Live, Laugh, Love Costa Rica

By: Rosemary Rein, Expat Interviews

American expat Rosemary Rein,  Ph.D, author of Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life and Blueprint for Success, describes what for her are the pros and cons of living in Costa Rica. Learn about what attracted her to Costa Rica in the first place, and read on for her tips about moving to and adjusting to life in Costa Rica.

- Where were you born?

United States

- In which country and city are you living now?

Costa Rica

- Are you living alone or with your family?

Family

- How long have you been living in Costa Rica?

12 years

- What is your age?

48

- When did you come up with the idea of living in Costa Rica?

I read a book about living and retiring in Costa Rica and felt the country magically called to me. I began my research with a few vacations and developed a list of questions to ask those who had already made the choice...much like this interview series! I explored the Costa Rica Residents Association and connected with others who had gone through the process of relocation and residency. I also subscribed to the local English-speaking Newspaper "The Tico Times" for about 1 year before the move to catch the headlines. Today, there's also "AM Costa Rica" and "Inside Costa Rica" (daily on-line newspapers).

Most importantly, I just did not review the single option of Costa Rica. If you have only 1 option, make a longer list. We put other countries on our list of possibilities and then began checking them against our criteria.

What criteria were important for our new home? We came up with a list of 10 critical factors including the 3 C's: Climate, Community, and Cost of living. Costa Rica won the contest.

- Was it hard to get a visa or a work permit?

Not at that time. It has grown increasingly more difficult. As a permanent resident, I can now work here. The option is more the norm, i.e., many expats who move to Costa Rica work as entrepreneurs or in virtual offices where their work is outside of Costa Rica.

- Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Not at all and still very accessible and affordable through INS. My healthcare in Costa Rica is better and much less expensive than in the U.S., which is why we have a boom in medical tourism.

- How do you make your living in Costa Rica? Do you have any type of income generated?

I am an author and independent training consultant and teach around the world on leadership, communication and customer service. I also started a Corporate Retreat Business "Business Meetings Costa Rica" and "Retreats Costa Rica." We host business groups and individuals on learning vacations and creativity retreats. You can even explore living here for two weeks by attending one of our retreats.

- Do you speak Spanish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

Yes, I speak Spanish, but not fluently. I recommend no matter where you live that learning the basic language will improve the quality of your life as a guest/resident in another country. There is theatre, social events and arts you will miss without it. Also day to day navigation of your world is important and when you don't have language skills, you increase your dependence on others. Are there people that do fine living here without the effort of learning the language? Certainly, but you see their frustration because life is just harder when you don't have the words.

- Do you miss home and family sometimes? Describe your favorite recreational activities there or those that are available.

The Internet has made communication so easy--you can see your family every day with web cams! I also travel around the world so arrange to see my family whenever I can on a stopover and of course they come to Costa Rica.

As for recreation: Costa Rica is paradise: Hiking, Birding, Wine & Gourmet Clubs, Bridge, Latin Dancing. I could go on and on and be busy every second in my adopted country.

- Do you have other plans for the future?

I now consider myself a citizen of the world. This past year I have taught in South Africa, Canada and the U.S and attended coursework in Paris. I am currently on a writing project in the Netherlands. I hope to spend 2 months next year in Argentina and continue my work training internationally.

- What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I have both rented and owned homes here. Pricing depends on what part of country you are in (luxury beach areas or city addresses or countryside). We have done well in our real estate projects here as Costa Rica continues to grow as a destination for both living and tourism.

Rentals can be as low as $500 per month - $4,000 plus.

Almost impossible to give a range for housing...readers should check out for Sale By Owner Listings.

- What is the cost of living in Costa Rica?

Not what it used to be, like everywhere, but still reasonable if you do not need pampered imported goods. A car is a luxury good with heavy taxes but transportation is quite accessible.

You can still eat cheap, but dining out in non-local establishments has gotten much more expensive. Labor is very inexpensive and therefore domestic help is affordable for we "working women."

- What do you think about the Costa Ricans?

The Costa Ricans I have met are warm, friendly and family oriented. I believe you get what you give and have found Costa Rica not to be an exception to that rule. There are exceptions of course in every society.

- What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Costa Rica?

Positives: Scenery and Nature, Convenience (Wireless on my Deck with Parrots overhead), Active Expat Community, Proximity to the United States/Major Airport Hubs, Cost of Living, Quality Healthcare, Safety and Security, Living outdoors year round at 72 degrees.

Negatives: Driving our Roads and Lack of Street Signs is one of my stressors. While Costa Rica is quite safe, the need for security precautions has always been present. For us it's like living in New York City...you just keep street smart.

- Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Costa Rica?

On arrival, women should find the "Newcomers Club" in the Tico Times--it's a great social group that welcomes new arrivals and serves as a social hub and resource center. Sign up for Spanish when you first arrive--begin the right way by learning the language. Please don't complain constantly to other expats or particularly Costa Ricans that things aren't like home. This isn't Kansas! When I meet expats who go down that road, I just ask one question. "Who invited you?" If you have decided to live in another country, experience and accept that country for what it is and if it's not to your liking, move on which is why I recommend exploratory trips before one big relocation. While of course we are all honest and talk about the country's imperfections--indeed all is not perfect in our tropical paradise--you will be living in a community, who think it's pretty close.

- Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Costa Rica?

You can read my blogs about daily life in Costa Rica at www.dreamincostarica.com and www.costarica.org.