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Expat Guide to Living in Mal Pais

Whether you're already living in Mal Pais or preparing to move to Mal Pais, our Expat Guide to Living in Costa Rica offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in Mal Pais. For answers to specific questions, visit our Costa Rica Forum to talk with expats in Mal Pais.

Culture Shock in Mal Pais, Costa Rica

An expat in Mal Pais, Costa Rica provides a detailed culture shock report that offers a great example of someone who has learned to roll with the punches that come with expat life in a somewhat remote location. Covers everything from mosquitoes, to finding products from the local grocer, to getting your laptop repaired. And don't for get about the fruit bats and monkey poop!

Dream vs Reality of Living in Mal Pais, Costa Rica

An expat in Costa Rica compares what she expected life in Mal Pais would be like compared to the reality. She had hoped the move would renew her marriage and it has!

More Culture Shock Reports for Mal Pais

Culture shock is part of the settling in process. Knowing the different phases of culture shock and how other expats in Mal Pais handle it can be very comforting. Below are some of the responses from expats in Mal Pais:

Culture Shock in Mal Pais, Costa Rica

Submit a Culture Shock Report

Living Overseas Report

What are people's priorities in Mal Pais - work? family? socializing? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Help other expats and people moving to Mal Pais by filling out our Living Overseas Report.

Submit a Living Overseas Report

Moving Overseas Report

What should you take with you when you move to Mal Pais? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in Mal Pais? Help others moving to Mal Pais by filling out our Moving Overseas Report.

Submit a Moving Overseas Report

International School Report

Parents are invited to answer questions about the schools that their kids attend (Pre-K through High School) in hopes of helping others moving to Mal Pais with the school selection process. If you have expat children who attend school in Mal Pais, take a few minutes to submit a School Review.

Submit an International School Review

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Mal Pais Reports

Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they moved to Mal Pais. If you are already living in Mal Pais, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not. Below are some of the reports from expats in Mal Pais:

Dream vs. Reality of Living in Mal Pais, Costa Rica

Submit a Dream vs. Reality Report

Overseas Retirement Report

Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring in Mal Pais by filling out our Overseas Retirement report.

Submit a Retire Abroad Report

Having a Baby Abroad Report

How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? What is childbirth like in Mal Pais? Help other expats who are preparing to have a baby in Mal Pais by filling out our Having a Baby Abroad Report.

Submit a Having a Baby Abroad Report

Working in Mal Pais Reports

What's it like to find a job in Mal Pais? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats in Mal Pais? Below are some of the reports from expats in Mal Pais:

Working in Mal Pais, Costa Rica

Submit a Working Abroad Report

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Costa Rica from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

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

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. (more)

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. (more)

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a lot to offer expats with its tropical climate, eco-friendly culture, beautiful beaches, welcoming people, good healthcare system and relative safety. (more)

Healthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is 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. (more)

Real Estate in Costa Rica

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

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. (more)

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.

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. (more)