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Real Costa Rica Tours
August 18th, 2009
NOTE: Prefer to see the videos below in HIGH Resolution? The video plugin by DIVX will be required! If you are comfortable with this, just CLICK HERE, otherwise, enjoy the videos below with no adjustments needed.
Recently, because of various issues in the world and especially in the United States, more people are considering the idea of living in another country and more specifically in Costa Rica. As I said in the REAL Costa Rica web site:
“The economic and political changes of 2008 and 2009 are affecting the people of many countries and I think especially those from the United States. Between the economy and dwindling savings, many folks are being forced to re-evaluate their retirement plans. Layoffs are common, and for those over age 50, a layoff can be a disaster. Sadly, many people are coming to the same conclusion; “I cannot afford to retire in the USA but I really do not want to keep working”.
For a long time, people have asked me if I would be available to spend a day or two exclusively with them and give them their own custom Costa Rica tour. I began doing this last year on a very limited basis, but now the inquiries have begun to arrive almost daily and it is clear that people want to get the REAL story on Costa Rica.
Sadly, the only other tours (currently there are three) concentrate very heavily on real estate even though they claim to be “Retirement Tours” or better yet, “Relocation Tours”. This is simply not the case. They all show and sell property or are directly connected with those that do.
While these types of real estate tours certainly have a their place, more and more people realize that buying property before they know Costa Rica and whether they want or will even like the country is very premature. Worse, a person interested in selling real estate (or any product) is certainly not going to say anything negative that will make you not want to live here.
For an international move, you just have to have the correct information, good and not so good. It will increase vastly you chances of making a successful transition.
Currently, about 60% of those moving here leave Costa Rica in the first year so buying property in Costa Rica before you are sure that you want to live here is just a really bad idea.
Are my tours negative on Costa Rica? Not at all! I love living here… the bigger question is, “Will you?”.
I spend my time teaching you what your daily life will be like… good and bad. Why? It is my opinion that one of the big reasons people do not adjust to Costa Rica is that they have no idea what is coming. Some surprises are nice. Others less so. I deal in facts, and I never try to sell Costa Rica. I do not book your hotel rooms for a commission. I won’t even tell you my dentist’s name until after your live here. I sell no real estate and will not show you homes. I WILL perhaps drive through an area and comment on security, population mix, etc. However, if you like the tone and content of The Real Costa Rica web site and you want to make intelligent decisions on this life changing move, then you may find spending personal time with me to be beneficial.
However, if all you want is to pay to see dozens of homes or spend 2-3 days hearing how perfect is Costa Rica, then you probably will not much enjoy my tour. My tour is like my web site. I tell you exactly what you need to know, not just what you want to hear.
Things to consider:
- I own six successful companies here in Costa Rica. These tours are not a business for me. I do them because I truly want people who are considering a move to Costa Rica to maximize their chances for success. An international move is a daunting, expensive and time consuming endeavor, and you need to know what is coming your way before you begin the process.
- You tour with me. There is no group. You get 100% of my time during the tour whether for one or two days. This is better, I have been told as many folks do not care to share their personal lives or needs with 8-12 strangers. Often they want to discuss things of a somewhat private nature.
- We cover the realities of living here… everything from the banking system, health care (public and private), crime and personal security, where to live, shopping, technology (Internet, etc), residency options… to hiring a maid! In other words, the works.
Below are two videos filmed by one of my early tour customers, Andy Brown and his wife Fran. Their story is sadly becoming more an more common.
In this first video, Fran and Andy discuss why the have to consider a move to Costa Rica.
In this second video, Andy discusses their what they decided were their priorities and discusses the time they spent with me.
Interested? If so, please email me here..
Filed under Costa Rica | Comments (7)7 Responses to “Real Costa Rica Tours”
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Hola Tim,
There’s a possibility that we might be interested in that Custom Costa Rica Tour…How much notice do you need to do it? How much does it cost? We’re planning on visiting this Dec if all works out…probably mid to late Dec-09…We’re undecided how long we’ll stay in CR…could be up to 5-6 months. You have my e-mail address should you wish to contact me there instead.
Gracias
I will email you.
Hi Tim,
I hope your faring well this Holiday season. I am coming to CR btw 1/26/09 & 2/9/10 and would like to see if you can arrange to show me around a bit. I’m planning on the ARCR seminar and then have everything else free.
I am looking for property that I can use at first for vacationing in the summer and with in 2-3 years relocate permanently. I would like to see some of the Caribbean, Central & Southern Zones, Ah and the Samara area seems to drawing my interest as of late.
I realize that we can’t do it all and I wondered if I could due a short tour and then maybe spend a a few hours filling me in on the other areas for self exploration and also discussing business opportunities.
Does that sound like something you would be interested in? If so, do you have a daily rate? I look forward to talking with you.
David
Sorry for the late response…
Best to read this:
http://blog.therealcostarica.com/the-real-costa-rica-tours/
to learn about my tours… Then contact me at that email address if you have an interest.
Tim~
We are arriving in Costa Rica on Feb. 18th, 2010 and were hoping to set up a tour with you, hoping to learn about the areas around San Jose, not necessarily in San Jose. I was reading about the aparthotels you stayed in and think something like that would work best for our situation. Needing one furnished. And also being close to health care. If you have time then that would be great. We will be in Costa Rica at least until March 16th unless something goes really wrong. The sooner the better.
Thanks.
Cindy
I received your email and have responded.
Your website states that a passport be vaild for 6 months after departure date. I’ve been reading other websites and they are stating 30 days. How do i find out for sure which is right? I have booked a trip for costa rica for april 15th. I am from Canada and government website states 30 days.