Description
🌴 SHE MOVED TO COSTA RICA 25 YEARS AGO 🇨🇷 (THE REAL STORY)
What happens when you don’t just visit Costa Rica…
👉 You build your entire life here?
In this expat interview, we sit down with Christine—who moved to Costa Rica over 25 years ago—back when there were no smartphones, no Google Maps, and no easy way to figure things out.
This is one of the most real, honest conversations about what it takes to live, work, raise a family, and build a business in Costa Rica long-term.
🌎 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS VIDEO
✔ What Costa Rica was REALLY like 25 years ago
✔ How she built a successful tourism business from the ground up
✔ The truth about healthcare in Costa Rica (CAJA vs private)
✔ Raising a child in Costa Rica (schools, culture, lifestyle)
✔ Business opportunities then vs now
✔ Cultural integration, acceptance & expat challenges
✔ Gentrification & the impact of foreigners
✔ Why Costa Rica is different from Mexico, Nicaragua & Guatemala
🧠 THIS IS WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T TALK ABOUT
Moving to Costa Rica isn’t just about beaches and weather…
👉 It’s about adaptation
👉 It’s about patience
👉 It’s about earning your place in the community
As Christine explains, Costa Rica rewards those who:
✔ Respect the culture
✔ Integrate into the community
✔ Let go of control
👨👩👧 RAISING A FAMILY IN COSTA RICA
One of the most valuable parts of this interview:
✔ Public vs private schools
✔ Cost of education
✔ Activities, sports & community life
✔ Vaccination requirements (important for families)
👉 If you’re thinking about moving here with kids—this section matters.
🏥 HEALTHCARE IN COSTA RICA (REALITY)
We break down:
✔ Public healthcare (CAJA system)
✔ Private clinics & hospitals
✔ Costs, wait times, and real experiences
✔ Medical emergencies & what to expect
👉 This is one of the BIGGEST concerns for expats—and we cover it honestly.
💰 BUSINESS & INVESTMENT IN COSTA RICA
After 25 years…
👉 The opportunity is still here—but it’s changing
We talk about:
✔ Tourism evolution (adventure → wellness shift)
✔ Airbnb saturation
✔ Real estate opportunities opening up
✔ Why NOW may actually be a smart time to enter
⚠️ REAL TALK (IMPORTANT)
Costa Rica is incredible…
But it’s not for everyone.
👉 Systems are slower
👉 Things don’t always go as planned
👉 You have to adjust your expectations
👉 If you don’t adapt… you won’t last
🧳 THINKING ABOUT MOVING TO COSTA RICA?
This is where we help 👇
At Travel Costa Rica NOW, we guide you through:
✔ Relocation planning
✔ Residency options (what fits YOU)
✔ Shipping your belongings
✔ Real estate guidance
✔ Relocation retreats (experience before committing)
👉 Start here:
https://www.travelcostaricanow.com
💡 BEFORE YOU MOVE (BEST ADVICE)
👉 Come spend time here first
👉 Rent before buying
👉 Understand the lifestyle
As we always say:
“Do your homework… it’s a much better experience.”
🔔 MORE REAL EXPAT STORIES
This is part of our Moving to Costa Rica series
👉 Watch more expat interviews here
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQKlkpF7LdtFKQwdhcUOOUPDfhH0T9fEM
☕ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL (PURA VIDA)
👉 https://BuyMeaCoffee.com/tcrn
👉 PayPal.me/TravelCostaRicaNOW
👉 Zelle: Info@TravelCostaRicaNOW.com
Thinking about moving to Costa Rica?
We help with:
✔ Relocation planning
✔ Residency options
✔ Shipping your belongings
✔ Relocation retreats
👉 https://www.travelcostaricanow.com
00:00 – Moving to Costa Rica (25-Year Expat Reality)
01:47 – Why She Moved to Costa Rica 25 Years Ago
02:15 – Traveling Latin America Before Smartphones
03:00 – Life Without Internet (Costa Rica in the 90s)
03:40 – Falling in Love & Staying in Costa Rica
04:00 – Starting a Tourism Business in Costa Rica
05:30 – Building an Adventure Company from Scratch
06:15 – Growing a Business & Winning Global Awards
07:00 – COVID, Divorce & Starting Over in Costa Rica
08:25 – From Adventure to Wellness (New Business Direction)
08:55 – Real Estate, Airbnb & Relocation Opportunities
09:23 – Why Costa Rica vs Mexico, Nicaragua & Guatemala
11:30 – How La Fortuna Has Changed Over 25 Years
14:35 – Being an Expat in Costa Rica (Acceptance & Challenges)
16:15 – Raising a Child in Costa Rica (Real Experience)
17:50 – Public vs Private Schools in Costa Rica
20:30 – Kids Activities & Community Life in La Fortuna
24:40 – Vaccination Requirements in Costa Rica Schools
25:50 – Healthcare in Costa Rica (CAJA vs Private)
29:00 – Medical Emergencies & Real Healthcare Experiences
31:50 – IVF in Costa Rica (Laws, Costs & Reality)
34:30 – Cost of Raising a Child in Costa Rica
37:30 – Best Places to Live in Costa Rica (Expat Picks)
39:30 – Gentrification & Foreign Impact in Costa Rica
43:26 – Business Opportunities in Costa Rica Today
45:15 – Final Advice for Moving to Costa Rica