Costa Rica Mountain Towns: Climate, Visits and Living Considerations
Grecia, San Ramón, Atenas, Zarcero, Monteverde, Turrialba and more — elevations, character, and why so many foreign residents choose the highlands over the beach.
Costa Rica’s National Animals and Symbols, and What They Mean
Costa Rica has five designated animal symbols — and the manatee did not replace the deer. Every official national symbol, its date, and why it was chosen.
Bringing Pets to Costa Rica: Requirements and Timeline
There is no quarantine in Costa Rica if your paperwork is right. The SENASA requirements, document timing windows, permit rules and airline restrictions.
Vehicle Taxes in Costa Rica: The Marchamo, DEKRA and Import Duties
What the marchamo actually pays for, the Digital Marchamo arriving November 2026, DEKRA inspection dates by plate number, and the 52–79% vehicle import tax tiers.
Is Starlink Available in Costa Rica? Availability, Cost and Whether You Need It
Starlink has been licensed in Costa Rica since December 2023 and has 33,000+ subscribers. What it costs, how it performs, and why most people should take fibre instead.
Internet and TV in Costa Rica: Coverage and Setup
Costa Rica’s internet providers compared — market shares, real fibre prices, and the coverage gap between the Central Valley and the coast that catches remote workers out.
Duty-Free Shopping in Golfito: Registration, Allowance and Planning
The Depósito Libre de Golfito explained — the real saving, the annual limit, the category quotas, and the 24-hour rule that was abolished in 2021.
Downtown Playas del Coco: Visiting and Living in the Beach Town
Playas del Coco is 30 minutes from Liberia airport and the most convenient beach town in Guanacaste — with a mediocre beach. The real picture, downsides included.
Costa Rica Cultural Etiquette: Essential Tips and Customs
How Costa Ricans actually expect you to behave — usted versus tú, hora tica, quedar bien and the soft no, tipping, dress, and the mistakes foreigners make most.
How to Survive a Rip Current in Costa Rica
Rip currents are the biggest killer of visitors to Costa Rica. Why the calm patch is the dangerous one, why “swim parallel” is outdated, and what actually works.