Costa Rica guides & insights

Practical reading for your move, residency application, and life in Costa Rica.

Aerial view of the whale's tail sandbar at Marino Ballena National Park, Uvita, Costa Rica

Which Is the Best Beach in Costa Rica? Live in the Central Valley and You Don’t Have to Choose

Alan Parker / October 24, 2026

Which is the best beach in Costa Rica? Live in the Central Valley and pick a different one every weekend. Real drive times from Escazú to 10 beaches.

A worried retired couple reading a letter at their kitchen table in Costa Rica

More Costa Rica Guides

Residency Problem in Costa Rica? 17 Times to Call a Residency Lawyer Fast

Alan Parker / October 23, 2026

Missed a deadline, owe the Caja, or your DIMEX expired? The 17 residency problems in Costa Rica to fix fast, and what to do first.

Child doing schoolwork on a laptop on a porch in Costa Rica's Central Valley

More Costa Rica Guides

AI Tutors and Online School in Costa Rica: The Legal Way for Your Kids

Alan Parker / October 22, 2026

AI tutors can give your child world-class help anywhere in Costa Rica, but only on top of a legal school path. Here are MEP’s rules for families.

Staff check old, tagged firearms laid out on tables before they are destroyed

More Costa Rica Guides

Costa Rica Gun Laws: Can Foreigners Own a Gun?

Alan Parker / October 22, 2026

Firearms are legal in Costa Rica but tightly regulated. Who can own one, the three-gun limit, registration versus carry permits, and the 2019 penalties.

Nauyaca Waterfalls dropping in two tiers into a green pool near Dominical, Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel, Living in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Waterfalls: The Best Ones to Visit

Alan Parker / October 21, 2026

Costa Rica has hundreds of waterfalls, from roadside cascades in the cloud forest to wide curtains of water you can

Arenal Volcano rising behind palms and red ginger flowers under a blue sky in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel, Living in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Volcanoes: Which One Is Best to Visit?

Alan Parker / October 21, 2026

Costa Rica sits on a chain of volcanoes, and several of them are easy to visit. If you live in

A serene scene depicting a vibrant Costa Rican landscape reflecting common concerns about residency and immigration. In the foreground, a diverse group of three individuals, casually dressed and engaged in a conversation, representing potential immigrants, stand on a sunlit pathway lined with tropical plants. The middle ground features a rustic wooden signpost with arrows pointing toward various residency options, illustrating choice and guidance. In the background, picturesque rolling hills covered in lush greenery contrast against a clear blue sky, enhancing the sense of tranquility and new beginnings. Soft, natural lighting bathes the scene, creating a welcoming atmosphere that embodies hope and community. The overall mood is optimistic and inviting, capturing the essence of settling in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Living, Expat Life in Costa Rica

Emergency Services and Natural Disasters in Costa Rica: What to Know

Alan Parker / October 17, 2026

Emergency services in Costa Rica play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the country’s residents and visitors. These services are vital for immediate res

A customer speaks with a teller at an unbranded bank counter.

Costa Rica Living, Expat Life in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Currency: Colones, US Dollars and Where to Exchange Money

Alan Parker / October 17, 2026

Currency exchange is an important aspect to consider when planning a trip to Costa Rica, ensuring you have the necessary knowledge to handle your finances during your exotic advent