What should I pack when moving to Costa Rica?
We asked people living in Costa Rica to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded...
"Three things to bring: - diplomatic passport (Officials are very corrupt, so minimizing interaction with public offices is a great plus) - a prepared stomach (the socalled potable water is definately not potable) - a very consercative mind (I was not prepared for Costa Ricans very protectionist and racist attitude. They live from tourists, but hate all foreigners.) What to leave back home: - hopes of relaxing on the beach every weekend (the roads are horrendous, the cost high and the service mediocre) - hopes of making Costa Rican friends (they are extremely introverted and although they might invite you to dine with them, they never tell you where they live) - hopes of experiencing Latin America (except for the widespread corruption, Costa Rican reminds you more of a US-Mexican border town than of Latin America)," explained one expat living in San Jose, Costa Rica.

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RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
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RelocateNow Costa Rica's clients who run through the RelocateNow Program get quick results in formulating and successfully executing our laid out plan for moving to Costa Rica! Expert consulting for future expats in Costa Rica who wish to fast track the process of their move by receiving the specialized information they need, trustworthy connections within the country, and high level 1:1 support through the entire process.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"I always bring to Costa Rica 1; Irish spring soap 2; electronic gadjets 3; Cherries," said another expat in San Jose, Costa Rica.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Costa Rica?
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- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Costa Rica?
- What is the average cost of housing in Costa Rica?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Costa Rica?
- What should I pack when moving to Costa Rica?
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- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What should I pack when moving to Costa Rica?
If you live in Costa Rica, newcomers to Costa Rica would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.