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costaricaexpatexpert

Relocation counselor and life abroad mentor. Supporting expats who want to make their dream a reality. Award winning author: Rich Coast Collection

4am-6am this morning, never a dull moment here. Th

4am-6am this morning, never a dull moment here. Thanks to @almondcow ⁩for the perfectly sized product insert that helped me capture the flying guest with ease. Sometimes the smallest things save the day! (That moth looked much larger when it was flying around 😂)

#costarica #movingtocostaricasimplified #expatlife #movingabroad #expatsincostarica #livingabroad #livingincostarica #howtomovetocostarica #behindthescenes

“Eat, Pray, Love”, the bestselling memoir by @

“Eat, Pray, Love”, the bestselling memoir by @elizabeth_gilbert_writer has resonated with millions of readers worldwide. If her story inspires people to evaluate their own lives and take bold steps to make their dream a reality, isn’t that exactly what great books are meant to do?
Books like Eat, Pray, Love open our minds to new ways of thinking, speaking, doing, being, and LIVING. They show us what’s possible, and give us permission to go beyond the boundaries we’ve set for ourselves. They give us an alternative to what society says is the “norm”. Stories can be the spark that ignites real, life-altering change, and that’s a GOOD thing. Just like @francesemayes Under the Tuscan Sun, Wild by @cherylstrayed and the many powerful works of @allendeisabel - along with countless other women authors who have dared to push boundaries, step out of their comfort zones, and have the courage to do something truly extraordinary.
My own series of books began as a “trilogy.” In those first three books, I shared my travels, my decision to move, and the ups and downs of the first five years living here. It would truly be an honor - not something trivial or laughable - to have my books inspire others to make meaningful changes in their lives and achieve more than they ever thought possible.
So, to anyone out there inspired by a book, film, or even a conversation to make a bold change: go for it. Because whether your journey starts with a story like Gilbert’s or your own inner calling, this is your path to make and your dream to turn into reality.

#expatlife #costarica #movingtocostaricasimplified #livingabroad #movingabroad #howtomovetocostarica

Illegal businesses owned by non-residents skip tax

Illegal businesses owned by non-residents skip taxes, health permits, etc... but still rely on roads, emergency healthcare, and other public services - leaving legal businesses, residents and taxpayers to foot the bill. Fair competition matters. Support local - AND LEGAL - businesses.

#costarica #movingtocostaricasimplified #expatlife #movingabroad #expatsincostarica #livingabroad #livingincostarica #howtomovetocostarica #beagoodexpat

Moving abroad, mistakes are inevitable - some that

Moving abroad, mistakes are inevitable - some that only affect us personally and others that may break the law. As responsible expats, it’s up to us to take ownership, learn from our mistakes, and course-correct. When it comes to local laws, we must educate ourselves to ensure that we are not just visitors but respectful, conscientious members of the country we are privileged to call home.

I have an entire chapter on "how to be a good expat" inside my book, Moving to Costa Rica Simplified. It's available on Amazon, in paperback and Kindle! (link in bio!)

#costarica #movingtocostaricasimplified #expatlife #movingabroad #expatsincostarica #livingabroad #livingincostarica #howtomovetocostarica #beagoodexpat

I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to work

I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to work with people who are conscientious, kind, and deeply committed to doing the right thing. My clients really care about being respectful, responsible expats in Costa Rica.

But lately, I've encountered some individuals already living here who seem to think the rules don’t apply to them.

REALITY CHECK: The law applies to everyone. No amount of "giving back" exempts you from residency requirements, business regulations, or tax obligations. Giving back is great, but it doesn’t put you above the rules.

Besides the obvious problems with this mindset...

❌ It's entitlement, not integration. Moving abroad means respecting local customs and governance, not expecting special treatment.

❌ It fuels resentment. Locals may appreciate generosity, but they also expect fairness. Acting like laws don’t apply to you can damage relationships and reinforce negative stereotypes about expats. (and if I'm being completely honest, it makes my job SO MUCH harder to combat these negative stereotypes)

✔️ Giving should come with humility. Supporting the community is meaningful, but it should be done with genuine care, not as a justification for ignoring the law.

Key takeaway: If you truly care about your new home country, respect its rules. Support the community because you want to... not because you think it excuses you from following the law.

-Chrissy

For more on this topic, I wrote a blog about gentrification in Costa Rica. Link in bio

#expatlife #beagoodexpat #howtomovetocostarica #respecttherules #expatsabroad #movingtocostarica #expatsincostarica

A simple, slow life musing as mango season begins.

A simple, slow life musing as mango season begins.

#expatlife #costarica #movingtocostaricasimplified #livingabroad #expatsincostarica #livingincostarica #howtomovetocostarica #movetocostarica

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