5 Insider Tips on Life in Costa Rica

As IL’s Costa Rica Correspondent, I regularly share stories about people who've embraced Costa Rica's paradise as their new home. Most people I talk with share how they used IL as a resource and followed a gut feeling, their inner compass, or what many call their intuition. They also each have a unique take on their best tips for new expats coming here.

In preparation for our upcoming Fast Track Costa Rica Conference, I've contacted my network across this breathtaking country to gather their advice for anyone ready to delve deeper into daily life in Costa Rica.

Here are five tips for living in Costa Rica, directly from expats who are on the ground here right now.

Tip 1: Accept Help to Get Started

– Toby Ratcliffe Bothel

After her daughter attended university in Costa Rica, fell in love with a Tico (local), and had children, Toby Ratcliffe Bothel and her husband couldn't resist the call to this tropical paradise, so they moved in 2020.

Toby shares, “When we first arrived, we relied upon my daughter to help with day-to-day things… setting up our bank account, paying bills, getting our residency, and setting up our cell phone service. Over time, we have learned to do more and more on our own.”

After four years, they feel settled into their adopted country. “My husband has found a great group of golf friends and plays at least three times, near our home, at the Los Sueños Marriott, and at public and private courses in the Central Valley. I have friends who love exploring, hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching. I also started a dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors. Our Pura Vida Dragón Rosa team is preparing to compete in our first festival in Panama in June 2024.”

Tip 2: Understand the Local Culture

– Bev Berry

When moving abroad, looking at things from a different perspective and having an open mind are always helpful. Bev Berry, who has lived in Toronodora, on the west shore of Lake Arenal, for the past few years, shares her experience living in a different culture.

“Ticos are very nice, and don’t want to disappoint you. So, they may withhold information, like if they broke a lamp while cleaning your house, hoping not to upset you. They don’t do this to be malicious, they just desire to keep the peace. From their perspective, it is the kind thing to do.”

Bev encourages expats in Costa to, “Get out in your new community. Meet the Ticos, get to know them, become friends. They are wonderful, friendly, caring, and helpful people.”

Building community and assimilating into the local culture allows for deep connections and more support.

Tip 3: Pack a Great Attitude and Know What You Want

– Debbie Davis

“Sometimes, especially on Facebook, you will find some Negative Nellies trying to dissuade you from doing things,” says Debbie Davis, who lives in Samara on the Gold Coast.

But if you come with a great attitude, patience, and a willingness to learn, you’ll find that pretty soon you can leave the naysayers behind. Then, you can build the life you want wherever you choose to live in Costa Rica.

“I think the first decision when considering moving is to decide what you want your life to look like,” says Debbie. “We sit here every morning looking at the ocean, which is what we wanted. When people ask me where they should live, I always ask them, ‘What kind of mouse are you, a country, city, or beach mouse?’”

Tip 4: Do Your Research, Especially When Buying Real Estate

– Dawn Lane

Dawn Lane, who moved to Costa Rica four years ago, lives in Playa Langosta in Guanacaste. She decided to continue her real estate career and shares some tips.

Did you know that real estate agents in this country do not receive formal licensing? Therefore, experience matters, and real estate requires professional guidance.

Dawn shares, “A reputable agent in Costa Rica should be a country resident, demonstrating their commitment and understanding of local laws and regulations. They are the only agents allowed to work legally here. Your best resource is to find someone with whom you can build an honest relationship.”

Learn much more about real estate in Costa Rica—including the on-the-ground contacts you need—when you join our Fast Track Costa Rica ON DEMAND service.

Tip 5: Live Surrounded by Nature

– Jennifer LaCharite

Jennifer LaCharite, a freelance writer, used to live in Playas del Coco, yet now she resides more inland, in Bijagua.

“The waterfall at Rio Celeste, the Blue River, is magnificent,” she says. “Life on the edge of Tenorio Volcano National Park has a lovely climate, lots of wildlife (including toucans and sloths), and lush foliage full of streams and brooks.”

A good-sized rental with outdoor living space caught Jennifer’s eye in the Bijagua area, which ended up being the push she and her boyfriend needed to move.

“Although we miss Coco for its many food choices, we couldn’t live in that constant heat anymore. I didn’t like going outside unless I was going to be in the water. Living between two volcanoes, I’ve observed a daily high closer to 82 F here than 91 F on the coast.”

Jennifer loves her new location, which is only two hours from the beach and an hour from Liberia, with its airport. “I’m growing papaya trees, bananas, and plantains— it all grows so easily here. The rich volcanic soil is ideal for your dream garden; we live in more of a rainforest here. And the prices are lower than on the coast.”

Costa Rica has many climates to choose from. Spend time in various places to understand the weather in different areas.