www.CostaRicaTicas.com

My plans are to sell my house and property. Move a 5th wheel camper to Houston or Miami and use it as a headquarters for my mail and other offical items I may need to receive that cant be email or sent on line. I am leaning on Houston because I understand it is cheaper to own something there. I plan to come back to the states 3 or 4 times a year while it is warm and feel that I will need a place to keep my personal items and vechiles.

What has others done who have moved down there?
Do they continue to own a place in the states?

I am concerned about the cost of renting a place to park a rv with security and only use it 3 or 4 times a year. I will be able to afford the cost but it is senseless to do that. I plan to travel to the surrounding are of Houston (South) and check out some options this summer.

Any Suggestions.

Pay attention to health insurance qualifications for your new address in case of a serious problem where you'd need US medical care.

RAC

I retired and moved out of the country last year (but not to Costa Rica). I sold my house, gave my car to a niece and either sold or disposed of most of my personal goods. Even so, I ended up shipping 7 large boxes to South America. Once I arrived here, I started fresh by renting an apartment and bought all new furniture and appliances. I will return to the US as little as possible. I'd forget about keeping an RV in the US... it's one less thing you have to worry about.

I still maintain my retirement health insurance, but also have medical, Rx and dental coverage down here as well. As you get older, you realize just how important this is.

I wish there were more threads with lots of details I am selling off my possessions now and will be ready to do something with in months. I just don't know what, I am in a quandary of sorts.

BTW Congrats it has been a long haul here as well.

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LOL I would Love to never hear the word game used again ever again! :)

Lots of info on expat sites Smelvis, good luck!
http://www.expatyourself.com/new-here-welcome-aboard/
http://www.escapefromamerica.com/?s=costa+rica&x=0&y=0
http://www.escapeartist.com/

Some storage facilities have room to store a RV outside. That should take care of the security issue. Otherwise put your stuff in storage, come down and try it out here for 6 months in a rental. I'd suggest in San Jose and look for people like Alberto at the SL for advice, or other CRT members who live here. I rented at El Sesteo Apartotel in Sabana Sur for over a year until I decided I wanted to make it permanent. The other day I met a fellow here for 15 years. He hates it here now and vows to never come back. Last year I had a client who was a 15 year resident at the beach with 2 K*ds he fathered here and a so-so beach bar and cabinas biz return to FL. He had enough too. Others don't even make it that long. Lots stay longer. I think it depends on whether you adjust easily and can keep your mind active. Some guys hang at bars all day and end up as sad sacks. It's up to you my friend what you can make of it.

Curious...
What in CR is pissing off these longtime ex-pats?

PM me and I'll let you know so as not to offend some of the board members.

I'll give you a clue. In general it has to do with the cultural differences in my opinion. After a while, some people have had enough. Others might find it as charming! Or you know, it's their country, that's the way things go, the way people are. Or I shouldn't expect people to be the same as back in the U.S. where these two fellows were from.

One way of living here is NOT to try to duplicate the lifestyle you had in the USA.

Rent a furnished place and confine your entire existence to 3 suitcases.

Live your first few years here as a Tourist. No complications, No attorneys, No $500 dollar parking/speeding tickets, No stress, regrets, or complications.

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=35736

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* These are the "Good Ole Days". Enjoy Them.

* RENT but, "Don't Buy a Home in Costa Rica" until you have lived here for THREE years.

It is what it is to live down here. Some people are quite content and for some it won't work. I am basically happy in my day to day life. But after 12+ years am getting a little restless and am taking steps to probably not be here year round in the future. Sizing down my possessions even more than they already were. No house, furniture or big ticket items for me. So when I get ready to bounce it will not be a big deal. Maybe just leave a couple of bags with friends. Every body is going to be different so my advice would be to forget all the advice and do a trial run for yourself. It works for me because I am low maintenance. I''m not obsessed with food to the point that it takes a top ranked chef to please me. Which keeps me in shape also. Contrary to reports, the internet is pretty consistent in SJ, which is important to me. I really want to see the internet speed back home from some of these guys that complain. It must be mind blowing there. Also contrary to belief, the locals are not out to get you. This is paranoia from people that are unable to assimilate outside there little hovel back home. And/or they have put a target on their backs that attracts people to prey on them. In my time here I have had a good, honest and cheap mechanic and the same with other services. So, come do a trial period and get to know the place. And DO NOT build your life around the gulch and it's activities and expect to find a rewarding life. Get out, go to local spots. Hell, I'll take you to some cool little bars where there are no gringos and nobody will hardly even pay attention when we walk in.

I lived in Costa Rica for almost 8 years in Malpais. I now live in Medellin. Personally I got tired of the lack of culture in CR. I am very happy living in Medellin. The only thing that I miss about CR is some of the beautiful beaches. I knew many people who "retired" to CR & were back in the States within one year. I would suggest that before you make your final retirement decision that you spend a month or two here in Medellin. If you do decide to visit Medellin do not only spend your time in Poblado. There are not a lot of Gringos living fulltime here but the ones that I know are extremely happy with their decision!!

Medellin Es Una Chimba!!

This is great advice. Simplify your life & you will be much happier!!

Here is an interesting video:

Colombia: Would you take the risk??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgW8Y7F8 ... ture=share

Medellin Es Una Chimba!!

Style, read, then reread these posts - great info from guys who have done it.

The take away is (at least to me ) is that about 90% of it depends on you - I will offer this - if you have any bad habits, especially relating to drinking, they are unlikely to get better once you move. (What is the meaning of life, after all - 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react - or so the saying goes....)

Also, a lot is who you surround yourself with - if its negative bitter old drunks; hang out w/ them and in 6 months or a year, you become one - many who bitch about the Ticos and CR in general would be unhappy anywhere.

As much as of often (almost always? ) disagree with the positions of the poster, this is sage advice. Never, never confusing meaning and pleasure-two very different things. Pleasure is built in here, meaning has to be worked toward in each of our lives. This is especially true when you leave your own land.

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I said hey baby, take a walk on the wild side.
Lou Reed

Thanks Paco!

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LOL I would Love to never hear the word game used again ever again! :)