Costa Rican embassies

• Embassy of Costa Rica, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 499 2980 
• Embassy of Costa Rica, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7629 3111 
• Embassy of Costa Rica, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 562 2855
• Embassy of Costa Rica, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6113 0271 
• Honorary Consulate of Costa Rica, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 11 885 6895

Foreign embassies in Costa Rica

• United States Embassy, San José: +506 2519 2000
• British Embassy, San José: +506 2258 2025 
• Canadian Embassy, San José: +506 2242 4400
• Australian Consulate, San José: +506 4081 8008
• South African Consulate, San José: +506 2283 1100

With Costa Rica being a popular destination among retirees, the quality of healthcare is something at the forefront of people’s minds when considering whether to make the move. Thankfully, the standard of healthcare in Costa Rica is good. In fact, the country boasts some of the best facilities in Latin America.

Costa Rica has two healthcare systems, both of which are accessible to expats. There is both a government-run universal healthcare system and a private healthcare sector. Both systems are constantly being developed and improved, and the majority of expats tend to use a combination of the two.

Compared to most developing countries, the cost of healthcare in Costa Rica is low across the board, and many doctors, particularly those working in the private sector, speak good English.

Public healthcare in Costa Rica

The government-run universal healthcare system in Costa Rica is called the Costa Rica Social Security Fund or Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). The system is most commonly referred to as ‘CAJA’. Through its network of hospitals and clinics, CCSS is responsible for providing cost-effective healthcare to the population. Although the system is often overstretched, it has served Costa Rica well.

The system is funded by small monthly contributions based on income level. The CAJA system provides full coverage for GP visits, prescription medications, in-patient hospital care and all medical procedures.

Private healthcare in Costa Rica

While many expats have access to public healthcare in Costa Rica, most opt for private services or a combination of public and private services. These offer speedier services and a higher standard of care. Although more costly than public services, private healthcare is still highly affordable compared to what expats may be used to paying in Europe and North America.

The public and private healthcare systems in Costa Rica typically work well together, with most expats using a mixture of both services. Expats will likely use public services for regular GP visits and employ private healthcare for more specialised care, such as diagnostic services and major procedures.

Health insurance in Costa Rica

Expats who are legal residents of Costa Rica are required to sign up for CAJA and make monthly contributions based on a percentage of their income. This allows them free treatment for everything from a check-up and prescription drugs to major surgeries under the CCSS.

Expats will need to secure private health insurance to ensure they have coverage while waiting for their CAJA membership to kick in. While dependent spouses are also covered by CCSS, other visitors and tourists will only have access to public healthcare services in emergencies.

Under the Costa Rican private healthcare system, patients have the option of paying cash for their treatments or using insurance. For peace of mind, most expats opt for private health insurance to ensure all their healthcare costs are covered.

The Costa Rican government also offers health discount plans known as Instituto de Seguro Nacional (INS). This allows expats to access a certain number of GP and specialist appointments and diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and blood tests.

Pharmacies and medicines in Costa Rica

Pharmacies in Costa Rica are known as farmacias and can be found scattered all over the country. They tend to be well stocked, and most medicines can be ordered if they aren’t immediately available. Prescriptions are generally only required for antibiotics and psychotropic drugs, so regulations are far less restrictive than in Europe, North America or Australia.

Vaccinations for Costa Rica

There are several vaccinations recommended for Costa Rica, particularly for expats moving to smaller cities or rural areas. Expats arriving from certain African, Mediterranean and Caribbean countries are required to be vaccinated against yellow fever. It’s also recommended for expats to take prophylactic malaria medication. Over and above routine vaccinations, other recommended vaccinations include:

• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Measles-mumps-rubella (for infants younger than a year old)
• Hepatitis A and B

Emergency services in Costa Rica

The main emergency number in Costa Rica is 911. This connects the caller to the police, fire department and emergency medical services. Emergency lines are manned by bilingual Spanish and English speakers. Ambulance services in Costa Rica are relatively fast and efficient, and paramedics are well-trained.

Getting around in Costa Rica, be it by way of driving or public transport, can be a frustrating endeavour. Streets aren’t always named or well-signposted, and in most cases, locals will give directions using well-known buildings, stores or landmarks as references instead of street names. For this reason, it is advisable that expats keep a map on hand until they’ve found their bearings.

Although the public transportation infrastructure in Costa Rica is poorly developed, getting around using buses is fairly easy, and most expats report not needing a car. There are a handful of commuter train lines still in operation, but buses are the main mode of public transport. While journeys are long and can be uncomfortable, the network is extensive.

Taxis are relatively inexpensive and are often the least stressful way to get around in Costa Rican cities. Driving in Costa Rica is also something that will take expats a while to get used to.

Public transport in Costa Rica

Buses

Buses are a cheap mode of transportation, and Costa Rica’s bus network is extensive, but long-distance routes can be time-consuming due to frequent stops and slow driving. The bus services in Costa Rica are operated by private companies that determine their routes, schedules and fares. Only a few bus services allow commuters to reserve tickets in advance, so during peak season, it’s best to get to the bus terminal early to secure a seat.

Expats are encouraged to check the date and seat number are correct, as one usually cannot get a refund or change their ticket. Another frustrating element of bus travel is the fact that bus schedules can change frequently, so expats should ensure they monitor the schedule of their bus routes.

Trains

Railway services in Costa Rica are overseen by the Costa Rican Railways Institute (Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarrile, INCOFER). Costa Rica’s railway system is still largely underdeveloped, but there are plans to introduce an electric passenger train service that runs between east and west San Jose. Trains in Costa Rica are largely limited to cargo trains, but there are several passenger rails that are of an adequate standard.

While these trains are largely clean and comfortable, they are plagued by issues of infrequent and unreliable service. Adventurous expats looking to take a commuter train in Costa will find first class more comfortable, while tourist class are more affordable but offer no air conditioning.

Useful links

• For information on rail schedules and ticket prices, visit INCOFER’s website.

Taxis in Costa Rica

Taxis are a good transportation option in Costa Rica and are available in most large cities. They are inexpensive, but expats should always be sure to ask the driver to put the meter on when getting into the vehicle. Alternatively, if outside the capital city, agree on a fixed price before starting a journey.

Official taxis in Costa Rica are red vehicles with a yellow triangle on the side. These taxis are regulated and required to use the meter. Unlicensed taxis are prevalent in many Costa Rican cities, and expats should avoid taking taxis other than the official ones.

While the ride-hailing service Uber is technically illegal in Costa Rica, it is available across the country. Alternatives to Uber include Easy Taxi and Didi, which are also widely available.

Useful links

• Expats in San Jose looking to book an official taxi in advance can visit Easy Taxi’s website.
• For ride-hailing services, check out Uber and Didi.

Driving in Costa Rica

Expats in Costa Rica are allowed to drive with their existing driving licence issued in their home country for the first three months, after which they’ll need to convert it to a local licence. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Costa Rica that allow their nationals to keep their driving licences in the country for longer.

Temporary or permanent residents who need to get a local Costa Rican driving licence must secure a medical certificate from a licensed doctor affirming their fitness to drive. They must also attend a local driving school to obtain a certificate of approval. Expats can then submit all of these documents to the Council for Road Safety (COSEVI) and take a written test. If they pass this test, they will be eligible to receive a Costa Rican driving licence.

Expats who do not have a driving licence from their home country will need to complete both a written and practical driving test. Both of which will only be available in Spanish. The local COSEVI branch will have reference materials expats can use to prepare for their written test.

Driving one’s own vehicle is a convenient way to get around Costa Rica, as it allows expats to explore far and wide and on their own time. That said, those who decide to drive should do so with caution. Road infrastructure in many parts of Costa Rica has been poorly developed. Roads are often unpaved, and potholes are common. Streets tend to be incredibly narrow, and signage isn’t always clear. Local driving behaviour can be erratic, so it’s important to be alert at all times and drive defensively.

Useful links

• Visit COSEVI’s website to learn more about obtaining a local driving licence.

Domestic flights in Costa Rica

By far the quickest and easiest way to travel in Costa Rica is by flight, but domestic airlines tend only to service major tourist hubs, so the network is somewhat limited. Expats travelling to these destinations will find that domestic flights are fairly cheap, especially when booking in advance.

Though Costa Rica may be small, this Caribbean country has much to offer. The landscape is chock-full of awe-inspiring geographical features, including rainforests, beaches, canyons and even volcanos.

Expats moving to Costa Rica often flock to the country to enjoy an excellent quality of life in its picturesque environment. In fact, not only do expats enjoy a good quality of life, but they may even expect to live a bit longer by relocating to Costa Rica, as the country has one of the highest life expectancies in the world.

Another key drawcard for expats moving to Costa Rica is the friendly locals. As the country is a well-known tourism hotspot, locals are accustomed to foreigners and are typically quite welcoming.

Living in Costa Rica as an expat

Expats in Costa Rica are sure to come across plenty of British, Canadian and American retirees drawn to this stable democracy’s affordable healthcare, low cost of living, magnificent climate, friendly locals and spectacular views. Roughly 10 percent of Costa Rica’s population is made up of foreigners.

The capital, San José, boasts the best nightlife, shopping and restaurants in Costa Rica. Centrally situated with gorgeous architecture alongside modern galleries and cafés, San José offers expats an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the country, ranging from sleepy, picturesque villages to lively resort towns.

Those looking to work in Costa Rica may find it difficult to secure a work permit unless they have exceptional skills. Although pensioners are allowed to own and profit from businesses in the country, Costa Rica is not considered ideal for investment.

Expats will also find plenty of accommodation options that are suitable for different budgets. Most expats will live in apartments or standalone homes. Those who can afford it will find themselves in luxury villas that are often home to sought-after amenities such as gardens and pools. Fortunately for expats, utilities are usually included in the rental fee in Costa Rica.

Cost of living in Costa Rica

While Costa Rica is renowned for its affordability, the country has seen an uptick in the cost of living, with the capital city, San José, becoming more expensive in recent years. This increase has been caused by a combination of factors, including the country's reliance on imports for most food products and essential items and inflation. 

Still, Costa Rica’s low cost of living remains one of its biggest drawcards, especially for retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in the sun. Retired expats from the likes of the US and UK find that their pensions from back home can stretch significantly further in Costa Rica.

Housing in Costa Rica can be significantly cheaper than the national average in the US, and healthcare is affordable as well as high quality. Markets sell local fresh fruit and vegetables at low prices, so eating healthy is not only easy but also inexpensive.

Families and children in Costa Rica

Though Costa Rica is largely thought of as a retirement destination, expat families can also find an exceptional quality of life here. Local schools teach in Spanish, but there are several international schools scattered around the country. The majority teach the US curriculum in English, though there are a few that offer other options, such as the International Baccalaureate.

Costa Rica’s healthcare is top quality, particularly in San José’s private hospitals, and as a result, it is a popular medical tourism destination. Residents are required to subscribe to Costa Rican social security via monthly contributions, giving them and their spouses access to free public healthcare. Many expats also take out a private insurance policy and use a mix of both public and private healthcare.

Thanks to Costa Rica’s beautiful natural landscapes, parents will also find themselves spending more time outdoors with their children. Some of the most popular outdoor activities include surfing, swimming, hiking and kayaking. With access to a volcano and rainforest, children will never be without activities to do at the weekend.

Climate in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a favourable climate allowing plenty of sun and surf, with most days being in the range of 77°F (25°C) to 90°F (30°C). This, of course, is useful for exploring the country’s bounteous natural beauty – just be sure to remember the sunblock and to stay hydrated.

Expats who move to Costa Rica initially come to the country for a short stay, but with friendly locals, good infrastructure and a stable political situation, it’s no surprise that they frequently decide to settle down here for good.

Fast facts

Population: 5.2 million

Capital city: San José

Neighbouring countries: Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the southeast.

Geography: Costa Rica lies on the Central American Isthmus, the narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea linking North and South America. The landscape comprises peaks and volcanos, as well as lower plains and forests.

Political system: Unitary presidential constitutional republic

Major religion: Christian

Main language: Spanish

Money: The Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is divided into 100 centimos. ATMs and card facilities can be found in all major urban centres.

Tipping: Most places add a 10 percent service charge to their bill, but tipping extra for excellent service is appreciated.

Time: GMT-6

Electricity: 120V, 60Hz. Flat two-pin and three-pin plugs (two flat blades with a round grounding pin) plugs are used.

Internet domain: .cr

International dialling code: +506

Emergency contact: 911 (general), 117 (police), 118 (fire), 128 (ambulance)

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Buses are the most commonly used form of public transport and the cheapest way to travel. Taxis are pricier but more flexible than bus travel. Foreigners can drive with a valid licence from any country for the first three months of their residency.

The weather in Costa Rica is characterised by a tropical and subtropical climate. Costa Rica is divided in half by an alpine spine through the middle of the country. The Pacific side has dry forests, while the Caribbean side has wet, humid rainforests. As with the country's natural regions, the year is divided into two: a rainy season and a dry season.

The rainy season lasts from May to November. Expect plenty of rain, especially when there is a hurricane somewhere else in the Caribbean. The most popular weather season in Costa Rica is the dry season, which lasts from December to April.

Throughout both seasons, there is little variation in coastal temperatures, with most days being somewhere between 77°F (25°C) and 86°F (30°C). The mountainous areas in the country's centre are significantly colder than this because of their high altitude.

Unlike many other countries on the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is at little risk of hurricanes. Earthquakes and volcanic activity are more pressing environmental hazards and, while rare, have resulted in fatalities in the past. Expats should therefore make sure they are up-to-date and well-informed about the risk of natural disasters in Costa Rica.