Blog Posts About Life in Costa Rica Expert time-tested advice on how to live, retire and invest in Costa Rica.
The details of exonerating an automobile for future residents; Is it really worth it?
In 1992 Costa Rica abolished the exoneration of household goods and automobiles. The good news that after 30 years there is a new law that takes the place of the old lone but it much more complicated (engorroso in Spanish). In reality, there are less headaches if the corresponding taxes are […]
Jocotes and Expats
You are probably wondering what is a jocote? A jocote is a fruit tree, found Central America, Mexico, northern Peru and parts of north-coastal Brazil. The jocote goes by many names in other countries: purple mombin, red mombin, hog plum, and sinigwela to name a few. When the jocote’s peel […]
News for expats in Costa Rica about driving here
Costa Rica’s traffic police (tráficos) report that they issue about 1500 tickets (partes) year for the incorrect use of headlights. Expats and tourists should be familiar with Traffic Law Article 103 which states the following: Good news! Having a drivers licence with you may not be necessary in the future. […]
Choosing where to live in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s beach living vs. the Central Valley for living — very important to keep in mind when choosing where to live. Beach Living Costa Rica has some of the of the most beautiful beaches in the world. When the country is mentioned most people visualize themselves sitting on a […]
Drugs and Retirees in Costa Rica
Last week an article appeared in the Los Angeles Times newspaper titled, “Costa Rica, the once-peaceful land of ‘pura vida,’ battles violence as cocaine trade grows.” Any potential expat would probably have second thoughts about moving here after reading this article. As someone who has lived in Costa Rica for […]
An exciting activity for expats in Costa Rica
After relocating to Costa Rica, it is important to stay busy to avoid boredom. Fortunately, Costa Rica offers 100s of both indoor and outdoor activities and venues. One important event is the Festival of Whales and Dolphins which takes place annually at Bahía Ballena (Whale Bay) near the town of […]
Staying healthy in Costa Rica
Moving to Costa Rica might just improve your health. The weekend farmers markets offer mountains of fresh fruit and vegetables. Also, there are plenty of outdoor activities so you can stay physically active. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of the world’s ‘Blue Zones’ where people live longer than average. For […]
What constitutes a real relocation tour and seminar to Costa Rica?
For the last 30 years I have been writing guidebooks, articles about living here and conducting relocation tours and seminars. The question is, what should relocation tour really consist of? First, it should cover the most desirable areas to live and include the following: infrastructure: accessibility, good medical care, shopping, […]
“Fragments” of Costa Rica
Interesting facts about Costa Rica that you might not have known I’ve been living in Costa Rica for over 20 years now, and though I think I’ve seen it all, there’s still stuff that catches me off guard or makes me go “Uh!, that I didn’t know” or “Oh yeah! […]
People from all walks of life are relocating to Costa Rica
Most people who relocate here are doing so to stretch the dollars they get from their pensions, retirement funds and/or Social Security. Interestingly, even those with money, some of whom can work from abroad, are relocating to Costa Rica from the U.S to live more affordably, as in the article […]