Small as it may be, Costa Rica packs a punch. This Caribbean country has much to offer, with a countryside chock-full of awe-inspiring features, including rainforests, beaches, canyons, and even volcanoes. Expats moving to Costa Rica often come here to enjoy an excellent quality of life in the country’s picturesque environment. In fact, not only do expats enjoy a good quality of life, but they may even hope to live a bit longer by relocating to Costa Rica, as the country has one of the highest life expectancies in the world.

Another key drawcard for expats moving to Costa Rica is the friendly locals. As the country is a well-known tourism hotspot, locals are accustomed to foreigners and are typically warm and welcoming to newcomers.

Living in Costa Rica as an expat

Expats in Costa Rica are sure to come across plenty of British, Canadian and American retirees drawn to this stable democracy’s affordable healthcare, low cost of living, magnificent climate, friendly locals and spectacular views. Roughly 10 percent of Costa Rica’s population is made up of foreigners.

The capital, San José, boasts the best nightlife, shopping, and restaurants in Costa Rica. Centrally situated with gorgeous architecture alongside modern galleries and cafés, San José offers expats an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the country, ranging from sleepy, picturesque villages to lively resort towns.

Those looking to work in Costa Rica may find it difficult to secure a work permit unless they have exceptional skills. Retirees with a healthy pension won’t need to worry about this, though, and can enjoy spending their golden years in the sunshine.

Expats will find plenty of accommodation options in Costa Rica that are suitable for different budgets. Most expats will live in apartments or standalone homes, while those who can afford to splurge may find themselves in luxury villas featuring sought-after amenities such as gardens and pools.

Cost of living in Costa Rica

While Costa Rica is renowned for its affordability, the country has seen an uptick in the cost of living, with the capital city, San José, becoming more expensive in recent years. This increase has been caused by a combination of factors, including inflation and the country’s reliance on imports.

Still, Costa Rica’s low cost of living remains one of its biggest drawcards, especially for retirees. Retired expats from the US and the UK find that their pensions from back home can stretch significantly further in Costa Rica.

Housing in Costa Rica can be significantly cheaper than the national average in the US, and healthcare is affordable as well as high quality. Markets sell local fresh fruit and vegetables at low prices, so eating healthy is not only easy but also inexpensive.

Families and children in Costa Rica

Although Costa Rica is largely thought of as a retirement destination, expat families can also find an exceptional quality of life here. Local schools teach in Spanish, but there are several international schools scattered around the country. The majority teach the US curriculum in English, although there are a few that offer other options, such as the International Baccalaureate.

Costa Rica’s healthcare is top quality, particularly in San José’s private hospitals, and as a result, it is a popular medical tourism destination. Residents are required to subscribe to the Costa Rican social security programme through monthly contributions, which gives them and their spouses access to free public healthcare. Many expats also take out a private insurance policy and use a mix of both public and private healthcare.

Thanks to Costa Rica’s outdoor beauty, parents will also find themselves spending more time outdoors with their children. Some of the most popular outdoor activities include surfing, swimming, hiking and kayaking. With access to a volcano and rainforest, children will never be without activities to do at the weekend.

Healthcare and Hospitals in Costa Rica

Climate in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a favourable climate, allowing plenty of sun and surf. Most days are in the range of 77°F (25°C) to 90°F (30°C), which is ideal for taking advantage of the country’s bounteous natural beauty. Just remember the sunblock and stay hydrated.

Weather in Costa Rica

Many expats who move to Costa Rica initially come for a short stay, but with friendly locals, good infrastructure and a stable political situation, it’s no surprise that they often decide to settle down here for good.

Fast facts

Population: 5.1 million

Capital city: San José

Neighbouring countries: Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast.

Geography: Costa Rica lies on the Central American Isthmus, the narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea linking North and South America. The countryside comprises peaks and volcanoes, as well as lower plains and forests.

Political system: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Major religion: Christian

Main language: Spanish

Money: The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is divided into 100 centimos. ATMs and card facilities can be found in all major urban centres.

Tipping: Most places add a 10 percent service charge to their bill, but tipping extra for excellent service is appreciated.

Time: GMT-6

Electricity: 120V, 60Hz. Flat two-pin and three-pin plugs (two flat blades with a round grounding pin) are used.

Internet domain: .cr

International dialling code: +506

Emergency contact: 911 (general), 117 (police), 118 (fire), 128 (ambulance)

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Buses are the most commonly used form of public transport and the cheapest way to travel. Taxis are pricier but more flexible than bus travel.

The weather in Costa Rica is characterised by a tropical and subtropical climate. Costa Rica is divided in half by an alpine spine through the middle of the country. The Pacific side has dry forests, while the Caribbean side has wet, humid rainforests. As with the country’s natural regions, the year is divided into two seasons: rainy and dry.

The rainy season lasts from May to November. Expect plenty of rain, especially when a hurricane is occurring elsewhere in the Caribbean. The most popular weather season in Costa Rica is the dry season, which lasts from December to April.

Throughout both seasons, there isn’t much variation in coastal temperatures, with most days being somewhere between 77°F (25°C) and 86°F (30°C). The mountainous areas in the country’s centre are significantly colder than this because of their high altitude.

Unlike many other Caribbean countries, Costa Rica isn’t at a high risk of experiencing hurricanes. Earthquakes and volcanic activity are among the most pressing environmental hazards and, while rare, have resulted in fatalities in the past. Expats should therefore ensure they are up to date and well informed about the risks of natural disasters in Costa Rica.

With Costa Rica a popular destination for retirees, the quality of healthcare is at the forefront of people’s minds when considering whether to make the move. Thankfully, the standard of healthcare in Costa Rica is good. In fact, the country boasts some of the best facilities in Latin America.

Costa Rica’s healthcare system is divided into two: a government-run universal healthcare system and a private healthcare sector. Both systems are constantly being developed and improved, and most expats use a combination of the two.

Compared to most developing countries, the cost of healthcare in Costa Rica is low across the board, and many doctors, particularly those working in the private sector, speak good English.

Public healthcare in Costa Rica

The government-run universal healthcare system in Costa Rica is called the Costa Rica Social Security Fund or Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). Through its network of hospitals and clinics, CCSS provides cost-effective healthcare to the population. Although the system can be overstretched, it generally serves Costa Rica well.

The system is funded by small monthly contributions based on income level. It provides full coverage for GP visits, prescription medications, inpatient hospital care, and all medical procedures.

Private healthcare in Costa Rica

While many expats have access to public healthcare in Costa Rica, most opt for private services or a combination of public and private services. These offer speedier services and a higher standard of care. Although more costly than public services, private healthcare is still highly affordable compared to what expats may be used to paying in Europe and North America.

The public and private healthcare systems in Costa Rica typically work well together, and most expats use a mix of both. Expats will likely use public services for regular GP visits and employ private healthcare for more specialised care, such as diagnostic services and major procedures.

Pharmacies and medicines in Costa Rica

Pharmacies in Costa Rica (farmacias) are scattered throughout the country. They tend to be well stocked, and most medicines can be ordered if they aren’t immediately available. Prescriptions are generally only required for antibiotics and psychotropic drugs, so regulations are far less restrictive than in Europe, North America, or Australia.

Vaccinations for Costa Rica

No particular vaccinations are required for entry into Costa Rica, although it’s recommended that expats keep routine vaccinations up to date, including those for typhoid, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella.

Emergency services in Costa Rica

The main emergency number in Costa Rica is 911. This number connects the caller to the police, fire department, and emergency medical services. Emergency lines are manned by bilingual Spanish and English speakers. Ambulance services in Costa Rica are relatively fast and efficient, and paramedics are well trained.

Getting around in Costa Rica, be it by way of driving or public transport, can be a frustrating endeavour. Streets aren’t always named, signposting tends to be limited, and in most cases, locals will give directions using landmarks as references instead of street names. For this reason, expats should keep a map on hand until they’ve found their bearings.

Although Costa Rica’s public transport infrastructure is underdeveloped, getting around by bus is fairly easy, and most expats report not needing a car. Although there are a handful of commuter train lines still in operation, buses are the main mode of public transport. Journeys by bus can be long and can be uncomfortable, but the network is extensive.

Taxis are relatively inexpensive and are often the least stressful way to get around in Costa Rican cities. Driving in Costa Rica is also something that will take expats a while to get used to.

Public transport in Costa Rica

Buses

Buses are a cheap mode of transport, and Costa Rica’s bus network is extensive. Long-distance routes can be time consuming, though, due to frequent stops and slow driving.

Bus services in Costa Rica are operated by private companies that determine their own routes, schedules, and fares. Only a few bus services allow travellers to reserve tickets in advance, so during peak season, it’s best to get to the bus terminal early to secure a seat.

Another frustrating element of bus travel is that schedules can change frequently, so expats should ensure they monitor their bus routes’ schedules prior to setting off.

Trains

Railway services in Costa Rica are overseen by the Costa Rican Railways Institute (Incofer). Costa Rica’s railway system is still largely underdeveloped, but a few lines are in use.

While trains are largely clean and comfortable, they tend to be infrequent and unreliable. Adventurous expats looking to take a commuter train in Costa will find first class more comfortable, while tourist class is more affordable but lacks air conditioning.

Taxis in Costa Rica

Taxis are a good transport option in Costa Rica and are available in most large cities. They are inexpensive, but expats should always be sure to ask the driver to put the meter on when getting into the vehicle. Alternatively, if outside the capital city, agree on a fixed price before starting a journey.

Official taxis in Costa Rica are red vehicles with a yellow triangle on the side. These taxis are regulated and required to use the meter. Unlicensed taxis are prevalent in many Costa Rican cities, and expats should avoid taking taxis other than the official ones.

While the ride-hailing service Uber is technically illegal in Costa Rica, it is available across the country. Alternatives to Uber include Easy Taxi and Didi, both of which are widely available.

Driving in Costa Rica

Expats in Costa Rica are allowed to drive with their existing driver’s licence issued in their home country for the first three months, after which they’ll need to convert it to a local licence. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Costa Rica that allow their nationals to keep their driver’s licence in the country for longer.

Temporary or permanent residents who need a local Costa Rican driver’s licence must secure a medical certificate from a licensed doctor affirming their fitness to drive. They must also attend a local driving school to obtain a certificate of approval. Expats can then submit all of these documents to the Council for Road Safety (COSEVI) and take a written test. If they pass this test, they will be eligible to receive a Costa Rican driver’s licence.

Expats who do not have a driver’s licence from their home country will need to complete both a written and practical driving test in Spanish. The local COSEVI branch will have reference materials expats can use to prepare for their written test.

Driving your own vehicle is a convenient way to get around Costa Rica, as it allows you to explore far and wide on your own time. That said, those who decide to drive should do so with caution. Road infrastructure in many parts of Costa Rica has been poorly developed. Roads are often unpaved, and potholes are common. Streets tend to be narrow, and signage isn’t always clear. Local driving behaviour can be erratic, so it’s important to be alert at all times and drive defensively.

Domestic flights in Costa Rica

By far the quickest and easiest way to travel in Costa Rica is by flight, but domestic airlines tend only to service major tourist hubs, so the network is somewhat limited. Expats travelling to these destinations will find that domestic flights are fairly cheap, especially when booking in advance.