Top 10 Reasons You Should Move to Costa Rica 🌴 Expat Living & Pura Vida Lifestyle

[@rolendrickisidora3855]

Is not there responsability, to learn english. Is our responsability to learn Spanish. Love that

[@TheDufresnes]

Their not there haha 😂

[@rolendrickisidora3855]

Thanks for the correction, English is my fourth language

[@TheDufresnes]

You're welcome, I still get some English wrong and it's my first language 😂

[@brianmitchell999]

So different to Canada where other nationalities come in and tell us how we should change our culture to suite them,

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes, and Canadians let them!

[@marytica123]

WE LIVED IN COSTA RICA FOR 5 YEARS, and can vouch for the "Pura Vida" lifestyle and stress-free living. After returning to the USA, we actually REGRETTED the move - America didn't seem like "home" anymore ! AND IT'S ONLY BECOME WORSE since then ! CAN'T WAIT to return to Costa Rica - for good !

[@franciscobarrantes7150]

Mary - Hello. Why did you decide to leave my country and go back to USA? Just curious

[@marytica123]

@@franciscobarrantes7150 The economic crisis of 2008 had resulted in ours 2 sons being unemployed, and we came back to the USA to help them.

[@le4905]

@@franciscobarrantes7150 Hello sir, may I ask a random question about your beautiful country? Do you have luxury vehicles there? Is there any need for welders or people who can build exotic cars? Thank you for your time.

[@flordeborinquen]

Loved the comment you made about the language. Not only is it important to respect the language and culture of another country but if you try to speak you will learn. I lived in Brazil and had to immerse myself in Portuguese, it taught me so much! I am fluent in Spanish so it will feel good. My husband doesn’t know Spanish but he’s ready to learn.

[@TheRaindogger]

Great video! All your points are spot on. I agree that mindset is the number one reason people cannot handle living in another country. We traveled around Costa Rica for 6 months staying at different locations each month and Samara and Santa Teresa were our favorite communities. Keep up the great work with these informative videos!

[@dr.jodycox5861]

Currently in Samara watching this and we are certainly considering buying property or moving here too. From BC, too

[@TheBusterNick]

Great Video, I joined the channel when you were starting your neighbours house, and this morning i went back and started watching old videos of your property being built and i have to say its amazing to see how much it has changed in a few years from a completly open field to a tropical garden :)

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes it's amazing the difference, thanks for watching

[@luizgonzalez8934]

Excellent video. Costa Rica is an incredible country, there are much to know. There are many foreigners (expats) who live and enjoy this place, someones working and doing what they like. You are a great family I have been watching your videos since your left your country. Keep doing what you love. You are a very nice family. Pura vida, ticos

[@TheDufresnes]

Muchas gracias, we hope to one day have our residency here! Pura Vida

[@carmenmininger18]

Just arrived on December 3rd. Found your videos helpful before we got here. Already knew where some things were because of your walk through town. 😊 Staying until the 17th with our kids. This trip is helping us make the finale decision on moving here. We are in love with Samára.

[@franciscobarrantes7150]

Carmen - You and your family are welcome to my country. Pura vida = enjoy life to the fullest. Cheers!!

[@BloggingMoneyLife]

Very Cool! Y'all actually moved down for a lot of the same reasons he decided to too. What's with the long bank lines?

[@TheDufresnes]

They never have enough tellers working

[@joeponder9668]

We have watched several of your videos before visiting. Spent by b day last week down there from Florida. Me and my wife are sold!!! It was almost ridiculous how everyone was so amazing!!! Only met 1 begger that was actually asking for money, other than $20’s US all I had on me his as a $5 US and he went to the small store while we we’re waiting on our panga to take us to the fishing boat brought back $2 bucks and fresh coconut waters. Really blew my mind. The house we stayed in the as super beautiful “tourist” but the house keepers we have made life long friends with and are looking to buy some property next to there’s 15min up in the mountains in CR. Man it went from the sail fish capital to our soon to be hopefully new home. Everything, the people, the food, the attitude not to mention the sights are beautiful!!! I will be emailing you about the consolation, we have many things to learn prior to making the move.

[@TheDufresnes]

That's great to hear, yes definitely send us an email to set up a consultation! 😊

[@EvolutionHouse]

Im from Alberta! And I'm hoping to move there one day soon as well when I can afford to. Great video! Thanks 🙂

[@randallruiz3882]

Really love, Shayna's words about not changing my country. As a former bank teller in Costa Rica, had experienced with foreigners, yelling at me or slamming my counter, because we don't work as fast as their country. Love this video.

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes, we get annoyed at people like that here. Like our friends tell us we're more tico then some ticos haha

[@randallruiz3882]

@@TheDufresnes yay.

[@randallruiz3882]

@@2012listo are you literate?

[@TheDufresnes]

Please keep your comments respectful on our channel, Randall has been a long time viewer and supporter of our channel

[@randallruiz3882]

@@2012listo nonsense...but oh well. ¿ usted vive en Costa Rica?

[@michaelanthony279]

Thank you.

[@olafbillstein2828]

Nice vid 👍 In about 3 weeks we gonna get neighbors... We are moving near Tamarindo, hope to See you ✌️

[@goodtobecaring4035]

I absolutely love your videos

[@fertilevessel1271]

Helpful, thank you. I’d like a video around what you would’ve brought with you from Canada in hindsight, and what you wish you knew before you came so you could have been prepared... if you’re taking requests 😋

[@TheDufresnes]

We've gone over all of that in previous videos in this play list kzbin.info/aero/PLmY6XXqpIcAUxrb2WIlqpaJsjAaZF-mHH

[@johansergiosson9966]

You guys are awesome! I really like your channel and also the part where you mentioned that you have to understand and adapt the way things work here. I’ve heard some people saying the didn’t like some things you mentioned like the bank thing. Finally, I really enjoy as a Costa Rican that you are having a wonderful life here. Best wishes for you!♥️

[@TheDufresnes]

Thank you, I'm glad there are Costa Ricans like you that enjoy and understand what we do with our videos. We try to explain somethings in forums and get attacked by some people who are Costa Rican. especially with the fact of Costa Rica making all the tourists leave by March 2nd by air and many of them may not return which will effect small towns like Samara.

[@franciscobarrantes7150]

@@TheDufresnes Don't pay attention to some Costa Rican idiots attacking you, I'm Costa Rican and love your videos. You know there are a few a$$hole$ in any country. Cheers!!

[@TheDufresnes]

@@franciscobarrantes7150 Pura Vida 😊

[@marta5547]

Awesome

[@ambermooney1014]

Can you do a video about tips and tricks on how you handle the bugs/scorpions in the house (like extra cleaning, things to block doors, etc)

[@TheDufresnes]

We have, live in a container home! We have not had a scorpion in our house or rentals yet. It's also good to check your bags before returning home.

[@Ty2Tito]

Very nice video. Im glad you guys talk good thing about Costa Rica.

[@TheDufresnes]

Thank you!

[@claudehache3160]

That was awesome and motivating. :) I’ve started the condo renovations here so we are one step closer to slowly getting things ready. :) I cannot wait to sit with you under palm trees and plan the move. :) Even if it’s still a ways away, at least we have started the process.

[@tanyacampbell2899]

Excellent video thank you for sharing

[@josephcardoni5183]

Hi, Chris and Shayna: I visited C.R. about 8 years ago and absolutely loved it! I stayed very close to San Jose but had a friend there who was my tour guide. She took me everywhere! I currently live near Chicago but I am looking to make a move with a major lifestyle change. What are your thoughts on the way the Covid situation was handled, and continues to be handled? Is it a lock-down situation like many Cities in the US, or do you feel most of your basic freedoms are still being granted? I would need to get my business going again once I get settled in. I have a had a business for close to 30 years here and 95% of it can be done online via e mail. You mentioned the bank; how do you feel about banking in general? I am sure I would have to move my clients to direct deposit, as I assume mailing paper invoices through our Postal Service as I do now would no longer suffice. Speaking of mail, what are your thoughts on receiving and sending mail such as cards and letters back to the States? I may need a package mailed to me from the States from time to time, so I was wondering if you had any thoughts on the Postal Service there. Thank you so much, Chris and Shayna! Perhaps our paths will cross one day!

[@TheDufresnes]

Hi Joseph, when you're closer to wanting to make a change, we offer a consultation service. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jamloKN4d9Krfqs

[@jerryfranklin8333]

can't wait to be there next month

[@JoeNelo]

Great Video guys. I was driving through Kelowna this weekend and thought of you guys! Can't wait to be down there in July!

[@shaynadufresne]

Nice! Will you be staying with us here at Sea Casa Vacation Rentals in beautiful Samara?

[@TheDufresnes]

Sorry about your luck! 🤣 I bet you can't wait to get here

[@JoeNelo]

@@TheDufresnes Bahaha I was hitting silver star for a beautiful snowstorm. It was good day and an important trip to see a friend. Definitely can’t wait to get there!!

[@JoeNelo]

@@shaynadufresne we 100% would, but we are staying with a friend near San Juanito.

[@TheDufresnes]

Well that's not bad then

[@brianlee6768]

I'm on my way!!!♡

[@TheDufresnes]

Good

[@michelefisher5171]

Great video. I’m in Ontario Canada and I’m almost ready to make the move. I’m thinking in 22

[@TheDufresnes]

Definitely do it! We do have our consultation service if you're interested, we've helped a lot of people who have already moved down 😊

[@markdeville5844]

Love it here, Samara looks more and more like a place to call home

[@anthonysolis8468]

That be great for the information of Costa Rica! Thanks you and pura vida 🌈👍🌟

[@ehukai26]

You guys are awesome.

[@handaferguson]

Great Job!!! Thank You... :-)

[@thebyrnebrothers]

Hi guys, enjoyed your video. We’re thinking of Costa Rica as a second home. My kids are surfers and musicians so where would be a good place to live and enjoy good surfing? Can’t wait to try the fresh food too!

[@TheDufresnes]

Thanks, most coastal towns, samara has low surf good for learning but has 4 beaches not to far with moderate to expert waves. Guiones (nosara) has the most consistent surf in the world but is expensive to buy or build there

[@vickithomas3117]

My mother and her family are from Costa Rica I have visited and would love to live there. Ready to retire and move.

[@EvolutionHouse]

I have a question, I'd like to have children and raise them in Costa Rica but one of my main reasons for that is I prefer the old school way of growing up without so much social media and internet use. Growing up playing outside was so much better for us growing up and you don't find that as much anymore. Do most children grow up with more or less or the same amount of social media than Canada?

[@TheDufresnes]

The amount of screen time allowed for children is up to the parents.

[@theruggedtravelers]

The mindset is the biggest challenge for people. The number 1 thing CR has to offer is her people. Lovely, warm families that welcome everyone. Just don't be an idiot, slow down and enjoy the slower pace.

[@TheDufresnes]

exactly! Thanks for watching

[@Sunny-j5y]

It looks beautiful there eh.

[@dandalorian2470]

Nice video. Haha I’m from Kaslo near Nelson! I’m working on selling my place and Costa Rica is where I wanna spend winter. Need a nice beach area that’s not too tourist ridden🇨🇦🇨🇦👍👍

[@TheDufresnes]

Awesome plan!

[@nittlenits101]

Just kidding, it’s Brian and corrine from kelowna!! We’re planning a trip there for next feb and then see where it goes!! Say hi to Arlo and Cherish!!

[@TheDufresnes]

I know! Haha. Try and come sooner, Chinada isn't getting any better!

[@leahpresley3869]

How much money do you think we need to buy house with A/c , dishwasher washer and dryer ?

[@jamtronllc]

Do you guys have any advice on how to bring dogs?

[@TheDufresnes]

No sorry, we got our dogs in country

[@foggycraw6758]

Can you please link the source your reference when you stated Ecuador as the top 3 countries to invest in? I cant seem to find it. 😃

[@TheDufresnes]

We said Costa Rica not Ecuador

[@foggycraw6758]

@@TheDufresnes My apologies

[@thetravelingtrio4544]

Shhhhhhh! Stop telling people. Too many are moving to CR already. Nice video guys.

[@TheDufresnes]

Haha we think it's great people a moving away from their countries to live a better life and Costa Rica is still fairly untouched compared to other countries, other wise we would have more then 7500 subscribers in 5 years!

[@leahpresley3869]

Are the mosquitoes bad ?

[@goodtobecaring4035]

Lovely couple x

[@jonedwards182ify]

Is Costa Rica still free from c0vid restrictions on life and government intervention in freedoms?

[@hiawathasbrother]

I liked your comment about the healthier diet -- however, fruits and vegetables should be eaten only on rare occasions. If you stick to eating only beef you'll see your physique blossom.

[@jonathanbueltel9853]

What are taxes like?

[@gnk6403]

Food friends, what foods they have? Also how many Americans live there and what they do?

[@TheDufresnes]

Most people that live here are American. North America, mostly Central American and South american. I think you mean how many US citizens have moved here. For that I'm not sure.

[@lanamosher9231]

How much $ do you think person should have to move there? Is renting an option? if so is it expensive? thank you a head of time .

[@TheDufresnes]

It all depends on the style of living you want to live plus location, it's like asking how much does it cost to live in Canada? but we tell most people between 1500 and 2500 USD per month. We have a video of how much it costs to live here kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYDbg4iobal5bqc

[@beverleeann8239]

Thanks! Curious why you chose Samara as opposed to Playas Del Coco?

[@TheDufresnes]

Thanks, we've answered that question in these 2 videos, enjoy 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3qlpaKdebpsbrM kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJKsioqCnb-Ieas

[@Newlifethroughalenscanada]

What reliable online real estate do you recommend? Family Left bc Oct 23, ✈️ jab free Thank you 🇨🇦

[@TheDufresnes]

We have 2 realtors we recommend here in Samara if your interested send us an email to [e-mail] congrats on getting out while you could!

[@Newlifethroughalenscanada]

Thank you for your reply!

[@Newlifethroughalenscanada]

Left with my wife and son of 4 years of age. Sold everything!! Had 30 suitcases and went to Serbia, Bosnian and Montenegro. Set up in Belgrade with investments and moving forward 👍🏻 Spent time in Nicaragua years back before parents sold vacation villa Would like to follow your channel and see if Costa Rica is the place for us ? Thanks 🙏

[@TheDufresnes]

Wow that's awesome! Costa Rica is a special place, we've been here almost 5 years now and love it. Definitely watch more of our videos. Our walk through videos will give you a good feel for certain places.

[@Newlifethroughalenscanada]

Emailed ✅ Liked 👍🏻 Subscribe ✅

[@nittlenits101]

But....can I get a decaf half fat, fair trade, organic stevia sweetened caramel macchiato any time I want?

[@TheDufresnes]

Haha no, but you can make one

[@amywamala]

I am an online English teacher and also in the medical field. Do you think it would be difficult to find a job in Healthcare and transition from the US 🇺🇸 to there?

[@TheDufresnes]

You can't work here unless you're a citizen

[@amywamala]

@@TheDufresnes got it, however I guess then I would be able to teach English since I received my TEFL certification there in 2019. Thanks!! Great video!😀

[@steveisinn]

Have the land borders opened up ? You mentioned visa renewal was easy by crossing the border. I thought all exits for renewal were only by air currently.

[@olafbillstein2828]

Land borders still remain closed for March...... After that 🤷‍♂️ Flights are still possible

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes air only right now, we'll be heading on a flight next week

[@retreatcandleco3]

Matt, question on expected value. I don't have a ton of cash,and I'm not looking to get rich or anything, but if I were to buy some land in Costa, maybe put a tiny home on it for now, and build bigger in 3-5 years, what does the future value look like? Is it appreciating? Could we rent out the tiny home on air B&B fairly easily? I know it's a bit of a loaded question, but lets just assume that its a decent property, in a decent area, with a nice little tiny home. What if things changed, and I needed to sell it, would I at least make my money back in 5 years? Thanks so much!

[@TheDufresnes]

Matt? I think your commenting on the wrong channel?

[@retreatcandleco3]

@@TheDufresnes Haha you are correct. That was meant for CostaRicaMatt. But you have any insight, hapoy to hear it. :)

[@TheDufresnes]

Yes property values are increasing and have increased since covid. A lot of people are looking to move down and are even buying before getting here! You could definitely rent out a tiny home and depending on the area it would stay pretty full or you opt for a long term renter, there is a need for long term rentals in Costa Rica. Price would vary on location of course. As for the future there is a good chance you would at the minimum break even, even if you had to sell it for less you would have made that up in rent in the 5 years. Costa Rica is in the top 5 of investing in. Hope this helps

[@retreatcandleco3]

@@TheDufresnes Very very helpful. Thanks for your time. I appreciae it! Hope you are having fun down there!

[@retreatcandleco3]

@@TheDufresnes Thank you for this. How long do you intend to live there for? Do you foresee any short or long term issue in government? Any threats? What is your own 10year plan? Thank you.

[@Ryanjrhrhrht]

How would it be for a single dude?

[@TheDufresnes]

However you want to make it! Lots of options to make the life you want

[@capt4804]

we're getting ansy over here haha, soon™

[@irenapressley2266]

I wanna leave America Solomon badddd..

[@neilscotten9149]

We are in Samara today. Do you have any suggestions for lunch?

[@TheDufresnes]

On the beach go to either Gusto or El ancla, if you want great food and it's not on the beach then go to our friends restaurant La Catrina

[@neilscotten9149]

@@TheDufresnes We will check it out. Thank you

[@neilscotten9149]

Would it be okay if we come by your place today?

[@TheDufresnes]

No sorry we don't do tours, enjoy you visit in Samara

[@TheDufresnes]

Plus with the covid rules once our places are cleaned they need to stay that way until the next guests check in

[@leahpresley3869]

Do you have to have the covid vaccine to move to Costa Rica?

[@TheDufresnes]

No!

[@leahpresley3869]

@@TheDufresnes thank you for the quick response 🙏

[@bizzbuilder]

You’re wearing very dark sunglasses, we wouldn’t know yet if we ever saw you

[@TheDufresnes]

Haha yes you would because we're always wearing them! It's very sunny here all the time and it's best to protect your eyes

[@irenapressley2266]

What about if you on ssi can I still move there?? Please let me know

[@TheDufresnes]

As long as it's at least $1000 USD a month you can apply for your residency under the pensionato I believe

[@irenapressley2266]

@@TheDufresnes so if you get alittle more then 700 800 I can't live there

[@TheDufresnes]

@@irenapressley2266 the amount you need to get residency is $1000 USD per month. If you buy a house for at least $150,000 USD you can get the investers recidency or you could do like a lot of us do and just do border trips every 3 months to renew your tourist visa.

[@kenrapp3145]

@@TheDufresnes I thought it was 200k?

[@BloggingMoneyLife]

@@kenrapp3145 I believe it recently changed to 150K

[@stewartcrofts7339]

Hi , I’ve asked you this before but obviously fell on deaf ears , ....please stop asking people to come to our part of the world , if it must be Pura Vida make it Tamarindo . We have been coming to Samara and then Buenavista for three months the last 24 years and don’t need anymore tourists . People ask us why we keep coming back here and we answer with how terrible it is and keep returning in the hope it gets better......Increasingly and with videos like yours people are doubting our motives. Had to cut short our time this year due to insane rules by our ( not normally so crazy ) Canadian government. Really wanted to have quick visit with you . Although we rarely move from our spot the other end of our beach. The only people we see are a few local fishermen and a few families at weekends , oh and this year we were interrupted most days by a South African photographer , ( no we don’t want to pay you to take our photo ) and his English Rose . Actually they live close to you so be careful . Stay safe and maybe next year Pura Vida .....( got to stop saying that , it just pisses people off in all this snow )

[@neobiblismo]

Stewart Crofts Nuestra economía depende en un gran porcentaje de la insistencia en invitar al turismo internacional para que visite este bello país. Soy costarricense de nacimiento y considero un privilegio, los creadores de contenido donde se insta y promueve a venir a Costa Rica, especialmente para invertir y producir fuentes de trabajo y generación de ingresos. Todo lo contrario somos un pueblo empobrecido por las grandes naciones colonizadoras, que en un pasado se llevaron nuestras riquezas como el oro, como en el resto de Latinoamérica, ahora lo que nos queda es la riqueza natural que invitamos al mundo a venir a conocer. Vídeos como este, son los que generan la esperanza de crecer y desarrollar las posibilidades de trabajo, los expatriados vienen a invertir en infraestructura inmobiliaria, contribuyen con lo social con su aporte tributario, con la reactivación económica de los comercios, bienes y servicios, hospedaje, museos, restaurantes, parques nacionales, transporte privado y público. Hacen crecer el dinamismo y movilidad económica de la capacitación y educación escolar, colegial y universitaria. La adquisición de servicios de telecomunicaciones o todo lo relacionado con los servicios de salud, el consumo de productos agrícolas, calzado y vestido. Nosotros en Costa Rica, después de la riqueza natural, lo más valioso que tenemos es la gente, los que en la cotidianidad están aquí para sacar adelante este país, a pesar de la adversidad y dificultad que ofrece la vida misma, máxime cuando la economía y el desempleo afecta la sociedad. Inclusive los cientos o miles de expatriados que con toda sinceridad aman este país, aportan al crecimiento y desarrollo, y principalmente ruegan a Dios el Padre Celestial, para que ayude a esta nación.

[@neobiblismo]

No es que la gente vale menos, sino que sin la riqueza natural dejaría de existir el hábitat para la existencia del ser humano, la fauna y la flora. Por ejemplo, una barrera natural para enfrentar el Calentamiento Global, son los bosques, junglas o selvas, que posibilitan una mejor condición ambiental para la subsistencia del ser humano.

[@TheDufresnes]

¡Bien dicho! Las personas como Stewart, que pueden venir de vez en cuando y pensar que porque viniste aquí hace 24 años que tienes más privilegios para disfrutar del área de Samara, son esas personas de las que hablamos y que necesitan cambiar su forma de pensar. Hemos ayudado a muchos amigos costarricenses a hacer crecer sus negocios aquí en el área que ahora pueden mantenerse incluso a través de la pandemia. Pueden alimentar a sus familias, mantener sus gastos generales y la lista continúa. Todos los países dependen del turismo en algún aspecto, incluso en Kelowna, Canadá, Shayna trabajaba en un restaurante muy popular y en invierno, cuando no había turistas, no valía la pena el combustible para conducir hasta el trabajo. Así que continuaremos informando a la gente sobre Samara y otras partes de Costa Rica, porque sentimos que es uno de los países que todos deberían experimentar en su vida.

[@TheDufresnes]

Nothing falls on deaf ears, we don't entertain negativity! keep that in Canada.

[@marytica123]

StewaRTCrofts: SORRY, but it seems that YOU are the type of people Costa Rica does NOT need ! Please return to Canada !