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These frequently asked questions have been especially designed to answer many of your questions about Costa Rica and the basics of buying Costa Rica real estate. Some of these questions have been compiled with the help of our personnel, while others have been taken from the previous inquiries of our clients.

Why should I move to Costa Rica?
How can I restart my life in Costa Rica?
Why do so many people want to live in Costa Rica?
What sets Costa Rica apart from other countries?
Are hurricanes a problem in Costa Rica?
What is the religion of Costa Rica?
What is the Costa Rican culture like?
How do the locals treat Americans?
What does "Pura Vida" mean?
What is the location and natural features of the land?
What are the geographical divisions of Costa Rica?
What is the climate like in Costa Rica?
What happens if I want to stay longer in Costa Rica?
What do I need to bring a pet to Costa Rica?
How’s the food in Costa Rica?
What kind of electrical power does Costa Rica use?
What inoculations do I have to get to go to Costa Rica?
What is the currency in Costa Rica?
How much is the sales tax in Costa Rica?
What telephone number should I call in case I have an emergency?
What time zone is Costa Rica located in?
Can I drive in Costa Rica with my regular driver’s license from home?
I want to drive my car to Costa Rica. How much will I have to pay in taxes if I decide to keep it in the country?
Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?
Can I enter Costa Rica with a one-way airline ticket?
Are there any English-language newspapers in Costa Rica?
Can foreigners buy property in Costa Rica?
Should I put my Costa Rica property into a corporation?
Can you assist me in finding a good bilingual attorney in Costa Rica?

Why should I move to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is an ideal choice for expats, retirees or those looking to relocate to a peaceful country with no army, moderate year-round temperatures, affordable quality medical and dental care as well as close proximity to the United States. This country is one of the most stable and peaceful democracies in all of Latin America.

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How can I restart my life in Costa Rica?

The very first step is to visit the country and see for yourself what it has to offer. You can begin an exciting new stage of your life while making new friends, experiencing a new culture, learning a new language, staying busy and happy and regaining your youthful passions. All this can make you feel better and possibly help you to live longer. Some expatriates remark that living in Costa Rica was like discovering the Fountain of Youth. Truly, Costa Rica can change people’s lives for the better.

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Why do so many people want to live in Costa Rica?

The best answer to that is the ideal weather and close proximity to the United States. The climate in Costa Rica is often rated in the top five desirable climates to live in worldwide which is about mid 70’s average in the Central Valley. You will rarely need air conditioning and never need to turn on the heat. In most places, no one has a furnace—say goodbye to heating bills forever! There are two seasons in Costa Rica, dry and rainy, both with tons of sunshine. The growing season is year round as opposed to regions where a winter season brings a dormant period.

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What sets Costa Rica apart from other countries?

Other places such as Mexico, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama may have a lower cost of living but as the old adage goes, “you get what you pay for.” Lack of infrastructure and quality of life in other foreign countries can leave a lot to be desired. Safety is also of major concern, especially where police have too much power or are very corrupt. Costa Rica is a politically stable country without a military presence and violent crime is the exception rather than the rule.

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Are hurricanes a problem in Costa Rica?

Historically hurricanes have not been an issue for Costa Rica. On a few rare occasions, they have hit the Caribbean side of the country. However, there is an 11,000 foot mountain range separating the Caribbean side from the Pacific side. The mountains act as a huge buffer zone offering shelter from the heavy winds associated with large storms. Our real estate company can help you with buying Costa Rica land at higher elevations that have been carefully selected.

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What is the religion of Costa Rica?

The official religion in Costa Rica is Roman Catholic. Costa Rica is a Spanish conquest maintaining the language and religion of Spain.

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What is the Costa Rican culture like?

The culture is noticeably friendly and family oriented. The most definitive aspect of the Costa Rica culture is the people’s devotion to maintaining good relations with everybody. Costa Ricans begin and end every conversation with greetings and compliments to retain warm relations with everyone they meet. Having long called themselves “Ticos,” they are not offended if an outsider refers to them as such. The Ticos are a hard working people and are also highly literate, which makes for trustworthy working relationships.

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How do the locals treat Americans?

People from the United States and Canada make up a high percentage of tourists in Costa Rica and are very often referred to as “gringos,” or more formally “North Americans,” used to make a clear distinction, since many in Latin America also call themselves Americans. Tourists are almost always well liked and treated with friendly respect, mostly because of the Ticos’ "Pura Vida" mentality and attitude of getting along with everyone.

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What does "Pura Vida" mean?

Pura Vida means "Pure Life." It can be used as a greeting, a goodbye or to express general satisfaction. Some foreigners use the phrase as an expression of a leisurely lifestyle and of friendliness. However, Ticos use the saying to communicate a belief in strong community, happy moods, enjoying life at a slower pace, or as a celebration of good fortune. Foreigners who adopt the expression correctly usually get a big grin in return—a genuine response of the Costa Ricans’ attitude toward life.

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What is the location and natural features of the land?

Costa Rica borders Nicaragua on the north and Panama to the southeast. The Caribbean shoreline lies on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. Both coastlines have an abundance of beautiful beaches. Between the coasts, the interior of the country is fashioned by four mountain ranges, which run from north to south, with several active volcanoes. This small country is comparable in size to West Virginia. The capital city of San José is situated roughly in the center of the country in a highland valley. Cascading down from the Central Valley are Costa Ricas many grand rivers. Costa Rica is situated very near the equator at just 8 degrees latitude.

Costa Ricans, being environmentally sensitive, have reserved one quarter of their land as beautiful protected areas and magnificent national parks. Within is found an astounding 5% of the worlds biodiversity, including more than eight hundred species of ferns, thousands of orchids and flowers, two thousand species of trees, and over two hundred species of mammals, thus making this region one of nature’s greatest wonders. Although well recognized as an invaluable nature refuge, Costa Rica is best known as a haven of peace.

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What are the geographical divisions of Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has seven provinces: San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Puntarenas, Guanacaste and Limón.

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What is the climate like in Costa Rica?

Costa Ricas weather is famous for being an atmospheric delight, consisting of year-round mild subtropical conditions. Extremes in temperature and extended periods of gray are nearly nonexistent. Temperatures vary mainly with elevation, the higher the cooler. Most of the rainy season lasts from May through November. There is usually a dry spell from February to April. Most of Costa Ricas rain falls on the Caribbean coast, creating a much more desirable climate in the area of the Pacific. The Caribbean side generally experiences nine to ten months of rainy season with just a couple of months of dry season, in sharp contrast to the Pacific coast, where we typically experience temperate conditions all year.

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What happens if I want to stay longer in Costa Rica?

Just leave the country for 72 hours and upon your return your permit will be renewed for an additional 90 days. The vast majority of people go to Panama for a long weekend and return for another 90 days. Some expats actually turn their whole life into a Costa Rica vacation by doing this every quarter, living full time in Costa Rica without ever formally applying for residency—a process that is perfectly legal.

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What do I need to bring a pet to Costa Rica?

Dogs and cats must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian dated within two weeks of traveling to Costa Rica. The required vaccinations for pets four months and older are: hepatitis, distemper, leptospirosis, rabies and parvo. Additionally the veterinary forms will require a stamp (for a fee of course) from the Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services as well as a stamp (for another fee) from the Costa Rica Consulate nearest you.

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How’s the food in Costa Rica?

Referred to as “comida tipica,” Costa Rican cuisine relies a great deal on starches and red meat. Beans, rice, plantains, and potatoes are the staples. Like many Central American countries, breads, sweet pastries, and cakes are very popular. The food tastes delicious and is seasoned without being overly spicy with a mixture of dry spices and sauces that give it a distinctive Costa Rican flavor.

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What kind of electrical power does Costa Rica use?

Costa Rica follows the U.S. standards and electrical outlets are also the typical U.S. flat-prong type.

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What inoculations do I have to get to go to Costa Rica?

If you are North American or European, no vaccines are required to enter Costa Rica unless you are arriving from a specific yellow-fever infected area in Africa or Latin and South America within five days.

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What is the currency in Costa Rica?

The currency is called the colón. U.S. dollars and major credit cards are also widely accepted and you will find ATMs distributed throughout the country.

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How much is the sales tax in Costa Rica?

Sales tax is currently 13%.

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What telephone number should I call in case I have an emergency?

Call 911 for immediate assistance.

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What time zone is Costa Rica located in?

Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time (same as Chicago and St. Louis) which is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time. Costa Rica does not use daylight saving time.

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Can I drive in Costa Rica with my regular drivers license from home?

Yes. Your valid license and passport are all that you need to drive in the Costa Rica, for as long as your visa is current. Be aware that if you are not driving on a valid license, you have no insurance coverage even if you paid for it.

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I want to drive my car to Costa Rica. How much will I have to pay in taxes if I decide to keep it in the country?

You may drive your car into the country on your tourist visa for three months without paying a fee. That can usually be extended for an additional three months. After that, you must pay the duty tax which varies on the make, model and year as well as the value of the car. You should be able to obtain a current tax schedule from any Costa Rican embassy, consulate or a reputable and knowledgeable customs agent.

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Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?

Yes, although we recommend drinking bottled water in some areas and will strongly caution you against drinking water directly from rivers, streams or lakes.

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Can I enter Costa Rica with a one-way airline ticket?

All visitors must have a round trip ticket as a requirement to enter the country.

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Are there any English-language newspapers in Costa Rica?

Yes, two we know of are: A.M. Costa Rica and The Tico Times.

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Can foreigners buy property in Costa Rica?

Yes, there are no restrictions to property ownership by non residents other than concession lands. Yes, there are no restrictions to Costa Rica property ownership by non-residents other than concession lands, a formality which applies to certain beachfront property.

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Should I put my property into a corporation?

As realtors, we always recommend that people put your real estate purchase and all major assets into a corporation: This protects Costa Rica investors against having their property attached in a lawsuit and if you ever decide to sell, it will make the process much simpler.

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Can you assist me in finding a good bilingual attorney in Costa Rica?

Yes, there are reputable and experienced lawyers that we can recommend. They can handle many legal services including Costa Rica real estate purchases, residency and setting up corporations.

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Do you have more questions that have not been addressed here in our FAQ section?

We hope this information has been helpful. If you still have questions about Costa Rica real estate and living or retiring in Costa Rica, please don hesitate to contact us. We will respond to your questions as soon as possible and will be happy to assist you in any way possible.

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