With endless stretches of stunning coastline, luscious rainforests, majestic mountain ranges, and volcanoes, Costa Rica offers breathtakingly beautiful scenery, but that’s not the only reason why expats love it. Achieving a second place in InterNations “best places for expats”, Costa Rica offers a high quality of life and a peaceful, laidback culture, making it an ideal destination for both retirees and expats looking for a slower pace of living. Whether you’ve just made the move or you’re thinking of moving, here are a few tips to help you settle into Costa Rican culture and lifestyle.

Learn the language

Costa Rica is home to a beautiful mix of languages and cultures, and while the official language is Spanish, there are many indigenous languages that are spoken in various regions including Cabécar, Bribri, and Maléku. If you’re originally from an English-speaking country, you’ll be relieved to know that many people speak English, but it can be very beneficial to learn how to speak Spanish. James Dyde, editor of CentralAmerica.com highlights the importance of being able to speak the local language saying, “Unless you learn Spanish you're never going to properly adapt to life in Costa Rica”. Not only will learning the local language help you tackle communication barriers, it should also help you integrate and settle into your new home.

“There are a lot of expats in Costa Rica, and while there are not a lot of expat communities per se, many tend to integrate with the local populace more than stick together,” says James. There are of course areas of Costa Rica that are more tourist and expat-oriented where you’ll find the majority of people speak English, but to truly immerse yourself in the country’s rich and diverse culture, it’s best to learn a little Spanish.

Divulge in Costa Rican cuisine

There’s no better way to truly experience a country’s culture than by divulging in the local cuisine. Many dishes comprise rice and beans, making it no surprise that the country’s most popular and traditional breakfast consists of those well-loved ingredients. Known as Gallo pinto, or just pinto by the locals, this dish is made with black beans, rice, onions, and cilantro, and is usually served with eggs, tortillas, and sour cream. This dish has roots in both Costa Rican and Nicaraguan culture - even though each country claims it as its own – and is considered a national symbol. Another popular and adored meal is Casado which means “marriage” and is thought to be named as such because it is made up of a selection of foods, making it a truly hefty yet hearty dish. It usually includes fish or meat (chicken, pork, or beef), rice, beans, onions, cabbage or salad, and fried plantains.