Expats should know that there are health food stores in Costa Rica

Costa Rica does have health food stores called Macrobiótica that can be found all over the country. These establishments have an ample variety of vitamins, supplements and natural products like medicinal herbs. All you have to do to locate one, is to look on line or take a walk around any large city or town.

GNC has a presence here but the price of their vitamins is outrageous. This is due to the fact virtually every product that is imported from the United States is taxed when entering Costa Rica, thus raising the cost.

Prior to 2010 anyone could purchase vitamins on line and have them shipped here. After said date individuals could no longer do this. Large importers like GNC, who had a lot of clout with the government, managed become a monopolies and t become the only legal importers.

However, there are a couple ways that expats can still bring vitamins from the States without any snags. The best method is to bring them on the airplane while returning from the States or Canada. Customs officials, who work at the airport, will not stop anyone brining in vitamins and supplements. They once asked me to open my bag which contained about 20 bottles of vitamins, but did not confiscate anything. In fact, the officer even asked me for what physical ailments

I was taking all of the vitamins.

Another way to get vitamins into the country legally is to have a friend or relative bring them in their checked luggage when visiting Costa Rica. This method works every time.

By the way one of the most inexpensive places to buy vitamins in the States is through a company called Puritans Pride. There is huge variety of affordable products on their website. See www.puritanspaide.com for more detailed information.

Finally, if you are not interested in taking vitamin pills or other supplements but want to stay healthy, you can always go to one of the weekend farmers markets. While there, you can then stock up on a variety of affordable fruits and vegetables which are rich in natural nutrients and vitamins.

Below is a photo of a small macrobiotic shop located in San José’s Central Market or el mercado central.