Blog Posts About Life in Costa Rica Expert time-tested advice on how to live, retire and invest in Costa Rica.
International magazine chose Costa Rica as the ideal destination for 2024
Costa Rica is also a time-tested retirement haven. If you relocate, you will enjoy all this magical country has to offer year-round, and learn about its wonderful peace-loving people and rich vibrant culture. The renowned travel magazine Travel + Leisure selected our country as the ideal destination to visit in 2024. Costa […]
What is a real Costa Rica relocation seminar?
I have lived in Costa Rica for over 40 years. During this time there has been a whole gamut of relocation seminars, especially those that were selling real estate. However, most turned out to be “fly by night” operations trying to make a quick buck off naïve newcomers. Most have […]
The details of exonerating an automobile for future residents; Is it really worth it?
In 1992 Costa Rica abolished the exoneration of household goods and automobiles. The good news that after 30 years there is a new law that takes the place of the old lone but it much more complicated (engorroso in Spanish). In reality, there are less headaches if the corresponding taxes are […]
Jocotes and Expats
You are probably wondering what is a jocote? A jocote is a fruit tree, found Central America, Mexico, northern Peru and parts of north-coastal Brazil. The jocote goes by many names in other countries: purple mombin, red mombin, hog plum, and sinigwela to name a few. When the jocote’s peel […]
News for expats in Costa Rica about driving here
Costa Rica’s traffic police (tráficos) report that they issue about 1500 tickets (partes) year for the incorrect use of headlights. Expats and tourists should be familiar with Traffic Law Article 103 which states the following: Good news! Having a drivers licence with you may not be necessary in the future. […]
Choosing where to live in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s beach living vs. the Central Valley for living — very important to keep in mind when choosing where to live. Beach Living Costa Rica has some of the of the most beautiful beaches in the world. When the country is mentioned most people visualize themselves sitting on a […]
Drugs and Retirees in Costa Rica
Last week an article appeared in the Los Angeles Times newspaper titled, “Costa Rica, the once-peaceful land of ‘pura vida,’ battles violence as cocaine trade grows.” Any potential expat would probably have second thoughts about moving here after reading this article. As someone who has lived in Costa Rica for […]
An exciting activity for expats in Costa Rica
After relocating to Costa Rica, it is important to stay busy to avoid boredom. Fortunately, Costa Rica offers 100s of both indoor and outdoor activities and venues. One important event is the Festival of Whales and Dolphins which takes place annually at Bahía Ballena (Whale Bay) near the town of […]
Staying healthy in Costa Rica
Moving to Costa Rica might just improve your health. The weekend farmers markets offer mountains of fresh fruit and vegetables. Also, there are plenty of outdoor activities so you can stay physically active. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of the world’s ‘Blue Zones’ where people live longer than average. For […]
What constitutes a real relocation tour and seminar to Costa Rica?
For the last 30 years I have been writing guidebooks, articles about living here and conducting relocation tours and seminars. The question is, what should relocation tour really consist of? First, it should cover the most desirable areas to live and include the following: infrastructure: accessibility, good medical care, shopping, […]