Video

Retiring in Costa Rica can be an incredible adventure, but it’s important to plan carefully to ensure a smooth transition and a fulfilling retirement. In this video, we dive into the top 8 essential factors you need to consider before making the move. Whether you’re drawn to Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, or welcoming communities, these insights will help you prepare for a new chapter in this paradise.

Cost of Living
Residency Requirements
Healthcare
Housing
Cultural Adaptation
Financial Management
Finding Your Community
Living Independently vs. Needing Added Assistance

#CostaRica #Retirement #ExpatLife #LivingAbroad #RetirementPlanning #Healthcare #Residency #FinancialManagement

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/scouting?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description

Relocating to Costa Rica with your family is an exciting adventure, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether it’s a flat tire, a plumbing leak, an electricity outage, or just not feeling safe, unexpected hurdles are bound to happen. In this video, Aaron and Patrick share their personal experiences with these common issues during their move to Costa Rica. They provide practical advice on how to handle these situations and recover smoothly. Join us as we navigate the ups and downs of moving to Costa Rica and learn how to turn potential setbacks into stepping stones for a successful relocation.

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/scouting?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description

In this episode, we answer:

❓ Can you take advantage of Healthcare in Costa Rica if you live in Panama?
❓ When might you do a Cartago video?
❓ You guys should add something more about cost of living: not only CR, on average, is lot more expensive than Panama; but also, some areas of CR (Guanacaste) are up to 3 times more expensive than the rest of CR – we are talking California and NY level of prices. 90% of potential expats flat out will not be able to afford it.
❓ Can you guys talk more about life of retirement for people and especially couples in their 60s wanting to have accessible resources, infrastructure and amenities, and related to the various political, social and economic difficulties faced in Costa Rica?
❓ I heard there’s a new law that was approved this year which will allow foreigners to bring up to two cars without import tax. Is that correct?
❓ The fact that it doesn’t have a standing army, does not negate the need to protect oneself. Burglaries and robberies happen. Rape happens. Murder happens. What would you do if a few people broke into your home? They’d probably have guns. Would you really just sit there and let them have their way with you?
❓ Where in San Jose are you doing the $150 all day health medical check up with scans and all of that?
❓ Does costa rica tax income from your home country? I get military disability that my budget would be relying on. It won’t work out if the Costa Rican government takes a cut before i spend it
❓ What is the worst place you’ve had a bug bite?

Send your questions for future episodes to hola@yourpuravida.com!

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

With the election year in the US in full swing, election results in the EU showing a greater divide and political tension happening around the world, many people are considering a move to Costa Rica. Could you leave the drama behind and move to Costa Rica for a politically free blissful life?

Yes, but if that’s your primary reason for moving here, you won’t be successful in Costa Rica in the long-term. This video explains why.

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

We recently a viewer sent us an article “12 Key Qualities of Countries to Consider When Moving Abroad” by psychologist Dr. Tamara Goldsby (link below) and we thought it’d be interesting to discuss these qualities and how we think about them in moving outside the US and moving to Costa Rica.

Article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/less-stress-more-peace/202405/12-key-qualities-of-countries-to-consider-when-moving-abroad

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

As our community grows, we’re showcasing our team members, starting with our co-founders. Learn more about Aaron’s life in San José and how his business development expertise drives our mission forward. Don’t miss out on getting to know the people behind Your Pura Vida and how we’re dedicated to making your Costa Rican dreams come true. Want to work with Aaron and the team? Email him at hola@yourpuravida.com.

As our community grows, we’ll be showcasing all our team members, starting with our co-founders. Discover Patrick’s journey and background in media, and learn how his (and our team’s) experience can help turn your dream of living in Costa Rica into reality! Don’t miss out on getting to know the people behind Your Pura Vida and how we’re dedicated to making your Costa Rican dreams come true. Want to work with Patrick and the team? Email him at hola@yourpuravida.com.

In this episode, we answer:

1. We clarify some questions about moving your pets to Costa Rica.
2. For retired folks wanting to be near good healthcare services, is San José the only realistic location?
3. Is health insurance in Costa Rica difficult to obtain over 65?
4. Is most of Escazú composed of hilly streets ? How is Escazú for older retired to folks? Is there a lot of noise, honking etc. in the residential area?
5. Is a $500/month studio in Escazú realistic?
6. Does everyone have car insurance like in the states?  What about AAA or some kind of roadside assistance?
7. A commenter rants about Tico time and punctuality in Costa Rica.

Send your questions for future episodes to hola@yourpuravida.com!

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

We’re welcoming a new member to the Your Pura Vida team! Meet Andrea Lasso de la Vega Moreno, an educator and expert in Costa Rica’s school system. Andrea will help our families moving to Costa Rica navigate the education system here, learning the needs of children and parents and working to match those needs with public and private schools.

In this video, we speak with Andrea about her background, why it’s important to find the right school for your kids in Costa Rica, if Costa Rica schools are competitive internationally, some factors to consider in choosing the right school, and how Your Pura Vida can help you in the process. If you’d like to work with Andrea, please email us at hola@yourpuravida.com and we’ll start the conversation!

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

If you want a vacation home in Costa Rica, sure, call a real estate agent first. But if you truly want to build a life here, don’t start your search with real estate. In this video, Patrick and Aaron explain why so many people start their move to Costa Rica with a real estate search, and why that’s a bad idea.

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

Dominical Costa Rica serves as the entrance to the Southern Puntarenas region of Costa Rica. This area was relatively underdeveloped until 2010, as there was no highway access, causing it to lag behind the more popular northern beach communities. However, the town has gained recognition as a surf destination, with its incredible waves and pristine Playa Dominical beach, attracting surf tourists, expats, and digital nomads who prefer a laid-back, eco-friendly lifestyle.

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

As a single person or couple moving to Costa Rica, there are a number of factors to consider: where and how to live. But when kids are coming with you, the move becomes far more complicated: the needs of the kids, school choices, activities, and healthcare are just a number of factors to consider.

In this video, we discuss what you should think through when moving your family to Costa Rica.

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

Many Americans, Canadians and Europeans looking at moving out of their countries consider moving to Costa Rica and Colombia. For us, we chose Costa Rica, but in this video, we compare and contrast the two popular expat havens, talk about why we chose Costa Rica and why you might chose Colombia over Costa Rica.

Did you decide to move to Colombia — perhaps Bogota, Medellin or Cartagena — and not Costa Rica? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

After many years in Costa Rica, we still don’t understand a few things about life here. (Spoiler: the way Ticos drive is a big one!). But we know that we have to adapt to life here, and not the other way around.

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

Grecia, Costa Rica, is a charming and picturesque town located in the Central Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, waterfalls and beautiful sugar cane plantations. The town’s mild climate and well-maintained central park make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful getaway. Across from the park is town’s most famous attraction the Iglesia de la Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, a unique church made entirely of pre-fabricated steel plates painted red that and shipped in from Belgium in the late 19th century.

Conveniently located near Alajuela and San José, Grecia is a more laidback lifestyle compared to the big city. It’s also situated near other smaller towns like Atenas and La Garita.

Grecia is surrounded by natural beauty including nearby Poas Volcano and many coffee farms. It’s no wonder that Grecia is a popular destination for expats seeking a more relaxed lifestyle in a small town setting.

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/

So often, families come to Costa Rica on vacation to see if Costa Rica is the right place to move to.

This is the wrong approach.

Instead of coming on a vacation, come to Costa Rica and explore like you actually live here. Spend your week days working remotely, shopping and exploring the town you’re staying in. And then on your weekends, take a day trip or go explore another region of Costa Rica.

In this video, we describe how to successfully explore moving to Costa and how Your Pura Vida can help you scout the right places for you and your family.

Find us:
📬 Email us your questions: hola@yourpuravida.com
🤔 Are you ready to move to Costa Rica? Take our 60-second assessment: https://www.yourpuravida.com/ready
💻 Blog posts and other resources about moving and living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/links
🧭 Get our help to move to Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/explorer
🏠 On-the-ground support for living in Costa Rica: https://www.yourpuravida.com/membership/