I would be so bored.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

well, that's honest. ;)

[@TheMuse6959]

Painful listening while you talk over her and interrupt her.

[@TravelCostaRicaNOW]

well,, i hope it hurt then....

[@dougtilaran3496]

Keep plugging that Spanish. se vende is pronounced Thay Ben~day, Pooduh Beeduh