Blog Posts About Life in Costa Rica Expert time-tested advice on how to live, retire and invest in Costa Rica.
How to save money while living in Costa Rica
Without a doubt Costa Rica is more expensive than some of the other so-called retirement/relocation havens in the region. Unfortunately, many equate the cost of living with quality of life. This is not the case in Costa Rica since by living here you really get what you pay for. In […]
A place where expat retirees can eat standing up “butt to butt”
From time to time I like to write articles about different aspects of Costa Rica’s culture including unique eateries, especially ones that not many expat retirees know about. La culo con culo (butt to butt) or Los parados (the standing ones), as this unique place is know as, is located […]
Costa Rica is one of the best countries in the world for nature lovers and retirees
For many years the country has been considered a “nature lover’s Disneyland” because of its many natural wonders. Those interested in surfing, hiking bird watching zip lining, river rafting and the outdoors in general, will fall in love with this beautiful country. Recently, Conde Nast Traveler published it’s ranking of […]
What is the best way to do one’s due diligence for retiring or living in Costa Rica?
This is the first in a series of articles for the Tico Times about moving to and living in Costa Rica with the goal of helping potential expats. Although this series of articles may seem self-serving at times, their purpose is to help people relocate as seamlessly as possible, give objective information […]
Retirees should know about Costa Rica’s strict gun laws
Gun laws in the United States are a constitutional right. According to the Second Amendment of the United States: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Almost anyone can obtain […]
It is better to be poor in Costa Rica than the United States
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 […]
Weather advice for expat retires or those thinking of moving here
Costa Rica is known for having one of the best climates in the world. Specifically, year-round spring-like weather in the Central Valley. However, during the green or rainy season there are some precautions that everyone including expat retirees should follow to deal with the wet weather. It is imperative to […]
What is Considered Normal In Costa Rica, But Not Accepted By Foreigners
By Rico Occasionally, I come across good articles about living in Costa Rica that are written by insightful and knowledgeable expats. This one is from my friend Rico’s column TICO BULL. Retirees who live in Costa Rica are quick to notice these cultural differences and find most of them hard […]
Free wifi for expats and Costa Ricans
Cost-conscious expat retirees can now save money by taking advantage of ‘free’ Internet access in many areas of the country. The Costa Rican government is in the process of installing wifi in parks, plazas, train stations, and 61 public libraries. In addition, 100,000 thousand university students will have access to […]
How difficult is it for retired expats to make Costa Rican friends?
Costa Ricans are very friendly people and in general some of the happiest people in the world. They also are peace-loving and actually like expats. However, forming deep friendships with them may prove difficult for expats. I have lived in Costa Rica for 40 years and during this time have […]