Living in Costa Rica - Expat Guides

Guides for Expats in Costa Rica

Want to live in Costa Rica? On this page you’ll find common topics that will help you overcome the challenges of living, working, retiring, and starting businesses in Costa Rica. Be sure to check back every month as we add new posts about becoming an expat in Costa Rica.

Essential Reading

Here are some of the most important guides you must read when moving to Costa Rica:

Moving to Costa Rica: A Guide for Expats to Live Here 2021-08-21 by Michael K There is only one Latin American nation that can boast of having the longest continuous democratic rule and a commitment… ... Read more
Cost of Living in Costa Rica: How Much Do You Need Per Month? (2022) 2022-09-22 by Patrick Limcaco Here's how much you'll you spend per month in one of Central America's most popular expat destinations. ... Read more
The Complete Guide to Finding an Apartment for Rent in Costa Rica as Expats 2022-04-14 by Patrick Limcaco Whether you plan on renting a house or an apartment while living in Costa Rica, it's always easier to find… ... Read more
Health Insurance for Expats in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know in 2022 2022-08-20 by Patrick Limcaco Health insurance is often one of the first things you think about when moving to a new country. Costa Rica… ... Read more
A Guide to the Cheapest Way to Send Money to Costa Rica 2021-09-09 by Michael K There was a time when sending money to Costa Rica was not easy. Despite forging historically close ties with the… ... Read more
Shipping to Costa Rica: Procedure, Costs, and Customs 2022-04-15 by Gail Are you shipping a parcel to Costa Rica? Are you planning to move there and need to ship some of… ... Read more
A Complete Overview of Costa Rica’s Visa Requirements 2022-02-23 by Jacob Powell How to get the right visa for your situation and stay in the country either short or long term. ... Read more
An Overview of the Legal System and Lawyers in Costa Rica 2021-09-02 by Patrick Limcaco Residents and visitors of Costa Rica may not always have a clear picture of the country's criminal justice system. That's… ... Read more
A Beginner’s Guide to Costa Rican Tax for US Expats 2021-06-09 by Patrick Limcaco Find out if you have to file income taxes as an American expat living in Costa Rica. ... Read more

Latest Articles for Expats in Costa Rica

Cost of Living in Costa Rica: How Much Do You Need Per Month? (2022)

2022-09-292022-09-22 by Patrick Limcaco

Here’s how much you’ll you spend per month in one of Central America’s most popular expat destinations.

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a SIM Card in Costa Rica

2022-09-292022-09-10 by Jacob Powell

Use your cell phone while traveling or living in the country with one of these prepaid or monthly plans.

Credit Cards in Costa Rica for Foreigners Requirements and Benefits

Credit Cards in Costa Rica for Expats: Requirements and Benefits

2022-09-292022-08-30 by Staci Hunsinger

Looking for cashback rewards and more while living in Costa Rica? Check out these top credit cards.

A Guide to Renting a House in Costa Rica for Expats

2022-09-292022-08-29 by Vladimir Vasquez

In Costa Rica, there are many different types of properties that you can rent. The most expensive ones can be found in affluent areas like … Read more

Health Insurance for Expats in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know in 2022

2022-09-292022-08-20 by Patrick Limcaco

Reviewed for factual accuracy by Carsten Creutzburg

Health insurance is often one of the first things you think about when moving to a new country. Costa Rica is no different. Do you … Read more

How Safe is Costa Rica for Expats and Tourists?

2022-09-292022-08-17 by Jacob Powell

Whether you’re going on a holiday in Costa Rica or planning to move there, safety is an important concern. According to the Global Peace Index … Read more

The Complete Guide to Dating in Costa Rica as a Foreigner

2022-09-292022-07-31 by Vladimir Vasquez

Costa Rica is known for its friendly people. If you’re a foreigner living in this country, you’ll find that there are friendly locals everywhere you … Read more