Living in Costa Rica

"Before retiring in Costa Rica, expats should make sure to research residency options, learn about the country's healthcare and education system, and familiarize themselves with Costa Rica's culture and customs. It is important to have a working knowledge of the Spanish language. Knowing the local laws and the best ways to finance and protect assets is also essential for a smooth transition into retirement. Expats should also investigate what kind of activities and attractions are available in the region where they plan to settle. It is also a good idea to look into visa restrictions, as some retirees may need to acquire special documentation to stay in the country. Additionally, expats should be aware of the cost of living in Costa Rica and how much they need to budget for their retirement," commented one expat who made the move to 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.

"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," said one expat who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Montezuma, Costa Rica.

"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," mentioned one in San Jose.

"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," explained one expat living in Playa Hermosa de Jaco, Costa Rica.

"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," said one expat in Costa Rica.

"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," said one expat who made the move to San Jose.

"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!]," explained one expat living in Montezuma, Costa Rica.

"Depends on what you call a lot. I don't think my neighborhood has much, I live in Rohrmoser. But I have friends in some areas with a lot of crime. For the most part, San Jose's better neighborhoods are safe. Last year was a very violent year for crime, however, with a spike in the murder rate. But I stay away from those areas," remarked one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"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," wrote one member 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," remarked one expat who made the move to San Jose.

"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," explained one expat living in Playa Hermosa de Jaco, Costa Rica.

"Folks here are very diverse, you feel like you've found you home once you arrive," said one expat in Montezuma.

"This school is small, less than 300 students, but the atmosphere is safe and friendly with a focus on student success. Every teacher I have met is enthusiastic and enjoys his/her job. I would also encourage any parent to be prepared to volunteer their time in support of the school because AIS depends on parent-volunteers to serve on various committees. Overall, I am very satisfied with AIS," remarked one parent with kids at American International School in Cariari - Heredia.

"One of the best international and bilingual schools in Costa Rica is the Lincoln School of San José (LSSJ). It is a private, non-profit, college preparatory day school located in the capital city of San José, Costa Rica. Founded in 1962, Lincoln School is the only fully accredited Pre-K through Grade 12 school in all of Central America, offering both a comprehensive curriculum and a comprehensive program in the English language. The school is dedicated to promoting an international understanding of our world, and the school has been established with a rich tradition committed to providing the highest quality international education. The school offers students an opportunity to develop a respect for their cultural identities while studying in a multicultural environment, and the English language program promotes the mastery of the English language, while still preserving the students' native languages. The school has highly qualified faculty and staff who work closely with students to ensure they receive the best education they can, while also promoting the development of their own unique talents. Another great private, international and bilingual school in Costa Rica is Country Day School in San Jose, Costa Rica. It is an accredited, non-profit, Adventist school that has been in operation since 1990. It offers a challenging, Christ-centered curriculum for students from toddler to 12th grade. Country Day School promotes an atmosphere that is based on a responsible living environment and is fully committed to the academic success and spiritual growth of every student, which is a key factor in their educational philosophy. The school's extensive curriculum is designed to stimulate critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and global awareness. Additionally, Country Day School promotes life values, social responsibility and digital literacy in a safe environment, and the school's commitment to providing a challenging, diverse and comprehensive education is evident in the rigorous course of study and quality programs it provides," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.

"If your expat package does not cover the cost of a school- Take advantage of the language and culture and try to get your children to benefit from it by experiencing it. Avoid over paying at the other schools- this school is for kindergarten to high school," said one parent with children at New Hope in Santa Barbara de Heredia.

"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," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

"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," said one expat in Costa Rica.

"The cost of living in Costa Rica varies depending on a variety of factors such as location, lifestyle and budget. Generally speaking, it is moderate compared to North America or Europe, but the cost can be higher in certain areas or for certain items. Living expenses in popular tourist destinations like San Jose, the capital, are higher, but living costs are lower in smaller towns and rural areas. The cost of food and groceries is generally lower than in North American countries. Average rent prices depend on the size and location of the house or apartment, but can be very affordable in some areas. Transportation costs are also relatively low overall," said one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"Per capita GDP in Costa Rica is about a third as high as it is in the US, and the cost of living is commensurately lower. However, the prices of some goods are set at a global rather than a local level and the prices of others are actually higher owing to taxes and import costs. Realistically, the cost of living is about half as high as it is in a similar location in the US, although individual tastes and circumstances vary. As for a dollar amount, some expats say $2000/month is the minimum, though I think that's high and others think that's low. I will say that the pensionado minimum of $1000/month is doable, but pretty lean," mentioned an expat living 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," said an expat in Ojochal.

"We live comfortably on $2000 a month. That includes rent of a new 2 br 2 ba house with great views, all utilities, high speed internet, and even temporary car rental. Gas for the SUV is expensive, but we explore a lot and eat out a lot, so dining and food costs are higher for us too. Not in Caja yet," remarked one expat in San Ramon.

"Costa Ballena Women's club, a poker club, an airsoft group, a few local bands and music groups, surfing, etc," remarked one expat living in Ojochal.

"Recreational activities include surfing on all levels from beginning to highly advanced. Playa Jaco has no shortage of surf schools due to the outstanding conditions in the area. Hiking is common in the area. Miro Mountain is one of the most popular hiking activities as the trail wanders through jungles with a great opportunity for wildlife spotting. The Miro Trail climbs to an elevation of 1,100 feet with spectacular vistas of the Pacific. Miro Mountain Trail is also popular with mountain bike enthusiasts. The area has many mountainous trails so ATV is very popular to reach the higher elevation views and local restaurants. Yoga is popular in the area with many studios and profesional instructors. Art classes are popular in a new facility in Jaco. Golfing at a top course in Playa Herradura is just ten minutes north of Playa Jaco. Playa Herradura Los Suenos Marina boasts one of the best in the area for excellent sport fishing known world wide. Bird watching and nature loves enjoy the Carara National Park just 20 minutes north of Jaco and the Manuel Antonio National Park just one hour south of Playa Jaco," said one expat living in Playa Jaco.

"In Costa Rica, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, national parks, and outdoor activities. Costa Rica is known for its stunning beaches, which offer a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Costa Rica also has a number of national parks, which provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and bird watching. Additionally, Costa Rica is home to a variety of outdoor activities, such as zip-lining, horseback riding, and kayaking. With its diverse range of recreational facilities, Costa Rica is a great destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors," mentioned one expat inCosta Rica.

"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," remarked one expat in Playa Jaco.

"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," wrote one expat living in Ojochal.

"There's pretty much everything. My specific neighborhood (within walking distance) has dozens of restaurants ranging from pizza joints to Japanese cuisine, though not many if any four star restaurants. I'd have to take a taxi to get to one of those. My neighborhood also has various US chain restaurants, such as Fridays and Hooters. Nearby (a short cab ride) is a "gastronomy row" of various independently-owned creative restaurants and brew pubs that have good reputations. My neighborhood also has tons of bars, including one with live music every night and a few with occasional live music. Most of the live music is Latin, but there is jazz, blues, classic rock, and so on. Beyond my neighborhood are casinos, dance clubs, pickup bars, and so on. San Jose isn't on a par with London or New York, but it's not a backward small town either. Pretty much everything exists here.," mentioned one expat inSan Jose.

"People living in Costa Rica typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local supermarkets, convenience stores, and farmers markets. Many people also shop at larger chain stores such as Walmart and PriceSmart. Additionally, there are many small, independent stores and markets throughout the country that offer a variety of goods," said one expat.

"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 living in Santa Ana, Costa Rica.

"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," remarked one expat living in Ojochal.

"Upon entrance, tourists and visitors are generally granted a 90 day VISA. To enter Costa Rica, you must have a valid Passport. Residency is categorized into different areas of qualification. These options are Retiree (Pensionado), Legal Resident (Rentista), Business/Investor (Inversionista), Marriage/Relation (Vinculo). If you wish to become a resident, the requirements are different for each category and immigration attorney's are often used to assist you should you choose to hire one. If you plan to live in Costa Rica full time, residency is highly recommended as residents are not restricted to a 90 day VISA," said an expat in Playa Jaco.

"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," remarked one expat in Costa Rica.

"The cost of medical care is high. I have private health insurance, which allows me immediate and unrestricted access to private hospitals under the conditions that I like to have at my disposal. That guarantees me care without waiting for weeks or months, compared to public health. My private insurance is accepted in all clinics in the country, and I got it on the recommendation of an expat friend," said an expat in Santa Ana.

"Healthcare in Costa Rica is generally considered to be of a high quality and is relatively affordable compared to other countries. Health insurance is also available in Costa Rica, but it is not mandatory. The cost of health insurance depends on the type of coverage and the provider, but it is generally more affordable than in other countries," remarked one 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," wrote 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," commented one expat who moved to Cortez.

"I had private health insurance in Costa Rica for several years prior to being a member of the socialized medicine care. It was less expensive that the states. In many cases, your private health insurance will allow you the hospital of your choice," said one expat.