Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape
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I'm unable to find the video that was meant to be posted after the talk with John Michael Arthur today. Please let me know how I can watch it.
or send me a link.
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Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.
I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.
You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.
You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.
If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.
Hope this clears things up!
IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.
How do we acccess the recording of this?
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Hi everyone – Jennifer Stevens here.
I noticed there’s been a bit of confusion about today’s workshop, so I wanted to clear things up.
You can join the workshop right here on this page. At the top, you’ll see a video player—that’s where the broadcast will begin at 11 AM ET.
You do not need a separate link, and there’s no need to log into Zoom. The presentation will take place directly on this page.
If you can’t make it live, don’t worry—a recording will be posted here shortly after the workshop ends.
Hope this clears things up!
IMPORTANT: Please send your Costa Rica questions for JMA in on this page.
there is no button to push/click to show the replay
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How do we acccess the recording of this?
@KENNETHHTC Hi Kenneth, the recording should appear at the top of your screen, between the post title and the description. Use the play button (circled in red in this image) to start the video.

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Hi!
I’m new to the IL community.
And I’ve been abundantly busy since joining several months ago.
Where can I find the replay and schedule for all of the seminars?kindly, Rivkah
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Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape
[vimeo url=https://vimeo.com/1066950885]
John Michael Arthur, a frequent contributor to IL—and for many years a correspondent of ours—has lived in Costa Rica for over a decade. He’s a true insider. And he knows this “hidden” part of Costa Rica well. In this place, the temperate climate ensures you’re comfortable year-round, top-rate healthcare is close at hand, and property prices are shockingly low. John will be live at 11:00 am Eastern on Thursday, March 27!
Resources
March issue storyNo video attached. Please add. Thanks.
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can he discuss what kind of bugs are in the area and how to deal with them?
I live in Guanacaste, and we have lots of bugs. Costa Rica contains about 5% of the world's biodiversity, which is impressive for such a small country! Personally, I don't get many mosquito bites. We do have scorpions, but they are not deadly. We have these big flying insects we call langostas, which often freak people out but do not harm. I have seen tarantulas in my yard. I usually see ants in my house. I have used a liquid they eat and take back with them that gets rid of them, but I don't use that often. I spray my house sometimes (especially when guests visit) to ensure no scorpions are around.
-Bekah Bottone, IL's CR Correspondent -
Thanks for the excellent info on Costa Rica! Can you share any details on water quality? Is it safe to drink? And how is wastewater handled? One other question...what about any wildlife hazards like poisonous snakes, spders, etc?
Thanks,
David
I drink water from the tap at my house near Playa Tamarindo and throughout the country. My community has a waste processing plant... some friends have septic tanks on their properties.
There are poisonous snakes. I saw a rattle snake once in my neightborhood. In the mountains you need to be aware and careful.
-Bekah Bottone, IL's CR Correspondent -
hi Jennifer, I wasn’t able to make the 11:00 broadcast. I am on an IPad will I be able to view the rebroadcast?
If you look at the top of this page, you will see the recording!
-Bekah Bottone, IL's CR Correspondent -
If you look at the top of this page, you will see the recording!
-Bekah Bottone, IL's CR Correspondent -
If you look at the top of this page, you will see the recording!
-Bekah Bottone, IL's CR Correspondent -
The green portion of the page under the title is blank - no sign of any video whatsoever. No change with a refresh or different browser.
If you look at the top of this page, you will see the recording!
-Bekah Bottone, IL's CR Correspondent -
Hi!
I’m new to the IL community.
And I’ve been abundantly busy since joining several months ago.
Where can I find the replay and schedule for all of the seminars?kindly, Rivkah
You can go through all the pages here:
https://internationalliving.com/community/category/
If you look at the top of this page, you will see this recording!
-Bekah Bottone, IL's CR Correspondent -
ESC7PAR said:
Hi, how easy or difficult is it to trans money from the US to purchase a house in Cosgta Rica?Transferring money from the U.S. to purchase a house in Costa Rica is relatively straightforward but requires planning. Remember, Pura Vida!
- Transfer Methods
Wire Transfers: The most common method. Banks like Banco Nacional, BAC, and private escrow services accept international wire transfers.
Money Transfer Services: Services like Wise, Revolut, or Western Union can be more cost-effective than banks.
International Bank Accounts: Some U.S. banks (like Charles Schwab or HSBC) offer international transfer services.
- Know Bank & Government Regulations
U.S. Regulations: Large transfers ($10,000 or more) will be reported to the IRS for anti-money laundering purposes.
Costa Rican Regulations: Banks may require documentation (such as a purchase contract) to justify large deposits, especially when more than $50,000.
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Exchange Rate & Fees
Banks usually charge higher exchange rates and fees. -
Escrow & Legal Support
It’s recommended to use an escrow service in Costa Rica to ensure secure transactions.
If you use a reputable bank, escrow service, and attorney, the process can be smooth. Delays happen if documentation is missing or if the bank requires extra verification.
-Bekah Bottone, IL's CR Correspondent
- Transfer Methods
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DEE.DYKSTRA said:
Thanks for this! I'm coming to the conference in May, and enjoy learning about all the variety of climates there. See you there!Excellent. I look forward to answering any questions at the conference!
-Bekah Bottone, IL's CR Correspondent -
Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape
[vimeo url=https://vimeo.com/1066950885]
John Michael Arthur, a frequent contributor to IL—and for many years a correspondent of ours—has lived in Costa Rica for over a decade. He’s a true insider. And he knows this “hidden” part of Costa Rica well. In this place, the temperate climate ensures you’re comfortable year-round, top-rate healthcare is close at hand, and property prices are shockingly low. John will be live at 11:00 am Eastern on Thursday, March 27!
Resources
March issue storyHi Jennifer,
I am an explorers club member -VIP and have already registered myself and my spouse for the Costa Rica FT conference.
I continue to check the website looking for information about booking the hotel. Finally today, in the info about registering for the CR FT conference, I did find that the conference will be at the Intercontinental hotel. That is helpful.
How soon can I expect to get information on booking the hotel and the before/after conference tours? -
Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape
[vimeo url=https://vimeo.com/1066950885]
John Michael Arthur, a frequent contributor to IL—and for many years a correspondent of ours—has lived in Costa Rica for over a decade. He’s a true insider. And he knows this “hidden” part of Costa Rica well. In this place, the temperate climate ensures you’re comfortable year-round, top-rate healthcare is close at hand, and property prices are shockingly low. John will be live at 11:00 am Eastern on Thursday, March 27!
Resources
March issue story