Costa Rica Expat Interviews w/ Tim pt 1 of2

http://TravelCostaRicaNOW.com I sat down with Tim from La Fortuna. This is about making a life in Costa Rica. Packing it all up and relocating. We ask Tim all the important questions: How did you decide on Costa Rica? Was it easy to START Up a business? What is Gringo Pricing and Tico Time and did have an effect on building your business? I've said it a few times, not the most exciting videos, but much NEEDED for those of you who are attempting to do some homework before making the move. Hope this helps answer some of your questions and don't forget pt. 2 with Tim. Pura Vida and as always, Hope it HELPS.

For more helpful travel information on Costa Rica make sure you check out our website and our blog.

Our Travel Tip Website- http://TravelCostaRicaNow.com/

michael alan's blog - http://www.DoingCostaRica.blogspot.com/

Our pictures from around Costa Rica - http://www.flickr.com/photos/travelcostaricanow_com/

Our Gay Travel Tip Webpage - http://travelcostaricanow.com/index.php/Gay

michael alan's gay blog - http://www.DoinGayCostaRica.blogspot.com

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[iCostaRica24]

Many gringo's seem to want to live in a foreign country...but also want to keep all that is american with them...and expect it in 'whatever' country they choose to live in...... typical.

[slobomotion]

It's great to see some calm, openly gay entrepreneurs. I am straight but that's just where I am at right now. I am an expat American in France and what a challenge! A good point is raised here -- learn the language AND know the legal system.

[iCostaRica24]

@slobomotion Sad story. Unfortunately, this business did NOT make it. They were so 'gringo priced' and 'tico timed' they were out of money the day they opened and just couldn't keep it up......and such a beautiful property.

[slobomotion]

@iCostaRica24 Bummer!

[iCostaRica24]

@slobomotion yeah.....it was.

[slobomotion]

@iCostaRica24 I do consulting work. One of the things I do is help people relocate to France. They get very upset with my information about the money they will need. I just have to tell them the truth as I know it. Like, four to ten times the money you think you will need and about 6 years to get rolling. Wow, do they ever not wanna hear THAT! But it's true. Most expats don't make it past the five year point in France.

[iCostaRica24]

@slobomotion yeah,,,,similar here. You do need more money than you think in CR....but I'd say most leave about the 2-3 year mark....... idk,,,maybe they go to France.

[slobomotion]

@iCostaRica24 People get very upset when I say they need about 100 to 300 thousand dollars to come here, minimum, and they should not expect to get any benefits until about year six or so. I also get hassled for my consulting fees but I declare my income, lose half to taxes, and put in untold hours of follow up for free. I dunno what they think they can do here with no money and no visa with a work permit and the language is very difficult. sigh

[Sheillala2008]

thanks so much for the insight!!! :-)

[iCostaRica24]

@CatSassProductions are u kiddin? anytime you're in La Fortuna or we're in your neck of the woods. What are you doing tomorrow.......lol