The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica as well as a partial compilation of reading and sources of information...

1. If I have a fixed income of between $1,500 TO $4,000 per month, can I live comfortably in Costa Rica?
yes, without a doubt. Many people live comfortably in Costa Rica on only their Social Security.

2. How much would it cost to build a 2-3 BR house? Approximately $75,000 to $150,000 depending upon location and amenities ( 12-1500 sf ).

3. Is living in Costa Rica safe for Americans AND Canadians?
yes...there is petty crime but violent crime is very very rare.

4. Is the water safe to drink?
water quality is better than almost any other country in the world.

5. Are the utilities, i.e., electric, telephone, readily available and reliable?
Cost Rica does have their problems, but for the most part it’s just like the states and Canada. It is readily available all throughout Costa Rica. The best part is the price. You pay much lower for utilities than the States and Canada. In the States I was paying $160 a month just for my electric bill, now for all my utilities including my cell phone it’s $100 a month, This also includes running my Air Conditioner 8 hours a day.

6. Do I have to give up my citizenship to live in Costa Rica?
No...you can apply for Residency , which allows you certain special privileges and allows you to stay in the country for an unlimited time frame. If you do not choose to obtain a Costa Rican residency, then you have to leave every 90 days for 72 hours. Many foreigners visit Panama or a Caribbean island called “San Andreas” for their stamp on their passport. The price is so low. Two people for a 4 night all inclusive resort including air flight costs about $750. Even Cigarettes are included.

7. Will I feel like a "fish out of water"?...especially since I don't speak Spanish?
It depends upon your personality. We speak poor Spanish and manage to communicate quite well. There are a large number of Ticos ( Costa Ricans ) who speak English ...so your "charade" skills will come in handy. A lot of your comfort level is an individual thing. it is what you make it. Costa Ricans are among the friendliest people in the world and will bend over backwards to make visitors feel comfortable.

8. How are the roads? I have heard that they are horrible.
most roads are equivalent to the States or Canada...there are some areas where the roads are seldom fixed and slow driving is recommended. There is a decided lack of major roads or highways and those that are there, are crowded.

9. Are the banks safe? Can I have my pension or Social Security sent to Costa Rica?
yes, the public banks are insured. Most retirees have their funds deposited in the States and then draw on it thru their bank in Costa Rica or through a local ATM. There are also many American and International Banks in Costa Rica (ie. Citibank, HSBC).

10. What about the doctors...the dentists...chiropractors...veterinarians? The hospitals?
The medical profession in Costa Rica is excellent as are all the professional services. The mortality rate is better here than in the States or Canada as is the life expectancy. Unlike other countries, Costa Rican doctors are not part of HMOs or governmental controls...they practice medicine the way it was practiced in the 50s. Dentistry here is the same...superb and inexpensive...the same quality or better costs about 25% on the Dollar.

11. What is there to do in Costa Rica?...
well , for starters about 25% of the country is national parks .
The country contains several volcanos, mountain ranges, literally dozens of different microclimates, a lake, several mountain ranges, several rivers suitable for rafting, some of the world's best sportfishing, surfing, scuba diving/snorkeling, birdwatching, jungles, rain forests, cloud forests, and of course, two oceans...and much much more. Much more than you will ever visit or see in your lifetime. And it is gorgeous!