Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Costa Rica & Real Estate

The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica as well as a partial compilation of reading and sources of information…

1. If I have a fixed income of between $2000 and $4000 per month, can I live comfortably in Costa Rica?

• Yes, without a doubt. Many people live comfortably in Costa Rica on only their Social Security..

2. How much would it cost to build or buy a 2-3 BR house with perhaps an acre of land…in a safe area away from a major city?

• Approximately $75,000 to $150,000 depending upon location and amenities ( 12-1500 sf ). Our house, excluding land, cost around $80,000 and our very first home , built in 2002, cost us around $40,000 in construction costs. Rustic cabinas or smaller homes can cost well under $40,000.

3. Is living in Costa Rica safe for Americans or Canadians?

• yes…there is petty crime but violent crime is very very rare.

4. Is the water safe to drink?

• water quality is better than almost any other country in the world.

5. Are the utilities, i.e., electric, telephone, readily available and reliable?

• As good as in the States or Canada

6. Do I have to give up my citizenship to live in Costa Rica?

• No…you can apply for Residency , which allows you certain special privileges and allows you to stay in the country beyond the 90 day period, which is the longest a visitor without special papers can stay in the country ( the country must be exited for 72 hours before re-entering.

7. Will I feel like a “fish out of water”?…especially since I don’t speak Spanish?

• It depends upon your personality. We speak poor Spanish and manage to communicate quite well. There are a large number of Ticos ( Costa Ricans ) who speak English …so your “charade” skills will come in handy. A lot of your comfort level is an individual thing. it is what you make it. Costa Ricans are among the friendliest people in the world and will bend over backwards to make visitors feel comfortable.

8. How are the roads? I have heard that they are horrible. most roads are equivalent to the States or Canada…

• there are some areas where the roads are seldom fixed and slow driving is recommended. There is a decided lack of major roads or highways and those that are there, are crowded.

9. Are the banks safe?

Can I have my pension or Social Security sent to Costa Rica? yes, the public banks are insured. Most retirees have their funds deposited in the States and then draw on it thru their bank in Costa Rica or through a local ATM.

10. What about the doctors…the dentists…chiropractors…veterinarians? The hospitals?

• The medical profession in Costa Rica is excellent as are all the professional services. The mortality rate is better here than in the States or Canada as is the life expectancy. Unlike other countries, Costa Rican doctors are not part of HMOs or governmental controls…they practice medicine the way it was practiced in the 50s. Dentistry here is the same…superb and inexpensive…the same quality or better costs about 25% of Stateside.

11. What is there to do in Costa Rica?…

• well , for starters about 25% of the country is national parks . The country contains several volcanos, mountain ranges, literally dozens of different microclimates, several mountain ranges, several rivers suitable for rafting, some of the world’s best birdwatching, jungles, rain forests, cloud forests, and of course, two oceans…and much much more. Much more than you will ever visit or see in your lifetime. And it is gorgeous! ( and to top it off, the people are among the friendliest in the world!)

12. How do I get money from the States or Canada to Costa Rica? Do I need to wire transfer every time?

• No, continue to maintain at least one ATM card and you will be able to withdraw money from your “home” account…normally up to $300 per transaction…in either dollars or colones.

13. How is the medical system? Do the doctors speak English?

• The medical system in Costa Rica ranges from adequate to excellent depending upon the individual and coverage or lack of it. Everyone has the right to medical care here…paying or not. “gringos” generally find that the medical system is excellent and the majority give high marks to the system. Best guess, at least with the more advanced hospitals, at least half of the doctors, if not more, speak English. Plan on paying for your treatment or using a credit card in advance. ( if you do not have enough funds or access to it, a local hospital with gladly treat you ).

14. How is the bus service in Costa Rica?

• It is unbelievably good, inexpensive, and on time.

15. Are there a lot of poisonous snakes ?

• There are definitely poisonous snakes in Costa Rica, but most will not bite unless provoked. Deaths from snakebite are exceedingly rare.

16. Is there a lot of crime in Costa Rica? I read in the papers almost daily of murders, cocaine smuggling, problems with corruptions… please tell us the way it REALLY is in Costa Rica.

• There is no doubt that crime is increasing in Costa Rica. The larger cities are the most dangerous…as in many cities throughout the world. Ticos themselves are fed up with increasing crime and are beginning to demand more protection as well as support from the judicial system. What we have found is that the smaller towns away from the larger OR tourist towns are safe and crime is still extremely low. Use common sense the same as you would at your home now.

17. I know that Costa Rica is a democracy but is there any danger of the country turning into a leftwing country like Venezuela ?

• One can never predict the future…but Costa Ricans are extremely proud of their country and heritage and any infringement upon these rights would be almost unheard of …or even unthought of!

18. Costa Rica probably has the worst pensionado plan ( retirement plan for retirees) of any in Central America. Do you see this continuing or changing? And is Costa Rica really worth it by comparison?

• Personally , I think that all “gringos” would welcome a plan which would equal those of Panama, Nicaragua or Mexico. Personally , I don’t think that the government and legislators are really in touch with how much money the expat community and potential retirees really contribute here. Tourism is respected but for some reasons new people are given almost a cold shoulder. And it really does conflict with stated aims of the administration. Our personal feelings…the pros far outweigh the cons…protection of assets, the friendliness of the people, far less crime than others, biodiversity, fantastic medical system….for us there simply is no comparison.

These are just a few of the most common questions and answers by those thinking of retiring or relocating to Costa Rica? We have listed below several books which are strongly recommended reading for a more in depth look at the country…as well as a local website with no hidden agenda. 1) The New Golden Door to Retirement & Living in Costa Rica (2007 )by Christopher Howard 2) Living Abroad in Costa Rica (2004 ) Erin van Rheenen 3) Choose Costa Rica for Retirement (2006) John Howells

…and for those who like to “surf the net” … www.therealcostarica.com and of course, our own website ( which is real estate oriented..but much more information can be gleaned from it ).. www.cr-home.com