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...
"Should have brought more: tennis shoes - lots of walking on lots of dirt/rock roads. Contact Solution - very expensive here. Electronics - cameras & laptops here cost double the US price. Should have left all formal clothes in the US," said another expat in San Marcos, Tarrazú, Costa Rica.
"Nothing as we travel back to the US at least 4 times a year, but bring little back to CR. One of the amazing good surprises is that CR has pretty much everything that we can get in the US, for the same price of less (unlike what you read in the forums). That is why we decided against moving our car, furniture, etc. and instead buying here and bringing 4 large suitcases per month of personal items from the US. for a year (for free if you fly Southwest). The caveat is we are use to CA costal prices (now $6 a gallon for gas & 900-1000 per square foot to obtain a dwelling). Even our replacement used car here was the almost exact price as it would have been at home. (understand used car prices have rocketed higher in the states and COVID hit families hard here in CR - hence a great deal)," wrote a member who made the move to Escazu, Costa Rica.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Costa Rica?
- How do I find a place to live in Costa Rica?
- 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?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Costa Rica?
- Why do people move to Costa Rica?
- What are healthcare services like in Costa Rica?
- What are medical services in Costa Rica like?
- What are typical rents in Costa Rica?
- 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 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.