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," wrote a member in Costa Rica.

"Be ready to live, love and relax. This is a beautiful country and we live in paradise," commented one expat who made the move to Playa Hermosa de Jaco.

"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.

"We (US/UK retired couple) are in the process of settling in Escazu. We will be applying for the rentista visa, having ruled out the pensionista because of how the Caja charge is calculated. We have chosen the central location in preference to the coast for reasons of climate (warm days, slightly less warm evenings, need for little, if any a/c). Also, San Jose/Central Valley offers accessibility to the variety of experiences Costa Rica has to offer. Proximity to the airport is also important for us. The downsides experienced so far have been the heavy traffic and the serious sticker shock in the supermarkets and restaurants. Nowhere is perfect and we are happy to adjust our daily routines to these local realities. We will be happy to share our experiences as we go through the retirement process here," wrote one member in Escazu.

"hmmmmmm...take a vacation here first, spend a few months and get a feel for the scene here. Also, online research is an option too," 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," remarked one expat who made the move to San Jose.

"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," explained one expat living in Costa Rica.

"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," said one expat 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," said one expat who made the move to Montezuma.

"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," explained one expat living in San Ramon, 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," commented 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!]," remarked 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," said one expat in San Jose.

"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," said 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," explained one expat living in 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," said one expat who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Playa Hermosa de Jaco, 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.

"Folks here are very diverse, you feel like you've found you home once you arrive," explained one expat who made the move to Montezuma.

"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," said one expat in with children at .

"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.

"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," remarked one expat living in San Jose, 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," wrote one member in 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," remarked one expat who made the move to Costa Rica.

"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," mentioned an expat living in San Ramon.

"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," said one expat.

"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," commented one expat living in Playa Jaco, Costa Rica.

"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.

"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 living in San Jose.

"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," mentioned one expat inSan Jose.

"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, Costa Rica.

"Depends on what altitude you live at, whether beach or mountains. But expect rain EVERYWHERE May to November," remarked one expat living in Costa Rica.

"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.

"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," said one expat living in Ojochal.

"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," mentioned one expat inOjochal.

"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," said an expat 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," commented one expat living in Playa Jaco, 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," remarked one expat living in Costa Rica.

"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," remarked one expat in Playa Jaco.

"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," wrote one expat living in Costa Rica.

"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.

"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 one expat.

"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," commented one expat living in Costa Rica.