Very helpful video my family and I are wanting to move to costa rica within the next 6 months I don’t know if you have people who ask this but if you’re family could help my family transition from Texas to Costa Rica? Thank you in advance for your time
@tatpr699515 күн бұрын
I was waiting for the grand total 😂😂 I guess I have to do the math 😆
@JR-ji5sx20 күн бұрын
All you say is so true. I had a horrible experience building here and im a contractor in the states. So if it happened to me it can happen to anyone as this video clearly states
@mirandabellantoni180427 күн бұрын
Hello! I am looking to start raising chickens in Costa Rica. We are building a coop and have all the necessary supplies. What we are lacking are the actual chicks. Where is a good, ethical place to buy and do you know what breeds are available? We would like chickens with a docile personality that are good layers. Not interested in meat consumption. Thank you!
@thejoyfuljohnsons26 күн бұрын
Hi there, fellow chicken lover! It's so nice to connect with you. What part of Costa Rica are you located in? We are in Junquillal, Guanacaste and we ethically raise chicks (egg layers) that we sell as they hatch. Most of the agrocentral stores, like where we first bought our chickens 2 years ago, cram them into cages and it's not a loving process for the birds. That is one of the reasons we started raising our own!
@mirandabellantoni18042 күн бұрын
@@thejoyfuljohnsons Thank you for answering! I am located in Portegolpe, just outside of Huacas. Once our coop is built we would love to connect with you and purchase some chicks. Things are a little chaotic for us right now with the move and getting settled but will definitely take you up on buying some from you when the timing is right. We love seeing how great of a temperament your chickens have being handled!
@ivovangils229428 күн бұрын
Very interesting videos, positive and instructive! Please can you share the brand name of your composite roof.
@ramonbanet8857Ай бұрын
Good morning! Like your videos. I’m Costa Rican living in London, UK. Still manage to spend time in CR. One of the “shocks” expats get when moving to CR is the high price of groceries (even at Walmart). It’s good that at least there is a source of information that people can check. I hope that you have time to also include your experience with electricity (ICE), phone companies and different suppliers. It will help many potential expats!! You should try including El Pequeño Mundo in your shopping experience. They have changed strategies and are now competing with PriceSmart. Lot’s of European and American food products. I don’t know if any gluten free.
@zuerikiss9013Ай бұрын
Thank you for the great video Can you share the architecture company name? Thank you 🙌
@KittyKorner-om3ieАй бұрын
I’m originally from Costa Rica, born there but moved here to the United States when I was 5 years old. I listen to you guys and I’m totally jealous because I wish I lived there too. Who knows maybe for retirement I will but right now its hard and I get a lot of help from the government here which over there no help at all. All of my relatives live over there and they have told me how costly everything has become and crime rate has risen so it makes me second think about living there. I live in Florida which is very similar to Costa Rica because of the weather and beaches but nowhere near as beautiful as my country. It looks like you guys have picked a very peaceful place to live which is amazing to raise a family. I’m very happy to see how other people enjoy living in my beautiful country. God bless you guys and keep enjoying Costa Rica!!😊
@oosn0b0ardrooАй бұрын
Great video! Regarding water, make sure you have a REGISTERED water source for the land you're buying. Just having water is not enough and could lead to significant delays as approving a water source is most definitely not guaranteed and can take a year or longer.:)
@YourBeautifulBirthАй бұрын
Are you close to, or do u ever come to samara?
@dannykapzАй бұрын
This is so cool. We were thinking about uprooting to Costa Rica but it doesn’t seem as easy as I had thought. But if it ever does happen, this is something my family would love to be a part of.
@pamelatill4805Ай бұрын
Awwww!! This makes my heart smile so big!! Y’all have the sweetest spirit about y’all. I just know that y’all will be excellent at this. I will be holding this close in my heart and lifting you both up in my prayers as you begin this wonderful adventure!!
@dougdileo4727Ай бұрын
very nice
@thejoyfuljohnsonsАй бұрын
Thank you! 😄
@katiabechara47182 ай бұрын
Hi! What’s the school name?
@thejoyfuljohnsonsАй бұрын
Harmony Education, in Junquillal! You can find us on Facebook @Harmony Education 😀
@deifosplayground88732 ай бұрын
This is a nice video, thank you for sharing, I just came from Costa Rica after 10 amazing days there with the family, we stayed in San Vito, small quiet town. really considering moving there from Canada.
@ourlifeinguanajuatomexico34032 ай бұрын
We live in México and want to go to Costa Rica to visit. We are new followers. Thanks for sharing!
@fresh52372 ай бұрын
If visiting is it better to have us cash or exchanging for colonies
@unklb71612 ай бұрын
Great video! As my wife and I are approaching retirement Costa Rica is on our radar. I'm planning an exploratory trip to Tamarindo area (probably in a quieter outlying area, still researching) within the next year, and the info you presented here is very helpful. Thank you!
@JW-qt5er2 ай бұрын
My US passport expired 2 years ago... Would the mail-in process still be accepted?
@thejoyfuljohnsons2 ай бұрын
I think so yes! I just re-read the US Embassy website and it seems you would qualify. You can check all the up to date info here: cr.usembassy.gov/adult-passport-renewals/#adult5
@JW-qt5er2 ай бұрын
I knew that the deadline for an expired adult passport to be renewed without full reapplication is five years. The page you sent indirectly confirms that they will handle expired passports up to five years (fifteen years total). Thanks!
@dannykapz2 ай бұрын
What a great resource this channel is! I just recently found you guys and have watched a bunch of videos. I’m seriously considering moving my family to CR. But I’m having trouble figuring out the visa situation and working as an expat. The strict homeschool requirements also worries me a bit as we homeschool our children. We have so many questions as we try to make this big decision.
@thejoyfuljohnsons2 ай бұрын
I'm so glad our channel has been helpful to you! This is the reason we decided to create it 😄What country are you all coming from? Also, we have been homeschooling for 3.5 years and really it's not as big of a deal as many make it out to be. I have Costa Rican resident friends whose children were born here, and they homeschool. There's some paperwork etc that needs to be done but it's possible absolutely! For us, we are here on a tourist visa (legally) and there has been no trouble with us homeschooling our 3 children.
@dannykapz2 ай бұрын
@@thejoyfuljohnsons We would be coming from the states. I’m so glad to hear that the homeschooling isn’t as big of a deal as it’s made to be. We were beginning to think it wasn’t going to work out bc of that. The next thing to figure out would be work. From the research I’ve done, it is difficult for a foreigner to find jobs in CR. That’s so cool that you and husband both teach and are able to create such a nice life there.
@alyssastephenson45672 ай бұрын
Hi there! Love your channel, so informational! We are moving to Malpais this august and wondering if getting medismart would be beneficial since we’re so far from Liberia and San Jose.
@thejoyfuljohnsons2 ай бұрын
Hi! I'm so glad our channel is helpful to you! Before getting Medismart I recommend looking up their Map of providers to see if there would be any close to you.
@justyrenson2 ай бұрын
I thought you couldn’t get a brick and mortar job in CR as a foreigner unless the role can’t be performed by a resident or citizen. Were you able to circumvent this or were your roles the kind locals couldn’t do?
@thejoyfuljohnsons2 ай бұрын
This is absolutely true, you cannot take a job that could be done by a Costa Rican. The work that we do is educational/cultural and is absolutely legal. We are registered with Ministerio Hacienda and pay the taxes 😃 In most cases you cannot physically work in Costa Rica unless you are a resident, but there are exceptions (in this case, educational).
@carahenry-zy9uu2 ай бұрын
I would be interested in watching a video about your perceptions on your physical and mental health changes since moving g to Costa Rica. Watching your first videos compared to your more recent videos is night and day. You both look healthier and way more relaxed. 8:08
@thejoyfuljohnsons2 ай бұрын
That's a great idea! Justin and I were just discussing this the other day, about our physical and mental health changes in the last 3.5 years since moving here from the United States 🙂
@carahenry-zy9uu2 ай бұрын
I would be interested in watching a video about your perceptions on your physical and mental health changes since moving g to Costa Rica. Watching your first videos compared to your more recent videos is night and day. You both look healthier and way more relaxed.
@CharlieWellness2 ай бұрын
Great video! One of my daughters has celiac. Do you guys ever eat out? How confident are you that your food is gluten-free?
@thejoyfuljohnsons2 ай бұрын
There are a handful of restaurants that we trust to eat at who understand what contains gluten. A lot of the local soda restaurants use seasonings and sauces that contain gluten, but they don't realize it. My 2 favorites are Shaka Food in Tamarindo and Mundo Milo in Junquillal (for avoiding gluten!)
@CharlieWellness2 ай бұрын
@@thejoyfuljohnsons Thanks for the response! Two solid spots are enough.
@dougdileo47272 ай бұрын
good stuff, that cualiflower would be i think $6 in the u.s....
@pamelatill48052 ай бұрын
Whoop! Whoop!! Love me some reusable containers!! Thank you so much for all the info. We love your videos and are always Joyful when we see The Johnson’s show up!
@waynep23772 ай бұрын
We go to the PriceSmart in Santa Anna. While it may be expensive, its half the cost for most foods than in Canada..especially meat and cheese
@dougdileo47272 ай бұрын
you got some good buys there, but how much is the membership fee at pricesmart..when i get back to my house in c.r. i will be only one person- is it worth it ???
@dougdileo47272 ай бұрын
hello , good price on the tuna...also the butter-is that 8 large regular sticks or 8 of those half sticks.i have bought butter at a few grocery stores in la fortuna and it comes out to like $7.50 a stick...crazy and it looks like margarine the same one you have..and does not really taste like butter
@thejoyfuljohnsons2 ай бұрын
Regular size sticks of butter (not the smaller half size) 😃
@febsign61102 ай бұрын
Hi and great video since I’m coming down soon to look at a lot for sale in Tambor beach and will have to build myself if I buy the lot. My question is did you get title to the land or are you far enough of the water and was not an issue? Thanks and enjoy your life there.
@thejoyfuljohnsons2 ай бұрын
Hi there! Yes, our property is deeded and titled (not concession property).
@dougdileo47273 ай бұрын
nice to see you guys are still loving c.r. ..i always hear about only gringos that screw people over on home building and theft of monies...crazy...
@marielamore5103 ай бұрын
I fell the waiting thing happens here in US too! Lol
@LauraCote-rk1wi3 ай бұрын
Just looked this up and it looks like the English word for this plant is lemon verbena! I will definitely look for this at the local vivero.
@daniellesmason16683 ай бұрын
Will you talk more about your community or even a video of your community? Also what made you decide to live where you live in Costa Rica? Were there any runner ups?
@elisalyles14663 ай бұрын
Thank you. Make more videos..do you have pets? How did partner get school job? Just curious. Im retiring so not coming to cr to work
@thejoyfuljohnsons3 ай бұрын
We have tons of pets! Moved here with 2 dogs, who have since crossed the rainbow bridge. Currently we have 2 beautiful rescue cats, 1 bunny and a boatload of chickens!
@LivingInOxfordMichigan3 ай бұрын
Any recommendations for a septic company?
@TheBeanseen4 ай бұрын
We just made it 3 years also! Great video. Check out ours if you get a chance.
@paobriones21774 ай бұрын
How far are you away from the beach? Is coat of living cheaper? How much is weekly grocery,?monthly electricity /internet?? Enjoy your Pura Vida!! Love lots from Philippines
@416London4 ай бұрын
You really do have to be in the country and visit your build as often as you can. What really helped us with our first build was that we found an excellent architect who in turn recommended us an excellent builder that he always works with. In fact it was that builder that built the architect’s house. We then met the builder and had a look at the houses he was busy with at that time, so we got to see his work. Also we got a feel for his character which is important. We wanted to keep a handle on expenses so we structured the contract such that we would buy the materials ourselves and then every week we would pay the builder a portion of his fee. I reserved 10% as a holdback to be paid once the snag list had been fixed. The original time frame was 12 weeks but it stretched to 14 because I expanded the scope of work since I was so happy with our guy’s work. The house should go on the market in the next two weeks. It’s an 85 square metre, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom (en suite) house with 15 foot ceilings at the front of the house which then slope to 9 feet at the back. The point is, your house shouldn’t take you a year to build.
@carafoster-rk2go4 ай бұрын
Love your family and your videos. Thank you for your honest reviews! I am hoping to visit this year for the first time in over 20 years and hope that my memories are accurate and I still love it as much as I did then. Could you do a video and show us your garden?
@thejoyfuljohnsons2 ай бұрын
I would love to show everyone our garden, I'll make sure to create a video on that soon!
@amyrose22674 ай бұрын
Are hurricanes a concern for you there?
@thejoyfuljohnsons4 ай бұрын
No 😄
@amyrose22674 ай бұрын
@@thejoyfuljohnsons oh thank goodness! I was concerned about that for you! I am still working on trying to convince my husband we can leave the country for a visit. 😁
@MonicaInTheMystic4 ай бұрын
My dream is to live and retire abroad. How is the cost of living there? Land availability? My goal is to purchase land, build a tiny home and grow my own food. Is that attainable in a place like Costa Rica? Also, what made you decide Costa Rica outside of other places to live? Just curious.
@thejoyfuljohnsons4 ай бұрын
Thanks for your comment! 😃 Land is available to purchase regardless of residency, so foreigners are welcome to purchase and own land here. Many people do this process of building a tiny home and growing their own food. Cost of living varies depending on the area you are living in. Where we live in Guanacaste, is more expensive than other areas in Costa Rica, but we love our pueblo and close proximity to the beach ✌ We decided on Costa Rica because my father discovered this town many years ago. He bought land here, which we came to manage and help him with, and loved it so much we decided to stay.
@zombiefireman4 ай бұрын
Loved Playa Junquillal. Loved the locals. Loved the rustic tranquility. Loved the howler monkeys. Even loved the dogs that sleep in the middle of the street and make you drive around them! The ONLY problem I had was a dishonest jerk of a property manager (not a tico) who made our lives (and, sadly, the lives of the Johnsons' as well) a living hell. I would have loved nothing more than helping out with the turtle sanctuary and teaching chess to kids at the local school while saying hello to the iguana who hung-out on the wall outside my condo.
@thejoyfuljohnsons4 ай бұрын
Well hello there! I'm so delighted to hear from you. How is all of your family doing? 🙏 I am so sorry that awful neighbor ruined what you and your family were doing with your condo. Sadly he is still here, but we don't have to see him or interact with him anymore (so thankful). You would be glad to know our 3 boys love chess! They are actually joining their first ever kids chess tournament this weekend. I'll keep you posted on how it goes!
@zombiefireman4 ай бұрын
@@thejoyfuljohnsons Yeah, I wouldn't wish that dude on anyone! What a snake! Although his staff are all amazing. Especially Miguel! If you see him please tell him hello for us! We're all doing well. Happy to see you guys are thriving in Costa Rica! It's interesting how some thrive and others do not, for whatever reasons. Chess is such a great game for kids (and adults!) so it's really too bad I didn't get a chance to offer something to the locals (and your kids!).
@marisolvasquez26834 ай бұрын
First and foremost, congratulations on your three year anniversary. So glad your family is happy and thriving. I know you both mentioned that you work and are very happy with your jobs. How are you both able to work? Are you both resident? Also, we are planning to build within the next year or so in Guanacaste And are looking for a builder. You also mentioned that you had a bad experience with the builder and that’s what we are trying to avoid. We have heard some horror stories. Do you have any recommendations?
@thejoyfuljohnsons4 ай бұрын
Hi there! There are reputable builders in various locations, I am sure that not all of them are crooks. My best advice is to never, ever, ever pay 100% up front. Try to find someone local or onsite to watch the build process for you and send progress updates. I wish you all the best! Regarding work, we are not residents - but work here legally as contracted educators (cultural work). I am legally registered and pay taxes. Most people cannot work here legally unless they are residents (for example, you cannot just walk into a restaurant or grocery store and apply for a job). Educators are one general exception, particularly ones who speak English and work in private schools. Many people here who want to earn an income but are not residents tend up OPEN a business and manage it, but hire Ticos and not do the work themselves (which is legal).
@marisolvasquez26834 ай бұрын
Thank you 🙏
@clothevirgo4 ай бұрын
I want to move to Costa Rica within the next year. I only visited Manuel Antonio and San Jose but are there any places you recommend for expats or tips for people at the beginning of this journey?
@thejoyfuljohnsons4 ай бұрын
HI there! My best advice is to visit many areas of Costa Rica. There are so many different climates and feels, depending on what you are looking for as far as population/weather/food/markets/vibe/schooling 😄
@angelawear-joyfromtheheart11794 ай бұрын
Love the house, we are looking to move and build in Costa Rica and we want close to the beach as well. How much did you pay for land? Is there more land available there? Would you recommend your builder?
@bobm34774 ай бұрын
Life for Life hostel near Drake is going to be up for sale. Ask Ricardo for details, Right on the ocean but remote
@natalyaspendelow23924 ай бұрын
Hi This tourist visa sounds good for us as we also homeschool. Do you know if we could bring our down in on under those conditions though? Thanks
@kingsfordcarpentry21254 ай бұрын
Great videos. However it’s very repetitive. Maybe Summarize it more.