Can a Felon Visit or Move to Costa Rica?
Visiting Costa Rica with a criminal record and applying for residency are two different questions. What is actually checked, what disqualifies, and what does not.
Costa Rica guides & insights
Practical reading for your move, residency application, and life in Costa Rica.
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The Costa Rica Minimum Wage System: A Practical Guide
Costa Rica sets minimum wages by occupation, not one national figure. The 2026 rates, the aguinaldo obligation, and the real cost of employing household staff.
The Kissing Bug of Costa Rica: Chagas Risk, Facts and Prevention
How to recognise the kissing bug in Costa Rica, how Chagas disease is really transmitted (it is not the bite), and the practical steps that reduce the risk.
Costa Rica’s Most Famous Crocodile and Gilberto ‘Chito’ Shedden
The true story of Chito and Pocho, the crocodile he nursed back from a gunshot wound and swam with for two decades — plus real crocodile safety in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Gun Ownership Laws: What Residents and Visitors Can Do
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.
Dangerous Animals in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know
An honest ranking of Costa Rica’s dangerous wildlife — which species genuinely pose a risk, which are wildly overstated, and what actually keeps you safe.
The Fer-de-Lance Snake in Costa Rica: Risks, Survival Tips and Safety
The terciopelo causes most snakebites in Costa Rica. Where it lives, how to recognise it, what the venom does, correct first aid, and how to avoid a bite.
Best Places to Live in Costa Rica: Compare Areas and Daily Life
Costa Rica offers a variety of expat-friendly communities that have become sought-after places to live, thanks to their exquisite landscapes, vibrant culture, and tropical paradise
Guide to Importing a Car to Costa Rica: What You Need to Know
Importing a car to Costa Rica can be a complex and costly process, but with the right information and guidance, it can be successfully navigated. When considering importing a car t
Safety in Costa Rica: Crime, Precautions and Everyday Planning
Safety Precautions and Crime Rates in Costa Rica While Costa Rica is generally considered safe, it is important to be aware of potential safety risks and take necessary precautions