Move Over Central Valley… This is Costa Rica’s Next Great Expat Escape

BEKAHBOTTONE 0

Hi! I live near Tamarindo in Guanacaste and my internet is great. I am up over 400 mbps download and 20 mbps upload speed regularly. I used to h ave 2 connections, yet now I ony use my cell phone as backup when needed.

BEKAHBOTTONE 0

HI everyone, Bekah Bottone here. Although I live in Guanacaste now, I spent years in San Pedro and also in Tres Rios, in the Central Valley. I loved my time living in those places -- walking all over the place and using public transportation.... yet also living in the mountains and enjoying nature too.

JERRYCONNOLLY

no video player is seen at the top of this page please advise

BEKAHBOTTONE 0

IL's Costa Rica Correspondent - Bekah
I love the cooler weather and greeness of Tres Rios.

BEKAHBOTTONE 0

Hi. I think it is always to start Spanish lessons before moving. Tourist and beach locations speak a lot of English. In the Central Valley, you hear more Spanish for sure. Speaking Spanish allows you to connect with locals and integrate more into the culture. I love to recommend a friend of mine's classes: https://wespeakspanish-cr.com./
Focusing on conversation skills is the best way to start!

JERRYCONNOLLY

i dont see a video player. please advise how to join.

BEKAHBOTTONE 0

In my opinion, speaking Spanish is needed in the public system (la Caja). Yet in most private practices, English is spoken. I mix and match the two systems. Healthcare is more affordable in Costa Rica than in the US to pay out of pocket.
I can't wait to connect in May at the conference. Come talk with me and I can share more about healthcare in CR.

1RUFFSOB

I'm a Life Member I can't access this Event, No Link or Player.
Can you send me a Link ?
G. Ruff

BEKAHBOTTONE 0

Where did you go in Costa Rica? What were your impressions? I would love to hear more. Did you get to watch the video of JMA?
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

BEKAHBOTTONE 0

You can find a map here- https://internationalliving.com/countries/costa-rica/climate-in-costa-rica/
I can't add an image here, but this article has agood map. Orosi Valley is in Cartago.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

BEKAHBOTTONE 0

Hi. In my opinion, Cartago is more rural with more nature. I love Tierra Blanca going up to Volcan Irazu. And Cartago is less crowded/busy.
I would say Cartago is starting to come more on the radar and a good place to check out.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

TLROOF1

Don't see the video player

BEKAHBOTTONE 0

When I lived in Tres Rios years ago, I worked online and didn't have many issues. And the internet has only improved over the last years.
In Guanacaste, which is more rural, I have fast, reliable internet and phone service. I get some dead zones on my cell but it works perfectly at my house and in most places.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

BEKAHBOTTONE 0

There are many private schools around the country and public schools are availabe for fluent Spanish speakers. It all depends on where the region you are looking at. Share what areas you are interested in and I can give you my recommendations.

I wrote this article and it can give you a bit of an overview, yet with a focus in Guanacaste.
https://internationalliving.com/playa-tamarindo-a-place-where-families-thrive/

-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

BEKAHBOTTONE 0