Article 2 in a special series of 10 practical guides for moving to Costa Rica in 2026.
Moving abroad is a dream for many. A new country, a new climate, new possibilities. For countless newcomers, arriving in a country like Costa Rica comes with an intense sense of freedom and excitement. This euphoria is very real, but it does not yet reflect the true reality of expat life. In intercultural psychology, this initial period has a well-defined and widely recognized name: the honeymoon phase.
When Everything Feels Perfect — and Nothing Feels Urgent
This stage corresponds to the first weeks or months after arriving in a new host country. Everything seems positive: the culture feels fascinating, differences appear charming, and challenges are largely minimized. This phase is a normal and predictable part of the cultural adaptation cycle experienced by most expatriates and immigrants.
“During the first six months, I told everyone I had finally found the perfect balance. I worked less, smiled more, and every sunset felt like proof that I had made the best decision of my life. What I didn’t realize was that I was running on the adrenaline of change. When the honeymoon faded, the real questions surfaced: financial stability, the language barrier, administrative delays, and the constant feeling of being slightly ‘outside’ the system. Luckily, I hadn’t burned my bridges. I kept remote income and took time to observe. That uncomfortable phase was decisive: either I would leave, or I would truly put down roots. Today, I know that staying has nothing to do with euphoria—and everything to do with adaptation.” — John McCasten, originally from England
This Is Not Random — It’s Psychological
This phenomenon is closely linked to the concept of culture shock, first formalized by anthropologist Kalervo Oberg, who described an initial phase of enthusiasm followed by disillusionment. Sociologist Sverre Lysgaard later popularized the U-curve of intercultural adaptation, now widely taught in studies on immigration, expatriation, and global mobility. These studies show that initial euphoria is not an illusion, but a well-documented psychological mechanism.
When Feeling Good Leads to Bad Decisions
During the honeymoon phase, the brain filters reality. Administrative constraints, financial challenges, deep cultural differences, and the complexity of local systems are perceived as secondary. Many new expats confuse temporary emotional well-being with a sustainable life project. It is precisely during this phase that the riskiest decisions are often made.
“In the first months, I was literally floating. Everything felt simple, warm, and obvious. When reality caught up—paperwork, delays, frustrations—I didn’t panic. I understood what was happening. Over time, I adjusted my expectations, my budget, and my lifestyle. Today, I’m still here, calm and well integrated. Recognizing this phase helped me avoid confusing emotion with stability.” — Mark Kidd, originally from Sudbury, Canada
The Truth No One Likes to Hear
Personal experience has taught me one essential lesson: the expat life is not a vacation stretched over time. Sunshine does not guarantee financial stability. Beautiful scenery does nothing to ease bureaucracy. Exotic surroundings do not protect against stress, isolation, or costly mistakes. Expatriation is not just a change of scenery; it means entering a new system, with its own rules, codes, timelines, and constraints.
Many mistakes made by new expats stem from this initial euphoria: leaving a secure job too quickly, investing in real estate without understanding local regulations, underestimating the true cost of living, launching a business without preparation, or believing problems will resolve themselves over time. These decisions are not signs of poor judgment, but the result of overconfidence fueled by emotion.
“I thought I had found paradise. I sold everything, bought quickly, and launched a project without a safety net. For me, how I felt was proof that I had made the right choice. Then the euphoria faded. Problems hit all at once: finances, loneliness, cultural misunderstandings. I thought the country simply wasn’t ‘for me.’ I left exhausted, with financial losses and deep disappointment. In hindsight, I didn’t fail at expatriation—I failed to understand the process.” — Sophie Milton, originally from Liège, Belgium
When the Dream Fades, Reality Begins
The honeymoon phase is only the first step. It is almost always followed by an emotional downturn marked by frustration, mental fatigue, and doubt. Next comes adjustment and integration. This more difficult phase is not a failure; it is often the moment when expats truly begin to understand their host country and find their place within it.
Stop Living Like a Tourist If You Want to Stay
To protect yourself during this phase, it is essential to live the country like a resident, not a tourist. A successful stay is not limited to beaches and exploration. It means testing real daily life: grocery shopping, transportation, administrative processes, healthcare systems, opening a bank account, paying services, and respecting local norms and timelines. Living at the country’s pace reveals what truly fits your lifestyle and what will require adjustment.
Why Newcomers Give the Worst Advice
It is also crucial to surround yourself with long-term expats. The most valuable insights don’t come from newcomers, but from those who are still there after five, ten, or fifteen years. These individuals have lived through every stage of adaptation. They speak with nuance, share both positives and challenges, and offer a realistic view of long-term life in the country. Their experience is often worth more than any guidebook or online forum.
I was fortunate to meet and build a friendship with Claude Laferrière, who has lived in Costa Rica for nearly 25 years. Surrounding myself with a positive, grounded, and trustworthy expat like Claude profoundly changed my perspective and, quite honestly, changed my life.
Money Stress Is the Silent Expat Killer
Another key lesson is financial preparation. At the beginning, it is nearly impossible for newcomers to access local bank loans, even when they are organized, solvent, and acting in good faith. The system operates on history, not trust. Knowing this is not enough; you must prepare for it.
I had to establish a clear plan to meet our financial needs without relying on local credit. Having financial flexibility is not a sign of failure; it is a sign of maturity. A financial cushion absorbs surprises, reduces daily pressure, and prevents rushed decisions driven by urgency.
Successful expatriation requires a shift in mindset, moving from dreaming to conscious construction. It means accepting that adaptation takes time, that challenges are part of the process, and that long-term success abroad depends far more on patience and humility than on initial enthusiasm.
The Message That Changes Everything
The honeymoon phase is neither a lie nor a mistake. It is a natural part of human adaptation. But it should never become the foundation of a life project. What you feel is normal. What you decide during this phase must be thoughtful.
Living abroad can be deeply enriching and transformative. It becomes fragile when built solely on emotion and idealism. Understanding the psychological mechanisms of cultural adaptation helps prevent many disappointments. Being informed is self-protection. Preparing is respecting your dream of expatriation.
Join us for an insightful discussion with Fernando Alfaro, a distinguished attorney who specializes in helping expats navigate life in Costa Rica. With years of experience, Fernando emphasizes that understanding Costa Rica’s legal and constitutional framework is essential—not just as a set of rules, but as a reflection of the country’s values and its unique way of life. Click the video below to know more
- Tamarindo Natura Lodge: Une oasis de tranquillité près de Tamarindo
- Tout crisser là et s’expatrier ?
- 15 faits étonnants sur le fameux Toucan à carène
- Avec Catamaran Ocean Tours, la nature fait partie du spectacle
- Expatriation: si c’est pour vivre pareil, pourquoi partir ?
