All Entries in the "Expat Living" Category
Federal Judge Blocks Arizona Immigration Law
A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction that blocks sections of a controversial measure against illegal immigrants in the state of Arizona. The law which enjoys widespread popular support in the state would require law enforcement officials to verify the immigration status of persons arrested. Many Latin American countries, Costa Rica included have officially [...]
Social Media Tools Make New Look Possible
Usexpatcostarica.com has a totally new look, however the articles remain unchanged thanks to one of the most versatile social media tools of our time. In this case, WordPress or more broadly a blog has transformed the Internet landscape for the 21st century. When web logs first appeared we called them blogs, wikis, squidoo’s or forums. At the [...]
Social Media Trumps SPAM
A recent news report suggested that Social Media is Just a Fad, and while it was once easy to dismiss things like Twitter and Facebook as annoying toys they are worth a second look if you still aren’t a convert. The upshot is that these “social networking” services are replacements for email, easy to use, [...]
AM Costa Rica Predicts Death of Social Media
Would the last person done with the Internet please remember to turn it off, and on your way out don’t forget to pick up a CB radio and today’s print edition newspaper. A recent article in AM Costa Rica is skeptical of the growth of Social Media, and compares it to Citizen Band (CB) radio [...]
World Cup Soccer and Barbecue
The World Cup Soccer Match takes place just once every four years, enjoys worldwide attention and for the most part is ignored by the expatriate community despite being popular with Costa Ricans. At least the event was not well promoted in any local English language advertising, which is usually a good indicator of what business [...]
50th Annual Independence Day Celebration in Costa Rica
The United States expatriate community was fortunate to enjoy the annual Independence Day picnic at the Cervercería de Costa Rica picnic grounds on Sunday. This year was the 50th aniversity of the event hosted by the American Colony Committee for U.S. expats in Costa Rica and their guests. The number in attendance was stated as [...]
Legal Residency Lacks Path to Citizenship
Would you sign a letter renouncing your United States citizenship even if it had no tangible consequences? If you have relocated or retired in Costa Rica and have legal residency, then is the question you face answer after seven years. Costa Rican law allows you to apply for full citizenship provided that you can pass [...]
Twitter in Costa Rica Worth a Try
Twitter is a great way to connect with other expatriates in Costa Rica and keep in touch with families and friends back home. While some people dismiss the micro blogging service as inane or annoying results depend on how you use the service and the kind of people you follow. It’s definitely worth a look [...]
Maple Cafe: Failed Expat Business in Costa Rica?
Apparently a nice remodeling job wasn’t enough to make the Maple Cafe a success, and like many expatriate run businesses in Costa Rica the restaurant quietly closed it doors after being open just a few months. A sign now appears that suggests you can buy the working business or maybe just the equipment. The story [...]
Facebook Helps Expatriates Stay in Touch
Coming to start a life in a new country isn’t always the easiest experience, and apart from the stress of relocation there can be a sense of social isolation, especially when dealing with a foreign culture. Facebook is a good way to stay connected to many people you care about back home while at the [...]
