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I love how someone recommended Facebook groups. I would totally see if there are any single or expat groups where you want to visit to reach out and see what is available.

I am a single woman in Costa Rica; I have always felt safe here, even when I was young.er I always compared Costa Rica to Jamaica, where I was horrified at what the people yelled at me on the street– it was so vulgar compared to what I had experienced in Costa Rica prior to that trip.

I always suggest not meeting people alone and being in a group setting in a busy place, not walking at night alone, and following one’s gut feelings.

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In Costa Rica, to maintain temporary residency, you depending on the type of residency you have, you need to spend 3-4 months in the country (I need to confirm with my laywer). Once you obtain permanent residency, you need to visit Costa Rica once a year to keep your status (for 3 days).

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In Costa Rica, you can get a liscense nowadays once you are a resident. However, before that, as long as your tourist visa is valid, you can drive on your US liscence showing your passport stamp, which can be good for up to 180-days, depending on what they gave you when you entered the country.

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You could reach out the the US embassy: https://cr.usembassy.gov/

I am not sure exactly what you are asking. Can you give me an example of the type of information you are asking about?

I always suggest finding a laywer you can trust to help with any questions. It took me a while to find someone I trust and use (I went through various ones). I love sharing her info if you are interested.

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Hi everyone

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https://internationalliving.com/events/fast-track-costa-rica-2025/
You can call to register.

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Hello. Let me check for you. I can’t wait to see you in May! I will get back to you ASAP.

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I would love to help you find a rental in Atenas. I have a contact at Keller Williams. Do you want to send me a message on on WhatsApp +(506) 8962 9593 and we can chat about what you are looking. I was in Atenas last year and really liked it.
I also recomend this group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/663758784658197
They have weekly morning meet ups that are a great way to meet new people!!!!

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The hydroelectric project at Lake Arenal produces between 10 to 12% of the total electricity of the country.

You can read more about what I wrote here: https://internationalliving.com/is-costa-rica-the-most-eco-friendly-country-on-our-beat/

Google “hydro power and lake arenal” to find more info.

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I love the views in Grecia and the cooler temps, yet I was not a fan of the steep, winding roads. Yet the higher you go, the cooler it gests. This is pretty much the case all over the Central Valley. Highs can be in the 80s and nights can drop to the 60s-70s, depending on where you are.

I stayed here in Grecia (https://www.tierranuevacostarica.com/) and absolutey LOVED the esperience. The food at the restaurant was so delicious and the owner personable and able to share a lot of info. There is also a weekly expat meet up on Wednesdays at 12 pm at Los Jardines Vivero y Café (https://www.facebook.com/losjardinesgreciacr/?locale=es_LA) — I would just call to confirm with the restaruant in case the day/time changes.

I stayed here in Atenas (https://hotelcolinasdelsol.com/). It was fine yet a plus was its central location. There is a woman’s group in Atenas who has a weekly meet up (https://www.facebook.com/groups/663758784658197?locale=es_LA) and I think the husbands also have a men’s meet up.

I consider Atenas and Grecia more expat hubs. I never stayed in Heredia, yet I seem to always drive through it.

I find Facebook groups very helpful when I need to learn more about an area. You also might want to ask questions in these groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/128010388878472
https://www.facebook.com/groups/425764764900687
https://www.facebook.com/groups/620448778305789
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517401048358283

I suggest joining us at the CR conference in May this year. It is held in Escazu and contains a wealth of information. And then you could explore the other areas a few days before or after. I find that visiting and meeting people is the best option. Almost everyone I meet who has relocated tells me that they just knew when they visited a certain area that is would be home. Good luck and how exciting! Costa Rica is paradise for many. Come see what you think about it for yourself!

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This is his FB group: https://www.facebook.com/SUPlakearenal
His contact info is there. He also has lots of properties and knowledge about the area. He is a great resource. Tell him I told you about him.
There is a marina in Flamingo and The Sailing Center (https://www.costaricasailing.com/) is poplular too – in Guanacaste.

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I know people who have boats and go boating on Lake Arenal.

Check out Daniel’s story, he has sailed all over the world yet considers Lake Arenal the true paradise out there: https://internationalliving.com/six-properties-and-under-4000-property-tax-total-in-trondara-costa-rica/

I also know a woman who just had a birthday celebration on this boat: https://www.facebook.com/catamarantucanarenal/

Have you visited Lake Arenal? I have also seen people in kayaks and jet skis on the lake.

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and this is his email gort.klaatu@icloud.com

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You can email John Michael here to get his Airbnb links
CentralValley@InternationalLiving.com

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Hello.
I went to Atenas and Grecia on an editorial trip in June. I loved the area and have friends who are planning to move to Atenas soon.

I stayed here in Grecia. Thhe owner is super engaging and shares so much info abou the area. https://www.tierranuevacostarica.com/
And the restaurant was affordable and super delicious. There is a shirt waterfall hike about 5 min from the place and you are also close to Vocan Poas.

Don (+506 8974 7958) sets up a weekly lunch at 12 pm on Wednesdays at Los Jardines Vivero y Café. https://www.instagram.com/losjardinesgreciacr

I met some great ladies in Atenas – they meet up weekly for breakfast (they were doing it on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and are welcoming and informative. I suggest joining this FB group and asking for recommendations there. I bet they know of a rental.

I stayed here and it had breakfast included and a central location: https://hotelcolinasdelsol.com/

here are some other FB groups to join for info about Atenas/Grecia.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/620448778305789
https://www.facebook.com/groups/121660851190044
https://www.facebook.com/groups/425764764900687
https://www.facebook.com/groups/387786141949355
https://www.facebook.com/groups/352307036263466
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1590928181205948

I just asked for John Michael’s Airbnb contact info, so once I find that I will send it on to you. He has an Airbnb you can rent in the Orosi Valley.

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