Costa Rica is a unique tropical retirement paradise which offers inexpensive living and retirement, the opportunity to start over, the chance to learn Spanish, gentle breezes, lots of great outdoor sports, stunning scenery with sun-soaked shores and beautiful beaches and spectacular mountains. Add to all this a peaceful nation with this political stability and year round spring-like weather in the Central Valley, the friendly people who actually like Americans and it is easy to see why Costa Rica has become tops on the list of expatriate and Baby Boomer havens.
There are many advantages that make Costa Rica the perfect destination for your retirement plans. Healthcare in Costa Rica is relatively inexpensive and up to first-world standards with doctors who have been trained in the U.S. or Europe. A excellent educational system exists for those retirees who bring children under the age of 18 or want to continue their education.
Living in Costa Rica is relatively easy to arrange as anyone 45 years or older can apply for the easy-to-relocate retirement system set up by the Costa Rican government. Qualified retirees are eligible for benefits including specific tax exemptions and incentives. Best of all, you do not have to pay tax on your retirement income in Costa Rica!
A very low incidence of violent crime (no society is crime free), a wealth of every imaginable activity to stay busy and happy, two excellent English newspapers, cable and Direct TV with all of the U.S. channels and a myriad of exciting business opportunities for enterprising foreigners, all help to contribute to the country's excellent reputation as a place to live with an excellent quality of life.
About Costa Rica History
Heritage and Culture
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.
An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics.
They take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans' standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.
The Ticos
The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated and hard working people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.
People say the Ticos are their nation's greatest asset, and once you've experienced their friendliness and spontaneity, you'll have no doubt to that regard
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial diversity. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language -- Spanish -- to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less visible, but can be found in everything from the tortillas that make part of a typical Costa Rican meal, to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.
An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural legacy is their love for peace and democracy. The Ticos like to stand out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships have long dominated politics.
They take pride in having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, and almost half a century without an army. The army was abolished in 1948, and the money the country saves by not expending in military issues is invested in improving the Costa Ricans' standard of living, which has fostered a culture of social peace that makes it such a pleasant place to visit.
The Ticos
The Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are famous for their hospitality, and are quite happy to live up to their reputation. They are well-educated and hard working people, who are quick with a handshake and a smile. They are well aware of the special land they have, and most likely they will help foreigners when they get lost, even explaining things that might seem bizarre to foreigners, and making their stay as enjoyable as possible.
People say the Ticos are their nation's greatest asset, and once you've experienced their friendliness and spontaneity, you'll have no doubt to that regard
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)