Police Forces in Costa Rica: Who Does What in a Country With No Army
Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948. The dozen police forces that replaced it, which one to call, how to file a denuncia, and what officers can and cannot do.
Costa Rica guides & insights
Practical reading for your move, residency application, and life in Costa Rica.
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The Seven Provinces of Costa Rica: Capitals and Places to Explore
San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón — each province’s character, plus why Costa Rican provinces have no government at all.
Assisted Living and Elderly Care in Costa Rica: The Honest Picture
What elderly care in Costa Rica actually costs and what the Caja does not cover — plus the official pensionado, rentista and investor residency figures.
Costa Rica Nightlife: Beaches, Casinos and Safe Evening Plans
What each Costa Rican beach town is actually like after dark — from Tamarindo and Jacó to Nosara and Montezuma — with a candid safety section.
Costa Rica Shopping: Malls, Outlets and Comparing Prices
The major Costa Rican malls, why there is no US-style outlet mall, and the import tax table that explains why a fridge costs 81% more and a laptop only 13%.
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.