A recent survey revealed that nearly half of all foreign expats moving to Costa Rica for retirement reasons leave after a year. The number of people leaving Costa Rica after two years is even higher. That’s because the country’s lifestyle can be very relaxed – and also quite frustrating at times. In addition to waiting an inordinate amount of time for a power restoration or WiFi connection, you may find yourself having to repeatedly call repairmen before one actually shows up. Coldwell Banker Costa Rica listed some reasons not to live in Costa Rica.
The long residency process is a major downside. While residency in Costa Rica is possible, the application process is extremely difficult. People must invest a minimum of $200,000 in the country before they can be granted residency. This investment must then be renewed every two years. Applicants need to pay a $250 application fee and a $40 document authentication fee to get residency. If successful, residency in Costa Rica is possible after three full cycles of the Pensionado Program. After six years, people can apply for permanent residency.
If you’re afraid of creepy crawlies, Costa Rica might not be the best place to live. It’s a country that’s notorious for prostitution, and while the country’s Catholic majority means that crime is rare, it still happens. Prostitution is widely accepted in Costa Rica, and there are no strict laws against it. If you’re worried about the safety of your belongings, however, you should consider living in another country first.
The country’s climate is tropical, so the rainy season typically starts in May and ends in November. The frequent rain helps the lush jungles thrive and brings out a variety of animals. Although Costa Rica has some beautiful beaches, rainy weather can make your travels a challenge, especially when you’re not used to living in the countryside. You’ll also need to take special precautions when riding a bicycle, and it can be dangerous with traffic.
If you’re looking for a retirement option in a tropical climate, Costa Rica is a great choice. There are many benefits to living in Costa Rica, but the main drawback is that the country isn’t for everyone. Some people find the country a bit boring and won’t be able to enjoy everything it has to offer. If you are not interested in living in a rural area, it’s likely that you’ll miss the familiarity of your family and friends.
Despite its high-quality healthcare system, the wait time for medical attention in Costa Rica can be long. While there are some private-care systems, those tend to be very expensive. In general, the cost of healthcare in Costa Rica is much lower than in the United States, but it may take a whole day for a doctor to examine you. If you’re not prepared to wait for hours, you can opt for private medical care or a health insurance plan.
The roads in Costa Rica are notoriously bad. It’s not uncommon to see bumper-to-bumper traffic throughout the day. It’s a good idea to plan your route and travel in advance to avoid such inconveniences. However, you should still book your flight tickets and book a hotel before you arrive. Once you arrive, you can solve any other issues as they arise. It’s best to plan ahead because it’s better to solve these issues before you arrive in Costa Rica.
