Matt A. Says: What vaccinations do I need to enter Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Matt, No immunizations are required when entering Costa Rica from the US or Canada. However, there are some recommended. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has the following recommendations, classed as “routine vaccines”: Chickenpox Read more...: What Vaccinations do I Need to Enter Costa Rica?
Chloe A. Says: Are electric bikes popular in Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Chloe, Lately, I see electric bikes and stand-up scooters everywhere here in Costa Rica. The publicly available ones are all over the roads in my home of Tamarindo (located on the Gold Coast in Guanacaste), just Read more...: Are Electric Bikes Popular in Costa Rica?
While I haven’t made the drive myself (I don’t really like to drive so it wouldn’t be for me), I know somebody who has. I reached out to Amy Demick, owner of Green Papaya in Playa Tamarindo, who drove down here from the U.S. Her family left Colorado on July 19, 2022, and arrived in Costa Rica on August 13, 2022.
Mike R. Says: I am thinking about moving to Costa Rica. I’m disabled and have been taking pain medication (oxycodone) for my condition. Receiving this type of medication is a necessity for me to relocate anywhere. Is this going to be a problem for me? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Mike, José Read more...: Am I able to Fill my Oxycodone Prescription in Costa Rica?
Bill G. Says: Do you have any tips for buying a car in Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Bill, If you decide to buy a car, it’s a good idea to get the word out in the expat community that you’re interested in buying a vehicle. Chances are good Read more...: Do You Have Any Tips for Buying a Car in Costa Rica?
David G. Says: My husband and I are considering a move to Costa Rica. How gay-friendly is it? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi David, Costa Rica, being a Catholic country, is socially conservative for the most part. However, the tide is changing. Same-sex marriage was legalized in May 2020 under President Read more...: How Gay-Friendly is Costa Rica?
Bradley P. Says: Some friends told me I can save on medical procedures by doing them in Costa Rica. Is this true? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Bradley, Medical tourism has become big business in Costa Rica. People around the world are realizing the benefits of the country’s high-quality, low-cost medical Read more...: Are Medical Procedures Cheaper in Costa Rica?
Raymond R. Says: I’m considering retiring in Costa Rica. One thing I cannot figure out is how to just get around town. I’m considering an Airbnb in Quesada. Is there public transportation that just gets you around town there? What’s the best way to do that? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Read more...: What Are Buses Like in Costa Rica?
Mike D. Says: Can you point me towards any private health insurance providers in Costa Rica? IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says: Hi Mike, The quality of available healthcare is a major deciding factor when relocating abroad. You can have private insurance in Costa Rica even if you live here part-time. The only Read more...: What Private Health Insurers are There in Costa Rica?
Getting residency can be a big job, involving different governmental agencies. It's possible to go through the residence process on your own. But most of the government officials you will interact with will not speak English.