Due diligence when moving to Costa Rica

Recently, the Tico Times had the opportunity to interview Christopher Howard who has been conducting relocation/retirement tours for twenty-five years.

Howard offers two tours: the four-day Central Valley tour and 8-day Combination Pacific Coast Beach and Central Valley. Both tours include a one-of- a kind two day seminar sponsored by the Association of Residents of Costa Rica (ARCR). Some of the topics covered included are: accessing the two types medical and dental care available in Costa Rica, all types insurance, obtaining residence, understanding the culture, shortcuts for learning survival Spanish, renting or purchasing a home, banking, moving your belongings to Costa Rica, actual expats experiences while living here much more. All of the featured speakers live in Costa Rica full-time and are the foremost experts in their particular fields.

Christopher only offers six tour per year. He says gleefully, “Part of living here is having the time the time of enjoy all of the wonderful things the country has to offer.”

Many make who relocate here do it on their own without the benefit of a relocation tour or seminar. Some succeed and while other do not. Gathering all of the correct information from the right sources, following time tested advice by those who have made the move and having the right contacts can spell the difference between success and failure in Costa Rica.

There are many on-line forums and groups with advice from those who have made the move. Some useful information can be gleaned by reading what people say about their experiences, but at times there is a lot of negativity, complaints and subjective information from those who do not understand the culture.

It must be pointed out that not all of Christopher’s tour participants relocate here. For many moving to another country just seems too daunting. For those who take a relocation tour and do decide to move here, the tour is one way to start off on the right foot and reduce the chances of failure. Whether you’re a snowbird, just seeking information about the country or wanting to live here full or part time a relocation tour can be especially beneficial.

Although, not all of the participants on the tour end up relocating here, Howard states, ”An overwhelming majority of my guests are satisfied with what they have seen and learned.”

Tours are limited to 12 -16 people so that everyone has all of their questions answered and receives individual attention. Participants tend to bond with each other because they have the same goal of living here. The atmosphere of the meals is very festive with everyone interacting, joking and having a great time while savoring local cuisine. By the end of the tour, everyone has exchanged e-mails and some enduring friendships are made.

Christopher says that one of the most rewarding aspects of his job is meeting such wonderful people on the tours and helping them make decisions that may change there lives for the better.

Here are the happy people on the January and February tours.