Because of Costa Rica’s popularity and business opportunities, a whole slew of enterprising foreigners has relocated here. Unfortunately, some of these people may lack qualifications and experience in their fields of endeavor. Do not get me wrong! There are some highly qualified native English speakers here. Nevertheless, one should be […]
Recently, the Tico Times had the opportunity to interview Christopher Howard who has been conducting relocation/retirement tours for twenty-five years. Howard offers two tours: the four-day Central Valley tour and 8-day Combination Pacific Coast Beach and Central Valley. Both tours include a one-of- a kind two day seminar sponsored by […]
Year-round spring-like weather in the Central Valley Untarnished international image. How often do you hear bad things in the news about Costa Rica? Only good news! Latin America’s oldest democracy No army and NO terrorism. Costa Rica has NO enemies. Excellent health care at a fraction of the price you […]
Costa Rica has one of the highest longevity rates in the world due to its affordable private and public health care systems. The country is now ranked 12th worldwide and 8th in Latin Ameriaca with respect to vaccination against covid-19. Ahead of Costa Rica are only Israel, South Korea, the […]
I am often asked by those who want to relocate to Costa Rica if there is a death penalty (La pena capital or La pena de muerte). Costa Rica abolished its death penalty in 1877 and was one of the countries that banned capital punishment in 1882 by Article 45 […]
Wellness tourism (turismo de bienestar in Spanish) is growing, especially after over the pandemic that has lasted almost two years. Costa Rica is considered the perfect sanctuary for participating this type of activity since it offers a backdrop of incredible scenery, paradisical warm-water beaches, numerous hot springs, volcanic spas, wellness therapies […]
In March 1992, a change in the pensionado law eliminated many tax privileges retirees had enjoyed since the program started in 1964. Under the old system, foreigners with official pensionado or rentista (permanent retiree) status were required to live in the country four months a year. They were entitled to […]
This comes as no surprise because year after Costa Rica has been at the top or near the top of the list due to its friendly people, its near perfect year-round weather, unequaled lifestyle, lack of a military, good healthcare, proximity to the U.S., an abundance of activities for expats […]
Relocation to a new country can be a daunting task. Not doing the correct research can most often mean the difference between success and failure. According to unofficial statistics, forty percent of the expats who move here return home. Why? There are a variety of scenarios based on what I […]
Christopher Howard has just finished updating the new 19th edition of his 750-page guidebook, “The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica — the official guide to relocation.” Like all of Howard’s other works, this new edition will by published by his company, Costa Rica Books S.A. The book […]