Moving to Costa Rica and the “Pura Vida” Lifestyle

How to Move to Costa Rica: Questions Answered

Let’s begin with answering some of the most commonly asked questions:

Can I Move to Costa Rica From the U.S.?

Yes! It’s quite easy to move to Costa Rica from the U.S. Before the global pandemic disrupting travel and immigration, some 120,000 U.S. citizens were thought to reside permanently in Costa Rica. Unless your worldly possessions fit in your luggage (if flying), we recommend leaving it to the professionals to move your belongings, including electronics and appliances.

Can I work in Costa Rica?

Unless you secure your digital-nomad status, you cannot legally hold a job in Costa Rica without obtaining a work permit. This typically requires a lot of paperwork and a long wait time. Most people who relocate have money in the bank, a pension or other steady outside income.

Can I move to Costa Rica With my Pet?

Yes, it’s quite easy to move your pet to Costa Rica – and why wouldn’t you bring your furry friends along? You can either bring your pet on the flight with you. or fly your pet separately as cargo. In both cases, you’ll need the required vaccinations and a health certificate from your vet, as it’s typically required when you move your pets internationally to most countries in the world. Unlike some of those other countries, there is no quarantine required for pets entering Costa Rica. The U.S. embassy recently updated their detailed info on bringing a pet if you’re not sure about the local requirements.

Will it be Easy Enough to Enroll a Child in School in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is generally considered a safe country and a good place for families. Your family will enjoy great weather, plenty of outdoor activities and beautiful beaches. There are public, private and international schools in Costa Rica. Public schools are taught in Spanish, but some private and international schools offer classes in English.

The school year runs from February through November or December. To keep class sizes manageable, it’s common for public schools to run a shift system with some kids attending in the morning and others in the afternoon. Typically, there are also plenty of before and after school activities offered. Choosing a school abroad might seem daunting, but it’s doable.

What to Bring With You When Moving to Costa Rica

So, what should you bring with you when you find your own Costa Rican piece of paradise? You could bring just about everything you own, but the real question is if it’s worth the hassle. One of the reasons you’re coming to Costa Rica may be to get away from it all, so why bring the past to the future? Just bring your clothes!

All joking aside, yes there are some things that you should bring. I highly recommend bringing your health records and dental records, as we have great healthcare in Costa Rica. You’ll also want to bring other Important files, which is more of a must because you’re starting a whole new life – not to mention, some items from your past may still be pending or needed in the future, such as past tax filings records, investment portfolio information, and those kinds of things.

If you’re into a certain type of music, bring your albums, CDs and players (if you still have ‘em). Remember, this is a Latin country and you may not be able to find the genre you like.

As a retired chef, I love the simple style of cooking in Costa Rica – fresh and authentic. However, there are many times I want to spice it up a bit. Some herbs and spices are not easily found in Costa Rica, as in Asian and Indian ingredients. Try finding black mustard seeds here, Nope, but if you happen to know where it can be found in Costa Rica, PLEASE let me know!

If you’re moving to a home or condo that is partially furnished, or even if it’s fully furnished, you may want to bring your bedding and towels, especially if there’s a specific type and thread count you prefer. The same goes for some specialty cooking utensils or pans that you just can’t live without.

Lastly, take an inventory of things you feel are most important to you, then take a closer look at everything and ask yourself, “Do I need this to make me happy”? If the answer is yes, then bring it. Then sell or give the rest of it away, but don’t bring it just for the sake of bringing it, as it will just end up getting in the way. Not to mention, the more you bring, the more it will cost you to get it here. So simplify your life – it’s the Pura Vida Lifestyle.

To Ship or Not to Ship?

Your move to Costa Rica is a chance to start over, a fresh start. Surely, you won’t need to ship all of your personal belongings to Costa Rica. As mentioned before, people move here for the simple life, so get rid of as much as you can. Well, not everything. In fact, there are a few sentimental things you simply can’t part with, like pictures and that antique vase. Those things will fit in a suitcase, should you decide to bring them.

But what about Grandma’s dresser? Maybe it would be better just to ship down all of your old stuff and not have to buy all new things when you get here. Wouldn’t that be simpler? Surely, they wouldn’t charge much for my old junk, right? What would it cost? How long will it take? Which items will they tax? Will they arrive damaged? Suddenly, life doesn’t not seem so simple.

So which is better – shipping your items to Costa Rica or buying everything here? Of course, the answer to that question depends on what’s available in Costa Rica. There may be some things you can’t live without but can’t find here.

How Much Will Shipping Cost Me and Is it Really Worth It?

Now, your next questions might be, “How do I go about shipping things to Costa Rica and what does it cost? And how much will I pay in import taxes?” With the exception of Grandma’s dresser and other sentimental items, most of what you need or want is available in Costa Rica. You’ll find that international retailers like Walmart and Pricesmart (similar to Costco) are countrywide. Appliances can be found there, as well as local appliance chains such as El Gollo and Casa Blanca or Monge. Well-known brands such as Samsung, Whirlpool, Oster, Frigidaire, GE and others are available.

Just be sure to do some price comparisons. Many household items, from linens to lamps, can be found at inexpensive prices in Pequeno Mundo, a national chain with a store in Liberia, Guanacaste. Better quality home goods can be found in stores such as Cemaco and Aliss in the Central Valley. Unless you have a favorite platter or vase you cannot live without, it really is unnecessary to ship household items. You’ll find what you need here at comparable prices.

If you choose to ship Grandma’s dresser and that oh-so-comfortable recliner to Costa Rica, your possessions can be packed in an ocean freight container. These are stackable steel cargo containers that measure approximately 8 feet wide by 8 feet tall and come in 20- and 40-foot lengths. The 20-foot model will accommodate a 1- to 2-bedroom household, and the 40-foot model is large enough to hold the items from a 3- to 5-bedroom household.

As far as cost goes, if you opt to use an entire container, you pay a set price no matter how much or how little you pack into it. The cost of a shared container is based on volume and weight. You’ll want to contact a shipping company to get the most accurate and up-to-date quotes.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

In addition to the cost of the container, you’ll also need to pay warehousing fees until your shipment can be inspected and import duties are calculated. Customs officials will review the inventory of your shipment and assign a value to each item, whether new or used. Generally the tax is between 13% and 49% of the assigned value. A list of items and their tax rate can be found at costaricatax.com.

Reviewing these lists will help you decide whether an item is worth importing. After paying the import duty, you’ll need to arrange for transportation of your goods from the port to where you live – and if that is Guanacaste, the land transportation could be as much or more than the ocean passage.

What About Shipping a Vehicle to Costa Rica?

Should you bring a car to Costa Rica? People ask me that all the time, and I always say “Forget it, it’s a car, buy one here, the sticker shock on the importation tax is enough to send you to the doctor!” When I moved to Costa Rica 17 years ago, I filled a container full to the brim with stuff, thinking I was going to need it all. But as it turned out, most of the items I thought I “needed” ended up being sold on the cheap, given away, or are still sitting in boxes somewhere.

So, while a vehicle can also be shipped in the container, it takes up a lot of floor space and you can’t pack up to the ceiling unless you build some sort of framework over it. If you have just a few items to ship, you can place your items on one or more pallets and ship them in a shared container, called a “less than container load” (LCL).

If you’re considering importing a vehicle, be sure to consult the official government website. Enter the make, model, and features of your vehicle, and it will show you the price in which they determine the value to be, which will be used in the final calculation.  Be warned that vehicle import duties range from 52% to 79% of the Blue Book value. So, in most cases you’re better off just buying a new one here.

“But I’ve heard vehicles are really expensive in Costa Rica,” you might be thinking to yourself, and you’re not wrong – vehicles do cost more in Costa Rica than in North America, However, shipping your own car here may not be the cheaper way to go, either.

How Much Will Shipping a Vehicle to Costa Rica Really Cost?

Importing a car to Costa Rica is a common practice, and there are many reputable car importers. The cost of shipping from the closest port, Miami, is about $1000 plus the cost of maritime freight insurance. Shipping insurance covers the vehicle being lost at sea or loss of the container but does not cover damage to the vehicle inside the container or during transit. If you’re looking to ship your car from Seattle, Los Angeles, Houston or other port cities,the price will be higher and fewer shipping dates are available, but it could be more convenient for you.

Your vehicle will arrive at one of Costa Rica’s two ports: Moin (Limon) on the Caribbean side and Caldera on the Pacific coast. Once your vehicle arrives, the shipping company may transport it to their warehouse in the San Jose area. Keep in mind, warehousing fees will be incurred. The officials at the port and the import company will help you deal with customs paperwork and assist if you don’t speak Spanish. It is possible the car may arrive damaged or, rarely, have parts missing. Unfortunately, there is no recourse to recoup those losses.

Here Come the Customs Duties

Now we arrive at the reason cars cost so much in Costa Rica: customs duties. The customs duties on any car 6 years old or newer can be as high as 80% of the value of the vehicle, according to importation laws, not the actual price you paid or the Kelly Blue Book value. 

Hacienda will determine the value for any particular vehicle, and it’s a good idea to look up your car ahead of time. To be “forewarned” is to be “forearmed” – armed with your wallet, that is. The government’s value calculation takes into account every factory feature, option and extra. Mileage and condition are not taken into consideration nor are modifications.

After paying taxes, the customs office will issue a document called a DUA (documento unico administrativo) which is your temporary title for 24 – 48 hours. This gives you enough time to take your vehicle to be inspected. Once you pass, you can hire a lawyer to draft the legal document to register your vehicle. Expect to pay around 4.5% of the value of the vehicle to get it registered.

Additionally, you will pay the annual road circulation tax (marchamo) and mandatory liability tax. The National Insurance Institute (INS) posts its rates on its website. Once the vehicle is registered, you’re assigned license plates. Just keep in mind, the registration process can take up to one month.

Final Answer: To Ship the Car or Not

Does your car ride low, hug the road, and fly along at high speeds smoothly and comfortably? If so, you will not enjoy those features nor the experience in Costa Rica. Though most highways are paved, they’re not even close to the Autobahn or a U.S. interstate highway. You’ll find rough patches and potholes abound, while slow-moving trucks and congestion make hitting 60 mph an uncommon occurrence. Though you may rarely use the 4-wheel-drive feature of your SUV, you will find the higher, sturdier suspension more important than speed and comfort.

So, before inviting your vehicle to join you in your new life, make sure it’s the right fit for Costa Rica. If your vehicle was manufactured in America or Europe, you’ll find it more challenging (and possibly more expensive) to find parts and get repairs. The most common parts available are for Asian vehicles – and every mechanic can fix them.

If you decide your vehicle is a perfect fit, make sure it’s in good shape before loading it on a boat, as it will undergo a thorough inspection upon arrival by the agency Revision Tecnica de Vehiculos (RITEVE) before you’re allowed to take possession. This is the same inspection your vehicle will need to pass on an annual basis.

As you can see, it’s extremely important to do your due diligence before deciding to ship everything you own when making the move to Costa Rica. Knowing what is and isn’t important to you will be a lot easier when analyzed in the light of time, effort and costs. The answer to the question of whether you should or shouldn’t ship your things is very individual and personal. If you make an informed, well-thought-out decision, your move to Costa Rica will be as easy and refreshing as you’ve always dreamed it would be!

Getting Your Costa Rica Driver’s License

Knowing what’s needed to get a driver’s license in Costa Rica ahead of time is important because your foreign license is only good for the same amount of time as your last current passport stamp (90 days is the max). The steps for getting your driver’s license in Costa Rica haven’t changed too much but there are some new things to keep in mind as of Feb 9, 2022.

First, you’ll have to schedule an appointment for the homologation of your license, which means validating a foreign license to receive a Costa Rican license. The homologation process saves you the hassle of having to take the local written and driving tests to receive a Costa Rican drivers’ license. Appointments can be scheduled on the MOPT/COSEVI website.

It’s important to keep in mind that the appointments are released slowly and only at certain times. Just because you fill out the necessary information online doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive an appointment – oftentimes, it will take a few attempts. Appointments are usually released between 7:45am and 8:00am on Thursdays. Be sure to be ready and on your computer at your scheduled time.

COSEVI/MOPT: If you don’t have a scheduled appointment, then it is advisable to arrive there early (before 7am) because there will be a long line. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and your physical before going.

Required Documents for Obtaining Your CR Driver’s License

Here is a list of items you will need:

• Your present license must be up-to-date and in good shape. Meaning it is not torn and everything can be clearly read on it.
• You will need two copies of both sides of your license. They won’t make copies for you!
• Medical check-up form: you can obtain this from many local area doctors that have been certified to perform the check-up. Heck, there is even a doctor’s office right across the street from the location in Liberia. But I advise doing it a day before or so.
• Your present resident card or your work permit, that is still valid and not expired.
• You will need two copies of your resident card or your work permit, both sides.
• You will need to present your current valid passport showing you have been in the country legally for 91 days.
• You will need copies of your passport that is issued from the same country as your foreign driver’s license along with copies of the last immigration stamp in your passport.
• Have the required fee amount ready to go. Presently it is 5,000 colones.

Note that if you don’t have all of the items listed above, you will be denied and have to go back again. I know – I went through this process. With all the proper paperwork, your photo will be taken and a new Costa Rica drivers license will be issued on the spot. Well, on the spot is a relative term – you may have to wait an hour. Remember, “Pura Vida”!

When I first got my Costa Rica license, I had to make a trek to the licensing department in the Central Valley, which is part of COSEVI located in La Uruca. However, the process is getting easier, thanks to the General Directorate of Road Safety which provides the service. There are now 13 different locations throughout the country, and you do not need an appointment. These locations include Limon, Perez Zeledon, San Carlos, Liberia, Nicoya, Puntarenas, Rico Claro, Alajuela, Sam Ramon, Guapiles, and of course La Uruca.

Now, you may be thinking “Hmm, I do not have a residency card yet. It hasn’t been issued yet”. Well, unfortunately to keep your current foreign license valid, you’ll need to leave the country and come back to get a new 90 day stamp in your passport. Unfortunately, the Immigration laws and the transit law never took foreigners and this process into consideration. 

In short, getting your Costa Rica drivers license can be frustrating (perhaps less frustrating than spending an entire day at the DMV, BVM or whatever your hometown calls it, but in the long run it’s just part of moving to another country and getting to know their laws and customs.

Social Security for US Expats in Costa Rica

Social Security is often the foundation of retirement plans, but many Americans have been paying into the system for years without knowing how the system actually works – especially when they retire abroad. With that being said, here are 5 lesser-known facts about Social Security that any retiring expat needs to know.

1. Qualifying for Social Security Benefits is Really Easy

To receive benefits upon retirement, you must simply earn 40 “credits” over at least 10 years of work. This boils down to about $1,200 a quarter, which is so low that you could probably qualify by working a seasonal job! Many expats contribute to the US Social Security system even when living abroad, so the expat status does not “exempt” one from Social Security benefits. In addition, if you earned money in the US and paid into the US system, the credits you earned will remain on your Social Security record.

2. You can Receive Social Security Benefits Overseas

Eligible US citizens can receive benefits when living abroad, with a handful of small exceptions. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is prohibited from sending payments to Cuba or North Korea, but they will send all withheld payments you were eligible for once you leave the restricted country. Note that non-US citizens cannot receive payments for the months they lived in Cuba or North Korea, even if they move to a country where payments are allowed.

There are also a handful of countries where payments cannot be made, but for the purpose of this article we’re focusing on Costa Rica – and yes you can receive your benefits here.

3. The Social Security System Isn’t Penniless (yet)

According to the 2014 annual report from the Social Security Board of Trustees on the financial status of the program, without policy changes, the combined Social Security trust funds will become depleted and unable to pay scheduled benefits in full on a timely basis in 2033. After that, Social Security could pay about three-fourths of scheduled benefits through 2089.

Analysts and reports differ as to what year the funds will begin to fall short but the guesstimate has remained between 2029 and 2042 for the past 20 years. Americans are encouraged to diversify their retirement portfolio to ensure they don’t rely too heavily on benefits that may (or may not) be available when they are needed.

4. Totalization Agreements Prevent Dual Taxation

The US has entered into agreements with 24 countries to ensure expats are not forced to pay into two Social Security systems. These agreements allow you to choose which system you would like to pay into.

If you’re self-employed, this may not be the case as self-employed individuals are generally subject to the US Social Security system. These taxes are included in self-employment taxes, which are currently 15.3%, and are assessed on net business income. However, in countries with a Totalization Agreement, self-employed individuals who are subject to self-employment tax in the foreign country will be exempt from US self-employment tax. A certificate of coverage must be obtained from the country of residence to provide proof of the individual’s participation in another Social Security plan.

Self-employed individuals will be subject to dual taxation if they choose to live in a country with which the US does not have a Totalization Agreement, as in Costa Rica.

5. SSA Benefits May Be Taxed

No matter where you go, US taxes will follow! US citizens and residents can expect up to 85% of their Social Security benefits to be subject to federal income tax. How much is actually taxable depends on the total amount of your benefits and other income you receive.

Generally, the greater your total income, the higher the taxation. The taxes are calculated as follows:

• Up to 50% of your benefits will be taxed if your income is greater than $25,000
• Up to 85% of your benefits can be taxable if either of these situations applies:

   

  • The total of one-half of your benefits and all your other income is more than $34,000 ($44,000 if you are married filing jointly)
  • You are married filing separately and lived with your spouse at any time during the year.

It’s important to note that many foreign governments tax US Social Security benefits, so we encourage you to check your country’s tax laws to get an accurate picture of your overall taxation.

Note: This portion of the article was written by David McKeegan and edited for Costa Rica, all credit goes to David.

Legal Requirements for Residency in Costa Rica

If you plan on residing in Costa Rica full-time, it’s better to be legal and not have to do a “border” run every 180 days. There is no guarantee you will get another 180 stamp in your passport, so why take the chance?

But please note, although this information was gathered from many different immigration attorneys, I personally highly recommend using the service of an immigration attorney, unless you speak perfect Spanish. Trust me, it will be a much easier experience. I know, I tried on my own and it was very frustrating, for me at least.

We can recommend different law firms that can assist you if you desire to obtain residency in Costa Rica. Just send us a message, and we’ll send you some firms to contact.

The Three Main Categories of Residency in Costa Rica

When it comes to obtaining residency in Costa Rica, there are 3 main categories: 1} Residency as a retiree, 2) Residency as an investor, and 3) residency as a renter.

Residency as a Retired Person or “Retiree”

In Costa Rica, a foreigner and their family (spouse, parents, single siblings, and children) can only apply for this type of residency if they’re entitled to a lifetime pension of $1000 per month in their country of origin. This could be from a United States IRA program, a 401(k) retirement plan, or a certifiable pension from a corporation, a union, or the US Social Security system. The same applies for Canadian residents with their RSP program. 

The foreigner must obtain a certified letter to prove a lifetime pension, and this letter must be authenticated either by a Costa Rica Consulate or through the “Apostille” Process. The foreigner will be given temporary residency and can work in Costa Rica only if they have their own Costa Rican corporation/business and do not work for another company. After 3 years of temporary residency, the foreigner can apply for permanent residency with no restrictions.

Residency as an Investor

A foreigner and their family (spouse, parents, single siblings and children) can apply for residency as an investor if the foreigner owns investments in Costa Rica valued over $150,000 USD. The Investment should be in specific areas, such as tourism, reforestation, shared ownership in a Costa Rican corporation, and any other properties and/or activity supported by the Costa Rican government. The foreigner will be given a temporary residency and can work in Costa Rica only if he has his own Costa Rican corporation/business and not for another company.

After 3 years of temporary residency, foreigners can apply for permanent residency with no restrictions. This is one of the easiest ways to obtain and maintain residency in Costa Rica. A retiree can purchase property to retire to, such as a house, villa, condo or even a farm, as long as the property is held in a Costa Rican corporation that is legally registered in the National Public Registry and is showing a value over the $150,000. To maintain the temporary residency for the 3 years, all that is required is proof of value and proof of paid property taxes.

Residency as a Renter

A foreigner and their family (spouse, parents, single siblings and children) can apply for residency as a Renter or as they say in Spanish, a “Rentista”, if the foreigner receives a certifiable monthly income of $2,500 USD for the following 2 years. or if they have verifiable bank investments in Costa Rica of $60,000. USD. 

To provide proof of income, the foreigner must get a letter from a Costa Rican Bank, financial institution, foreign bank, CPA or Law Firm certifying they’ll be receiving a monthly income of $2,500 USD for the next 5 years. If the letter is issued outside of Costa Rica, the document must be authenticated either by a Costa Rica Consulate or through the “Apostille” Process. 

The foreigner will be given a temporary residency and can work in Costa Rica only if they own a Costa Rican corporation/business and do not work for another company. After 3 years of temporary residency, the foreigner can apply for permanent residency with no restrictions.

General Requirements for Residency Application

Now that you’ve gotten the full rundown on how obtaining residency in Costa Rica works, here’s a list of the general requirements for residency application:

• Complete name of the person applying for the residency
• Nationality, marital status, and occupation
• Passport number, date, and place where it was issued and date it expires
• Name of any direct family member (children or wife) dependent on the income of the applicant who will also apply for residency
• Date in which the applicant entered Costa Rica
• A formal request of his/her desire of being a Costa Rican resident
• Specify the type of residency applying for
• Temporary address in Costa Rica or the address in the country of origin
• Must indicate a place or fax number to receive notifications

Birth certificates, marriage licenses and police records must be authenticated by either the Costa Rican Consulate located in the country where the document is issued or through the “Apostille” process (see below) for anexplanation of the process. Please note, these three documents expire after 6 months of being issued.

Other items required for the a Costa Rica residency application include:

• Fingerprints: They need to be taken at the Ministry of Security in San Jose, Costa Rica, and applicants must bring a passport and 3 photographs of themselves.
• Certified Passport Copy: Copies of the entire passport (even blank pages).
• Special Power of Attorney: Granted by the applicants to the attorney that will handle the residency application.
• Photos: 8 passport size photographs for each person applying for residency.
• Government Fees: The applicant is required to pay/ deposit $250 for each person applying for residency, in the following bank account that belongs to the Immigration department of Costa Rica: Banco de Costa Rica, Account # 242480-0
• Embassy Registration: The Applicant must register their intentions to reside in Costa Rica, at the embassy of its origin country located in Costa Rica.

What is an “Apostille” or “Authentication?”

Since October 15, 1981, the United States has been part of the 1961 Hague Convention abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. The Convention provides for the simplified certification of public (including notarized) documents to be used in countries that have joined the convention.

Under the Hague Convention, signatory countries have agreed to recognize public documents issued by other signatory countries if those public documents are authenticated by the attachment of an internationally recognized form of authentication known as an “apostille”.

The Apostille ensures that public documents issued in one signatory country will be recognized as valid in another signatory country. The sole function of the Apostille is to certify the authenticity of the signature on the document, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and the identity of any stamp or seal affixed to the document. An Apostille issued by the Secretary of State is a one page document embossed with the Great Seal of a State. The Apostille includes the facsimile signature of the individual issuing the certificate.

There are currently over 60 member states of the Hague convention and in addition to those countries many other countries will also recognize an Apostille certificate. The Convention applies only to public documents. These are documents emanating from an authority or official connected with a court or tribunal of the State (including documents issued by an administrative, constitutional or ecclesiastical court or tribunal, a public prosecutor, a clerk or a process-server); administrative documents; notarial acts; and official certificates which are placed on documents signed by persons in their private capacity, such as official certificates recording the registration of a document or the fact that it was in existence on a certain date and official and notarial authentications of signatures.

The main examples of public documents for which Apostille are issued in practice include

• Birth, marriage and death certificates
• Extracts from commercial registers and other registers
• Patents
• Court rulings
• Notarial acts and notarial attestations of signatures
• Academic diplomas issued by public institutions.

Diplomas issued by private institutions may not be apostilled directly; however, a “private” diploma may bear an official certificate issued by a notary, solicitor, agency or any other person or authority deemed competent under the law of the state of the diploma’s origin to authenticate the signature on the diploma. This official certificate is a public document under the Convention and, thus, may receive an apostille. In such a case, the Apostille does not relate to the diploma itself – instead, it certifies the authenticity of the certificate on or accompanying the diploma. Keep in mind that all documents written in a foreign language must be legally translated into Spanish.

Mistakes to Avoid When Considering Living in Costa Rica

After living in this beautiful country of Costa Rica for several years now, I think I have a pretty good perspective of what to do and what not to do to make life totally enjoyable. So, I’ve put together a short list of some important things to consider before moving to Costa Rica.

1. This is not Kansas, Dorothy

Sure, you can always go back to where you’re from if living in Costa Rica isn’t right for you. However, many people come to Costa Rica with unrealistic expectations. If you’re running from problems back home, trust me, they will follow you here. So don’t make a rash decision while enjoying a vacation in Costa Rica. Is it a great place to live? Of course it is, or I wouldn’t have moved here 17 years ago with no plans of ever returning to New York, that’s for sure.

2. Do Your Homework

This one could go on and on, but if you’re really interested in making the move to Costa Rica, then do it! Like any life-changing experience, moving to Costa Rica is a huge step to make, and it can be extremely rewarding and beneficial. But, it can also be extremely frustrating, as well.

So, be sure to do your homework and ask a lot of questions. And we’ve all heard this before, but don’t always believe everything you read on the Internet. Sure, there are a lot of great bloggers writing about how wonderful Costa Rica is, and for the most part they’re right, but there is a lot more to just living the Pura Vida lifestyle and running around having fun all the time. I call it fluff writing and you find a lot of that, especially from someone trying to sell you something.

Just think about it for a minute, if living in Costa Rica was so fantastic, the whole world would move here and then what? The MOST IMPORTANT thing, in my opinion, is to know and always remember: this is Central America, so try learning the culture and language and embracing the local traditions and how things work. Doing so will help prepare you for living a great life in Costa Rica.

3. Visit More Than Once

Even though Costa Rica is rather small, there are many different types of climates, terrains, and availability of services all over the country, from pristine beach towns to cool mountainous areas, to out-of the-way and off-the-grid locations in the jungle, to the hustle and bustle of the capital San Jose.

Everyone’s idea of paradise is different. For me, It’s the laid back beach town of Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste. It’s within twenty minutes of so many amenities, including the Liberia international airport, well-equipped hospitals, full-blown grocery stores, nightlife and great restaurants. Best of all is a beautiful beach to relax and enjoy some time sunbathing on the sand and swimming in the ocean. If I need a change of scenery, there are several other beaches to choose from, and all within that twenty-minute drive range. And if I want to head into the mountains, that’s just under an hour’s drive which is really close for day adventures.

So, when considering that move to Costa Rica, make sure you visit more than once so you have the chance to explore all that this beautiful country has to offer.

4. Find the Right Location for You

You know the old real estate adage: Location, Location, Location! Well, it’s used often but what it really means is a home’s location is the most important factor, especially in terms of its value. And this goes for both now and in the future. Here is the key: “The Future” could also mean if you decide to sell, unless you really plan on spending the rest of your life in Costa Rica, then I guess this does not hold up.

As mentioned above, Costa Rica is very diverse, so spend time traveling the country, be adventurous, enjoy the trip and find the best location that meets your needs for now and in the future. If you find a location that you like, go back during the “rainy season” to see if that changes anything. You may have visited during the “Dry Season” and the two can be very different, depending on location. This could be a real eye opener for you.

5. Work With a True Professional

I see people making this mistake all the time. They would rather trust the taxi driver or the bar manager from the hotel they’re staying in than working with a true professional. “Hey, my brother has a great house for sale and you can get a great deal on it if you work with me.” Have you ever experienced this? It always makes me laugh when these same people think they will get a better deal on a property than if they worked with a professional.

In the long run and for the most part, it ends up costing them a whole lot more. So, guess what, Dorothy? They head back home! Also, there are a lot of smooth, fast-talking real estate brokers here, and in reality, all they really want is a sale. A true professional will be there for you even after the sale to ensure the move goes smoothly, from offering to connect you with moving companies to recommending doctors, home repair and maintenance services, and things like that.

Whatever you do, do not let them talk you into a location just because the price is right or the beauty of the area. Find out first if they are even legally allowed to work in Costa Rica! Just because they speak your language doesn’t mean all is good. If you find someone you’re comfortable with, ask for references so you can do your due diligence. If they can’t produce any this it is a sign to run in the other direction.

6. Learn the Laws of the Land

This is very important when visiting or moving to a foreign country: what may be acceptable by the laws of your home country may not be acceptable here in Costa Rica. It blows my mind sometimes when I hear people say “Property taxes? What property taxes?” Yes, there is a property tax in Costa Rica – and yes, you have to pay it.

Something else that might catch you off guard is you can be sued simply for calling someone a “liar” in a non-heated argument, even if it was just a passing comment. Also keep in mind that if you want to own a gun for protection, you can’t until you have full residency without restrictions and the list goes on from there.

You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the laws of property ownership in Costa Rica and how it works since the structure is similar but different to the US.

7. Leave Your “Type A” Personality Behind

Just because you come from a more developed country or a big city or feel your level of education makes you smarter than most, leave that attitude and way of thinking behind when you come to Costa Rica. Part of living the “Pura Vida” life means staying calm, so if you raise your voice and act like you’re better than the person you’re talking to, they will just shut down fast. It’s always best to remember you’re a guest in Costa Rica and respect its people – trust me, you’ll be amazed by the friendly and welcoming culture. As is often said here in Costa Rica, “Tranquilo Amigo.”

Are You Ready to Become an Expat in Costa Rica?

This scenario has repeated itself many times: I have friends visiting and the first morning they wake up to fresh coffee, a homemade breakfast and a beautiful view from my balcony. Nine times out of ten, they dreamily but decidedly say, “I could SO live here and be an expat in Costa Rica!”

I have to agree with them, even though most of us could happily live anywhere in a house we didn’t pay for, sleep in a bed we didn’t put sheets on, and enjoy coffee and breakfast we didn’t prepare. I have personally made that statement almost everywhere I’ve traveled to for a vacation. But is Costa Rica really livable? Is it an endless vacation? Is being an expat in Costa Rica as good as it seems that first morning?

Well yes, no and almost. Costa Rica is a very livable country. With its famous “pura vida” lifestyle and the potential of a lower cost of living, it’s not difficult to understand why Costa Rica is consistently in the top 10 of the Expat Insider Survey’s best places for expats.

Speaking geographically, Costa Rica is a surprisingly diverse country for its size, with its tropical rainforests, mountainous regions and, of course, its breathtaking coastlines. With so much geographical diversity, picking the right place ultimately comes down to personal preference. But I highly recommend the northern Pacific region known as the Guanacaste province – specifically the area around Playa Hermosa for those of you who need the conveniences of North America.

The Guanacaste region is popular with expats because of its pristine, beautiful and safe beach communities. The area is a fisherman’s, surfer’s and overall beach-lover’s paradise as it offers a variety of outdoor (mainly water-based) activities, as well as abundant flora and fauna. Housing can be found at any price point, and a teeming expat population makes for quick friends, fun activities, and availability of familiar products.

So, What Makes Costa Rica Very Livable?

As mentioned before, Costa Rica is not a large country, so everything is “nearby”, although the rough roads make travel time a bit longer than the distance would indicate. Products from the US have become increasingly more plentiful, so although you may want to integrate more and more Costa Rica products into your life as time goes by, you’ll still be able to find familiar brand names and foods.

Your long-term goal should be to live like Ticos live and eat what Ticos eat, and the closer you get to that goal, the lower your monthly budget will be. Of course, you’ll never be 100% Tico – you may still need to air condition your bedroom and may not find eating rice 3 times a day enticing – but you will find a cornucopia of inexpensive fruits and vegetables, fresh fish and more filling your refrigerator each week. All Costa Rican beef is grass-fed, and the pork is so low in fat that you have to add liquid or oil to keep it from sticking to the pan when cooking.

Ticos themselves are what make Costa Rica livable. They are unbelievably tolerant of me butchering their language. It’s important for you to learn Spanish out of respect for the country you now live in, and to that end you should study it rather than just think you will “pick it up.” Only children and the occasional linguistic savant can do that. The rest of us have to study, practice, fall flat on our faces, and keep studying. But miraculously, Ticos will patiently bear with you throughout the process. I didn’t get that level of tolerance from the French!

Costa Ricans are extremely kind and helpful. If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation in Costa Rica, people will help you to a degree you might not believe possible. I’ve put it to the test and I am pretty sure I could stop at any home in the middle of nowhere and ask for a cup of coffee and get a “Claro que si!” (Of course!)

Beware of Great Expectations

When an expat in Costa Rica finds expectations go unfulfilled is when they have, well, expectations. Especially when they expect Costa Rica to be just like North America, but cheaper and with better weather. Only the latter is true.

Yes, the cost of living in Costa Rica can be lower, depending on where and how you lived in the States. Do your research and get yourself good real estate agent (Hi 👋 We’re here! Just send us a note or check out our guide to finding the right realtor in Costa Rica).

Your realtor will be your first and most valuable resource in the area you’re interested in learning more about. Visit the area extensively and keep a list of specific questions to ask everyone you come across.

It has been stated accurately that Costa Ricans don’t worship time like Americans do. You will drive yourself crazy if you want to expedite everything like you did back home. Get used to waiting a little longer, and find ways to keep yourself busy. As frustrating as it is, that slower pace is one of the reasons you are coming to Costa Rica. Embrace it and it will reduce your stress. Allow it to complete its work for you.

The takeaway? Do your research and keep an open mind. There is no perfect world. Paradise does exist, you just have to be open to accept it. That said, if you embrace the differences from what you’re used to, Costa Rica can come very close to being your personal paradise.

So, if you’re thinking of making a move and want to start a new life in the tropics, there are many options to consider that can keep you busy and make you money. Do you have a specialty you’re good at? Want to know if it is needed here? Send us a note and let’s discuss.