For our Canadian Readers

During the 43 years, I have resided here I have made a good number of friends from Canada.

Most come here because of the country’s year-round climate. While Canada is blessed with nice summer weather in most places, winters are downright cold! In fact, all of my Canadian friends become acclimated and dread returning home for visits during the winter. My friend Jim just visited his family in October and could not wait to get back here. Costa Rica does have a rainy season with warm days and rain at night, but “0” snow. So, Canadians can put away their snow tires, snow shoes, winter clothing, snow removal equipment, and other winter paraphernalia.

Many reasons Canadians move here is the abundant wildlife. Both countries teem with all sorts of animals. The country’s natural wonders are boundless.

Canadian’s also like Costa Rica since there are literally hundreds of activities to stay busy and happy. Above all, it is easy to make new friends since expats tend to gravitate toward each other.

Costa Rica’s natural beauty and variety of year-round activities also attract scores of Canadians.

The country’s cradle-to-grave medical system is another reason Canadians move here. I ran into a Canadian friend in Heredia’s Central Park the other day. He told me that he had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had to surgery here. I asked why he didn’t return to Canada? He told me he was no longer considered a resident there and now used Costa Rica’s health care system called, La Caja.

Canadians are often drawn to Costa Rica due to its financial appeal. From what I understand, it’s quite easy to become a tax resident of Costa Rica and nullify any Canadian tax liability. If the ex-pat doesn’t spend more than half the year in Canada and doesn’t still have a Canadian home, they won’t be double-taxed.

Costa Rica is more expensive than some of its neighbors, but the quality of life, the lack of a military, and its wonderful people more than compensate for the higher prices. Bottom line: You get what you pay for.

Furthermore, living in Costa Rica can certainly be cheaper than living in Canada. Property prices, rental prices, and grocery prices, among other basic necessities, can be cheaper once you get settled and learn the ropes.