Blog Posts About Life in Costa Rica Expert time-tested advice on how to live, retire and invest in Costa Rica.
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 […]
Negative things about the ‘real’ Costa Rica
Since I am in the relocation business I deem it necessary to paint a realistic picture of how things really are here. I try not to sugar coat anything as many retirement organizations and those with a hidden agenda tend to do. Costa Rica’s saving grace is that you never […]
Expat Retirees and Electric Vehicles
One of the guests on my April 2019 relocation/retirement tour asked me many questions about electric vehicles in Costa Rica. At present there are only around 500 electric vehicles in all of Costa Rica. The goal is to have 100 million of these vehicles on the road worldwide by the […]
More Accolades for Costa Rica
Anyone thinking of relocating to Costa Rica will be happy to know that the Good Country International Index rates Costa Rica as the best place among the countries of Latin America. After visiting all of Latin America and living in Mexico and Costa Rica, I couldn’t agree more with the […]
Expat Retirees should know that las “pulpes” continue to survive –barely
In case you don’t know the term “pulpe” is short for pulpería. The latter is a type of traditional mom and pop corner grocery store in Costa Rica. In recent years large supermarket chains like Walmart, MaxiPali, Más por Menos and Automercado, as well as independent supermarkets and mini-supers together […]
More interesting cultural activities for retired expats
As I have alluded to in previous articles, one of largest problems expat retirees are confronted with is what to do with their free time. Fortunately, this should not be an issue when living in Costa Rica. There are literally hundreds of interesting activities for keeping busy while residing here. […]
An alternative or supplement to International Living’s June 2019 Costa Rica Conference
Last week I received an ad announcing International Living’s annual Costa Rica conference. It does not surprise me that they are promoting Costa Rica, given all that the country as to offer as a retirement destination. I know someone who always speaks at International Living’s events. She related to me […]