Costa Rica

What should I pack when moving to Costa Rica?

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CitizenM
CitizenM
CitizenM
CitizenM

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)," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to San Jose, 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)," commented one expat who made the move to Escazu, Costa Rica.

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Other Questions:

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.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood 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.

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We've partnered with RelocateNow Costa Rica to help you with your move.
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