For many tourists and retirees from North America as well as Europe, Costa Rica is the destination of choice. It has now become quite common for expats to settle in the small but popular country bordering both the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean.

While the idea of moving to an exotic locale can be quite exciting, the reality is that it takes more than just dreaming of a new life to settle in a foreign country. Rushing through the process of moving to a foreign country could result in disaster. To ensure you are able to truly live the Pura Vida for which Costa Rica is so well-known, it’s a good idea to follow the tips listed below.

Cost of Living Is on the Rise in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful locales in the world, but an increasing number of people have discovered this and as a result, Costa Rica has become more and more popular, thus causing the cost of living to increase in many areas.

In fact, the cost of living has increased to such a degree that it is now just as expensive to live in some Costa Rican cities as it is to live in many major U.S. cities. With that said, there are still many quieter areas in Costa Rica where the cost of living is much more affordable. The key is to do your research ahead of time and know what to expect before settling into a place to live.

It Takes Time to Obtain Costa Rican Residency.

Be prepared for the fact that it can take time to get residency in Costa Rica. The good news is that you can stay in Costa Rica for 90 days on just a tourist visa. After those 90 days have passed, you will be responsible for leaving the country for at least 72 hours.

This can provide an excellent opportunity to tour neighboring countries on a short vacation before returning on a new visa that will allow you to stay in the country for another 90-day period. Even without residency, you can still obtain a driver’s license and live a normal life.

Visit Costa Rica Before You Move.

With so much press covering the beauty and benefits of Costa Rica, it can be easy to dream of moving there. Prior to taking the jump and moving to Costa Rica on a permanent basis, it is a good idea to spend some time in the region. If possible, you should try to visit during the rainy season so that you will know precisely what to expect from the country’s climate, geography, and culture.

When visiting, you may find it beneficial to spend some time in several towns before making a commitment to any one place. Take the time to get to know the locals while visiting rather than trying to live like a tourist.

Develop a Basic Understanding of the Real Estate Market in Costa Rica.

If you are thinking of buying real estate in Costa Rica, it is better to become familiar with the local real estate market to avoid making some of the most common mistakes. Many expats find it to be a good idea to rent an inexpensive property to buy some time while you learn more about the local market. When you are ready to purchase real estate, make sure you get the help of a trustworthy real estate broker and attorney.

Moving to Costa Rica can be a rewarding experience. By taking the time to become educated about what you can expect, you can ensure that your new life in Costa Rica can be everything you had hoped.

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.