The next boom is on. Costa Rica tourism and Costa Rica real estate are ready to be in the mind of millions. Thanks to the Costarican national soccer selection, the world is talking about Costa Rica. The first time that happened was in 1987 when President Oscar Arias Sanchez won the Nobel Peace Prize for…
Yesterday, we moved to our new house in Costa Rica. It is located in a nice gated community near San Mateo de Alajuela. We are trying to get installed and unpacking things after moving company Mudanzas Economicas Arpo S.A. didn’t give us the service we expected, as I explained in another blog last week. In…
Before you choose a moving company, hear me out first. The dreaded day has finally dawned. We are to move into our new house, which is in a warmer climate. Santa Ana is warm enough, but the community we were looking for is located ½ hr. from the beach, which means it is pretty darn…
Did you realize that finding an address in Costa Rica is not so easy? My mom sent me this joke that makes a lot of sense if you are living in Costa Rica: While looking at a house, my brother asked the real estate agent which direction was north because he explained, he didn’t want the sun…
The Gay flag was hoisted together with the national flag of Costa Rica. Last Friday, May 16, 2014, was possibly a big day for many locals and expats living in Costa Rica. Especially for the gay community. The Catholic and Christian communities might not agree but the recently elected President of Costa Rica, Luis Guillermo…
What is the Costa Rica lifestyle like? It’s what you make it yourself. Costa Ricans like to work, but not as much as they like to enjoy their beautiful country, their friends, and their family. The fact is that the Costa Rica lifestyle is truly an amazing adventure with breathtaking moments mixed in all around.…
Is it easy to renew a driver’s license if you don’t have legal residency in Costa Rica? In the past, just about anyone (residents and non-residents alike) could get a driver’s license in Costa Rica. Once it expired, it was easy to get a renewal. But, last year, everything changed. The government announced that new…
If you are asking yourself if you can buy or rent with a pet in Costa Rica Condos, the answer is “depends”. If you are in the market to purchase or rent a Costa Rica condo and you have a pet, you should tell the realtor what kind of pet you have before looking at…
Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes Have all homes in Costa Rica hot water? Would you think of checking for it? When looking to purchase a home in Costa Rica, you might assume that all homes have hot water. Well, you’re wrong. Hot water is one of those cultural customs that make buying a home…
Moving to Costa Rica and trying to meet new people? Here at InterNations, we welcome expats in Costa Rica from all over the world to join together. Our events and activities are organized by both the members and the events team. InterNations is a fantastic way to meet new people in Costa Rica, and in…
Toad toxin is a fast way to lose your dog in Costa Rica. Most foreigners bring a pet with them when they move to Costa Rica or with the availability of so many street dogs will adopt one, once they’ve found a home to live in. If you have dogs or plan to have them,…
Estimated Reading Time: 3 Minutes Did you know that several private hospitals in Costa Rica have Joint Commission International accreditation? Healthcare is one of the most important issues when you move or retire to another country. How good is healthcare in Costa Rica? Is the standard of healthcare here such that you can feel safe…
A new continuing care facility opened its doors in Escazu, Costa Rica. In July this year, I wrote in a blog that assisted living in Costa Rica would soon be available. The Verdeza assisted-living facility in Escazu would be fully operational by November 11, 2013, and they made it happen. In Costa Rica, everything and…
Geckos don’t need a residency card. Costa Rica has been host to thousands of foreigners who have settled here for four centuries (if one counts the Spanish.) But before the 1990s, none of them were able to scuttle across the ceiling like spiders. That ubiquitous little Far Eastern lizard, the gecko, may have hitched a…
Should you select Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately when marrying a Costa Rican? It has become common for US Persons to find love abroad. You’ll often hear of an American moving to Costa Rica and marrying a young Tico or Tica. A U.S. citizen or permanent resident needs to consider a few tax…
The final part of the Caja Saga, a real story about a Canadian getting her Caja carnet. I recommend you read my other blogs about the Caja saga, as you will understand better what is involved for a Canadian to get your Caja carnet for your Costa Rican social security up to date nowadays. In the…