Im planning to move abroad to Costa Rica any advice from people that have been there, or lived abroad?

Question

im planning on moving in may i was checking out Manzillo and Puerto Veijo around Salsa Brava maybe open a soda or surf shop just need to know about the different city poltics and any advice, and im a punk rock kinda kid I was told about this one town where there are alot of bars and clubs tattoo shops, if anyone knows the name of this area.

Answer 1

u need to do some proper research.
costa rica is EXPENSIVE compared to the rest of latin america!
also tourism here is declining and crime is on the increase.
especially in beach towns!!

Answer 2

Hi,

First of all, tourism in Costa Rica continues to increase year by year. We are actually in dire need for more hotel rooms. There is also a shortage of professional hotel staff. This indicates that the tourism sector continues to drive the economy as the number of visitors increase.

Of course, petty theft is an issue in many tourists destinations, here and abroad. There are many stories about broken into rental cars and hotel rooms and purse snatchers as well. Much less common is violent crime, but that happens as well like in any other country in the world.

Costa Rica needs to be considered in perspective. It is a modernizing society and that entails both good and bad changes. However, the country continues to be a popular destination because we are still a world class biodiversity repository, continue to have an amazing natural landscape and a people that strive to provide quality service to our tourists.

Follow your dreams, but plan carefully. Starting a new business is not without its own financial perils. You may be better served by first visiting here for a few weeks and then going back home to continue earning an income while you do the required business planning. Alternatively, consider moving here and taking up a job that allows you to learn the ropes and the market itself.

Cheers,

Carlos
www.lava-tours.com

PS: check out this yahoo group: [e-mail]

Answer 3

First to open up a shop you need to be a legal resident. Check costaricalaw.com to see what are the financial requirements to get an inversionista residency. There is a lot more bureaucracy involved in opening a business in Costa Rica than there is here, so be prepared to be patient.

Have you ever been to Costa Rica? If not, you had better check it out before you go. It would be awful to invest $60-100K (the minimum amount needed for residency) and then find out you didn't like the place.

I am thinking that the place you are describing is Jaco but am not sure.

Answer 4

I live in Costa Rica and though you are hardly likely to see one in San Jose, yes there are lots of snakes here. - They exist in every part of the country. (The Costa Rican who says he's never seen one obviously doesn't get out much!). Mind you, even in the areas where there are plentiful, you really don't see much of them because of their camouflage. Besides, the vast majority is completely harmless. If you are afraid of the natural world perhaps Costa Rica is not the place for you. Remember there are, crocodiles, scorpions, spiders, frogs (some poisonous), numerous reptiles of all shapes and sizes and some of the biggest bugs you’re ever likely to see. On the other hand, CR is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, the people (for the most part) are wonderful and the monkeys are cute! In 15 years, I've been stung by a scorpion once and twice by jellyfish so I'd say your odds are pretty good. The most bothersome thing you're likely to experience are mosquitoes.

Answer 5

good posts so far, hope this is helping. For what you want to do you definitely want to shoot for something that has a tourist economy to keep you rolling. The airport that opened in Liberia a few years ago really opened up the northern region and Tamarindo is a wonderful spot to check on and sounds like what you are describing. Great spot to learn to surf, and it draws a ton of learners there. Laid back with tons of shops and a growing location 50 minutes from Liberia airport.

Some thoughts.. things move slower down there, keep that in mind when you get your business rolling. The people are great and there are so many Americans there that you will be surrounded by English, but if you haven't already learned spanish start learning. It will be helpful.

Oh, and the roads can be rough.... and I mean rough.

Answer 6

Last I heard, you'll need around $60,000 to move to Costa Rica legally.

It's not as simple as you think. Go, you can visit for six months. Check out Panama City, too. Then, decide if you want to stay in either country. I believe you only need $20,000 or so in Panama.

Good luck

Answer 7

I believe Jaco is the beach town with all the bars. Puerto Viejo is on the Caribean side not as developed. The reason that many people go to Puerto Viejo is because it is a stop before you go to Panama (bocas del toro) Another reason People go to Puerto ´viejo is for Black women and drugs.

Answer 8

Jaco would be a place that fits your description. I met several Americans who owned businesses there when I visited CR. Research al lthe legalities, though - it isn't like just moving to another US state.

Answer 9

You're moving a broad to Costa Rica? Who is dis broad dat you are moving?

Answer 10

if your going to open up a store. open it where everyone travels to. i mean i went there a couple months ago..and it was wonderful. i went on a zipvine through the forest. went horseback riding on the volcano. open it up that wil be up to travelers.