Living in Costa Rica

"Have lived in Grecia for 7-1/2 yrs. It is a small city and in my opinion the best unless you insist on beach area which is too hot for me. No a/c necessary where I live. Easy to get to know people if you are friendly. I can't walk down the street without people I know honking or waving. I live happily without a car which means not using all my pension on repairs and high gas," remarked one expat living in Costa Rica.

"Be ready to live, love and relax. This is a beautiful country and we live in paradise," wrote one member in Playa Hermosa de Jaco.

"Montezuma, Puntarenas, Costa Rica is not Anywhere, USA that's a given. Living here is finding a new balance for your lifestyle. It totally has been for me. I see that someone has posted what not to expect. I feel that the best attitude here is not to expect a thing. There is much good that you will find here. Beautiful, fresh, and clean air. Reasonably clean ocean water. Be watchful The water here is drinkable usually. I say this because mineral content can be high. When the sign reads Rip Currents, they mean it. Truth in advertising. Very warm or hot temps with high humidity. Lovely fruits and vegetables at very reasonable prices. Clothing minimal. Tshirts/shorts and sandals most of the time will do nicely. No need to wear expensive anything - it doesn't fit the terrain. Friendly people. There is internet service and cable television depending on where you are in Montezuma. The power will go out and yet, it does come back on. If you don't mind taking the bus from Montezuma to Cobano where Banco Nacional is located along with its outside ATM's, all two of them at the main office, it will only cost 400 colones. There's cost efficiency for you. If you love nature this can be a paradise. Every day is an adventure. You can be negative about things here, you can be positive about things or you can just be. I prefer to be. Pura Vida," remarked one expat who made the move to Montezuma.

"Escazu also has a large ex-pat English speaking population with many activities to meet others. For example, we watched the Academy Awards at the Invictus restaurant (great food) & lounge/bar just a short walk down our street Sunday night. As an aside they have all the NFL football games in the Fall," remarked one expat living in Costa Rica.

"Expats can join clubs and activities such as language clubs, tennis clubs, and book clubs that focus on topics related to Costa Rica. Expats can also seek out cultural events geared towards local and foreign populations, such as open-air concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions. Expats may also find groups that share hobbies such as surfing, SUP, or yoga. Other popular ways for expats to meet people in Costa Rica are at local festivals, farmer’s markets, English-speaking churches, volunteer organizations, and coworking spaces. Additionally, many expats find work in tourist-facing businesses such as restaurants and hotels, which allows them to socialize with other locals and visitors alike," wrote one member in Costa Rica.

"If you know how to play an instrument, I recommend volunteering your time with the SINEM children's orchestra, a lot of expats teach in this program all through out Costa Rica," remarked one expat who made the move to Montezuma.

"There are many Yahoo! list serves available that help expats get to know where others meet and socialize. Also, Costa Rica AM (www.costaricaam.com) is an English-language e-newspaper that provides a lot of good information," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"Welcome to San Ramon! Yes, lots of organized and also informal gatherings for philanthropy and recreational activities. Start by googling Community Action Alliance and check out their recent archived newsletters. Also look for Gringo Central which provides info on Central Valley groups and other useful info. And, every Thursday an expat group meets for breakfast at a local restaurant near the downtown park, come and go as you please. The Community Action Alliance has details on where. Finally, a few kilometers west of downtown past Magallanes, there’s a growing expat neighborhood with a very nice recreational center used by many expats, called El Palme (I think it’s called that, anyway). Can be found via Google," said one expat in San Ramon.

"It is a beach town. Most people are retired from North America. The beach is beautiful. All people go to the beach for walking, socializing, etc," said one expat who made the move to Playa Hermosa de Jaco.

"Family is everything as with all Latin American cultures. Ticos make very good friends and once you are introduced into their families you become part of it. They will go out of their way to help you in every way possible," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"MONTEZUMA, LIFE DOWNTOWN - After living in Montezuma officially for the last year I look upon it with a deeper understanding, similar to the way one stares at art with new eyes once enlightened by one or two art history classes. When i first moved here it was for six months during the high season so I was able to camp, then as i started to put my roots down i realized the camping lifestyle could only work for the dry season and i would have to move to level two; the house and all the trappings that come with that. Then the job; starting a business downtown and teaching/ studying music, slowly becoming part of the community. Thus bringing me back to seeing more now than i ever did my first month here as a tourist, innocence is lost but the luster still abounds; Montezuma changed my view and approach towards life and how I was leading it, somehow coming face to face with nature so wide, pure, and vivid revitalized me and for that I am forever indebted to this proud little coastal village. What can one say about living here? One of the first things you'll noticed is that this is a "town" in the truest sense, classically so, like the set for a play or Sesame Street or like it was back in the states 100 years ago. This is a positive tight-knit community, where it's easy to know everyone's name in one week, and yet very open and welcoming to new characters on the scene (enter me and my boyfriend, who believes he'll be mayor by the end of the year!) planning on sticking around and becoming part of something great. And then there's the dogs. A great bumper sticker idea: "Costa Rica where every house comes with two dogs" would be a as popular as beanie babies here...because it's true . They usually belong to the cabina owners but dogs here are free so they basically decide where they want to live and with who...[ for more articles on Montezuma please check out our website: paraisopublicidad.com or find us on twitter and facebook for daily updates!]," mentioned one in Montezuma.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Costa Rica has a lot of appeal. There is a vibrant culture and a welcoming attitude towards newcomers, making for a supportive and engaging atmosphere. Nature spots are abundant, and the vibrant and diverse landscape provides many opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. Costa Rica's transportation infrastructure is relatively good for a Latin American country, making it easy to travel within and around the country. The cost of living is generally lower than in most first-world countries and there are a variety of international restaurants and grocery stores. A combination of low taxes and tax incentives makes Costa Rica an attractive place to live and work. The combination of warm weather and modern amenities make it a great place to call home for digital nomads and expats alike," explained one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"Costa Rica has a lot of petty crime so be careful. I even lost money in an ATM that was hacked but most are totally safe," commented one expat who made the move to Santa Ana.

"Since its transformation to a peaceful democracy, Costa Rica has seen a decline in crime and enjoys a reputation as one of the safest countries in Latin America. In comparison to other countries in the region, the reported levels of crime, gangs, drug trafficking and violence in Costa Rica are much lower. Nonetheless, petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft still occur in some of the large cities and tourist destinations," remarked one expat living in Costa Rica.

"You have many ex pats from North America, Europe. There are some Costa Ricans. Main religion is Catholic. There is a Catholic Chirch. A Protestant Church has been started close by," said one expat who made the move to Playa Hermosa de Jaco.

"Yes, Costa Rica is a country with diverse cultures and ethnicities. People from all around the world have come to Costa Rica in search of a better life and personal freedom, making Costa Rica a country dripping with culture, history and vibrant flavors. Despite the diversity, Costa Ricans are generally accepting and respectful of differences. The country has a rich culture that is built upon respect for the individual; each person is celebrated for their unique perspectives, experiences and convictions," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.

"San Jose, as the capital of the country, attracts people from all regions of the nation. So we have many people of African descent from the Caribbean coast, many Nicos (people from Nicaragua), a large Chinese population (especially in the San Pedro suburb) and expats from all over the world. While the main religion is Catholic, there are many Baptist churches, Mormons and other Christian groups. People seem to be very accepting of differences," mentioned one in San Jose.

"This is good academically and fairly high standards. Not good for all students if they need extra help and they can get left behind. They do IB, which is more important all the time for anywhere in the world.Price fairly high now approx $850 a month including the bus," said one parent with children at British School in San Jose .

"Depends where you live and how you live. A friend in Palmares lives on $970 a month, including rent, vehicle, food, utilities and regional travel. Others live in Escazu in the high cost areas. We live in San Ramon and get by well in a nice place on less than$2000 a month, including yard guy, and maid for 12 hours a month! Depends on you," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.

"Depends on lifestyle. I eat all my meals in restaurants, go to coffee shops, have a big social life and go on a lot of dates, I travel every month. My expense including all this are around $3500/mo," said one expat in San Jose.

"The cost of living is less than most tourist towns. For example if you own a restaurant in a non-tourist town and your food is not good or overpriced, you will quickly go out of business. Yet many well know restaurants are located in Ojochal. Water is abundant and you never need heat and most don't use AC. The temperature is more temperate than many other areas in Costa Rica, because the largest lowland forest in all of the entire Pacific region starts in Ojochal and continues to the south. The largest mangrove estuary in all of Central America is just to the south as well - so there is lots of clean air. The newest hospital in the CAJA system is located just two towns to the south in Cortez -- so healthcare is close and inexpensive," remarked one expat living in Ojochal.

"The cost of living in Costa Rica is generally considered to be quite affordable, with prices being considerably lower than many other parts of Central America. However, some areas in Costa Rica have a much higher cost of living compared to the rest of the country. For example, cities like San Jose and certain areas in the Limon province tend to have prices that are higher than in more rural areas. On average, a nice one-bedroom apartment in the capital of San Jose costs around $650 per month in rent. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment usually ranges from $850 - $1,000 depending on the area. Eating at a moderately priced restaurant in Costa Rica typically ranges from $7 - $15 per person, depending on what is ordered," said one expat living in Costa Rica.

"Soccer is hands down the most popular recreational activity, but adults seem to prefer watching the games on TV than playing. A fair number of people are bicycling these days. Almost everybody likes going to the mountains or the beach, but these are more weekend excursions than daily activities. My neighborhood has several gyms for those who work out. People do play tennis and swim in pools, but this seems to involve finding and paying for access to the courts or the pools. Foreigners often like to play golf, and there are courses, but none near me. You have to go to the golf courses. Basically mine is an urban setting where sports-like recreational facilities aren't widely available to the general public, but people who like various sports and recreational activities find the venues. Some even take day trips to the ocean beaches--a couple are close enough--but that's ambitious. Most people would want those trips as well as those into the mountains to be overnight excursions, but they can be done in a day," said one expat.

"Although this area is rain forest, the weather is quite nice. It's not windy, but we get ocean breezes. The temperature is more moderate than other areas of the coast due to the high mountains located as a backdrop to Ojochal. The highest mountain ridge comes the closest to the sea at Ojochal, highest in all the Pacific. Rain is predictable during the rainy season, nearly every day in late afternoon but not during the day very often," remarked one expat in Ojochal.

"The climate is perfect. The warmest day was 88 and the coolest was 65 so it's wonderful and so comfortable. ," wrote one expat living in Santa Ana.

"Due to the proximity to the Equator and beach location, Playa Jaco is warm year around. High Season/Dry Season is from the end of Novemer until mid-April. These months are dry and sunny with very little rain. Average high temperatura is 90 F with the lows in the mid 70's. From mid-April until mid-September is not as hot with the likelihood of a daily shower of brief duration. The rain helps to cool things off but is never cold. The height of the Green Season is mid-September to mid-November. During these months, you may have days of no rain, but a daily shower is highly likely with dramatic thunder and lightning storms over the Pacific," commented one expat who moved to Playa Jaco.

"The temperatures are mild enough for nobody to have heat and nobody to need air conditioning, although a few do. 55 degrees Fahrenheit would be a cold night and 85 a hot afternoon. There is though a long rainy season, starting in May and sometimes extending into December. It's usually not bad, just fairly predicable afternoon rain, but in September and October when it's really heavy almost everybody wearies of it," said one expat.

"The weather in Costa Rica is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The dry season runs from December to April, while the wet season runs from May to November. During the wet season, the country experiences heavy rains and thunderstorms, while the dry season is characterized by sunny days and cooler nights. Costa Rica is also known for its frequent windy days, especially in the mountainous regions," commented one expat living in Costa Rica.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Costa Rica is La Casona de Laly, located in San Jose. This restaurant is known for its traditional Costa Rican cuisine, with dishes like gallo pinto, casado, and tamales. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another favorite restaurant in Costa Rica is El Bistro, located in Manuel Antonio. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, such as ceviche, shrimp, and fish. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Finally, La Parrilla de Marisqueria is a popular restaurant in Jaco. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, shrimp, and lobster. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, and the staff is friendly and attentive," mentioned one expat inCosta Rica.

"Playa Jaco boasts a wide variety of restaurants from gourmet, seafood, vegetarian, Thai, Chinese, Sushi, authentic Italian, gourmet burgers, and local restaurants featuring typical Costa Rican cuisine. Playa Jaco has many clubs for dancing and socializing. Additionally, the area is home to many local musicians that are featured in many restaurants/bar. At festival times, music, art and culture is featured in the centrally located town park.," commented one expat who moved to Playa Jaco, Costa Rica.

"As mentioned above, lots of restaurants and nearly every night there is an expat gathering at one of a variety of restaurants. El Castillo, Nanny's, Citrus Restaurant, Cafe Exotica and Le Bistro are all hot spots on various nights," remarked one expat living in Ojochal.

"We have a great supermarket in Ojochal, Jaucaloa. We also have a gourmet shop/liquor store (greenleaf), there's a farmers market weekly and a pretty large Mennonite community close by that sells locally produced dairy products and baked goods. There's also a local seafood purveyor as well as roadside fruit and vegetable stands," mentioned one expat inOjochal.

"I recommend joining Price Mart which is owned by Costco. Walmart has stores and owns two big chain stores there - Max X Menos and Maxi Pali. Auto Mercado is an upscale market chain which is also very good. Amazon barely works here and its Import duties and shipping cost are OUTRAGEOUS. ," commented one expat who moved to Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

"Visitors from certain countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and most countries in Europe, do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica and can stay for up to 90 days. To stay longer than 90 days, visitors must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, which can be valid for up to two years and can be renewed. To apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, applicants must provide a valid passport, proof of financial solvency, a medical certificate, and a copy of their criminal record. To obtain residency in Costa Rica, applicants must provide an application form and supporting documents such as property titles, financial information, and a copy of their visa as well as a medical certificate and a valid passport. As part of the residency application process, applicants are also expected to take a brief Spanish language test. Once all documents have been reviewed and approved, applicants receive an identification card and a cedula, the document that grants them residency in the country," said an expat in Costa Rica.

"I was paying around $100 a month for my INS policy, but crossed into the next age bracket plus filed a few claims and my premium doubled. It was still a good deal, but too much for me. The Caja tax is around $100 a month for a pensionado, unfortunately much higher for rentistas. It's set by your income, and most expats just pay according to the income requirements of their residency type. Caja services, including generic prescription meds, are 100% covered, so you never pay more than your monthly tax. Private docs are realistically $80 a visit. You hear of lower prices, but if you go to a specialist (including an internist) plan on $80. As a rule of thumb, pretty much everything else is around 1/3 the price it is in the US," remarked one expat living in San José.

"Amazingly inexpensive. My personal experience with costs without insurance include a colonoscopy that was quoted at $3300 in the states that was done in Costa Rica for $300. I have a number of crowns in my mouth that I paid $300 to $400 including the root canal and crown," said one expat living in Cortez.

"Ditto here. Most docs (and dentists) speak great English and have been superb, & very inexpensive at least in Escazu (Hospital CIMA). Many have been trained in the US or the UK, plus the medical & dental school here are top of the line. Educational achievement (and speaking English) is a high priority to Costa Ricans. We dropped our CIGNA Global insurance learning this," mentioned one expat inCosta Rica.