Posts tagged Costa
Costa Rica on the Cheap
Jan 22nd
Fresh produce from the farmers’ market is key to living frugally
When I moved to Costa Rica, I expected my living expenses to decrease, but I had no idea I would be able to live comfortably for under $1,000 per month. In fact, when my husband and I first got married, we lived well, albeit frugally, on about $850 per month. Though we counted colones, we were able to afford a nice three-bedroom home in a great location, with cable TV and high speed Internet, cell phones, and a few evenings of dining out each month. Try doing that in most world cities!
Living on the cheap in Costa Rica is just like pinching pennies anywhere else; however, prioritizing expenditures is just a little easier here. The biggest factor in maximizing a small budget is real estate, and there’s a lot more to it than location. First, identify where you want to live; beach areas and hip urban areas, especially those that cater to foreigners, will be pricey. Small towns in the Central Valley are a good bet, as they’re accessible to the capital, have reliable public transportation, and offer affordable rents.
Public transportation is cheap
After you’ve found your ideal location, aim for a Costa Rican neighborhood. Locals tend to build their houses without central hot water. Electric showers provide hot water on demand and help save a ton on your energy bill. If possible, find a home constructed of cool concrete – air conditioning is not necessary throughout most of the country, and in the hotter, coastal areas, a couple of strong fans will do the trick.
One of the biggest factors in sticking to a stingy budget is food. Premade goods, even those that are extremely budget-friendly in the United States (macaroni & cheese, canned soups, etc.) are imported to Costa Rica and therefore more expensive. If you want to eat cheap here, you have to eat local.
Traditional homes are often inexpensive and energy efficient
Scour the Internet and cookbooks for simple recipes that use fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. Seasonal produce is very affordable – you can easily grab ten pounds of fruits and veggies at the farmers’ market for less than $20. Staples like carrots, potatoes and dried beans are incredibly cheap and very healthy. Beef and pork are usually cheaper than in the United States, but boneless, skinless chicken breast costs $4 per pound. If you want to be extra careful with your food budget, consider eating vegetarian at least half of the time.
The best advice I can give anyone on a budget is to plan wisely but don’t scrimp too much. Moving to Costa Rica should be an exciting and enjoyable experience, and if you spend every moment worrying about money, you’ll lose sight of the beauty around you.
Counting Colones Budget Breakdown:
Housing: $150/month (shared apartment or small home)
Basic utilities (electricity & water): $15 (1/2 of total house utilities)
Luxury utilities (cell phone, cable TV & 1mb high-speed Internet): $40 (1/2 of total house utilities)
Public Transportation: $45 (equivalent to using four inner-city buses per day)
Restaurants & Entertainment: $100
Groceries: $200
Miscellaneous: $100
Total: $650
Little Bit O’ Luxury Budget Breakdown:
Housing: $300/month (private apartment or small home)
Basic utilities (electricity & water): $30
Luxury utilities (cell phone, cable TV & 2mb high-speed Internet): $85
Public Transportation: $100 (liberal use of buses & taxis)
Restaurants & Entertainment: $150
Groceries: $225
Private Health Insurance: $50
Miscellaneous: $100
Total: $1,040
Medical Tourism in Costa Rica
Jan 22nd
Affordable cosmetic surgery in Costa Rica
Affordable healthcare, Board Certified surgeons, and highly trained medical professionals have made Costa Rica one of the world’s top destinations for medical tourism. Moreover, Costa Rica’s proximity to the States – most major cities are a five hour flight or less – makes it an accessible and convenient choice for the one million Americans who take medical vacations every year.
Medical vacations combine surgical procedures with pampered escapes, often at comfortable recovery centers or hotels that cater to patients on the mend. Surgery packages typically include airfare, recovery and sightseeing, and run 1/4 to 2/3 the cost of the surgery alone in the United States.
Costa Rica’s hospitals use cutting-edge technology
Of course, price is not the only concern when researching a medical vacation: safety and patient comfort also top the list. Costa Rica’s modern hospitals, cutting-edge technology, and Board Certified plastic surgeons are some of the country’s biggest draws. A majority of the country’s physicians have studied abroad, earning their degrees from some of the best medical schools in the United States and Europe. As in the United States, Costa Rican law requires surgeons to carry liability insurance to assure patients protection from malpractice.
All surgeons catering to medical tourists speak fluent English, and at many of the country’s most reputable hospitals, most of the staff is bilingual as well. Patient comfort is a priority, and Costa Rican physicians take pride in providing personalized follow-up care, visiting patients several times after surgery to review progress and addressing any concerns.
If you’re considering a medical vacation, research is key. Do your due diligence on any hospital and surgeon, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
What do your surgery package costs include? What is not included?At which hospital will my surgery take place?Will I be able to speak to my doctor before arriving in Costa Rica?Do all doctors and staff speak English?What are the hospital’s recovery and post-op practices?What are the specifics of the hospital’s and surgeon’s malpractice insurance?Can you provide me with references and contact information for recent patients?
Cost Comparisons:
Cosmetic Surgery:
ProcedureUSACosta RicaBreast Augmentation$6,000-$10,000$2,500-$3,500Facelift$7,500-$15,000$3,500-$5,000Smart Liposuction$4,000 per area$2,000 per areaRhinoplasty$10,000-$15,000$3,000-$4,000Tummy Tuck$5,000-$8,500$3,500-$4,500
Medical & Dental Procedures:
ProcedureUSACosta RicaGastric Bypass$20,000-$35,000$10,500Heart BypassUp to $130,000$24,000Hip Replacement$35,000-$40,000$12,000Conventional Lasik$4,300 for both eyes$1,300 for both eyesIntraLase LASIK$5,100 for both eyes$2,500 for both eyesPorcelain Veneers$1,500 per tooth$300-$500 per toothTeeth Whitening$500-$1000$200-$300
