[BEKAHBOTTONE 0]

just wanted to add.. I know there is a writing group that meets weekly in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. I would look on Facebook groups to see what kind of writing groups you can find too.
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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I am in neighboring Costa Rica and we have a rainy and dry season. I am not am expert on the regions in Panama, yet Guancaste (where I live in Costa Rica) is the dryest area in the country. However, there are 6 months of rain where it could rain for a week straight or be sunny and just rain at night or for a bit during the day.

I love the rain becuase it makes everything lush and vibrant, yet I also love the dry season since we never need to make rain plans. It’s the perfect mix for me.

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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There are lots of beaches with tons of expats. I live in Guanacaste, by Tamarindo- my tropical paradise!

Most beaches and even in the Central Valley have English speaking expat communities. Have you ever visited Costa Rica? The IL conference in May would be a great starting point!

Reading these articles could give you a feel for different areas to help narrow down what you think woudl be the best fit for you: https://internationalliving.com/author/bekah-bottone/

Feel free to reach out to me in an email and we can chat more.
bbottone@internationalliving.com

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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I would start our looking for some single Facebook groups and groups in the areas I am interested in to see what is out there.
I find that most expats I connect with love their community and enjoy doing life with other like-minded people.
Good luck in your search!
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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I know some people who have done the drive to Costa Rica. I would not do this drive just my children and me; however, if I were with a male Spanish-speaker I would consider it– and I would feel best with a Latino. This is just my opinion– as a single woman I would not feel safe doing it on my own.

I did write about a family who traveled down from the States and had a great experience. You can find tips in the article: https://internationalliving.com/colorado-to-tamarindo-the-road-trip-of-a-lifetime/

It would be a long trip… so a big adventure!
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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Kids baseball has been more popular lately in Costa Rica,; my son played last year. Yet I have not seen any adult or senior teams here in Guanacaste.
Yet people were excited for baseball… the coach ended up leaving so if it is something you love maybe that is a way to get involved in the community.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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I would say Costa Rica is the most expensive. We have a HIGH import tax on cars so older cars cost a lot more than they do in the USA.

-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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I know people that have driven from the US to Costa Rica.
I wrote about some tips here: https://internationalliving.com/colorado-to-tamarindo-the-road-trip-of-a-lifetime/

To obtain Costa Rican citizenship, you must establish legal residency in the country for at seven years for non-native Spanish speakers, show proficiency in Spanish, pass a test on Costa Rican history and culture, have a clean criminal record, and show financial stability to support yourself. So it is a process.

here is info on residency in Costa Rica: https://internationalliving.com/countries/costa-rica/visa/

-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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I find that people order less online in Costa Rica in general. You can order from Amazon, yet often the taxes are very high. There are mail box services and shipping companies that charge per pound which many people use. I usually just shop when I travel to the US or have my friends and family mule things down for me when needed.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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In Costa Rica, there are lots of concerts these days, so many more than in the past. I don’t consider it a huge music scene, however, there are more options than in the past.

Maybe you can check out these places:
https://www.bandsintown.com/c/San-Jose-Costa-Rica?came_from=335&livestreams=true&genre_filter=Christian%2FGospel&genre_filter=R%26B%2FSoul
https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/56440-costa-rica-heredia
https://www.songkick.com/venues/80783-estadio-nacional

I just saw a few I would love to go to! Thanks for getting me thinking about this.

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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Most private doctors speak English here in Costa Rica and I find there are a lot of alternative treatments available in this country.

The Central Valley and Arenal area has moderate teperatures, in my opinion, kind of like an eternal spring. Living in Atenas and Grecia in the Central Valley, you can get to a beach in about an hour. You are also close to the best healthcare in the country in these areas.

If you decide you are interested in Costa Rica, the conference in May 2025 is the best place to start and get a feel for the country.

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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I know many gay couples in Costa Rica and gay marriage is also legal here.

Walking down the street in San Jose, I have seen the pride flag flying high by the Costa Rican flag, which I love.

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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I always suggest renting to check out the different areas, especially in Costa Rica, were climates can be so different so really spending time to find what fits your life best is recommended.

Are you a beach person or do you love mountains? Are more comfortable at higher elevations? What is the best temperature for you to live in? What activities do you want to have as part of your dalily life? Do you need to be close to the best healthcare? These are all important to consider.

Many people move around to a few places and stay for a month or so in each place to get a really get a feel for it. It is key to meet people living in the area to find deals and get a sense of what everyday life feels like. I love connecting with new people via Facebook groups– they are a great resource.

Of course, buying a place as an investment or a rental for part of the year is also an option. I would love to have a condo as an investment, personally.

If you are interested in Costa Rica, I could give you some recomendations if you answer the above questions.
bbottone@internationalliving.com

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

[BEKAHBOTTONE 0]

I suggest establishing a virtual home address in your home country as many people say family and friends is not ideal– although I use my parent’s address still, after MANY years.

For Costa Rica, you can look into Correos de Costa Rica (with a box in Miami) and these options too: Access USA: myus.com / Earthclassmail.com

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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Not all airlines allow dogs these days to Costa Rica, but I have heard these airlines still allow them in cabin or as luggage: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Lufthansa.

There are also companies that have private charters for pets you can research.

I know a lot of people who have brought their pets along to join their new life! I know a woman who works at a vet and I can have her send me the guidelines. If you want more info, send me an email: bbottone@internationalliving.com

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

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