Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking landscapes, warm people, and pura vida lifestyle—but can you live here affordably? The answer is yes! While some areas cater to luxury living, many expats enjoy a high quality of life in Costa Rica without breaking the bank. If you’re considering relocating, here […]
Costa Rica has long been celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly people—but it’s also earning recognition as one of the most progressive and welcoming countries in Latin America for LGBTQ+ individuals. Whether you’re planning to visit or make Costa Rica your new home, you’ll find a country […]
Costa Rica is full of world-famous destinations like Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and Arenal—but if you venture off the beaten path, you’ll find countless hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. These lesser-known spots offer a quieter, more authentic experience and the chance to fall in love with the real Costa […]
There’s something truly special about Christmas in Costa Rica. Whether you’re already living here or thinking about making the move, the holiday season offers a unique blend of tropical charm, heartwarming traditions, and opportunities to connect with the local pura vida lifestyle. Costa Rican Christmas Traditions You’ll LoveChristmas in Costa […]
Costa Rica is a great place for veterans to live. The country boasts the largest percentage of expats in Latin America, almost ten percent of the country comes from other places. Costa Rica has year-round spring-like weather, a stable democracy (the oldest one in Latin America), good healthcare, a multitude of outdoor activities, and a relatively low […]
(and why they should NOT be a common practice) While border runs may provide temporary solutions for individuals seeking to extend their stay in Costa Rica, it is important to consider the limitations and potential drawbacks associated with this practice. This essay explores why border runs should not be a […]
Expats may find it important that two local healthcare provider systems, Hospital Clinica Biblica and Hospital Metropolitano, offer cost-saving plans for their clients. Both programs, for a small monthly fee, extend discounts on many healthcare services, including doctor visits, lab services, some medical procedures, pharmacies, and much more. If you […]
Until recently, dogs were not part of most families in Costa Rica, nor was there any pet culture at all. Now, almost everyone has one or more pets at home. Some years ago, people were complaining that in their condominiums, dog owners wouldn’t clean up the poop their dogs leave behind. This […]
Many persons are not aware that a few years ago the government of Costa Rica changed the rules to make it easier for expats to become citizens. The process is now fairly simple and is similar to obtaining residency (something that needs to be done first.) What are the advantages […]
I always do a fly-over of the topic of renting in Costa Rica in my presentation at the ARCR Seminars, but because I know quite a few El Residente readers are renting, as will many future ARCR members, I decided to write this more in-depth article. Now you probably say […]