Expat Community > Costa Rica

designguru
Joined 2018
Posts: 598

Residency or Non residency ??

13d ago

Hello. I'm interested in hearing some testimonials from folks who 'live' here and have chosen to go the Non-Residency route... whether the decision came from 'no' interest in Residency and the hurdles/expenses/time that it takes to get it, or they just couldn't/didn't want to get it for other reasons. I know that many did the border run thing even back when the Passport visa stamp was only good for up to 90 days; and I guess... they still do it now, but less often, because of the new 180-day visa stamp, it's more reasonable?

What would you consider to be Pros and cons, if any. Any 'issues' that the rest of us wouldn't know of? Like, border closings, attitude from border guards, etc.
What do you do about healthcare?? Do you carry coverage from an overseas or an int'l insurer... or do you just risk it and pay out of pocket when the time warrants it?
Have you had any issues because of not holding a Cedula? Passports last longer and require less 'renewals'... but is it a hassle to always, carry ON YOU something bigger than a credit card? Does that foreign passport scream out "Gringo!! I ask this one because I like to fly under radar and using my Cedula doesn't draw attention.
What, if any, notable points or pieces of advice would you have for persons considering going the non-residency route, or, like me, considering letting my Cedula expire, eventually, and spending my 'Caja' money on better, private, healthcare? Leaving 2x a year doesn't sound bad at all. Some do that anyway. Of course, that could always change.
If you are a border runner/perpetual Tourist... and you DO carry private healthcare, did you have to consider the locations of private healthcare physicians and hospitals when you chose a location to live in CR?
Thank you for your time, in advance.

Pura Vida

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Living in Costa Rica Guide

Our Living in Costa Rica Guide is a primer on everything about living in Costa Rica: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Costa Rica Forum
Join our Costa Rica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Costa Rica.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

If you're dreaming about living in Costa Rica, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica in 2023.

Healthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. When you become a resident, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA). Many expats use the public system for routine healthcare and have private expat health insurance for specialists, surgeries and emergencies.

Cost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula.

Moving to Costa Rica Guide

Moving to Costa Rica has become more popular among expats. Making this choice requires a lot of research to ensure the expat experience you hope for will be realized.

Real Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Costa Rica.

Pros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Costa Rica.

Retiring in Costa Rica

Advice for people retiring in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Visa & Residency Guide

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica

If you've recently arrived in Costa Rica, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Costa Rica.

Additional Information:

Visit our Costa Rica Index for a Full List

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Costa Rica

Residency or Non residency ??

Login