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If you made it this far you’re clearly interested in moving to Costa Rica permanently. Could you do me a quick favor? If you haven’t already would you leave an honest review on Amazon. Your honest review will ensure this book reaches more ambitious travelers and would-be expats like you. It also supports the growing expat community already enjoying what Costa Rica has to offer. Even a short sentence about how the book has impacted you so far will make a big differences. Please search Amazon for “Get me to Costa Rica” and follow the prompts to Write a review.
- Hello Friends I am reading a really cool book called Get me to Costa Rica and I am considering packing my bags. If you have an interest, you'll enjoy this book. Find it on Amazon!
- Just started Get me to Costa Rica by Layne Balke and .... I am ready to move. If you've ever thought about escaping the rat race -- this book is your sign. Find it on Amazon!
- I'm halfway through Get me to Costa Rica by Layne Balke , and wow....I'm rethinking my whole life plan. This book is inspiring, practical, and a little dangerous --because now I'm seriously considering a one way ticket. Find it on Amazon!
- Copy any of the 3 messages above and post on your social media account.
- Thanks
- Layne
// Did you read your goals 10 minutes today?
Ready to turn your dream of moving to Costa Rica into reality? This printable worksheet helps you track your weekly progress towards you one year goal of travel to Costa Rica. Future work sheet on tracking the move to Costa Rica.
Explore more of my inspiring work by checking out my other books available on Amazon. Each one is designed to empower, motivate, and guide you on your journey of personal growth and transformation. Whether you’re starting fresh or continuing your path, there’s something waiting for you.
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Yes, Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America. Like any country, safety depends on the area, so it’s important to research local neighborhoods and take common-sense precautions.
You can get by in many tourist or expat-heavy areas without Spanish, but learning the basics will dramatically improve your experience and help with daily tasks like banking, shopping, and interacting with locals.
Yes! Foreigners have the same rights as locals when it comes to owning property. You don’t need residency to purchase a home or land.
Common options include:
• Pensionado (retiree with fixed income)
• Rentista (proof of $2,500/month income for 2 years)
• Inversionista (investment of $150,000+)
• Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers, 1-year renewable)
• Pensionado (retiree with fixed income)
• Rentista (proof of $2,500/month income for 2 years)
• Inversionista (investment of $150,000+)
• Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers, 1-year renewable)
It varies:
• $2,000–$3,500/month for a comfortable lifestyle (outside San José)
• Rent can range from $500 to $1,500+
• Health insurance, transportation, and imported goods can add to your budget
• $2,000–$3,500/month for a comfortable lifestyle (outside San José)
• Rent can range from $500 to $1,500+
• Health insurance, transportation, and imported goods can add to your budget
Excellent! Costa Rica offers both public (Caja) and private healthcare. Private care is affordable and modern. Many expats opt for international or local insurance plans.
Legally, foreigners need a work permit or residency that allows employment. Many expats work remotely or run businesses, but working locally (like in a Costa Rican business) requires proper documentation.
Popular expat areas include:
• Tamarindo (beach town, active community)
• Arenal/La Fortuna (nature and adventure)
• Ojochal/Uvita/Dominical (southern Pacific coast)
• San Ramón/Grecia (central highlands, cooler climate)
• Escazú/Santa Ana (suburbs of San José, modern amenities)
• Tamarindo (beach town, active community)
• Arenal/La Fortuna (nature and adventure)
• Ojochal/Uvita/Dominical (southern Pacific coast)
• San Ramón/Grecia (central highlands, cooler climate)
• Escazú/Santa Ana (suburbs of San José, modern amenities)
Costa Rica has a mix of public, private, and international schools. Many expat families choose private bilingual schools, especially in the Central Valley or coastal areas with strong expat communities.
In many areas, yes—especially outside the Central Valley. Public buses exist but can be slow. Roads are improving, but 4WD is useful in rural or beach areas.
High-speed internet is widely available in urban and tourist areas. Fiber-optic service is expanding quickly. Rural locations may have slower or less reliable access.
Yes! Dogs and cats can be imported. There are health certificate and vaccination requirements. No quarantine is required if paperwork is correct.
Tropical. Two main seasons:
• Dry Season: December to April
• Green/Rainy Season: May to November
Climate varies by region—beach towns are hot, mountains are cooler.
• Dry Season: December to April
• Green/Rainy Season: May to November
Climate varies by region—beach towns are hot, mountains are cooler.
Most people ship using a container service or sell items and start fresh. Import taxes can be high. Many furnished rentals make it easy to move light.
Join Facebook groups, attend local events, visit community centers or yoga studios. Areas like Atenas, Nosara, and Puerto Viejo have thriving expat scenes.
