Hi! I’m Samantha just in case you are new here. I’m a mid 20’s Asian-American who moved to Costa Rica in August 2012. I went from rainy Seattle weather to crazy hot Playas del Coco sun to be with my lovely Tico boyfriend, Yeison (you can read our story here). I never imagined myself living in this small country in Central America but it’s funny how life works, you really never know what will happen or where you will end up!
I’ve definitely learned a ton since I’ve moved here and it’s been a life changing experience, I’ve certainly had some interesting and awesome adventures. It’s been one hell of a ride so far!
If you’re thinking about doing the same and moving to live the pura vida lifestyle, here are some articles I’ve written about my expat life you might enjoy.
Hopefully they’ll give you some inspiration to make the big move as well!
Browse around the Expat Files…
Moving to Costa Rica
Guide to digital nomad life in Costa Rica
Things I had to get used to living in Costa Rica
What I wish I knew before moving to Costa Rica
What surprised me about living in Costa Rica
What I learned from 2 years of living in Costa Rica
You know someone’s been living in Costa Rica for awhile when…
Changes in Lifestyle
How my eating habits changed
How I started living more eco-friendly in Costa Rica
Living in Costa Rica for $2000 a month
Dealing with homesickness as an expat
Living at the Beach
Should you live in Playas del Coco? Insight from an expat
10 reasons to live at the beach in Costa Rica
5 not so glamorous things about living at the beach
What it’s really like to live in Jaco
Misc Stories
Cultural differences in our relationship (Costa Rican & Asian-American)
How we lost our new camera hiking in Arenal
The difficulty of buying shoes in Costa Rica
The day I met the president of Costa Rica
Living life like a celebrity in Costa Rica
How a stray cat in Costa Rica opened up my heart
My Costa Rica Bucket List
Your blog is awesome, I came across it yesterday as i prepare for my new expat experience in Costa Rica, reading your posts made me even more excited to be there next month, when my husband and my three year old son make our way down there.
Keep being you 🙂 – wonderful post and very encouraging.
Much love!
Sincerely
Lesley A
Hi Lesley, thanks for reading and for the kind words. Good luck with your move to CR!
Love your blog, so much good information!!! thanks for sharing
Thanks!
So glad to have found this blog! I’m studying abroad in Costa Rica this August for 4 months and this is great info to know. Thanks for sharing. 😀
-Cameo
Glad to see you here Cameo! 🙂
I am looking for an expat community somewhere in Cectral or SA which is on or near a beach, can take classes and perhaps volunteer. I am a retired NYC teacher. I would like to. Be part of the local and expat community. I have enjoyed San Miguel in Mexico but there are no beaches. Any ideas?
Hi Nancy!
If you are interested in Costa Rica, you can check out the expats in Costa Rica facebook group for more information and to connect with other like-minded people.