Blog Posts About Life in Costa Rica Expert time-tested advice on how to live, retire and invest in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s exemplary democracy continues to flourish
In my last article, I wrote about Costa Rica’s recent presidential election and the country’s long democratic tradition. Well, it comes an as little surprise that Costa Rica’s democracy is rated third in the Americas which consists of Canada, the United States, and Central and South America. Furthermore, the country’s […]

A special day for Costa Rica’s enduring democracy
In case future expats do not know, Costa Rica is the longest-standing democracy in Latin America since the late 1940s. This democratic tradition began with the abolition of the country’s military. No other country south of the border can make this claim. Ticos (Costa Ricans) are extremely proud of this […]

25 Reasons to Live or Invest in Costa Rica
Year-round spring-like weather in the Central Valley Untarnished international image. How often do you hear bad things in the news about Costa Rica? Only good news! Latin America’s oldest democracy No army and NO terrorism. Costa Rica has NO enemies. Excellent health care at a fraction of the price you […]

The Advantages of Living, Retiring or Investing Abroad
Recently I had the pleasure of leading a group of potential residents on a week-long trip around Costa Rica. I would venture to say their ages ranged from 45 to 60 years old. Most came here to explore the country with the goal of eventually relocating. After a week of […]

“Being a Cuidadano de Oro” has its advantages in Costa Rica!
(NOTE: I occasionally include information from other sources when I deem it beneficial for future expats. Below is an excerpt from an article by Rico from QCosta Rica. Aging is not fun, but it does have some advantages here.) RICO’s DIGEST – This year, 2021, I became a “Ciudadano de […]

Not only is Costa Rica the best country to live in Latin America for expats; it also has the most beautiful paper money
Costa Rica’s new bills were selected as the “Best Series of New Banknotes in Latin America of 2021”, by Reconnaissance International — just one more accolade for the country to add to its long list of honors. On Reconnaissance International’s website, Costa Rica’s Central Bank is praised for its new […]

Costa Rica’s high vaccination rate is another factor future retirees should take into account
Costa Rica has one of the highest longevity rates in the world due to its affordable private and public health care systems. The country is now ranked 12th worldwide and 8th in Latin Ameriaca with respect to vaccination against covid-19. Ahead of Costa Rica are only Israel, South Korea, the […]

In search of a dream — my move to Costa Rica
When I tell people that I have lived in Costa Rica for 42 years, they inevitably ask me, “What brought you here in the first place.” I begin by telling them that my dream to live in paradise began as an undergraduate at U.C.L.A. when I was awarded a scholarship […]
Who should not move to Costa Rica?
After helping thousands of Americans and Canadians relocate to Latin America over the last 35 years through my guidebooks and relocation tours, I have observed those who are the best candidates for living successfully abroad. Don’t move to Costa Rica if… you expect everything to be like the U.S. you […]

El Río Tárcoles offers an exciting adventure for expat retirees
As I have mentioned in prior articles there is a lot to see and do once you relocate to Costa Rica. The Río Tárcoles is just one example. The Tárcoles River flows from the Central Valley through the coastal mountains and eventually drains into the Gulf of Nicoya. Unfortunately, the […]