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Concierge Service
Too busy to set up your own move? Let our Concierge Service do it all for you.
We have a team of experts ready to help you acquire visas, find you a home abroad and then get you home and car insurance. We can even pick you up at the airport and show you around.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica
- Is Costa Rica safe?
- Costa Rica is as safe as any state in the US or Canada. In most places it is safer. Large cities everywhere have higher crime than small towns and suburban areas. San Jose, like big cities anywhere, has neighborhoods and streets best avoided. Common sense is, of course, the most important factor to keeping anyone safe, but thousands of northerners have happily moved to Costa Rica and they think no more about crime than they would in their hometowns in the US or in Canada. Of course, we are happy to answer questions about specific locations if you're considering a visit.
Back to top - Why should I consider Costa Rica?
- Hundreds of North Americans retire or relocate every year to Costa Rica. Costa Rica super close, it's safe and it offers a wide variety of comfortable lifestyle choices for just a fraction of the cost of similar world-class locations. Relocating to the spectacular beauty of Costa Rica means you really can enjoy twice as much lifestyle at half the cost. With savings of up to 80% on housing and 50% on living expenses, Costa Rica offers a stress-free retirement and the freedom to settle in permanently with far fewer headaches than you'd ever imagine. Literacy levels in Costa Rica are among the highest in the world, and that means the population is stable educated and friendly. Whether it's the fact that it's so close to home, the friendliness of the people or the familiar shops you'll recognize in so many places, Costa Rica is a wonderful way to spend some of the best years of your life.
Back to top - Don't you need to speak Spanish to live in Costa Rica?
- There are many areas in Costa Rica where one needn't speak Spanish at all to live quite comfortably. Many of our featured locations are home to other northerners, and often even locals speak very good English. Of course, it's always good to learn what you can, and many retirees enjoy taking advantage of affordable and informal lessons offered by locals enthusiastic to welcome them into their culture.
Back to top - What are the hospitals like in Costa Rica?
- Costa Rica is world famous for its US trained medical professionals and the quality and level of service is very high. Costa Rica is even a well-frequented destination for those seeking services they might not be able to afford in North American hospitals. Private health insurance is available and much less expensive than in the US. We can also find live-in, American trained nurses or elder care visiting nurses. See our Domestic Page.
Back to top - Can I get my social security check if I live in Costa Rica?
- Yes, your check can be mailed to you (and deposited) in Costa Rica. Most retirees have checks direct deposited into an account from which they can easily withdraw through a banking machine. Contact your institution for more information on how to arrange this. For more information on Money and Mail forwarding click here.
Back to top - What places in Costa Rica are inhabited by lots of Americans/Canadians?
- The capital, San Jose, is surrounded by suburbs popular with expats and foreigners from all nations. Also in the central valley, Alajuela and Heredia are seeing a growing influx. Far to the south, Puerto Limineza offers outstanding Pacific coast locations and Limón, on the Caribbean is also increasingly popular. We'll be happy to find you a community in any of Costa Rica's most popular or least discovered areas. Just let us know.
Back to top - How do I buy/how much is a house in Costa Rica?
- There are many homes in Costa Rica from US$70K to upwards of US$600K. Almost all are far less than what you would pay in the US or in Canada. Foreigners are allowed to buy homes in Costa Rica and hold their titles in most cases though properties along the coasts are governed by very different rules. Properties are either titled, untitled or Beach lands, and a different procedure is necessary for each. Coastline property is occupied strictly on a provisional basis. The municipal government will administrate a "right of occupation" through a permiso de uso. This is part of the reason that inland properties are much more commonly purchased by foreigners, and Livtopia can assist you in any of these three types of real estate purchases. Of course, this is the over-simplified version and more detailed information is inside the pages of Livtopia-Costa Rica.
Back to top - Can I bring my pet?
- Bringing any pet into Costa Rica requires a good deal of paperwork though cats and dogs are not quarantined. A health certificate from a veterinarian is required, and this form should comply with the US Dept of Agriculture format. And this paperwork may need to be validated by the CR embassy or consulate in the US nearest you. Immunizations must be within 30 days of arriving, except for rabies for which the animal must have been vaccinated within the past year.
Back to top - Can I get by on $2000 USD a month?
- You can have a much more relaxing retirement in Costa Rica, with $2000 USD per month, because your hard-earned money can go so much further. With low housing costs, real estate taxes, and an all-around lower cost of living, you'll be able to afford many more luxuries in Costa Rica with your retirement income. See more about the savings and available amenities on our Domestic Page.
Back to top - I've never / rarely left the US-won't living in a foreign country be scary?
- Living in a foreign country is not for everyone. However, Costa Rica has a rapidly growing foreign-born community. Though Costa Rica is visited by a good 1 million tourists every year, about 40,000 North Americans have chosen to stay. Many facilities cater exclusively to these communities and in such places adjustment is practically unnecessary. The move to Costa Rica can be a hassle or just plain intimidating, but services such as our Concierge make it a breeze.
Back to top - What is Livtopia?
- Dedicated to retirement, second homes and investment properties in Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, Livtopia is the best and most extensive source for information and referral and real estate services. The Livtopia network of websites is here to assist anyone considering retirement, second homes, financing, service referrals and more in Mexico or Latin America. Buying real estate in Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, or the Dominican Republic has never been easier or safer.
Back to top - What services does Livtopia provide?
- Livtopia provides Buyer's Representation in real estate purchases. We also specialize in assisting people moving abroad for business, and people looking to make the most from investment level properties. Our business was born helping people to retire with a better quality of life than they ever thought possible and that part of our business remains an important incentive to this day. For more information, see our "What is Livtopia?" page.
And with our Concierge service, we'll provide you with just about any service you need. The most common requests we get are for moving companies, for help with visas, with closing on the property, and with settling in (finding maids, gardeners, doctors, etc.). But with our Concierge service, we will help you with virtually anything you need. Just send us an email, or fill in the appropriate form on the Concierge page.
Back to top - But Do I Need a Buyer's Agent?
- The simple answer, of course, is "no." Anyone can act legally on their own behalf and start negotiations, make an offer and close a deal. Without a Buyer's Agent - the buyer has no representation. A lot of people take that risk and do just fine. But the international real estate market has different rules, procedures and risks than what you'll find in your home country. In some countries, documents not written in Spanish will not be recognized in any official capacity and can have no legal bearing on the transaction. Obstacles like language, sometimes Baroque title searches and far less industry regulation make a representative, legally bound to protect your interests, the smart way to go. The Seller's (Real Estate) Agent is bound to act on behalf of the Seller - always trying to get the best price for the Seller - not trying to get the best price for the Buyer. The Seller's agent represents the sellers' interests and is not bound to mention any drawbacks to the property or the purchase or the purchase price. Those are the kind of concerns that Livtopia specializes in addressing. For more info see our "Why Use a Buyer's Agent Page."
Back to top - How do Service Listings differ from Concierge?
- Our Service Listings include links and contact information to lawyers, moving companies, notaries, realtors, etc. Basically, all the providers you would typically need when buying a house and moving to a new location. Through the Service Listings, you can find the providers most suited to your needs, and negotiate directly with them to get the services you desire or you can browse just to see what's available, from Amusement Parks to Yoga. Our Concierge service is explained below.
Back to top - What is Livtopia's Concierge?
- Concierge is our unique TURNKEY service. You tell us what you want, and we do it. For example, you may tell us: I want my Costa Rican long term visa, and I want you to move my furniture and my car, find me a nurse and a maid, and I need to get to my new home in Boquette. Done! We'll tell you what papers are needed and ask you to fax them or mail them to us, and then we'll take care of the rest. We'll hire the moving company, get your visa for you (you may need to go to the local Costa Rican consulate to sign and pick it up). We'll book your plane ticket (or give you directions if you choose to drive), pick you up in Costa Rica, take you to your new home, introduce you to the people making your house into a home, and remain available to help you with anything needed to settle in. Of course, we'll give you a detailed quote BEFORE WE DO ANYTHING. The quote will show you the charges incurred by the various providers, and our commission if there is one. Many of our services are free of charge. We'll only do the work after receiving your written confirmation and payment.
Back to top - Can I trust Livtopia?
- We are a US company, and you are paying us in the US, in US dollars. If you are not happy with our service or if you feel that we are not providing you with the services that you paid for and/or expected, you can obtain a remedy just as you would from any other American firm. We grow primarily through word of mouth and recommendations. Customer satisfaction is not just an empty slogan for us, it is how we grow and survive so your total satisfaction is our ultimate goal.
Back to top - Where do you get your information?
- A lot of our information is from personal experience, accumulated from living, working, and traveling throughout Costa Rica over many, many years. We have dozens of local staff who constantly update the information with the latest news. Likewise, many of the satisfied people who've relocated with our assistance keep us in touch with changes and accounts of their experiences. You'll see more from many of them as the site continues to grow. A living document, our site is constantly being updated with the many successes and happy futures we've helped create.
Back to top - When should I start planning my retirement?
- Typically, we recommend that you decide on the location where you want to retire up to 5 years before you actually retire. We suggest that you buy or rent a property in that location, and spend as much vacation time as you can in the years before retirement, so that you can get to know the lay of the land, make friends, and make your ultimate relocation that much smoother. Of course, exploring the character and feel of at least a few of the stunning locations we'll refer you to will only whet your appetite for the life to follow.
Back to top - How about pollution and air quality?
- Costa Rica has no air quality issues and has cleaner air than most US cities.
Back to top - How cheap is cheap?
- While real estate prices have gone up a bit over the last few years, mostly driven by foreigners moving to Costa Rica, on average, prices are less than a third of US equivalents. You can still buy a very nice beach-front property for less than US$150,000. That same property in the US would cost a million dollars!
Back to top - How much does it cost to have a maid?
- A live-in maid will typically cost you US$400 per month. A maid who comes 8 hours a day (and who will often cook) will cost around US$200 per month. See more about the savings and available amenities on our Domestic Page.
Back to top - How much does it cost to have a nurse?
- A professional nurse (with the same quality and training as US nurses) will cost you less than $500 per month if he or she lives with you and is available to you exclusively. A nurse who comes for a 12 hour shift (day or night) will typically cost less than $250 per month. We can assist you in finding these or any other helpers you may need around the house. See our Domestic Page.
Back to top - I can buy a decent house for less than US$400,000 in some places in the US, why should I bother with the hassles of living in a foreign country?
- True, but a house that you buy in Costa Rica for US$200,000 would be similar to something for which you'll pay well over US$600,000 in the US. The savings start here, but they don't end. Real Estate taxes are less than 0.2% in Costa Rica, as compared to the typical 2-3% in the US. So, on a US$400,000 house in the US, you would typically pay US$8,000-$10,000 in annual property taxes versus less then US$1,000 in Costa Rica. Your monthly living expenses will be far cheaper in Costa Rica than in the US. While 2 people can barely make ends meet in the US on US$2,000 per month, you can not only live comfortably in Costa Rica on US$2,000, but that same budget will include a live-in maid and all number of other comforts! And we've outlined everything to see to it that your move is as smooth as possible.
Back to top - What is the weather like?
- People generally think of Costa Rica as a tropical country but with a number of different elevations weather conditions can vary considerably. Costa Rica has no winter to speak of but the rainy season lasts from May to November. December through April will see almost no rain. September and October see frequent heavy downpours, though even then the sun will shine. The average annual temperature ranges between 70 - 81 degrees Fahrenheit (21-27 degrees Celsius), the coolest months being November, December and January.
Back to top - What activities are available in Costa Rica?
- When it comes to leisure time, Costa Rica is one of the world's finest vacation and luxury areas. The full-range of beach and outdoor activities are available as are the most exquisite shopping areas, restaurants and night-spots. Costa Rica offers plenty of natural, eco-tourism type outings, as well as some of the western hemisphere's most beloved beaches. We've got more information on all there is to do in Costa Rica on our Tourist Attractions page.
Back to top - Can I drink the water?
- In this case it's best to do what the locals do. Bottled water is widely available and can most likely be delivered right to your new door. In most cases, Costa Rica's tap water is perfectly safe, but Costa Rican's are so used to NOT drinking it, that we recommend doing the same, and simply avoiding it. The quality of bottled water is very high, and the extra cost is negligible.
Back to top - How about the food / cooking ingredients?
- The food is wonderful and international cuisine is plentiful. You can find all the major ingredients and brands you are used to, as well as first rate supermarkets.
Back to top - Can I find my church / synagogue / mosque?
- Although the Roman Catholic churches are still the most prominent, every protestant denomination is represented and synagogues, mosques and Hindu temples now call Costa Rica City home.
Back to top - What about shopping?
- From major US-style malls to local artisan markets, shopping centers abound in Costa Rica. You'll find most of the consumer products you're used to, although some types of purchases, particularly electronics, can be a bit more expensive than in the US or Canada.
Back to top - How are the schools?
- With some of the highest literacy rates in the world, Costa Rica's education is the envy of the region, and a wealth of good bilingual private schools only complement the system. We can assist you in not only in finding a school but in finding nannies or other child care professionals. See our Domestic Page.
Back to top - How is the transportation to/from the USA/Canada?
- Costa Rica is just a few hours flight from the mainland United States, and slightly further from Canada, and the airport at San Jose is served regularly by nearly all North American airlines. For more information on travel inside Costa Rica and the airports, see our Local Transportation page.
Back to top - What are the locals' attitudes toward Americans?
- Costa Rica is world famous for its hospitality. We'll be very surprised if you find anything other than warm greetings and welcome in Costa Rica.
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