Attend our monthly events and activities in Costa Rica and get to know like-minded expats in real life. Aug 27, , PM. Oct 30, , PM.
Start here. Living Tap to see all guide sections. Relocation Services. Pros and Cons of Living in Costa Rica The pros and cons of living in Costa Rica often work like two sides of a coin: every pro can also be a con. Whether you prefer to just lounge on the beach and swim in warm waters, or hike in the cool mountains and take a plunge beneath waterfalls, this country has something to entice every adventure seeker.
If you are trying to escape the cold of your home country only seasonally or for the long-haul, this country is ideal for you. The crime rate is low. Costa Rica is especially safe for solo female expats , although a standard amount of caution is always advised. Costa Rica is one of the best countries in which to retire abroad.
This is thanks to its various visas, that allow foreigners to remain in the country without a steady job. You will, however, need to prove adequate savings or proof of a pension. It is possible to find expats in nearly every corner of the country.
Foreigners who move here will not need to worry about a lack of resources or communal support. While this may seem like a pro, expats will need to be wary of aggressive monkeys that are likely to swipe phones, wallets, and even glasses. Scorpions and snakes are also common guests in households, shoes, and even beds. Expats will need to be careful of where they step and always be sure to carry bug spray with them. Costa Rica is not just a popular place for expats to settle down; it is also a thriving tourist destination.
Tourism opens up more job opportunities for foreigners in the country, but it also leads to higher costs and annoying crowds. Although crime in this country is low, foreigners will need to be aware of pick pockets.
If you buy a house, but only use it seasonally, you may also experience some minor theft and property damage during the months while you are away. The country is small, but bad roads and few major airports can make it hard to travel great distances that often.
If you plan to return home a lot or hope to welcome frequent visitors, you may consider living in one of the major cities rather than a small beachside town. The hot, humid climate can feel oppressive at times. Expats will feel the need for cool showers more than once a day.
Rain in this country is often a downpour and floods are not uncommon. Need to Relocate to Australia? Get started. Emergency Numbers If you experience any kind of emergency while in Costa Rica, call Other useful numbers include: —police; —fire department and paramedics; —ambulance.
Public Holidays The following are national holidays celebrated annually in Costa Rica. Culture and Social Etiquette Knowing the culture and social norms of Costa Rica will not only help you be respectful in your new country, but it will go a long way to making you feel like a part of the local community.
Greetings People in Costa Rica typically shake hands when greeting one another, although a kiss on one cheek is also common. Social Interactions Ticos are generalized as easy-going, welcoming people. Punctuality While Costa Rican business culture calls for punctuality, social settings allow for tardiness. What to Wear One of the easiest ways to spot a foreign man is by the way he dresses. Early Risers Ticos are known to start their days early in the morning. Should I Know Spanish? Taboos Just because Costa Rica is known for beautiful beaches, you should not mistake the country for a raucous beach town.
Topics in opposition to Catholicism should be avoided in public. This includes conversations about abortion, pre-marital sex, and marriage equality. Public displays of drunkenness are frowned upon, as is loud, extravagant behavior. Costa Rica also has incredibly fresh produce and a fantastic selection of tropical fruits. Be sure to try some of the fruits that you may not be able to get back home: guava, rambutan, passion fruit, and guanabana.
These fruits are often turned into mouth-watering smoothies and juices, which you can get at restaurants and stands around the city. Not only that, but the drives are often breathtaking. A four-hour ride will fly by as you stare out your window at lush valleys, jungles, and pastel sunsets.
The city is in the dead center of the country and has an extensive network of buses that travel all over. You can get just about anywhere by bus in under 8 hours, which makes weekend trips very convenient. It attracts a lot of hippies and surfers and has a thriving hostel scene. In Arenal, you can visit hot springs, an active volcano, and the thundering La Fortuna waterfall. A few hours away, you can zip-line through the cloud forest in Monteverde. On the eastern coast, you can walk on black sand beaches and soak up the fun Caribbean vibe in Puerto Viejo.
These are the beaches featured on screensavers: white-sand, green mountains, and vibrant flowers. They were obviously numbed and oblivious to the majestic views on either side and in front. You know the kind of trip; asking everyone you know to sponsor you so you can go off for that life changing experience to save the turtles and find yourself? The thing is though, it did change him. The chance to take a few thousand steps back, to admire the country from above for the lush oasis it is.
Sign me up for the newsletter! I'm glad you enjoyed your visit to Costa Rica. I'm a Costarican that is soon going to relocate to Southsea. I lived there a while back in and my husband and I have decided to move back as we truly enjoyed the place. There you will find some of the most awesome beaches in the world that will make you feel so relaxed, grateful and overall so happy to be alive.
If you are planning on going back to Costa Rica I can give you some insiders tips on what beaches to visit in Guanacaste. Take care and as is expected, Pura Vida. Oh really, do you think? I think it depends on where you go and what you do. Obviously there are so many rich Westerners coming in that it drives up the prices but I think you can still find the better value places if you try.
Ha, I wish there was. Maybe I could do that on my next press trip, not for any reason, just for a laugh. Dress up as something different every day — that would definitely entertain me.
Expect adventure, road trips, camping, festivals and food! What is Costa Rica Like? Costa Rica wildlife Of course, you think Costa Rica and you think wildlife. Not the case in Costa Rica. People in Costa Rica Anyone we met in Costa Rica was super lovely, from the waiterf who knew they should probably be nice to us because we were on a press trip, to the staff at the airports and in the shops we went to for our beer supplies.
The National Parks are well-cared for by government and locals alike. The major roads are well maintained with the influx of tourism dollars. And the medical tourism industry thrives, which allows expats to also access world-class healthcare that rivals many developed nations. And while there are pockets of crime, Costa Rica is one of the safest spots in Central America.
Many families also look to Costa Rica for their education system. In , the government abolished the military and began to funnel that money into education.
That gamble paid off. Decades later, the country has a very high literacy rate and good public schools. Living in Costa Rica is more affordable than the U. How much does it cost to live in Costa Rica? This averages living costs across many months—you may spend more getting set up. Here is a sample cost of living in trendier expat areas of Costa Rica.
The majority of expats in Costa Rica are retirees, with some younger expats and families. Expat communities are denser in the Central Valley and the Gold Coast. The Southern Zone would be a runner-up. Internet outages can occur. Pet Friendliness : Costa Rica is relatively pet-friendly, however, the process for bringing your pets can be a little overwhelming.
Start well before your planned move so you can have the vaccinations and documentation in place. Water : Tap water throughout the majority of Costa Rica is completely safe. There is also affordable private insurance throughout the country.
Visas : To enter Costa Rica as a traveler you must present a valid passport, as well as proof of a round-trip ticket or an onward ticket. For more detailed information, visit the US State Department website. Safety : Costa Rica is relatively safe.
Always ask locals before swimming in fresh water as some contain microorganisms that can make you very sick. The currents along the Pacific and Atlantic shores are often very strong and dangerous; always read signs before entering the water to make sure you are in a safe area. Possible Issues : Water and power outages are common outside of major cities.
Also, you must have proof of a return ticket before you board a plane to Costa Rica. Each region offers a different cost and quality of living, research and read local expat stories before you arrive. Each region offers a different cost and quality of life. It is a good idea to learn about the regions before narrowing your potential list of relocation spots.
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