William G. Says: Is it true that after living in Costa Rica for three months you have to leave or renew your visa? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi William, You don’t need to apply for a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica from the US or Canada—you’ll be given a stamp upon entry. Read more...: Living in Costa Rica—When Do I Need to Renew My Visa?
Sattar M. Says: I wish to explore Costa Rica by first sharing a space. Can you put me in touch with anyone who could help with this? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Sattar, Facebook groups are the easiest way to make contact in Costa Rica. Of course, many scams are online, Read more...: How Do I Find a Place to Share in Costa Rica?
It’s possible to go through the residence process on your own. But, it’s best to hire a reputable Costa Rican attorney to guide you through the process, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
Jes R. Says: Are there any progressive (liberal minded) expat communities in Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Botton Says: Hi Jes, I was just in Atenas having breakfast with a group of local expat women, and we were chatting about how, all around the world, it seems that the world is divided Read more...: Are There Any Progressive (Liberal Minded) Expat Communities in Costa Rica?
Richard C. Says: What sort of requirements do Costa Rica’s government require to move there? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Richard, Costa Rica’s immigration laws offer prospective residents a wide range of options. Expats typically apply for residency through one of three main programs. The Pensionado Program Among the five categories of Read more...: What Requirements Do I Need to Meet to Live in Costa Rica?
Sharon R. Says: I am retired with $2,200 Social Security income. I’m interested in moving to Costa Rica with my 42-year-old daughter and 8-year-old grandson. My daughter will work and help provide. We would have an income of around $2500 a month. Could you recommend a safe area in Costa Rica where we could live Read more...: Can You Recommend a Safe Place in Costa Rica to Live on $2500 a Month?
John C. Says: We’re planning a one-week Costa Rica vacation in July. Four adults, three teenagers. What inoculations are recommended? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi John, No vaccines are required when entering Costa Rica from the US, Canada, or Europe. The CDC recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, and rabies Read more...: Do I Need to Get Vaccines to Visit Costa Rica?
Mike R. Says: I’m thinking about visiting Costa Rica, and I know you can’t bring a firearm into the country. Are you allowed to carry a stun gun legally in Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Mike, Stun guns are widely available for purchase by the general public in Costa Rica, Read more...: Am I Legally Allowed to Carry a Stun Gun in Costa Rica?
Patricia F. Says: Has anyone brought pets to Costa Rica from the US? Is there any problem with the wildlife (e.g., monkeys) in certain sections? Are there areas where we would be safer with our pets? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Patricia, I have a cat and dog and have never had Read more...: Is it Safe to Bring Pets to Costa Rica?
William B. Says: I’m 85 years old, is this too old to move to Costa Rica to live full-time? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi William, There is no simple answer to your question; only you can decide if moving to Costa Rica is the best place for you to live Read more...: I’m 85 Years Old—Is This Too Old to Move to Costa Rica?