Costa Rica Environmental Rules: Land, Energy and Air
The forestry law, river setbacks, SETENA permits, the maritime zone and the Article 47 trap — the environmental rules that most often derail foreign property plans.
More Costa Rica Guides
More reading from CRIE about Costa Rica and life abroad. For a focused starting point, explore our residency requirements and essential guides.
Start here: Residency requirements · Frequently asked questions · Ask CRIE
Public Transport Costs in Costa Rica: Buses, Trains, Taxis and Ferries
What buses, trains, taxis, Uber, ferries and domestic flights actually cost in Costa Rica in 2026 — plus the free travel that over-65s are entitled to.
Police in Costa Rica: Who They Are and Who to Call
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.
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.
Shopping in Costa Rica: The Best Malls, Outlets and Markets
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.
Marchamo 2027 and Vehicle Taxes in Costa Rica
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.