Practicing home safety measures in Costa Rica is much the same as in any other part of the world. Costa Rica is a clean, beautiful, and safe place to live. The local folks (often referred to as “Ticos”) are friendly, and there aren’t many major weather events such as hurricanes. Though we do experience earthquakes in Costa Rica, they don’t happen very often, and when they do, they’re not usually of high magnitudes.  In the 2020 Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is ranked 32 out of 163 countries regarding overall peace. In addition, Costa Rica is ranked as the most peacefu ..read more

Cost of living in Costa Rica: What you need to know. You may be wondering about the cost of living in Costa Rica.  It’s an important consideration – especially if you’ll be living on a retirement fund or pension.  The good news is that even though some things like imported goods or cars are more expensive in Costa Rica, in the long run, it all balances out and the cost of living can be quite comfortable.  Living in Costa Rica is a cheaper option than in the U.S., but it’s not the least expensive place to live in Central America. And, having said that, the peaceful security of a ..read more

Living in Costa Rica comes with some unexpected benefits – Make the most of your new life in the tropics. For those of you looking for a new place to call home, Costa Rica is an excellent choice. The country boasts beautiful beaches and landscapes, phenomenal weather all year round, and all the natural beauty that would dazzle even the most jaded of travelers.  Moreover, living in Costa Rica doesn’t come with high costs despite its popularity among retirees and ex-pats from around the world. Food prices are low while services remain affordable; there’s no need to worry about your retireme ..read more

Getting domestic help in Costa Rica is easy and affordable. Many ex-pats living in Costa Rica are eager to hire a domestic employee to help them take care of their homes and families.  The good news is that domestic help in Costa Rica is affordable and easy to find – you just need to know how to go about it to find the right person and how to manage the employer-employee relationship. If you’re elderly and retiring in Costa Rica having domestic help can be a great source of support around the house. From cooking and cleaning to just having the support of a companion around, a housekeeper ..read more

There are plenty of fun things to do when you retire in Costa Rica Retirement is what you make it, and retirement in Costa Rica is bound to be anything but boring.  Suppose you’re wondering what to do in Costa Rica when retired and new to the country. In that case, you’ll be happy to know that there is plenty to keep you busy and active, all while enjoying and exploring your new home. If you’ve purchased a condo or home in or near Los Sueños Resort, Herradura, Costa Rica, you’ll be excited to learn that there are numerous activities to enjoy right in your own home or “backyard.”  Her ..read more

Decorating your new house in Costa Rica- where to go and how to find the perfect fittings for your home.  One of the most exciting things about buying a new home in Costa Rica is putting it all together.  Whether you plan to live in Costa Rica year-round or your new Costa Rica property will be your second home or vacation property, design and decor make your place feel like home. But where should you go to find the best quality furnishing and decor, good prices, and a wide selection of choices? Since Costa Rica is a fairly small country and local production is limited, you’ll find th ..read more

Here’s what you need to know about buying a new or used car in Costa Rica How exciting! You’re moving to Costa Rica and you’re thinking about buying a car. Having a car will definitely make life easier- but, of course, you can get by without one.  Nevertheless, life is so much more adventurous when you’ve got wheels. Especially if you’re new to living in Costa Rica and looking to explore a bit.  Depending on where your new Costa Rica home is, you may want to consider an all-terrain sports utility vehicle (SUV)- but in most places, a regular car will do just fine. While it’s true that ..read more

Buying real estate in Costa Rica is the start of an exciting new adventure.  You, like many, have visited Costa Rica and fallen in love with the weather, the geography, the people, and especially the peaceful vibe that lends to Costa Rica’s fame as “the happiest place on earth.”  You’ve decided to buy a Costa Rica property, either for your perfect vacation home or to live here full time. The good news for you is that, despite its popularity, there are still some excellent real estate opportunities in Costa Rica.  Whether you long for the tranquility of the surrounding rainforest ..read more

Buying real estate in Costa Rica has different requirements and processes than what you may be accustomed to. There are legal issues that can affect your Costa Rican real estate purchase. The rules and requirements are different in Costa Rica and sometimes are hard to understand. Add the potential language barrier and cultural differences to the transaction, and you can soon be in over your head without local experts. At a minimum, you’ll need a reputable real estate agent, a notary, and a real estate attorney. Never use the seller’s attorney. Palms Realty Costa Rica has a proven track record ..read more

Getting residency in Costa Rica: What you need to know in 2021 Now that you’re buying property, you may want to consider establishing residency in Costa Rica.  While the law in Costa Rica allows people to become “perpetual tourists” by gaming the system by merely leaving the country every 90 days, there are a few good reasons for taking steps to become a legal resident of Costa Rica.  The requirement for departing and return to Costa Rica every 90 days to renew a Visa can become expensive and inconvenient. If you are a tourist, you can only legally drive with your driver’s license f ..read more