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 […]
The world-wide pandemic has devastated the world’s health care systems. Poorer and underdeveloped countries have specially been hit hard by the current health crisis. For years relocation organizations have been promoting Panama as a retirement haven. Panama’s drawing card is its low cost of living and perks that it offers […]
In March 1992, a change in the pensionado law eliminated many tax privileges that 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 […]
In 2018 the publication rated Costa Rica as the best place to retire. Just because the country is ranked third this year instead of first is really no big deal. But the fact that Panama is ranked ahead of us, is absolutely ridiculous. If Panama was better I would certainly […]
Let’s face it! It is terrible to be poor anywhere in the world. In Costa Rica about 200,000 thousand people live in extreme poverty and 700,000 thousand more are below the poverty line. To put this into proper perspective the total population of Costa Rica is a little over 5 […]