Getting Started in Costa?
landlubber
Posts: 316 Deckhand
I have decided if I don't pursue my dream of living in Costa Rica now, it may slip away from me and I will hate myself forever. With that being said I am wondering if you guys have tips for starting a life there. I know some of the basics like a foreigner can't be hired if there's a tico available who can do the job. Living on a tourist visa means I have to leave for 3 days every 90 days. I can learn more about those basics by googling. When it comes to finding jobs I have been unsuccessful. I have looked at Craigslist Costa Rica and the Tico Times website but nothing more. I know a good amount of Spanish so Spanish classifieds would be just fine. I would like to do some form of ecotourism like guided hikes, fishing, ziplining and what not. In reality I want to pay basic bills and things while getting to wander the jungles and beaches on my spare time. I have a Bachelors in Biology; that is my passion. Teaching is something I really enjoy also. I already have classroom experience.
Aside from job searching I hope forum members can provide fishing info too. I want to live on the Pacific side for the roosterfish. I wouldn't have a boat so it would be purely land-based as my name suggests. Probably get a kayak after settling in. Where are good places to do such fishing? I have been to Jaco and my instinct is to go there for the booming tourist industry. What equipment would you bring? I have a Stradic and Saros 4000, Penn Conquer 7000, Shimano Speedmaster and a 4/0 wide. Are my bases covered for
Inshore pursuits? What lures are good for the fish in these waters like roosters, Cubera snapper, snook and tarpon? The 4/0 wide is for sharks and Cuberas. Are there such things as good bait & tackle stores there?
Aside from job searching I hope forum members can provide fishing info too. I want to live on the Pacific side for the roosterfish. I wouldn't have a boat so it would be purely land-based as my name suggests. Probably get a kayak after settling in. Where are good places to do such fishing? I have been to Jaco and my instinct is to go there for the booming tourist industry. What equipment would you bring? I have a Stradic and Saros 4000, Penn Conquer 7000, Shimano Speedmaster and a 4/0 wide. Are my bases covered for
Inshore pursuits? What lures are good for the fish in these waters like roosters, Cubera snapper, snook and tarpon? The 4/0 wide is for sharks and Cuberas. Are there such things as good bait & tackle stores there?
Replies
I’ve never been there so I don’t have any advice other than; if this is a dream and you have the means to chase it…go! I wouldn’t change my life now (wife & kids), but there are a few things I wish I would have done before settling down…Costa Rica is one of them.
Good luck, tight lines and keep us posted if you go.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
I agree - have been there at least 15 times since 1992. But to answer your questions, you aren't going to find many job opportunities through conventional methods. Have to just meet people there and spread the word. So if you have enough money to just charge it and can live without a job for a while, then go for it. Just think it is hard to get a job lined up before going there. I think Jaco is your best choice to start and your equipment is going to work. Used some X raps and other baits down there with some success.
Did not see any bait and tackle stores there but the last time I was there was two years ago. Traveled from Jaco to Santa Teresa/Mal Pais. Good luck, wish I was able to do this. But as GT suggested, do spend some time looking at Nicaragua as well.
Thus far teaching looks like the most available occupation but certainly doesn't make you rich. That's fine. If anyone knows of CR job boards please post a link.
I would take enough cash to buy airfare home and stash it away somewhere so you know you always have an exit if bad goes to worse.
What we're catching:
Also, here is a site for more info: http://www.livingabroadincostarica.com/index.html
As a "tourist" you'd have to leave the country every 90 days and stay gone for 3 days. Costa Rica seems to be pretty concerned about jobs...meaning they want Americans to come visit but not take a job from a CR citizen.
I've also got a friend who moved down there because he didn't want to get stuck working a 9-5 at home in Florida, so he started his own charter business. He's been there for a few years and you may not be looking to get into the same business, but I'm sure he knows a lot of people in the area and might be able to point you in the right direction as far as someone to talk to who might be hiring. His contact info is on his website if you want to check it out. His name is Jason Coffrin. http://www.fishmrtrigger.com/contact.htm
What can be caught from the surf on the Pacific coast? I assume snook. If it's rocky by the shore does that mean my chances are better for roosterfish and snappers?
..............................................................................
IBEW LU 433
Property tax for a 300K place would be about $750. It's 1/4 of a percent of the original purchase price. BUT, they now have a lovely luxury tax for homes over a certain amount, which works about to be about the same. So all together you'd be looking at $1500 ish for your 300K place.
Electric is also slanted against anyone that has more than the average tico. The more you use, the more the price per unit. My 2200 sf place has seen electric bills as high as $600 a month while keeping it at 75.
Fun place to visit/vacation but don't think I could live there. Things take a long time...just things. Internet down at your house? Call ICE, and wait, and wait, and wait.