×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Expats "Know it Alls" OMG Please be Serious

13 years ago
I am on vacation, and swore to stay away from Internet, but after been notified of the answers that people put in this forum I couldn't help it. Once again, in my 11 years of experience as a professional counsel I have been witness of many mistakes made by expats, and the common denominator 90% of the time is not caused by Costa Rica itself but by fellow expat advice and by local acquaintance referrals. Yes, if you want to hire a Gringo Crocodile Dundee pseudo guru go right ahead, enjoy the ride. But please do not blame Costa Rica or Costa Ricans for your mistakes, depending on the level of education of the retiree and/or expat, it is common for them to look for advice in a cantina or hotel, but if you hire a reputable serious firm specialized in Immigration Law, Incorporation, Real Estate Law, Business Start up, you are certain that you are receiving advise from professionals. I am not here to solicit business for my legal consulting firms, I just don't feel comfortable with people that don't even speak the language providing advice to newcomers in many cases just looking to make a few extra hundred dollars. Selecting a new place to live is a SERIOUS matter, don't listen to the fellow expat you met in the bar, I mean we all know advice is a nice gesture and it sure is appreciated, or don't follow the words of advice of your new girlfriend in town (in many cases they are either foreigner also or have very little or non formal education). Please in order for you to take advantage of living in a developing country and also cooperating with its development, make sure that you are informed, Read, Read, search for specialized help, from a reputable firm, confirm the education of the counsels, it is possible to find many local attorneys with high education and ethics with postgraduate degrees from top local and US legal and business schools. As my contribution I want to offer expats visiting this forum completely FREE our Pre Relocation Seminar presentation prepared based on our 11 years of experience with foreigners and powered by the knowledge of attorneys from Costa Rica's most prestigious Law School (If your attorney is not an alumnus of the Universidad de Costa Rica THAT SHOULD BE THE FIRST RED LIGHT, PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY ASK ANY EDUCATED COSTA RICAN ABOUT THIS KEY DETAIL AND ITS RELEVANCE) and from the Number International business school in the world. If you are interest please feel free to requesting it via email to [email protected]
Note:This message was not created to offend anybody or to harm anybody's business but when somebody which is not properly informed of how things work in my country, I can not just sit down and reading it without defending Costa Rica.

William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Costa Rica GuideLiving in Costa Rica Guide

Our Living in Costa Rica Guide is a primer on everything about living in Costa Rica: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Costa Rica Forum Costa Rica Forum
Join our Costa Rica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Costa Rica.

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

If you're dreaming about living in Costa Rica, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica in 2023.

Healthcare in Costa RicaHealthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. When you become a resident, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA). Many expats use the public system for routine healthcare and have private expat health insurance for specialists, surgeries and emergencies.

Cost of Living in Costa RicaCost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula.

Moving to Costa RicaMoving to Costa Rica Guide

Moving to Costa Rica has become more popular among expats. Making this choice requires a lot of research to ensure the expat experience you hope for will be realized.

Real Estate in Costa RicaReal Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Costa Rica.

Pros Cons of Living in Costa RicaPros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Costa Rica.

Retiring in Costa RicaRetiring in Costa Rica

Advice for people retiring in Costa Rica.

Visa and Residency Costa RicaCosta Rica Visa & Residency Guide

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica

If you've recently arrived in Costa Rica, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Costa Rica.

William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

William Russell
William Russell

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides