ASSOCIATION OF RESIDENTS OF COSTA RICA
THINKING OF MOVING TO COSTA RICA?
We recommend that anyone considering moving to Costa Rica, or any country for that matter, first come here as a tourist. The longer you can stay the better. It is important that in addition to knowing the logistics of establishing residency and making the move, you get a little taste of what life will be like.
Depending on your country of origin, you can remain in Costa Rica with a tourist visa for up to three months. With a driver's license from your home country and your passport, you can legally drive. During this time, try to get a feel for what day-to-day life will be like -- learn first-hand that a different culture means different responses to given situations. Explore the country, and try to experience the different microclimates to help make your choice of where to live so that you will be satisfied and comfortable.
Costa Rica is a Spanish speaking country. Outside the tourist areas there is not much English spoken, but the Costa Ricans are a warm and friendly people and are willing to try to help. Also, there are many schools available offering complete immersion courses, and private lessons are relatively easy to arrange. And, of course, practice is the key.
What is it like to live here? Only your own experience can answer that, since it is different for every person. But some basic information may help you in your investigation. Foreign residents and tourists can own a house and property in Costa Rica, and there are houses, condos and apartments available for rent in most areas of the country. Rental prices vary from US$300 upwards, depending on your choice of location and type of house. Location also dictates the house prices, whether buying or building. The closer to San Jose (i.e. Escazu, Santa Ana, San Pedro) the higher the price. At the present time, if you own a house and car and have no debts, a couple can live comfortably on US$1,500-2,500 per month depending on your lifestyle. Personal services (i.e. Maid, gardener, beauty parlour, etc.) are very reasonable.
Automobiles are relatively expensive in Costa Rica. While visiting, check around for prices on the type of car you would prefer. Some people ship their own cars from home, so check with ARCR Administración on the cost of the import tax and shipping charges on both your car and your personal household goods. There are a few horror stories, but also many good ones from people using well-established moving/customs services. With this information you are in a better position to make a sound decision. Auto parts are expensive, but labour is reasonable. Many roads are poor, with an ample supply of potholes, but the government has made great strides improving this situation in recent years.
Property taxes are generally lower in Costa Rica than in North America and many other countries. As a foreign resident, you will not pay income taxes on foreign pensions or income generated outside of Costa Rica, but you may have to pay taxes on income generated in Costa Rica. Businesses income, after expenses, is taxed, and there is a 13% sales tax on goods and services, including restaurants, hotels, entertainment, and so on.
For those considering retirement in Costa Rica, it may be unwise to expect to earn a living, or to supplement your income. Pensionados and rentistas are allowed to own and operate a business but are not permitted to work for wages for someone else.
Costa Rica has both private and public health care systems, and there is reasonable insurance available for both. ARCR has obtained group discounts for its members. The private clinics, doctors, specialists and laboratories are all quickly accessible and modestly priced compared to North America. Overall, health care is good in Costa Rica. There are also reasonably priced dentists and periodontists available, who provide quality service.
Whether purchasing a house, car, or other investment, it is advisable to exercise even more caution than you would normally, especially if you don’t understand Spanish. Get recommendations for good lawyers and other professionals from the ARCR or other residents, and be sure to understand all of the terms and conditions before making a deposit or committing yourself. Like many places in the world, it is a ‘Buyer Beware’ society.
There is theft here, as in all parts of the world, especially in and close to large cities. Exercise common sense when parking your car, lock it and don't leave valuables inside. When walking the downtown streets don't wear expensive flashy jewellery.
Costa Rica is a beautiful and peaceful country. The army was abolished in 1948, and the people, in general, are kind and warm-hearted. The weather is warm, the sun shines almost 365 days a year and the pace of life is more relaxed than in North America.
The members of the ARCR, the staff, and other 'expats' are all quite happy to assist you. In the end, your ability to adapt and approach life with a relaxed attitude will probably govern your degree of happiness and satisfaction with the Costa Rican lifestyle.
ABOUT THE ARCR
The Association of Residents of Costa Rica (ARCR) is a non-profit association serving foreign residents in Costa Rica and people abroad who want to become residents of Costa Rica. ARCR Administración S.A. operates the business side of the ARCR.
Moving to a new country with a different culture is exciting, and the ARCR can help with the legal, moving, language and cultural problems. As an ARCR member, you can take advantage of a large range of bilingual services and benefits.
Tel: (506) 233-8068 / 221-2053 · Fax: 866-889-9957 or (506) 255-0061
Web Site: http://www.arcr.net http://forums.arcr.net
E-Mail: info@arcr.net
Postal Address: Outside Costa Rica: Street Address:
P.O. Box 1191-1007 ARCR, SJO 12564 #101 Casa Canada
Centro Colón 1601 NW 97th Ave, Miami Avenida 4 & Calle 40
San José, Costa Rica FL 33172 San José, Costa Rica
