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In Costa Rica, One of the World’s Top Retirement Destination, there is no Retirement Crisis. In Fact, North American Retirees Say They Now Live Better Than Ever…

Rick and Peggy found warm weather, great friends, a relaxed lifestyle, their dream home with a view for the right price, and a low cost of living in Costa Rica. And the transition—with so many welcoming locals and expats—was easy…

"We felt at home here from the first time we visited," says Peggy. "Everybody is so accepting. It's so social. We've made more friends here in 16 months—Costa Rican and expat—than we did in 10 years in Alberta."

Rick and Peggy were looking for an escape from cold weather…and Costa Rica fit the bill.

But it wasn't just the tropical climate that convinced them to move—this nation ticked a lot of other boxes too. It's safe, affordable, First World comforts are available—as are nice homes at good prices—and they could have an active social life.

Perhaps most importantly, though—thanks to its 30+ years as a popular retirement destination—Costa Rica is already "set up" for expats. Rick and Peggy say they enjoyed a quick-and-easy adjustment period. And that meant they were enjoying retirement very soon after they made their move.

Today they are living better than they ever did in Canada. And after renting for two years, they recently bought a home with incredible views just outside the village of Atenas in the Central Valley region for well under $200,000. And this wasn't an uncommon "special deal." This is typical of the good value real estate you'll find in this region, as well as other parts of Costa Rica.

Now they've put down permanent roots in a community that welcomed them with open arms.

"The 'networking' here is amazing," says Peggy. "The national motto should be 'I know a guy' because you can find all sorts of help by just asking neighbors, friends, or people you've just met in town. You need a fence put up? Somebody is sure to say, 'I know a guy.'"

Not only is Costa Rica "easy," but it's remarkably affordable, too. Rick and Peggy report that their retirement fund goes further than it would've back home.

Says Peggy, "Thanks to the climate, we have no AC or heating bill. And groceries are cheaper here because there's an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables instead of processed products."

Many of their fellow expats report they live well for around $1,760 a month per couple, including housing costs.

Of course, for a lot of folks, Costa Rica's warm weather is the big draw. And for good reason.

Rick was a forest ranger back in Canada—30 years working outside, year-round. Suffice it to say: He and Peggy had had enough of the cold.

They found their ideal climate in Costa Rica's Central Valley. Perfect weather—hovering around 80 degrees 365 days a year—means they live outdoors, enjoying meals, talking, reading, and taking in their view of the surrounding farm land and forest.

Time has slowed down for the couple and the hassles of daily life they used to face have melted away.

"We can do as little or as much as we want. We choose our own pace. It's very much a return to an old-fashioned way of life," says Peggy.

The Easiest and Most Proven Overseas Retirement Destination

Rick and Peggy are just two of an estimated 20,000 North Americans living in Costa Rica—more if you count part-timers. The safety, climate, the friendly people (both locals and expats), and the good-value cost of living are just some of the factors that have attracted foreign residents for more than three decades.

Costa Rica, the World's #1 Retirement Destination in 2018, has a lot going for it, no question…

• There's bargain real estate. Even desirable walk-to-the-beach home or mountain-view homes can be had for under $100,000. Rents start at $400—and that's fully furnished, by the way. Sacrifice a view outside your back porch and you can buy for $60,000.
• A long record of safety and stability. Costa Rica has had no army since 1948, and a strong democratic government since then.
• The healthcare is cheap. In the government-run medical system, couples pay between $100 and $200 per month (the exact amount depends on income) and receive free care after that: prescriptions, doctor visits, diagnostic testing, surgery—the works. And costs in the private system are 1/3 or less than what you'd pay in the U.S.
• Slightly smaller than West Virginia, this tiny country hosts a huge variety of climates and landscapes: palm-tree lined deserted beaches, steamy rain forests, high mountain forests, hillside farms, and more. There's something for everybody.
• A community for every lifestyle—from bustling market towns to isolated beachside outposts to big city suburbs to quiet farming villages—and everything in between. You can find an escape here that suits you perfectly.
• Natural beauty that won't ever disappear. Development in Costa Rica is sustainable thanks to a commitment to conservation made by the government and private landowners. A full quarter of this nation's land is set aside as national park or private reserve.

Hi, my name is Jason Holland, the Roving Latin America Editor for International Living. I had the privilege of living and working in Costa Rica full-time with my family for nearly five years. In my time there, I crisscrossed the country, checking out regions and towns, interviewing expats of all walks of life, and keeping abreast of all the issues affecting foreign residents.

And let me tell you, the list of reasons why Costa Rica is a great place to retire, start a business, work, start a new chapter of your life—whatever your goal—just keeps getting longer.

One of the biggest benefits is that the "trail" has been blazed for you in Costa Rica by decades' worth of expats, and all you have to do is follow in their footsteps.

That makes Costa Rica something I like to call:

Latin America for Beginners

There's no need for you to be a "pioneer" when it comes to moving to Costa Rica.

English is widely spoken…by plumbers…mechanics…doctors…real estate agents…shopkeepers…and more. You'll have all the modern conveniences you're used to like cable and satellite TV (with many channels in English), high-speed internet, smartphones, and American foods and other products in stores and restaurants.

And you'll also find plenty of communities full of fellow expats where friendships come fast thanks to the common bond of moving overseas. That means you'll have a very active social life—and don't forget all your new local friends too. Costa Ricans are very friendly people—in fact, a new study from the World Economic Forum found Costa Rica to be one of the most welcoming countries in the world to foreigners.

The bottom line is that Costa Rica and its people are used to "gringos" and you will be a welcome addition to any community. And your transition will be much easier here than if you moved to many other countries. In Costa Rica, you'll quickly discover—and appreciate:

• The Pura Vida attitude (in a nutshell: life is good) and laidback lifestyle that Costa Rica is known for. It permeates daily life—in stark contrast to the high stress and focus on money we have in North America.
• Cost of living remains very reasonable. A couple can live comfortably on $1,760 a month, including housing costs. And trips for weekly groceries won't break the bank.
• And residence is easy to secure. Retirees need just $1,000 a month per couple from Social Security or a pension to qualify. If you're not yet at retirement age, you can seek rentista residence, which requires $2,500 a month in interest income from an investment like a certificate of deposit or a one-time deposit of $60,000 in a Costa Rican bank.

That's the short list.

But let's dig in a little more…

The Central Valley Offers Convenience and Comfort

Though Costa Rica is a small country, there is tremendous variety of landscapes, lifestyles, and climates in each of its regions. Whether you want to live in a bustling market town, in a rural village, on your own farm, in the jungle, on the beach, in a cliff-side ocean-view condo, or on top of a mountain with 100-mile views—you can find your dream location in Costa Rica.

By far the most popular place with expats is the Central Valley. And with all the advantages I'm about to share, it's not hard to understand why. No wonder AARP once named the Central Valley one of the top 10 places to retire in the whole world.

In a word, the Central Valley is convenient.

The main international airport in the country, Juan Santamaria, is there, which makes trips to and from home—and picking up visitors from the airport—a breeze. Then because the Valley is, well, centrally-located, you can be anywhere else in the country in about six hours or less by car—less than an hour by plane. The closest tropical beach, Punta Leona, is an hour away and you can be deep in rain forest covered mountains in half the time.

Then there's the medical care. The best hospitals in both the public and private systems, including the Joint Commission International-accredited CIMA Hospital, as well as the top doctors, including specialists in every discipline, are found in and around San José, the country's capital. If you have a chronic medical condition or just want the peace of mind of living a short ride from top medical care—this is your place.

The best part is that while the big city conveniences are just around the corner, you don't have to live in an urban area. Much of the Valley is still very rural, dotted with small towns and villages. You get the best of both worlds. Atenas, where Rick and Peggy live, is a perfect example. It's a small village surrounded by forest and farm land with a charming town center of shops, restaurants, and a tree-filled central park where much of the town's social activity takes place.

The fact that the Central Valley has a mild, temperate climate year-round is just icing on the cake. It never gets too hot, never too cold. The temperature never get above 85 during the day and it cools down into the 60s at night, so you don't have to use heat or AC, which keeps your electric bill way down.

Lakeside Living, Beaches, and Jungle…

The weather is good in the Arenal region, too. Like the Central Valley (which is about three hours southeast), it has a very mild, spring-like climate year-round. But this area is dominated by two very striking geographic features: a cone volcano that looms on the horizon (active but not dangerous) and a 33-square-mile lake around which most expats here have settled.

A lake like this in the U.S. would be overrun by shoreline development, busy marinas, buzzing Jetskis, and chugging powerboats. But here there is rarely any boat traffic. And the shore is virtually untouched. Instead homes dot the pasture and tree-covered green hills that slope gently to the water. Life on the lake is peaceful, a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors and your view. If you like the idea of a quiet retreat, this secret hideaway might fit the bill.

Retirees and other expats here have clustered in gated communities and individual homes around the very small town of Nuevo Arenal on the lakeshore. A gas station, pharmacy, bank, grocery store, hardware store, a few restaurants…it has everything you need for daily living.

It's a close-knit community where everybody seems to know everybody.

"I've never been happier," says Bob L., a retiree who lives in Arenal with his wife Stacy. "I meet so many people from the U.S., Europe, and all over the world."

Bob sometimes jokes that he always bumps into people he knows when he's running errands. So even if he was just running out to the grocery store, it might take him a couple of hours to make it back home because of all the people he'll stop to chat with on the way.

Then again, maybe what you have in mind is the "classic" Costa Rica you see on postcards and tourist-board posters. In that case, head south to the Southern Zone region. Lush, jungle-clad mountains cascade dramatically down to the beach and the wild blue Pacific. The steamy rain forest is home to thousands of species like howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, chestnut-mandibled toucans, blue morpho butterflies, and more.

And expats live surrounded by it all, in homes scattered in the jungle on the hills above the sea-cooled by sea breezes. The 180 degree ocean-view is the most desirable—and it is surprisingly affordable, as you'll see in just a moment.

One of the most popular spots for expats in the Southern Zone is Ojochal. It's a very small village, a cluster of shops, restaurants, and homes in the jungle just off the coast road.

Ocean Views and Landscaped Gardens

Retiree Anna F. lives in the heart of Ojochal.

"My home is on just under an acre of land in the jungle. There is a small view of the ocean, but the real attraction for me was that the house is set among beautifully landscaped gardens," says Anna. "I like to say that I bought a lovely tropical garden that happened to have a house tucked in amongst the beauty."

And she's enjoying her retirement to the full.

"I'm finally reading books that have been on my to-read list for 20 years," says Anna. "I have no idea how long I spend having coffee, watching the birds have their breakfast, looking up birds in my guide, pulling those ever present weeds, or hanging laundry on the line. I am really enjoying ending a day and feeling like it was full in a simplistic way and that no one, in particular not me, needs a detailed account of the day's activities."

In Ojochal, you can do your grocery shopping, buy fresh-caught fish (about $8 a pound for snapper), and, surprisingly to most visitors, enjoy some of the best gourmet food in Costa Rica. You see, many expats here were cooks or chefs back home—or just had an interest in food—and they've opened restaurants showcasing a variety of world cuisines, including Indonesian, French, Italian, and Mexican.

With so many ocean-view homes—not to mention bars and restaurants—in the hills of this region, it's no wonder that watching sunset has become a daily ritual for many expats here. And it's often celebrated with friends over a glass of wine.

We've really just touched the surface of the many places where you can make a home in Costa Rica. You'll find expats in just about every corner of the country.

• There's the Gold Coast on the north Pacific, which is home to many expat enclaves like Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Playas del Coco, as well as sleepy fishing villages, surfing hotspots, resort towns, and more. It also has the country's second international airport in the inland city of Liberia, the provincial capital where you can access a lot of government services.
• If you're a beach lover and have a bohemian streak, you might check out the Nicoya Peninsula, which juts out into the Pacific. The funky beach towns of Nosara, Samara, Malpais, and Montezuma are centers for yoga, surfing, and just plain relaxing on the beach. The peninsula is also one of the world's Blue Zones where residents live longer on average thanks to diet, climate, and lifestyle.
• Switching coasts, we come to the laidback Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Thanks to the many Jamaican immigrants in the area and lack of any large-scale development, it has a genuine island vibe. And many locals speak English. Homes can be found in the jungle, a short walk from warm water and white sandy beaches.
• Finally, we come to the Central Pacific, a region that offers quick access to the shopping and medical care in the Central Valley, with some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica in your backyard. Jacó is a major resort town and expat hotspot, a walkable community with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and nightspots. More sedate Manuel Antonio to the south is a community that sits on either side of a two-lane road that hugs the hills above the water. It ends in one of the Costa Rica's best-loved national parks.

In just a moment, you'll learn how you can get a comprehensive look at all of these regions—and more—to find which matches your lifestyle. But first, I want to pass on something I know is very important to anybody considering an overseas move.

U.S.-Level Medical Care—at Developing-World Prices

In these days of high-cost insurance, government squabbling over medical care, and doctors who don't have more than five minutes to spend with a patient, the medical care in Costa Rica is a breath of fresh air.

It's common for you to have your doctor's cell phone number, doctors make house calls, and it all costs a fraction of what it would in the U.S.

As an expat in Costa Rica, you have the choice of two medical systems: the government-run universal healthcare and a private system.

Both have been consistently rated among the best in Latin America. The doctors—most of whom speak English—have been trained in all the newest techniques. They have all the latest diagnostic equipment and surgical tools. And compared to the U.S., the care you'll receive in Costa Rica is superior in several ways.

First, the cost.

In the private system, doctor's visits are $50, an ultrasound is $70, and major surgeries like knee replacements or heart bypasses are a third or less of what they would cost back home. And that's if you're paying cash. Private hospitals and doctors also take insurance from many U.S., Canadian, and European insurance companies.

In the public system, the savings are even higher. As a legal resident you join the CAJA system, paying a low monthly fee based on income (most expats arriving today pay under $200 per couple). After that ALL your care is free, from doctor's visits, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, and major surgeries.

But more than the cost of medical care, you'll notice a huge difference in your personal experience with the doctors.

In Costa Rica, you don't wait an hour reading old issues of People magazine before being called in to see the doctor for five minutes, leaving with a prescription you're not sure you need, and still confused over the diagnosis.

Instead, your doctors spend time with you: a half-hour, an hour—whatever it takes to answer all your questions and plan your treatment.

It's what healthcare used to be back in the U.S. But you can get it in Costa Rica today.

It's just one reason that Costa Ricans have a very positive outlook on life. That attitude has given the entire country a kind of nickname…

The Land of Pura Vida

What makes a place special? You really have to start with the people.

Costa Ricans live by the country's motto: Pura Vida. Literally it translates to "pure life." But it means so much more than that. The closest approximation might be "life is good."

It means that Costa Ricans work to live, they don't live to work. And they truly value time with family and friends.

Costa Ricans have been named the happiest people in the world. In a survey that considered quality of life, not economic measures like GDP or per capita income, Costa Rica has come out on top in the 2016 Happy Planet Index. They're actually three-time winners, having garnered the top spot in 2012 and 2009 as well.

When you move to Costa Rica, that Pura Vida attitude is sure to rub off on you too. The stress of "keeping up with the Joneses" by buying the latest car or electronic gadget will disappear.

You'll also be in good company in the many established expat communities you'll find throughout the country where fellowship and friendships are the top priorities.

Here you'll make easy friends because you have a common bond. You've all moved out of your home country for a new life in Costa Rica.

That's a recipe for fast friendships at the many restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and community centers that have sprung up around the country to play host to expat groups. They play cards, craft, plan trips, or just talk over coffee. At Kay's Gringo Postres in the Central Valley town of Atenas, for example, they do all that and have an annual chili cook-off as well, with the money raised going to the local community.

And don't forget all the local friends you'll make as well. Costa Ricans are friendly and curious about where you come from and proud you chose their country for your new home. You'll soon be part of local festivals and celebrations—places where a smile can overcome any language barrier.

On a practical level, thanks to your new friends—both local and expat—you'll have a built-in network to get the best plumbers and car mechanics, the inside track on real estate deals, and contacts to get locals-only deals in shops and restaurants.

And that makes it easier to embrace another advantage of living in Costa Rica…

Live Well on $1,760 a Month

This is probably one of the biggest benefits of moving to Costa Rica for retirees on fixed incomes—or anyone else just looking to get back to a reasonable monthly budget.

A couple can enjoy a great lifestyle with plenty of comforts, without scrimping, for around $1,760 a month—including housing and transportation costs. Spend a bit more and you can enjoy luxuries like an ocean-view home, weekly gourmet meals, and visits to the spa.

You can spend just about as much or as little as you want. As one expat says, if you focus on what's important you can live very well in Costa Rica for very little money. He also says that you don't have to "keep up with the Joneses" here.

"Your 'needs' will become simpler here," he says. "You can live comfortably with a lot less stuff."

For sure you can live like a rock star in Costa Rica on $4,000 per month. Most expats, though, report they live happily and without sacrifices on a monthly budget of $1,700 to $3,000.

For example, I've mentioned Paul and Gloria Yeatman, they live in San Ramon and live well on a monthly budget of about $1,800.

The rent for their two-bedroom apartment in the center of town is $550. They have high-speed internet, utilities, weekly house cleaning… They spend money on food, entertainment, and transportation, as we all do. They spend just $60 (total for both of them) for the country's universal health plan (known as CAJA) and another $80 for medications not covered.

It's important to note that CAJA expenses have gone up since Paul and Gloria arrived…but still, by moving to Costa Rica, Paul and Gloria say they've reduced their total living costs by 65%

But it's not just the cost savings you should consider…it's the overall improvement in your quality of life.

Here's a typical monthly budget, based on calculations for two people living in a mid-range, two-bedroom home in the Central Valley:

Housing (average rental):	$500 to $1,000
Electricity:	$50 to $70
Gas:	$10 to $20
Water and trash collection:	$12 to $25
Transportation (taxi):	$130 to $170
OR… Maintenance/fuel for one car:	($100 to $250)
Phone (land line/local calls):	$7 to $25
Phone (cell phone):	$20 to $70
Cable or satellite television:	$30 to $50
Internet:	$35 to $50
CAJA health plan:	$110 to $200
TOTAL:	$874 to $1,760

We've listed a range here, because some of these expenses depend on your tastes, habits and consumption. And note that this sample budget doesn't include groceries or entertainment, but a good rule of thumb is to budget about half of what you spend at home.

Your actual budget may be even less—some landlords include internet and other expenses like lawn care, water and trash pick-up. And, of course, if you pay outright for your home you won't have any housing costs.

You can see how affordable it is to live in Costa Rica. Choose to live in the Central Valley where you won't need heat or air conditioning and your monthly expenses will be very low, indeed.

You can afford to treat yourself with things you might not afford at home…like a maid and gardener, spa days, and more…

In Costa Rica, even the lowest budget affords a very good lifestyle. You'll enjoy guilt-free consumption at very low prices. For instance, splurge on a salon haircut, manicure or pedicure ($5-$10 each), pay a maid to clean your house ($14 a day) or a gardener to do your lawn work ($4.50 an hour).

Remember, thanks to Costa Rica's government healthcare program, CAJA, your healthcare costs will be negligible. But should you desire elective procedures, you'll pay about one-third what you will in the States. A facelift, for instance, averages $2,800 to $3,200 in Costa Rica, compared to $7,000 to $9,000 or more in the United States. A visit to a dentist will set you back about $50, including X-rays, and a teeth-cleaning will run about $40.

You'll save, too, on the little things that matter the most, but can add up. Like movie tickets for $5 or less…four avocados for just $2…a whole pineapple for $1…bus rides from San José to Escazu for just 75 cents or to Jacó Beach (60 miles) for little more than $4.

But it's not just the potential cost savings that you should consider…it's the overall improvement in your quality of life.

More time and more money to spend as you like…no taxes, no inflated prices, no more worries about outliving your retirement nest egg.

Maybe even money to spend on things you might not afford at home…like a maid and gardener, spa days, and more…

Are you ready to learn more about all that Costa Rica has to offer?

Your Guide to a New Life in Costa Rica

You've seen many, many advantages of living in Costa Rica experienced by regular people just like you. People who manage to have very comfortable lives-and have a lot of fun—without breaking the bank.

Still, no matter how perfect a fit for you Costa Rica may seem—I'm sure you have lots of questions. And the good news is: I and my colleagues at International Living can answer them for you.

You don't have to "go it alone" as you get from where you are now to your ideal life overseas.

We can help. We'll make sure you have the confidence and insider intelligence you need to pinpoint the spot that's right for you and get there quickly, easily, seamlessly…

You see, for generations of expats, International Living has been the place to turn for accurate and timely advice. We've been in-country for decades. We talk to the lawyers, the business community, and, of course, the long-time expats who know the score. Plus, like me, we live there ourselves.

In Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less you'll get all the benefits of our many years of one-the-ground experience in Costa Rica.

It's the essential guide to moving to and living in Costa Rica, designed specifically to make relocating here as stress-free as possible for prospective expats like you. You'll discover the top expat communities, whether you prefer the laid-back beach lifestyle…the rural tranquillity of Lake Arenal…the traditional Costa Rican culture of the Central Valley…and more. Anywhere you go you're sure to have a high quality of life.

It's the result of decades of boots-on-the-ground scouting and exploration by International Living's team of editors and correspondents. They've gotten the low-down from expats from coast to coast…researched the medical system and residence programs…quizzed experts in real estate, financial matters, shipping household good…just about any question you might have about the expat life in Costa Rica is covered. And they've also been on the lookout for real estate deals…

You get all of this, and much more, in Escape to Costa Rica, a newly-updated, complete resource that shows you how to take advantage of these opportunities while they last.

There's nothing quite like Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less that will you get the real story on how you can enjoy your ideal lifestyle…find the location that's perfect for you…and take advantage of all the world-class opportunities available to informed buyers.

It's truly a one-of-the-kind manual with sound advice and recommendations found nowhere else.

Keep reading to get all the details on our special limited-time offer to get your hands on this Costa Rica manual for free.

Your Dream Home for $150,000 or Less

When the real estate Bubble burst several years back, and prices dropped dramatically in places like California, Florida, and elsewhere—the same thing happened in Costa Rica. And you still have the upper hand—it's very much a buyer's market.

In the Southern Zone, for example, that Pacific coast area known for the dramatic, mountainous coastline and virtually empty beaches, you can have an ocean-view home for under $200,000—compare that coastal southern California or Florida, where similar properties go into the millions.

That includes all the little touches like granite counters, tile floor, custom cabinets, and large terraces that will give you ultimate comfort. You can't see your neighbors and you're surrounded by jungle, with monkeys, toucans, sloths, and other wildlife that make your backyard their home.

Picture yourself relaxing on a lounger on your back porch, watching the sun set over the Pacific, glass of wine in hand.

If life by the beach isn't your thing, there are plenty of other options:

Heading up into the hills and mountains of the Central Valley, we have the bustling market town of Grecia…

• In the tranquil countryside, but close to the town center, is a three-bedroom home in a gated development with community pool. It has a fenced in porch and backyard to enjoy the mild climate and valleys views. It's just $115,000.

On the shores of pristine Lake Arenal, you have another dream home—if a quiet rural existence is what you're looking for…

• A home, one bedroom, with walking distance of the village of San Luis and the lake, is listed at $48,000. You're surrounded by green space and have partial views of the lake.

Those are just two of the hundreds of the types of bargains you'll find in Escape to Costa Rica.

And, by the way, the homes I've mentioned so far are all North American style and standard. For cozier and comfortable but simple "Tico-style" homes in nice neighborhoods, often with a great view, prices start at $45,000. You might not have granite countertops or a dishwasher, but you'll have a very affordable place to call home.

And if you don't want to buy right away—no problem. There are plenty of affordable rentals for long- or short-term leases. You can sample the different regions without obligation until you find your place. With rents starting at $500 a month for furnished condos and small homes—with great views, you can try life by the beach, in the mountains, by the lake, in town, or in the jungle.

And while you're finding your spot, be sure to take advantage of all the benefits extended to retirees in Costa Rica…

Foreign Residents—Especially Retirees—Welcomed with Open Arms

As a country, Costa Rica is just as welcoming to foreign residents as ever. No-hassle residence policies make moving here a snap. Retirees need just $1,000 a month per couple from Social Security, disability, and/or a pension to qualify under the pensionado program. As I mentioned earlier, it's very easy to qualify. And there are programs for those not yet ready to retire or without a pension.

Saving money is great. But you'll also find that seniors are respected in Costa Rica—it's ingrained in the culture.

You'll immediately be offered a seat on a bus or in a waiting room if it's packed. You get head of the line privileges at banks and government offices—by law. And the same courtesy will be extended at shops, restaurants, cultural events, or wherever you happen to be.

Some expats I've spoken with tell me that Costa Rica is a lot like the small town America they used to know when they grew up. As far as culture, they might be right. But that doesn't mean it's stuck in the past—

It's a Lot like Home—in Many Ways

There will be a learning curve when you arrive in Costa Rica. This is a country with its own unique culture, customs, and ways of doing things. But in many ways it's a lot like home, and your transition to life in your new home will likely be easier than you might think.

This is a modern country with many comforts and amenities you'll recognize. Grocery stores offer many imported items—if you miss your Ben and Jerry's ice cream or bagels—you're covered. Your favorite brand-name cosmetics, clothing, and electronics are here too.

You can get high-speed internet and cable or satellite TV (cheaper than in the U.S., by the way) anywhere in the country—even in the middle of the jungle. Many shows and channels are in English and you can add on premium channels like HBO and packages for the sports like NFL football or NBA basketball.

A widespread cell phone network—with 3G, and now 4G and LTE—means you can bring your smartphone to Costa Rica. More basic phones start at $30 for a handset, with $20 worth of minutes getting you through the month and then some.

Keeping in touch with loved ones back home is easy too. Online tools like Skype allow for free video conferencing. And with services like MagicJack you can have a U.S. phone number in Costa Rica—and your regular home phone will ring just like it would back home.

Of course, with two international airports—one in San José and the other near the northwest Pacific coast in Liberia, getting to and from North America is no problem at all. Miami is just two-and-half hours away. And Houston, another major hub, is just under four hours.

As you can see, just because you are moving to a new country doesn't mean you have to leave all the comforts behind. In Costa Rica, you can stay very connected with those who matter to you. And whenever you want to go for a visit—or have someone visit you—it's not as if you're halfway around the world.

Discover All that Makes Costa Rica the World's #1 Retirement Destination…and Live the Dream Yourself Sooner than You Thought Possible

You've seen so many benefits to living in Costa Rica: low cost of living, top-notch medical care, the perfect climate, the laid-back Pura Vida lifestyle, the safety and stability, the modern conveniences and comforts… and, of course, the welcoming locals and friendly expats that make it easy to "fit in" when you move down.

But so far you're just scratching the surface. You can get all the details in the Newest Edition of the 247-page manual, Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less (a $99 value). This is International Living's premier resource about Costa Rica, a bestseller beloved by our members.

Inside, you'll learn…

• What life is like in each region—so you can match your lifestyle to your new home
• How to secure your residence step by step—and the documents you must bring from home to avoid delays
• The essential Spanish phrases so you can ask directions …order dinner…and make new friends
• Little-known areas where land is cheap—but the path of progress is coming and values are rising
• Nuts and bolts insider tips—direct from expats themselves-for daily life in Costa Rica
• The stress-free way to get your pets to Costa Rica—it's easier than you think—if you know the rules
• The four things you must have to open a bank account
• A complete rundown of the taxes you still have to pay and those you can throw out the window—in Costa Rica and at home
• How to start a business—and the best spots for starting up your dream beach bar, restaurant, sport fishing charter, or whatever you want
• The inside scoop on the best beachfront communities… local favorites…expat enclaves…cool weather mountain towns…and where to buy your own finca, or farm
• The best way to scout property for sale—and what you should never do when looking at a lot or a home
• What household goods to bring from home—and what to leave behind
• How to negotiate a fair price for building your own home, how to find reliable contractors, and how to manage the building process if you're still in North America
• And that's just a small taste…

Plus, you'll get a Rolodex of contacts throughout Costa Rica-all of whom speak English-in fact, many are from the U.S. or Canada. You'll have these resources on speed-dial:

• Lawyers experienced in immigration
• Trusted real estate agents
• Shipping brokers who know how to deal with Customs
• Expat groups from coast to coast, from the American Legion to community theater
• Insurance companies who will cover you in Costa Rica
• Phone numbers for the major public and private hospitals—including the emergency lines

And more… You may be used to a more "do it yourself" approach to matters like buying a house or car, signing up for insurance, or dealing with the government back home. But in Costa Rica you'll need a representative who knows the rules and regulations—basically how things work.

These are the on-the-ground contacts well-versed in helping expats get settled in Costa Rica. They know the right people. They know the little-used but perfectly legal exceptions to the rules. In short, they make your move easy.

That's what Escape to Costa Rica is all about. All the information you need to make informed decisions. No need to search high and low for information.

Of course, there's no substitute for an in-person visit. And that's why we've ensured that Escape to Costa Rica is the ideal resource for planning those trips. You'll get a good idea of which regions you want to visit. And you'll know where to stay, who to talk to, and everything else as you explore.

Not Available Anywhere Else

Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life for Less is not available in bookstores, resource libraries, or anywhere else on the internet. And it's available in an online downloadable form only. That's how we can keep the information as up-to-date and reliable as possible. It also allows us to get this information in your hands as quickly as possible.

Travel to Costa Rica to obtain all this information yourself and you'd expect to pay $2,000 or more. (The time and efforts of attorneys and other experts who worked to compile this information is worth that much alone.)

Today… It's Yours—FREE!

But today we'd like to send you—free—a copy of the 247-page manual Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less. (A $99 value.) All we ask is that you try a subscription to International Living Magazine.

You already know something about International Living since you get our free e-letter. But what you may not know is that these e-mailed dispatches are just the beginning. There's always a lot more to every story.

There's a whole world of information and benefits that is reserve exclusively for subscribers to the magazine—and we like nothing more than identifying exciting opportunities in little-known places for those readers.

Here at International Living, we're all about solutions that really work. Recently we've shared with our readers secrets like…

• Four islands within easy access of the States where sugar-sand beaches and warm, clear waters will grab your heart…and the good-values will keep you coming back.
• Eternal summers…the how-to secrets of a snowbird life, including where to go and how to spend half overseas what you'd pay to stay home.
• Dollar-stretching real estate plays—right on the ocean—including one where $85,000 buys you a condo on the beach with all the trimmings.
• Tax-saving strategies—smart ways to protect your assets and pay less with structures and systems overseas.
• Social Security loopholes that could hand you tens of thousands in "extra" benefits overseas…but you have to know to ask…
• How to beat the airline luggage fees…
• Lakeside living…like a secret Costa Rican hideaway where couples can live comfortably for less than $3,000 a month…enjoying a small-town feel with world-class views…
• An American doctor's frank and forthcoming take on healthcare overseas…
• How you can travel on somebody else's dime…and then get paid to tell people about your experiences…
• Three stylish towns in Spain within easy striking distance of Barcelona—beautiful, intimate, and food-focused—where you can gain a vibrant cultural scene at small-town prices.
• A quiet Caribbean village where you can rent for less than $300 a month, the sand is light and fine as sugar, the tropical waters host colorful fish and lazy sea turtles, yet you're only 30 miles from an international airport.
• Europe's royal beach escapes…the Golden Age of Europe's royal houses may be long over, but the Old world beach resorts where the continent's aristocracy summered still cling to a fin de siècle grandeur… In these spots, you can enjoy urban luxuries as fine as the enticing, sandy beaches. We'll show you where…

… and much, much more.

Your Window into a Whole New World of Possibility and Profit

Here at International Living, we've been covering this beat for nearly four decades. When publications like theNew York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and AARP need an expert opinion about alternative retirement solutions and the places where retirees can get the most bang for their buck…they call us.

That's because every month International Living is jam-packed with insider secrets, how-to advice, useful contacts you can call or email, and real-world recommendations for saving money, making money, living better, embracing adventure, and enjoying life more overseas…

Our IL Postcards give you but a tiny taste of what we do, frankly.

International Living magazine is where we share the full story, connect you directly to the people you need to know, and share insights, advice, and guidance from our many contributors in the field.

We're the experts…and there's a whole world of information and benefits that we reserve exclusively for subscribers to our print publication…

Like a way to grow your nest egg outside stocks and outside the dollar.

It's nothing complicated. It's a simple, very accessible investment play. A way to add to your retirement nest egg while you're retired…instead of watching it dwindle.

In 1984, we told readers about an investment on the Samara Bay in Costa Rica. Back then, you could get in for between $2,000 and $4,000. Today, that investment would be worth $139,000.

In the 1990s, we pointed readers to this kind of play again in Belize…and watched as the values soared. A reader who bought on the tropical, palm-lined island of Ambergris for $29,950 back then could sell for $180,000 today.

And we're still delivering deals like that—the places with opportunities you could profit from today…

Take a water-view condo on the Pacific, for instance, with 180-degree views out over a blue ocean…in a country where tourism is just beginning to boom, retirees are starting to settle, values are good, the locals are friendly, the weather is warm, and you're within easy reach of the States.

It looks like California (only it costs one-tenth the price)…so instead of a million or two, an ocean-view condo could be yours for $154,000…two bedrooms, two baths, air conditioning throughout, it's fully furnished, close to restaurants, and right on the beach.

As an International Living reader, you'll know exactly where the deals like that are. And how—even with very little in the bank—you can take advantage of them.

The Retirement You Always Dreamed of… for 13 Cents a Day

Agree to take a look at International Living today, and not only will you qualify yourself for your FREE copy of Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less (value: $99) but we'll ALSO shave nearly 30% off the regular price.

So instead of $69 per year for 12 monthly issues delivered to your doorstep, it's yours today for just $69 $49.

All you have to do is give International Living a try. It's guaranteed.

Our Good-Will, Good-Value Guarantee

Once you see our magazine for yourself, I feel confident you'll agree: It delivers you a world you just don't find anywhere else.

But if you decide the good-living, good-value opportunities International Living profiles every month aren't for you after all, just let us know and we'll send you a refund on your un-mailed issues. No questions. No fuss.

Escape to Costa Rica is yours to keep, with our compliments. With this special deal, you receive…

• A full year of International Living delivered to your door (value: $69, yours for $49 today)
• The Comprehensive 247-Page Manual, Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less (value: $99, yours FREE)

Plus, we'll give you a special Premium Edition of IL Postcards, too—each day you'll learn about the best places to retire, travel, buy real estate, and enjoy life overseas. This complimentary e-mail service is for magazine subscribers only.

All told, this offer hands you $168 worth of live—better, travel-smarter, profit-more, retire-sooner advice and guidance from International Living for just $49.

If you're like many folks these days—not entirely sure your retirement savings will go the distance…or not sure where to put your nest egg so it's safe and growing…

Then I encourage you to give International Living a try right now.

Subscribe to IL magazine now and get your FREE Escape to Costa Rica manual.

Six Months from Now, You Could Be Living Large in Costa Rica on a Whole Lot Less than You Spend Now

The truth of the matter is: An international lifestyle isn't just for the rich and famous. It's for anybody willing to take advantage of the best-value opportunities in welcoming communities around the globe.

And it's our mission at International Living to help you do just that!

I hope you'll take me up on this offer to get yourself a copy the one-of-a-kind resource Escape to Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know to Retire Better, Invest Well, and Enjoy the Good Life For Less along with full International Living subscriber benefits.

Just try International Living. It's that simple. Like I said, you have no-hassle guarantee if, for any reason, you are not satisfied. And Escape to Costa Rica is yours to keep with our compliments, just for giving IL a chance.

Please click below to activate this special FREE Costa Rica offer.

Subscribe to IL magazine now and get your FREE Escape to Costa Rica manual.

Best Regards,

Jason Holland
Roving Latin America Editor, International Living

P.S. Here's an even better deal: Try a two-year subscription to International Living and, in addition to everything I've already explained you'll get, you also get this FREE Bonus Video—All You Need to Know About Purchasing And Financing Property in Costa Rica (value $29).

Purchasing real estate in a foreign country can be an intimidating prospect. Things work a bit differently. But rest assured that in Costa Rica you can buy fee-simple, titled property. And there are virtually no restrictions on foreigners, even non-residents, buying property, except for a few important exceptions. Roger Petersen, of the Petersen & Philps Law Firm, is IL's trusted attorney in Costa Rica who's helped many expats with their real estate transactions. He's the man to turn to. In this special video, Roger explains the ins and outs of the property buying process.

Whether you're looking for a second home, a vacation rental investment, or your dream home that you plan to spend the rest of your life in, you can rest assured you'll get the information you need to rest easy at night.

Make sure you choose the two-year option in the secure online order form to receive this free bonus. Just click on the link below now…

Subscribe to IL magazine now and get your FREE Escape to Costa Rica manual.