What I had hoped wouldn’t happen did. I really wanted to write a book that would be helpful and supportive for foreigners wanting to move to Costa Rica, while ensuring that I addressed the problems that the country faces as well (and offer solutions when I could).

Unfortunately, Costa Rica is not immune to xenophobia. And I am now the target of a campaign to bring down my book with fake, one-star reviews from locals who haven’t read or even bought the book.

It’s been a disheartening few days, to say the least. I have so much compassion for these people and I so wish that I could reach out to them personally and reply but Amazon does not permit authors to reply to reviews.

The answer to the FAQ is:

As I write in the book, generalizations are harmful and unhelpful.

There are many beautiful people here who are helpful, kind and open to the idea of foreigners living here. They don’t have an “us vs them” mentality.

However, just like in other places around the world, there will be people who don’t like foreigners and don’t want them living here.

Here’s the reality:

As long as the Costa Rica government permits foreigners to have residency here, foreigners will come.

And either we (all of us, locals and foreigners) can educate the newcomers to live here in a positive, helpful way which is what I’m trying to do, both with the book and my relocation counseling offerings, or we can just let the foreigners run around and destroy everything. Okay, that’s an exaggeration but you get where I’m going…

If you’re thinking of moving here and want to be a good expat in your newly adopted country, I would encourage you to read the book, cover to cover, or reach out and let’s chat.

I really do want to not only see expats have a successful and sustainable transition here but that their arrival is also a win for this country we get to call home (…and that I love and want to see the country and its people thrive).

I hope you have a beautiful day. If you have questions about this topic, please contact me here.