10 Reasons Why we Moved to Costa Rica from The United States 2022
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- We moved to Costa Rica from the United States in winter 2021. After we announced this to our friends and family, we made a video explaining the top 10 reasons we were moving to Costa Rica. After over a year, we decided to revisit that video to see how our reasoning for moving abroad held up after living in Costa Rica for over a year.
Chris and Jas moved to Costa Rica to live a Remote Work, Digital Nomad lifestyle. Together with a small team, they run Blogging Money Life, a lifestyle blog dedicated to educating others on how to start an income-earning blog, leverage their money, and expand their horizons through travel.
Watch our original video here:
• 10 REASONS WHY WE'RE M...
#movingtocostarica #costaricaliving #costaricavlog
Chapters:
00:00:00 - 10 Reasons Why We Moved to Costa Rica
00:01:48 - The Impact of U.S. Politics on the World
00:03:21 - Lifestyle Changes in Costa Rica
00:04:56 - Experiencing Life Without Racism in Costa Rica
00:06:42 - Exploring Costa Rica's Biodiversity
00:08:34 - Overcoming Language and Culture Barriers in Costa Rica
00:10:13 - Learning Spanish and Making Friends
00:12:01 - Building Friendships in Costa Rica
00:13:46 - The Gratitude of Living Abroad
00:15:32 - Second Video and Comments
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Really appreciate your insight and experience. And hearing that you have gone so long without racism is so beautiful, literally my favorite part of this video
Thank you for your kind words and appreciation for our insight and experience. We're glad that our videos have resonated with you, and we understand how important it is to address and appreciate the beauty of living without racism.
While no place is perfect, it's true that our personal experience in Costa Rica has been largely positive. It's heartwarming to see people from different backgrounds living and working together without the same level of racial tensions we may have experienced elsewhere.
Of course, it's important to acknowledge that everyone's experience can be different, and there may be challenges or instances of discrimination that vary from person to person. However, we are grateful for the overall atmosphere of acceptance and respect that we have encountered in Costa Rica.
If you have any more questions or if there's anything specific you'd like us to share in our videos, please let us know.
Thank you for your support, and we wish you all the best,
Jas and Chris
Great video guys! So happy you all are adjusting to your new life in Costa Rica.
Thanks so much, Grif! We love your latest video about things to do in Dominical.
Thanks for the video and congratulations on your new baby!
We also moved here to CR a year ago. We live in the mountains near Chirripo - very rural. We feel very connected to nature here and there is a weekly organic feria that we walk to and fill our backpacks. We rent a small Tico house that we pay very little for with all utilities included. We only need to walk 1 min to the pulperia to pay our phone/internet bill each month(a tiny fraction of what we paid in the states).
We are able to catch the bus very near our house and take it to San Isidro where we can find anything we need(and another feria with an organic section).
We study Spanish with Duolingo and TH-cam videos every day and are communicating quite well.
Having distanced ourselves from the U.S. for this past year, we are much calmer - anxiety levels way down.
We are a legally married lesbian couple and have experienced no bigotry here. Our marriage is recognized in this country. We are in the process of becoming residents.
We are also very sensitive to racism and haven't seen any. We have integrated into our community to the point where we are invited to parties and are welcomed at community events. I love my Zumba group 💓. We constantly share food(and skills) with all our closest neighbors! We have a few gringo friends, several of which are German - one of our best friends is Italian. It's actually very international here. We've met visitors from all over the world.
We are visiting a different part of CR once every few months by bus! Not owning a car is great! We've lost weight and are in better shape. We LOVE it here! Such a great adventure!
We are so happy you have shared your experiences! 😁
Interesting, if you have a local bank account, you can pay utilities with your cellphone, with the bank app, it takes me about 8 seconds to pay for the services with my cellphone.
Hope one day you guys can invite me for some coffee haha, i travel around the country with my gas-assisted bicycle, for now, I'm exploring the north of the country.
It sounds like you two have found your way in this country. It's funny how we seem to have similar experiences in CR but from different lifestyles (rural living vs urban living). Thank You for sharing!
wow sound exciting. If your ever passing through Escazu on the weekend let us know and we could meet for coffee.
Hello, do you need a visa to open a bank account?
Hello, do you need a visa to open a bank account?
Great video! I'm learning so much from your experiences, and I'm glad you're bringing us along on the journey.
You bet! Thanks for watching!
Thank You guys for sharing ❤️
Thanks for watching!
I LOVED this!! Love how it's a starter country :) Can't wait to keep following your journey!
We will see! It’s a big world out there. And we’re looking forward to exploring it more. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing your experiences! Just got back from Tamarindo, loved it!
Tamarindo is a cool town to visit, we recently took my family there for a week. I checked out your channel and noticed you have content on telecommunications and amateur radio as well as other electronics. That's all over my head but it seems right up my dads alley. Ill share your channel with him.
@@BloggingMoneyLife Thanks!
Great video. Good reasons for moving. Glad it’s going well.
Thank you!
Happy you guys are doing good, your videos have been super helpful, keep up the good work and best of luck with the new bambino :)
I'm happy to hear our videos have been helpful. Thanks so much Donny!
My sister lives in Puerta Viejo and loves it, says shes never coming back to the states 😅
My husband and I (interracial) are moving our family abroad next year. I can't wait!!
Oh wow congratulations on your upcoming move. Where will you guys be heading. I don't see us moving back to the States any time soon either. We are pretty well settled in Costa Rica and recently purchases our fist home here.
Than you guys so much for sharing.
Of course! We are glad that it was helpful.
Thanks for sharing. You have a beautiful family.
Thank you so much! Thanks for watching.
love this!!!
Glad you enjoyed it. Let us know if you have more questions.
Nice video!
Glad you enjoyed it
You can pay your bills online!! You do it through your online bank. BAC mobile and online sites are great
Good to know. Thanks!
Good video we want to move to Costa Rica next year
Glad you enjoyed it. Its a great place to live. Truly.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We are planning to move to CR next summer! Did you work with someone to find your rental? How did you go about securing a place to live?
Congratulations on your upcoming move. Our first place was found by our relocation consultant, or second place we found my asking around town and our third In fourth place, we found on Facebook marketplace.
I have never used it, but Sarah Elena (Costa Rica Relocation Consultant)has put together a resource for finding rentals all throughout Costa Rica. You could probably find it by googling Sarah Elena, Costa Rica.
Team Luca😃. SO HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH. I'll be in Costa Rica in February 2023.
Thanks you! How exciting, what's on your Costa Rica itinerary?
@@BloggingMoneyLife This summer I spent two weeks in Monte Verde doing volunteer work. The experience turned out so well that I decided to revisit it to continue exploring their beautiful lush and peace-filled environment.
@@slady7072 that’s awesome! After we get our feet under us with Luca I would love to do some volunteer work.
I would like to visit Costa Rica next year.
Thank you for this! Hoping to move to CR at least part time in the next year for a slower, more peaceful life in nature. Where did you live in the US?
Thats exciting! We moved from San Antonio TX. Best wishes on your move. Let us know if you have any questions.
Saludos y bendiciones. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gracias!
Welcome to Costa Rica pura vida 🌴☀️
Thanks You!
❤️🇨🇷In 2 years Luca will be Teaching Spanish. 🇨🇷❤️
Do you guys have a garden where you can plant all year round for health eating? Curious
Many people do but gardening is not something we have started to do yet. Hopefully in the near future we can but some edible plants in the ground.
You are a nice person's 🙏👍😊
Thank you so much 🙏
-Chris and Jas
🇨🇷💕 Amazing.
We’re so glad you think so! Thanks for watching.
Hello to both of you. Thank you for your information. We are looking at Cuenca, Ecuador but also Escazu, Costa Rica. What are the rent prices there? We are older but both just coming out of 3 years of schooling and work. We can work online for all we do. Can we find a one bedroom one bath for $450 or so. We don't need many amenities just internet and A/C. Please let me know. Would love to know more of your Visa process and how to do it.
Thank you,
God Bless You,
Glenn and Val Capitanio
Hey Glenn and Val Capitanio! Great to hear from you and glad you found our information helpful. Both Cuenca, Ecuador, and Escazu, Costa Rica are wonderful places to consider. Rent prices can vary depending on the specific location and property type, but I can give you a general idea.
In Escazu, Costa Rica, rental prices can range quite a bit. A one-bedroom, one-bath apartment can typically be found starting around $600 to $800 per month. However, it's worth exploring different options and negotiating with landlords to see if you can find something closer to your budget of $450.
As far as amenities, Internet will not be a problem for you in the Escazu area. Air conditioning may not be necessary. We have lived in this area for over a year and a half, in two different houses and have not had air conditioning.
Jas and I started our residency through the Rentista program which we talked about in great detail and some of our early videos. When we discovered Jasmine was pregnant we abandoned Rentista and then immediately received permanent residency after our son was born. We have a great residency lawyer if you need a recommendation. He can explain to you all of your options and help you decide what the best route for you would be.
Feel free to ask more questions or share any specific concerns you have. We're here to help! Best of luck with your plans.
Warm regards,
Chris & Jas
Good video. But are there specific websites you would recommend to find legit remote jobs.
I'm glade you enjoyed our video! As far as finding remote work opportunities, it can be done through various channels and strategies. Here are some effective ways that have worked for us:
1. Online Job Platforms: Utilize online job platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Remote.co. These platforms often have dedicated sections for remote job listings or allow you to filter search results by location.
2. Remote Job Boards: Explore remote-specific job boards like FlexJobs, We Work Remotely, Remote OK, and Jobspresso. These platforms focus exclusively on remote positions and can help you discover a wide range of opportunities.
3. Company Websites: Visit the websites of companies you're interested in working for. Many organizations now offer remote work options, and they often advertise remote job openings on their career pages.
4. Networking: Leverage your professional and social networks to let others know you're seeking remote work. Attend industry events, join online communities and forums, and engage with relevant LinkedIn groups to expand your network and increase your chances of finding remote job opportunities through referrals.
5. Freelancing Platforms: Consider signing up for freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. These platforms allow you to showcase your skills and bid on remote projects or short-term assignments.
6. Remote Work Websites: Explore websites that specifically focus on remote work, such as Remote OK, Remote.co, and Remote Year. These platforms curate remote job listings and provide resources for remote workers.
7. Social Media: Follow social media accounts and groups dedicated to remote work and freelancing. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit have communities and hashtags focused on remote work, which can provide valuable job leads and networking opportunities.
8. Professional Associations: Join industry-specific professional associations or organizations that offer remote work resources and job boards. These associations often have dedicated job listings for remote positions within the industry.
Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your remote work skills and experiences. Additionally, stay proactive, persistent, and patient in your job search. Remote work opportunities can vary in availability and competition, so it may take time to find the right fit.
Como les va en su estadía en nuestro país,de San Ramón de Alajuela costa Rica los saludo🙋🇨🇷
¡Salud! Nos encanta estar aquí. Costa Rica nos ha tratado muy bien.
@@BloggingMoneyLife ah que bueno,todo tuanis entonces,buenas tardes.✌🇨🇷
I really ejoye your nice video, information, and wish you all the best...I'm am a ex-pat living in Switzerland28 years...and have a strong interest to move with my wife to C.R.- we too are a interacial couple, so for me you video was extra nice. I will show it to my wife. God Bless you all, and I hope you stay there and the spanish will come to you together.- cheers Eliot originally from Detroit.
Thanks so much for your kind words. And let us know if you have any additional questions about CR.
How do you feel about the Cons of Costa Rica, cost of living etc ? How about issues of water, gas and electricity? How does it compare to places like Mexico?
Living in Costa Rica definitely has its pros and cons, but for us, the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. Sure, there were some initial struggles and annoyances, but over time, they've become the norm for us. I can't really compare it to living in Mexico since I've only traveled there.
When it comes to utilities, electricity can be pretty pricey, but we've managed to keep our usage low because we don't need air conditioning where we live. On the bright side, water is super cheap! We currently pay a flat rate of around $10 a month. Occasionally, during the dry season, the water might get shut off, but luckily we have a big reserve tank that keeps us covered until it's turned back on.
As for gas, we only have one appliance that runs on it, and we've converted it to use liquid propane. I go through about one LP tank per month, and I just swing by the local hardware store to get it refilled. If I had more appliances, I could even get a larger propane tank installed and have it serviced as needed, just like back in the States.
Overall, it's all about finding what works for you and adapting to the different systems. Costa Rica has its quirks, but once you settle in and find your way around, it becomes a part of your everyday life. If you have any more questions or need further insights, feel free to ask!
@@BloggingMoneyLife That's how I've been thinking about it too being in my 60s. But why are the gas tanks not hazardous since they could explode?
what are some jobs expats do there and the job co's, im looking for a work from home job i can do from anywhere any advise on that?
There are various work-from-home jobs that expats in Costa Rica pursue. Here are some popular options that can be done remotely from anywhere:
1. Freelancing: Consider freelancing in areas such as writing, graphic design, web development, digital marketing, translation, virtual assistance, consulting, or other specialized skills. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr can help you connect with clients worldwide.
2. Online Teaching: Explore opportunities to teach English or other subjects online. Platforms like VIPKid, Teachaway, and EF Education First provide avenues for teaching English remotely to students in different countries.
3. Remote Customer Service: Many companies hire remote customer service representatives to handle inquiries and provide support to customers. Look for job openings on websites like Indeed, Remote.co, and company career pages.
4. Virtual Coaching/Consulting: If you have expertise in a particular field, consider offering virtual coaching or consulting services. This could include career coaching, fitness coaching, business consulting, or any other area where you have valuable knowledge to share.
5. Content Creation: If you enjoy creating content, explore opportunities in blogging, vlogging, podcasting, or social media management. Monetizing your content through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing can provide income streams.
6. Online Sales/E-commerce: Start an online business selling products or services through platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or Amazon. This could involve dropshipping, creating handmade goods, or digital products like e-books or courses.
7. Digital Nomad Jobs: Some digital nomad-friendly careers include web design, app development, online marketing, SEO consulting, copywriting, or social media management. These roles allow you to work remotely while serving clients globally.
When searching for remote work opportunities, use online job platforms, remote job boards, and networking platforms to find job listings and connect with potential employers or clients. It's also essential to build a strong online presence, showcase your skills through a professional website or portfolio, and highlight relevant experience in your applications.
Lastly, consider joining expat communities and groups in Costa Rica to connect with other expats who may have insights or job leads specific to the local market. Good luck with your job search!
Nice u guys like been here 🤩Strange that u can't pay online automatically every month my amount for mobile phone usage is deducted. Well any country u r not a resident will be hard if not see the immigrant in USA hahaha. And it's good that here we don't say things as learn the language 🤣 on the other hand, I feel that we Ticos like to be able to speak English.
who is the lawyer that helped you get your residency?
Andres Gomez Tristan from the Gomez Buffet & Tristan Law firm in a Atenas. You can find Andrea's in almost any Expat Facebook group. Just drop his name in the comments and somebody will connect you with him, he's the best.
How about medicine? There is good hospitals and doctors?
We are very happy with the health care here. We mainly use private and pay out of pocket and it’s still affordable. Most medicines are more affordable then what we experienced in the States.
We take more about it in a few other videos.
Thank you so much.@@BloggingMoneyLife
how can someone get in touch with you?
You can email us from our website, bloggingmoneylife.com
Will Costa Rica be safe from the conflicts between China, usa and Russia????
Hello, could I ask how much you pay for your Nanny?
Here is a good document that gives a fair representation of around what we pay our nanny per year.
www.erieri.com/salary/job/nanny/costa-rica#:~:text=Salary%20Recap-,The%20average%20pay%20for%20a%20Nanny%20is%20CRC%206%2C324%2C554%20a,of%20education%20for%20a%20Nanny
Thank you
I hear they’d a women president before the united states and latin americas first black vice president
organic...lol...do you even know what that means...i hope you know it means they charge you about double...organic grown stuff is still sprayed with herbecides and pesticides...the first 3-4 months of growing then reduced...the grower uses far less chemicals but charges you more...too many people buy into this hype....grow your own stuff on your property, a good sustainable variety....food for thought
Thanks for watching!
This video was boring