ABOUT
Kimi is from the East Coast of the US, most recently Virginia. In college she studied education and Spanish, to become a Spanish teacher.
Tell us about yourself
After graduating I got a job teaching fifth grade Spanish immersion. I loved it but I knew I wanted to live an adventure abroad for a time before I settled down. I also knew it was going to be a big growing experience for myself. Moving to another country is a great way to learn about yourself and prove to yourself that you can do anything! I also really wanted to improve my Spanish. I wanted to earn money and continue building my resume when abroad so I applied to an international school outside of Coco.
Moving to Costa Rica
How did you get set up?
As far as getting set up, my school provided us with the necessary paperwork to get direct deposit set up in the bank.
I got a chip for my phone on my own, and I began searching for apartments in the nearest beach town that I had heard recommended to me. I looked in Facebook market
I got a chip for my phone on my own, and I began searching for apartments in the nearest beach town that I had heard recommended to me. I looked in Facebook market
What resources do you use to get help?
I use Facebook groups for getting a lot of info in Coco. If I need to know where to find something I look if anyone has asked a question before in âCoco Chit Chatâ, the famous Coco Facebook group where people ask and answer questions and share anything remotely interesting đ
How did you get health insurance?
Insurance was also provided through my job, so I didnât really have to do anything with that. Costa Rica also has public health care, and strong private practices. I would usually go to a private doctor to be seen quickly, and it was very affordable (about $50).
What did you bring with you?
I only brought two suitcases with me! Warm weather clothes, bathing suits, etc. but also all my products!! Things like lotion, shampoo, etc. are expensive in CR. I brought any and all makeup I would need, face creams, sunblock. Eventually I needed to buy some things in Costa Rica but I would always try to stock up when I went home again. Things like brand name makeup are really only available in the capital (about 5 hours from where I lived)
Living in Costa Rica
What is the best thing to do in Costa Rica?
One of the best things to do on the pacific side of Costa Rica is watch the sunset, so I love going to the Coco Mirador. There are a couple in the area. Other than that I hit the beach to watch the sunset almost every day!
How much did you pay to rent an apartment in Costa Rica?
Rent was about $400, but I lucked out. Most people paid around $500, and since then prices have really risen. Costa Rica has experienced extreme gentrification repercussions due to so many people moving there after COVID.
What should people consider before moving to Costa Rica?
Before moving to CR, people should consider the prices. Although itâs in Central America it is not as economical as you would think. Clothing, food, and products are shipped here which means you tend to pay the same amount for these items as you do in the US. The common remark from people visiting Costa Rica is that it is expensive!! Restaurant food is also only slightly cheaper than in the US.
What are your favorite activities?
Playas del coco is a tiny beach town in Guanacaste. They say Guana is like the Texas of Costa Rica. It is known for its rich culture of horseback riding, cattle ranching, topesâwhich is when the whole town turns out for a horseback parade, and cimarronas (bands of brass instruments and drums popular at parties), and marimba music.
What are your recommendations for places to eat or drink?
Some of my favorite restaurants are Numu & Zi Lounge!
Numu has amazing cocktails
Whatâs the last thing you read in the news about Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has had a ton of rain recently!
Did you feel safe as a woman in Costa Rica?
As a woman I felt safe in Coco and Costa Rica, but it is important to take precautions and avoid going out at night alone.
Where are the best beaches in Costa Rica?
Playas del coco is not a very pretty beach, but itâs a lively beach town! Itâs a good launching pad for exploring the other beaches nearby.
How much money do you need to live in Costa Rica?
To live comfortably I would say you need an income of at least $1200, but you will need to adapt your lifestyle. I for example learned how to cook Costa Rican dishes to cut back on costs. Itâs very difficult to eat as you do in your home country, although they may have the same brands youâll pay a lot more for it!
How are Costa Ricans different from Americans?
Costa Ricans and Americans are not too entirely different. I dated a Costa Rican guy and we would laugh about how there were minimal cultural differences! I would say that Costa Ricans are creative, make do with less (and very innovative), are able to find reasons to be grateful in all situations, and view work as a blessing. These are differences that stuck out to me.
Final Thoughts
What else do you think we might not know about Costa Rica?
Something else you might not know is that Costa Ricans work long hours! The perception is pura vida, live in the moment, etc. but Costa Ricaâs working laws are different than in places like Canada and the US. The working hours are longer, there is less vacation, less pay obviously. These are things to keep in mind when thinking about moving to CR!
What were the challenges of living in Costa Rica?
As far as experiences⌠Finding an apartment was hard! My first apartment had tons of ants (they rained from the ceiling), algae coming out of the kitchen faucet, it was incredibly hot, and rain would come in from under the front door. My second apartment was beautiful but mold would grow rampant during the winter months. Itâs hard finding the right place. I had to break my lease with the first place.
I also got two parasites in Costa Rica which was a really difficult experience! I learned from them and now I look back and laugh about it. Moving abroad can be difficult! But you learn so much from it and you end up with cool stories! haha
I also got two parasites in Costa Rica which was a really difficult experience! I learned from them and now I look back and laugh about it. Moving abroad can be difficult! But you learn so much from it and you end up with cool stories! haha
How did you make friends?
Most of my friends were from my job. It was a bit hard to meet people that were not working at my school. Playas del Coco is an older expat town which is one reason it was hard to make friends. Also as a single woman, I wasnât too keen to go out on my own to meet people. I mostly socialized with expats and Costa Ricans from work, and people I met when going out with my friends, some of whom became very close friends.
What projects are you working on?
I have a blog called costaticatravel.com where I share everything I have learned after 3+ years in Costa Rica! I spent a lot of my time traveling so I like to showcase my knowledge on this website to help other travelers make the most of their trip to Costa Rica! I hope to continue working on my website, and help others who answer the call to come explore (or live in) Costa Rica
I also have some info on thatch.co @costaticatravel đ
Kimi’s contact here: costaticatravel@gmail.com
I also have some info on thatch.co @costaticatravel đ
Kimi’s contact here: costaticatravel@gmail.com
Thank you Kimi for sharing your experience of living in Costa Rica! It seems like quite a unique experience. I wish you the best for your next adventures!
