Once again Costa Rica has been determined the Happiest Planet on Earth in the annual Happy Planet Index (H.P.I.) by the New Economic Foundation.  The study ranks countries in terms of life expectancy, the amount of well being experienced by the local population, and environmental impact.  Costa Rica has been in the top 3 since the formation of the first H.P.I. in 2006 and has been #1 for the past 2...

Learning a new language is very challenging and overwhelming at times, but if you can speak some of the local language it will help you transition to a new culture more smoothly.  This is true around the World and Costa Rica is no exception.  Although many locals speak some English and I know many foreigners that have gotten by for years without any Spanish skills; I still feel learning some of the...

On September 9th Costa Rica will celebrate “Dia del Nino” or Children’s Day.  This is a day to celebrate children around the World.  It was created by the U.N. in 1954 in order to bring attention to children’s rights and healthy child development around the globe.  The official day of celebration in October 20th, but countries celebrate on various dates that are convenient for them. Today, the...

In the past investing in Costa Rica real estate was one of the best investments Worldwide with exponential returns year over year.  However, these exuberant returns were unsustainable and when the global economic crisis hit the property values had to come back down to realistic levels.  Today it appears we have past the bottom of the cycle and many of the fire sales have been swooped up by savvy...

The public health care system in Costa Rica is based on socialized medicine and is actually very good treatment once you are seen by the doctor.  However, due to the bureaucracy of public medicine scheduled appointments can be months, if not years, away.  If there is an emergency they will admit you to the emergency room, but for exams, tests, etc the waiting period can be too long for some to endure. ...

Many people live in Costa Rica full time without residency by constantly renewing their 90 day tourism visa.  This is because some do not qualify for residency and others just choose not to go through the process.  However, renewing the tourist visa requires leaving the country for 72 hours every 90 days and is a technicality and not a legally recommend process. Perpetual Tourism I know people that have...

Most people dream about moving to a tropical paradise and enjoying the beach and beautiful scenery while living a laid back lifestyle.  Then reality strikes and they think it is an impossible dream only for the wealthy and they go back to plugging away at the ‘rat race’.  Well, this dream can become a reality and for less than one would imagine.  In this blog we will discuss on how to leave it all...

Once in a while a deal comes along that seems too good to be true and this is one of them!  The Casa Cartago is an amazing luxury home minutes from Dominical and the beaches located in the most exclusive gated communities in the Southern Zone.  The other homes in the neighborhood are all million dollar plus range and all have some of the best views Dominical, Costa Rica has to offer! Casa Cartago is an...

Costa Rica has been a favorite destination for tourists, retirees, and second home owners for many years.  It is perfectly safe to travel and live full time in this country.  Of course you have to use caution in certain areas of the San Jose due to crime concerns and use common sense to avoid petty theft when travelling with cash, passports, and electronics throughout the country.  In tourism areas...

Buying real estate in Costa Rica carries similar risk as anywhere else in the World, but there are processes and legal procedures in place to ensure a buyer’s safety.  The following are steps you should take in order to eliminate any ambiguity in a real estate transaction. Use a professional and experienced realtor/broker that has lived and worked in the area for a few years in which they are selling...