×
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

Introduction

11 years ago
I have recently discovered and read much of this forum and have decided to make myself known. My wife and I have been discussing the idea of retirement in Costa Rica. I am 60 years old and she is 50. I have visited CR 4 times and she has accompanied me twice. My first visit was in 1985. I was single and travelled alone. I spent much of that visit getting my feet wet just hanging out in Alajuela. I was just trying to get a feel for the town. Eventually, I ventured out and travelled by bus to Arenal and Montezuma. It was my first time travelling alone and was a wonderful experience. Two weeks after returning home, I was laid-off from my job. I immediately packed my bags and headed back to CR, this time with my 19 year-old son. We spent a month there and had a blast. We stayed in the cheapest hotels/cabinas we could find as we travelled from Alajuela to La Fortuna to Monteverde, then along the coast of Nicoya, ferry to Puntarenas and multiple buses to reach Cahuita. It was a magical trip for both of us. I am semi-fluent in Spanish, having been married to a Colombiana for a few years, so communicating was not a problem for us. Shortly after that trip, I met my current wife. She and I have returned to CR twice for typical 2-week American vacations. I have always been attracted to Latin American culture; the food, music, dance, politics and people. I will be turning 60 in a few months and frankly, am very sick of working - since I have been doing full-time since the day I graduated highschool. So, I started fantacizing and researching the possibility of retirement in CR. I spent about 2 weeks doing this before I mentioned it to my wife. Frankly, I didn't think she would be very interested. But to my surprise, her response was very positive. Out timetables don't necessarily mesh, but we will work that out. I'm thinking 2 years, she's thinking 5. Hey, I'm just glad she is open to the idea. Anyway, this is my first post on this forum and hope to continue keeping you updated (assuming you are interested).

SJB Global
SJB Global

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
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.

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
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.

SJB Global
SJB Global

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides