Cost of living in Costa Rica in 2025

We live in a rural area outside of Puriscal and our costs in 2024 were as follows in USD per year: (costs tracked in a home finance program)

Daily living expenses (groceries, drinks, etc.) - $10,055

Electricity - $1,747

Internet (200 mbps up and down) - $891

Water - $217

Propane - $57

Two cell phones - $425

Medical, Caja - $733 and Medismart - $397

Car insurance, Marchamo - $1,015 and private - $938

Fuel for 1 vehicle - $2,342

House Insurance - $690

Corporation tax - $136

Property tax - $662

Dining out - $493

4 trips to various hotels in Costa Rica - $5,065

Thank you for sharing this, Terry. I have two observations to share.

First, you have not included anything for the cost of your housing. It's my guess that you own your home outright, as do we, but whether you paid a lump sum at closing or pay on a mortgage by the month, there's still a cost that needs to be accounted for. If you paid cash for your home, you just paid all those expenses up front, but you still paid them.

That's not a criticism.

Second, your list of expenses reveals that there are expenses on which you could spend less or more. That's one of the beauties of living here. Our expenses are much more flexible than in North America where, for instance, we have no option but to heat our homes and in many places we have little option about air conditioning. Here, in many areas, you can get along without neither heat nor air conditioning. Our windows are all open 24/365. Likewise, like us, you've opted to have two cellphones, but you could survive with just one. You could save on groceries (as could we) and still eat well. And there are other places where you could opt to spend more or spend less.

Again, that's not a criticism but just an observation that  here we really do have a range of options even on basic expenses.

We bought a small acreage and built our house.  The cost of the land and house was cash paid out of pocket. (slightly less than $400,000).

Of course we could live on less ......... but did not work for the same company for 38 years only to scrimp on my retirement!  Just going to enjoy my coffee and baileys <g>

@Cheryl

As Dave writes... flexibility is an awesome thing... And, like in many places around the world, how you live and how much you 'do' and or 'are willing' to spend is up to YOU.

I am Single, 3 pets, a large garden, and I own my house.  No Mortage.

I will list my average 'monthlies' with the following caveat;

I live in western San Carlos canton.  It is rural but not remote.  The area is littered, quite generously, with small towns and villages... from hillside towns to villages and towns in the lower valley.  I can walk to 2 neighboring villages from my own (pop: 150) in less than 30-40 minutes... depending on terrain.  There is very little 'local' shopping, aside from the grocery stores and hardware stores, produce stands, and a few small sodas and fried chicken stands.  All other shopping is done in either of two 'nearby' small cities; Quesada and San Ramon.  Quesada is the closest and is considered the 'gateway' to the north central part of Costa Rica.  It is a rich agricultural town.. has many schools, stores, clinics, numerous auto and motorcycle dealerships and all that is connected to those, a large hospital, giant bus terminal, gyms, malls, restaurants, etc.   San Ramon is further south but is a very walkable city and also served by good public transport and all shopping exists.  I go to both, but Quesada is closest and easy to get to via 5 daily buses, or gypsy cabs... or I catch a ride with a friend or neighbor.  La Fortuna is also easy to get to if you want a cheesy tourist day of doing some shopping and varietal eating.  I like it there.

My monthlies:

Groceries:  (including pet food)  can be as low as $350/mo. or as high as $600... depending on produce availability either from my 'own' garden... or the generosity of neighbors (we share and trade).  Example:  right now, after almost 8 months of rain (wettest year by far since I've been here) everything has been waiting for sun... I will have, very soon, more pineapple, plantains, and bananas, avocados, and cas than I can possibly eat.  I also grow normal kitchen veggies for daily consumption.  Who knew that one banana plant can yield up to 150 bananas!!  So I will share, and thus, my neighbors will share yucca, nampi, etc.  I will start Chayote and Passion fruit vines because I eat a lot of chayote (the locals make chiverre from it) and I make Passion fruit jam (easy!!)  One should know that MUCH of what is on grocery store shelves is imported and can cost the same or even MORE than it costs in the states.  So go local if you want to save. 

Electricity: Never over $20/mo.  I use ceiling fans and don't have AC.  I only have hot water in the shower; and I live with no dishwasher and no clothes dryer. 

Water: Never over $10/mo.   BTW... in most of CR, especially if you live in/near mountains... the water is incredibly delicious and thus, no need to buy bottled water; or boil water for 'safe drinking.'

Propane: currently I don't use it... but it is economical here.  You have to go to a grocery store or other to fill your tank... which is heavy.  Rural folks tend to use propane, and electricity and wood stoves.  I plan to get a gas grille.  Some areas have delivery services for the gas.

Internet:  I don't have the Wi-Fi plan that I should have, but it is currently $28/month.

Cable: I don't have TV, thus, no cable.

Property Taxes:  $230/year.   1500 sq. meter lot, concrete house.  Includes Trash pick-up 2x per week !!!  If you pay for the entire year during the first quarter... you get a 5% discount.  3 less 'errands' to run per year.  LOL

Cell phone: Well???   LSS... I bought an Android right after moving here.  I paid a one-time fee to Kolbi; around $80. 

I have never paid anything since... that was 6 years ago.  Occasionally I will put 3-4 dollars on it (you can do this almost anywhere)  for calls that use cell signals.. like to stores, offices, or abroad.  but 99% of the time I use WhatsApp, as do 4-5 Billion other humans.  As long as there is Wi-Fi signal nearby... WhatsApp works and it is free.  Not including the initial fee... my phone cots me around a penny a day... or less.  Most Costa Ricans don't and can't pay for a monthly plan... so why should I???   I'll leave it at that.

Caja (national healthcare system which is mandatory for Residency)... mine is currently $225 per month; depending on the value of the US dollar.  I do not have to pay a monthly fee into the CR pension plan as I opted out of that... but!!! all new Residents MUST pay into the CR pension for a minimum of 10 years... regardless of their pension status in their home country.  So if you notice, above, that Terry's Caja fee is low... he joined long ago when it was possible to opt-out of certain parts.  That no longer is the case. So consider that you'll most likely pay around $350 ??? minimum; give or take, as a new resident.   Far too many people aren't doing their homework and then find themselves crying on this and other forums about their Caja fees.  The only other option is to forego Residency and buy private health insurance.  Without Residency... you will have to leave CR every 180 days (or whatever the entry stamp on your passport tells you); and then return for an updated entry stamp;  and you won't be able to hold a CR identification card (cedula) and thus, may have hurdles to clear here, without one.   Not impossible though.

Dining Out... almost impossible in my immediate area (one Chinese place. actually quite good if you aren't a snob)... except for the local Sodas (cafes)... a meal can be 'had' for under $10.

Taxis... same price as in the states... but Gypsy cabs exist in rural areas... generally 50% cheaper.  The gypsy or 'pirate' ca drivers pass out their business cards... so you'll have their number... they 'could' be your ambulance if and when you need it.   I even use the local TukTuk taxi service.

Bus: Buses ARE the public transportation system in CR.  Not fancy nor luxurious... but they will get you there. They go everywhere... even to Nicaragua.  My 25 mile ride to Quesada is less than 3 dollars each way.  No restroom, and you may need to hold a baby or a box of chicks, or even stand... but ???    From Quesada, there are 3-5 hourly buses to San Jose that stop at the airport.  Same for San Ramon and elsewhere.  Those buses are generally nicer. 

Property upkeep.   I do it myself.  I pay for gasoline and oil 'mix' to run my grass cutter.  My hedge trimmer runs on batteries... i have 125 yards of hedges.  They will be the death of me.  If and when I need help... labor is dirt cheap here...

I try to pay double or more... even then, it is still ridiculously cheap.  Day laborers and jacks-of-all-trades are almost never more than 6-8 dollars an hour... usually less than $3.

Shopping: I rarely go... but Used and 2nd hand clothing is popular everywhere now... and works 'well' in the garden.  Tall garden/farm boots are around $13... sold everywhere. I have the sleeves removed from shirts and convert pants to shorts by a local woman who is really good at it.  New 'items' are generally socks and undergarments, or sneakers.   Furniture and such???   My advice... don't fill your house with furniture until you have lived in it for a year or so... you may find that the 'porch' furniture is used the most; and out of town guests? well... may not 'want' to stay with you if you aren't close to the typical tourist must-dos and other attractions.  That's why God made Hotels.

Mucha paz.

@rainagain

Forgot to add this to my own post...

I purchased my property (3 lots with one small concrete house) on a paved road that was a 5-minute walk to the bus stop, with municipal water and all utilities already in existence;  in 2018, for $54,000 cash USD. 

I put another $45K +/-  into it to gut and rebuild the entire interior, new roof, all new windows and doors, all new ceramic inside and out, add a large bedroom addition, and rebuild and double the size of the back porch; and add a 3rd porch.  I also did a lot of landscaping because it is a sloped lot... thus, lots of stone and concrete retaining walls, steps, trellises etc.   I removed many old and unmanaged fruit trees, as well as dangerously tall coconut palms; and then replaced everything as per my liking.  It is still, and always will be, a work in process.  I'm guessing, to date, that I have around $125K total into it. I did a lot of the work myself and used local labor for the larger and more taxing projects.  Great way to know the locals!!  They are the best resources.  One even took me to a tree farm up in the hills  that I would have never known to exist...

10-12 foot tall, decorative palms were $8 each!!!    I filled their truck, and the delivery was only $10.

  I have no immediate neighbors except cows... as it is rural and lot sizes are big...  dead quiet after 9 p.m.   even on weekends.  Occasional big cat 'visitors' come around from the nearby mountains at night... but they were here first.  I just have to bring the dog in and pray for the neighbor's chickens.

@rainagain

Forgot to add this to my own post...

I purchased my property (3 lots with one small concrete house) on a paved road that was a 5-minute walk to the bus stop, with municipal water and all utilities already in existence;  in 2018, for $54,000 cash USD. 

I put another $45K +/-  into it to gut and rebuild the entire interior, new roof, all new windows and doors, all new ceramic inside and out, add a large bedroom addition, and rebuild and double the size of the back porch; and add a 3rd porch.  I also did a lot of landscaping because it is a sloped lot... thus, lots of stone and concrete retaining walls, steps, trellises etc.   I removed many old and unmanaged fruit trees, as well as dangerously tall coconut palms; and then replaced everything as per my liking.  It is still, and always will be, a work in process.  I'm guessing, to date, that I have around $125K total into it. I did a lot of the work myself and used local labor for the larger and more taxing projects.  Great way to know the locals!!  They are the best resources.  One even took me to a tree farm up in the hills  that I would have never known to exist...

10-12 foot tall, decorative palms were $8 each!!!    I filled their truck, and the delivery was only $10.

  I have no immediate neighbors except cows... as it is rural and lot sizes are big...  dead quiet after 9 p.m.   even on weekends.  Occasional big cat 'visitors' come around from the nearby mountains at night... but they were here first.  I just have to bring the dog in and pray for the neighbor's chickens.

I have tuk-tuk driver-$120 month

Electricity-$40 month

Water-$15----No pool or PISSCINA

Groceries-$ 950 per month

Property Taxes-$480 for the whole year

Wifi $40

Health care :0

Homeowner ins $680 for the year

Homerepairs $1500

We live on the Peninsula de Nicoya,it is super hot this summer,15 min walk to the beach..We use fans to stay comfortable.Due to the insecurity of our area, we do not dine out...We have a modest life here as reflected by our budget for 2..Also we own our land and home free and clear..

@Cheryl

Rent for 3 BR / 2 Bath house with private pool and large backyard - $1,700 in Atenas

Groceries for 1 person - $700

Medical insurance - $251 for 1 person

Internet - $63

@rainagain

Awesome info - thank you! Sounds like you live pretty much the way I intend to. Just a couple questions about the Caja please... is your quoted $350 an absolute minimum? And also, is the new required pension payment a fixed amount, or also based on income?  A friend & I have the understanding that the Caja payment in general is based on income, and her SS is much lower than average ($820+/-).  So do you think $350 would still be accurate for her, or no?  Thanks again!

@rainagain

Truly fabulous feedback.  I want to live where you live LOL 😄

@rainagain

Are there any organic farms near you, or any that use little to no chemicals?

@bossanovagal

Thank you for replying ,honestly I'll let you determine how much you might pay .but I am available to work and live there because there so many opportunities to grow up .

Everyone wants to know how much it costs to live here. Well, the straight answer is, "It depends."

In Costa Rica, there are many more opportunities to determine one's own cost of living than what we nordamericanos are accustomed to. For instance, you can eat in all the high-end restaurants and spend a bunch; or, you can shop at the local farmers' market and cook at home and spend very little; or you can do a blend. It all depends.

Likewise, you can rent or buy a large and fancy home at the beach, and pay a lot for air conditioning; or you can live higher up where housing costs are less and the climate is so mild that you don't need a/c. It all depends.

You can drive a 30 year-old car or this year's model. Costs (including the annual marchamo) will vary. Again, it all depends.

In the final analysis, the cost of living here depends more on the individual(s) than it does on the costs of things you opt for. You can spend a little; or you can spend a lot. The good thing is, you have options.

I moved here less than two months ago. If I may presume to offer a few "newbie" reflections to add to the mix:

Accommodation:

I live in a small hamlet in an exurb of San José, a twenty-minute ride from the provincial capital.

I live in a brand new "efficiency apartment."

The landlord is great. Super diligent and attentive. Born in the USA of a Tico father and a USC mother.

He is a very hard worker, and I find the rent unbelievably affordable (all utilities included: water, Wi-Fi, electric), as are the major appliances, closet space, a queen-sized bed (translated from the Spanish in the ad: "Matrimonial bed"), and end table, and sufficient cabinets (cupboards, to our Canadian friends, beloved by Americans as our staunchest allies and greatest friends),

[I saw the advertisement on Encuentra24.com].

I pay about 1/4 as much for these items than I did while living in the Northeastern United States (an my utilities would have jumped by 25% and my rent by $1,500.00 US had I renewed my lease which expired on March 31st).

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Transportation:

I don't have a car and use taxis (summoned via WhatsApp) or buses (flat rate fare of $2.30 US).

The cab starts @ $1.80/KM and it costs me about $2.20 US to take a cab uphill back home from downtown (I walk in and generally take the bus back).

As a retiree with a limited social security allotment, I am intentionally frugal.

Without a car, I avoid the large expense incurred by vehicle owners in the USA: [gas, insurance, license and registration fees, and maintenance and upkeep for a vehicle where I lived cost $5,000.00/year].

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Health Care:

It would require years (if ever), for me to qualify for the "CaJA," the national [socialized] health care system that covers children up to 22-years-old; residents who pay into it (or whose employers do so for them); and permanent residents or those on the way to becoming so [who elect to pay into the system before becoming a resident].

MEDICARE does not work in C.R., and my MEIDICAID Advantage PPO plan covers only a limited amount for a hospital stay, capped at $50,000.00 US.

I joined MediSmart and paid for six-months of coverage up-front (@ about $17.00/US per month,  including a cancer care provision, though they also include discounted pay-as-you-go options for cardiologists, and believe it or not, one can get a rider to cover pets).

In the seven weeks that I have been here, I utilized my MediSmart coverage for:

1. Its affiliation with "Dr. Max" (I got a free vision exam and a 20% discount on new glasses; not inexpensive, but a good investment).
2. Its affiliation with Drs. Dent, a dental chain (I underwent a routine cleaning for about $20.00 US).
3. An appointment with an excellent, English-speaking dermatologist in the nearby provincial capital (I paid $76,00, discounted, for a thorough initial exam and treatment of some chronic basal skin cancer issues).
4. An elective appointment with a dermatologist who holds evening office hours in the town that's walking distance from my place (@ $50.00 US, or 60% off the standard rate).
5. NOTE: in the USI would be paying roughly those amounts in co-payments for my specialists.
6. MediSmart is not very helpful, in financial terms, with its prescription drug prices (neither is the Walmart pharmacy, the Fischel pharamacy chain in AutoMercados, FarmaValue, or independent pharmacies. Drugs are not as pricey in C.R. as in the USA, but I used to get a 90-day supply of a med for a $1.50 co-pay.

            I am not "longing for the fleshpots of Egypt."  ... Just making an observation.

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1. On the plus side, most drugs do NOT require a prescription, so I am spared a "tele-health" conference (and a doctor's consultation fee), which saves time and expense in C.R. In effect, I save a month's allocation on my drug purchases by not having to consult my stateside doctors (unless I choose to do so, telephonically).
2. For instance, today I arranged for three dermatological topical creams unavailable at the Walmart or local pharmacies and ordered them through the MediSmart pharmacy associated with the Metropolitan Hospital in San José.
3. Fortunately, I speak Spanish well and made all the arrangements telephonically (a motorcycle courier will deliver them to my adjoining province tomorrow).
4. On the plus side, this mega-pharmacy had all three items in stock.
5. On the minus side, I will pay the equivalent of $82.40 COD in Colones when the courier arrives tomorrow with the topical creams I ordered today. (I would have preferred to pay on my credit card for rewards points, as I did the last time I dealt with this entity).
6. Still, very good service, and "time is money."
7. Of course, in the USA, I would have had a simple co-pay (in my case, amounting to $1.50 for each item), though my local CVS may not have carried nor been able to get all three of the "scrips."

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Food shopping:

1. Fresh fruits and vegetables, in season, may be purchased remarkably inexpensively.
2. I have not yet gone to a farmer's market (and frankly, am concerned about pesticide use).
3. Supermarkets often feature BOGO (buy one, get one free [or discounted]) sales.
4. US or Canadian imports are generally quite expensive.
5. TIP: I found a fine warehousing and delivery service in the provincial capital, run by a Canadian expat and his Tico brother-in-law, that I find to be superb.
6. Some of the produce, dairy, baked goods, and frozen foods are Walmart remain affordable, along with items such as olive oil, frozen meats and fish, pasta, and pasta sauces.
7. The prices are reasonable; most products are organically sourced and of the highest quality; and for orders over $120.00, delivery is free, either by their refrigerated box truck or an Uber Fast driver.
8. They stock many household items as well, and could save you a trip to Walmart or the hardware store.
9. My apartment was "furnished," but needed many household furnishings. I got everything I needed from Super Walmart, el Rey, Mercado Pequeño, and my local supermarket, MegaSuper.
10. The delivery service recently added a bakery line.
11. The "Members Selection" large crunchy peanut butter jar that they stock is cost effective and as good as SKIPPY or JIFF available in North America.
12. Since I don't have a car, I can order specialized items or in bulk and save time and energy (especially nice in the rainy season).

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BANKING:

1. Since I am not well-endowed financially; married to a Tica; self-incorporated; and do not own property in Costa Rica, five (5) banks turned me down for a bank account.
2. Two were located in my own town; three were situated located in the provincial capital.
3. One indicated that I could open an account after I could demonstrate I lived in C.R. for over six (6) months (e.g., could demonstrate that I "stamped out" on a 180-day visa, either by making a "Panama run" or flying to the USA or elsewhere).
4. Finally, after watching one of scores of videos about expats and Pura Vida, I learned of a bank/credit union that might enable me to open an account.
5. I applied my due diligence and after some "fits-and-spurts," sealed the deal, while spending over an hour and a half at the teller's window completing the paperwork and obtaining approval.
6. It took me two weeks to manage the complex process, but today I felt gratified and relieved to open a bank account in said credit union.
7. I am not shilling for any of these entities, but if you "connect-the-dots," you will figure out what I am talking about.
8. If you "strike out," I will supply more specific information in this space upon request to prevent others from going "down the same rabbit holes" as I did and being blocked or delayed from achieving one;s goals.
9. I wasted plenty of time and experienced a lot of unnecessary frustration, possibly because of improper information spread on blogs, videos, and the internet  but as one high-profile video host said on this topic, "You can ask ten different people and get eleven different answers."
10. I only know what worked for me.

WORK:

1. "Digital Nomads" must document that they make $2,000.00-$3,000.00 US/year and can obtain a one-year visa, renewable once.
2. Temporary tourist visa holders (like me) who are in C.R. on a 180-day, renewable visa, are legally barred from working domestically in C.R. (remote work is permitted).
3. I have found remote work opportunities for non-US residents to be practically non-existent, but continue to search for something viable (and which doesn't pay peanuts).

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PHONE:

1. You will be able to accomplish very little in C.R. without a SIM Card and a local phone number.
2. One the plus side, between WhatsApp (which every business and individual in C.R. uses, along with 2 Billion other people around the world) and your SIM enabled phone, you will be able to contact anyone in C.R.
3. Among the three national telecommunications companies, I chose CLARO [< Spanish for "Clear," meaning "clear reception"], since it functions best in the hill country where I live, as well as throughout the Central Valley (and apparently in many other parts of the country).
4. I went to a CLARO store in the provincial capital; signed up for a plan; and began to make my monthly payments (in person, though at a local phone accessory store NOT affiliated with CLARO).
5. The big disadvantage was that once I did this, my T-Mobile in the States ceased to exist.
6. I am in the midst of attempting to procure a new phone and to save my former number (apparently, the number cannot be given away until 90-days have lapsed).
7. This fact has caused some problems with ordering items, since a confirming text message cannot be sent to my US-based cell phone number.
8. The disappearance of my long-held cell phone also triggered an alarm with one of my US-based banks.
9. Fortunately, I could contact them by email to ameliorate the situation, since I do not have access to a working US phone (yet).

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Travel Insurance:

1. I sought quotes from over 20 firms based in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Belgium.
2. They were overpriced and/or disqualified me on account of age and pre-existing conditions.
3. Due to my due diligence, I found a firm based in Miami-Dade County that caters to residents of Costa Rica.
4. I paid up front for six-months of excellent coverage at an excellent price point, fractionally les than the other companies, and deeply discounted.
5. It's travel, not medical insurance, but covers many unexpected medical emergencies.
6. Also, things like emergency return to the US for a medical emergency; repatriation of remains; bail bond; lost luggage; reimbursement for a family member to travel to Costa Rica; and so forth.
7. Again, I am not a compensated promoter of any of these firms.
8. But if people are stuck and would like to benefit from my experience, based on the helpful postings of others whom I've read in this space over the past months, I would be willing to supply the information, upon request.

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A FINAL NOTE:

Engage in your best "intelligence gathering" and discernment processes.

Don't fall prey to the "garbage in, garbage out" syndrome.

Figure out whom the trustworthy on-line sources which are posting videos and podcasts.

Ticos are great, and despite the great riches of this land, they remain the country's best resource.

You should all have my landlord.

But, corruption exists;.

You can be exploited, perhaps especially when it comes to real estate ventures and to some of those offering their services to broker visas for expats.

Caveat emptor.

"Let the buyer beware."

It is sometimes said that the worst offenders who tread on new or prospective arrivals are other expats.

"Trust, but verify."

Be careful.

Do not allow yourself to be exploited or run the risk of losing precious savings or pension money.

It is said, "Costa Rica is a place that is often sunny, but also 'shady.'"

Trust your gut instincts, but do your homework.

Erratum:

Re.: DIGITAL NOMADS: $2,000.00--$3,000.00 per MONTH.

@gst1212.....So when are you moving back to the U.S.with your Tica and her whole family ?

Hah, Hah!

I won't take that bait.

That question has already received responses from high-profile folks whose initials were the late "M.A." and the very much alive "A.R."

It is a recurrent theme of theirs.

They warn that it constitutes a formula for being jilted with a divorce and the subsequent loss of property (if the goal is personal enrichment and/or a "green card").

I like and respect the Ticos and Ticas I've met too much to insult them or their culture, especially as a guest in their country while enjoying their hospitality.

I hope not to be one of the estimated 80% of expats said to move back to their countries of origin within two years.

Don't believe everything you read and don't believe everything somebody says somebody said.

Look for the facts.

Ask for the data.

Know the sources of those facts and data.

Then, maybe, believe it.

@bossanovagal

Hey.... I just saw your post with the question regarding Caja monthly costs... sorry for the late response; I have a publisher deadline approaching...

your question re: Caja costs... Hard to answer... but I believe you are right to assume (I've never met a fellow human being that knows nor understands how they [CCSS] base their fees... maybe it depends on the breakfast they ate???)  that it is based on the declared income according to your Residency Application Type.  Your question was for a Pensionista...

So, let's play the number guessing game... If a person's SS monthly is $1.243... then they'll be charged, MAYBE. somewhere between 10-14% of that, PLUS $100/month MORE  (currently... this could change with a new President) for a CR Pension contribution; REGARDLESS of the fact that they are already receiving a Pension from their home country.  That $100/month has to be paid for a minimum of 10 years... and if you get residency more than 10 years before the CR official Retirement age...  you'll continue to pay the monthly fee until you are that age.... and you'll pay beyond the retirement age until you have fulfilled the 10-year minimum.   Thus, this person will pay somewhere in the RANGE of $225-$275.... there may be other small fees included.  Hard to Know.

When I joined CAJA, my monthlies were based on my declared income as a Rentista... which is a fixed $2500/month income... thus, my Caja fee should have been around $250/month... I asked to opt-out of paying into the CR Pension fund and showed them, get this!!, my 'future' as in ... predicted, SS Benefits letter. I was only 57 years old.  They said OK... no problem.  So I wasn't charged the monthly Pension fee.   Different President, Different times.

But here is something to remember; and Dave can probably explain this FAR better than myself...

When you join Caja... they determine your monthly fee in COLONES according to a Currency exchange Rate that is NOT for the day you join, but a 'fixed' exchange rate that takes into consideration the fluctuation of currencies.   That colones amount, which is your monthly fee, does not change.  Of course, there are 'annual' increases in everybody's Caja Fees... but usually less than $2 per year... or less.   

Thus.. more number games.... When I joined Caja, the US dollar equaled around 570 CR colones...  so 250 x 570 = 142,500 Colones... but I was never charged that much/amount... not even now.  So perhaps we can assume that CCSS uses a 'fixed' currency exchange rate that sits somewhere between 465 and 500 colones to the $1 USD.  ???    I now pay, and have been for many months now, around $225 which is below the supposed 10% of my declared income.   Also, because the 'colones' amount doesn't change, when (and if... please baby, please baby....) the dollar was super strong, as in June 2022 just after the Pandemic, the exchange rate was in the upper 680's to $1 USD...  My colones amount stayed the same... but in USD I was only paying around $198/month because my income is in dollars.   

So not knowing exactly how they go about determining a person's Caja fees remains a mystery.   I also believe that they change that 'fixed' exchange rate somewhat regularly/annually according to the currency values and their recent histories.

But I think it is fair to think that if your declared income starts out LOW... your Caja fees will reflect that.   There are folks that start high... as in a Rentista; and then when they start to receive SS benefits that are less than $2500 per month... they go to CCSS and show their benefits letter to prove that their monthly income is now lower; and get their monthly Caja fee reduced.

I wouldn't cross my fingers when it comes to the next President lowering or eliminating the mandatory Pension Fees... Latin American countries tend to elect criminals and men with chain saws to be Presidents...  which is pretty scary considering what's beginning to happen 'up there'...🙄

That extra $100 can make it hard for somebody who is threading this close to the edge... all the more reason to not live where it is expensive.   Live like most Ticos do, and forget the Netflix, having a car, living with AC; and Learn to Like Eggs... far cheaper than meat here.  Or look at and consider Colombia (considerably less expensive than CR and better climate) or Peru.   CR is not a bargain unless you leave as much of your Gringo lifestyle behind as you can.  Not the case for everybody, but something to consider. 

best advice I can give... don't rent if possible.  Buying here can be very reasonable .... again, if you live and 'buy' like a Tico.   They don't look for a new house on ReMax or Century21's website, why would you???   Find an area you like, and don't expect a cheap assed Mircle by the sea (that ship sailed back in the 70's), and start walking around and looking for 'Se Vende' signs...  those places are not Gringo Priced.  Or look at the Encuentra24 website... it is a classified ad website for Latin America... because that is where CR is.   And... always good to have a Tico friend do the talking and not mention it is a gringo interested in buying.  I did it that way and he got the price from $85K down to $40K... boy were they surprised when I popped out of the car.

@bossanovagal

Hi again... Organic farms...   i really don't know. but a friend who runs a produce stand in Quesada told me that he sells from local farmers who don't use chemicals... and that is why his 'stuff' doesn't look like Perfect Pictures of produce and it is also very reasonably priced because, well, Chemicals cost money, Ticos 'generally' like natural, and in a lot of areas they just don't have that many pest issues.  I personally just have a domestic yard and small garden plots here and there... I don't even know where to buy chemicals.  Rain is free, so is the sun, and if you pull weeds daily (scream!!!) you'll do fine.  My pineapple is currently turning gold... I did nothing to it for 18 months;  my Cas tree is full... I prune it 1x a year; and everything else performs as well as 'dad' keeps the weeds away.   Once you start herbs... they just keep returning... and having Tico neighbors that are farmers really helps... I give them my purple carrots and golden beets, and they give me Yucca and tiquisque.  I started pepper corn plants this year and I'm trying to grow a lemon tree in a pot because Lemons are rare here.   

It's all a work in progress.   The 'higher end' food markets have 'organic' food sections... and if you ask at a produce market about 'organic'... they're going to tell you what you want to here.   Same as everywhere... but you are almost guaranteed that produce here came from CR (except apples and pears and 'cold climate' stuff) and it most likely didn't travel more than 150 miles.  Blueberries from Cartago, Pineapple from Pital, and ginger from the field behind my house.  I think that one of the big differences here is that they don't spray the produce AFTER it gets harvested so that it keeps during transport.   Transport is short and quick.   And Ticos are cheap!!!  they aren't going to spend their colones on chemicals unless their backs are to the wall.  But buyer beware when it comes to apples, plums, pears, grapes, etc.  CR farmers are trying more and more different things and I wouldn't be surprised to see Costa Rican olives from Guanacaste some day in the next 20 years. 

Your diet will change... I don't think anybody will tell you differently.  Bananas and Plantains are staples here and rarely go a day without one or the other, if not both.

@daveandmarcia

You get facts quicker than the internet in small town Costa Rica....I already know everything you,Escarabajo Pelotero..

One thing I wish I did sooner (and whichI  arranged almost literally "at the eleventh hour," was to set up a power of attorney naming one of my stateside siblings and executed by my attorney (while notarized) in my home state.

In my native state, the document expanded to eight pages recently.

It's complicated, but necessary.

And it only takes effect when one becomes incapacitated.

Should one die, it expires and the Last Will & Testament takes effect.

It's a very smart idea, but one must be physically present to sign the document in the presence of the notary.

@gst1212

Good Point.

Since I have nothing up there except bank accounts now... I simply had my Niece's name put on each bank account.  She's quite young and honorable and will outlive me.   If I need her to wire funds, she does it quickly and I usually have the funds within 48 hours or less.   To add her name I did not have to be there... they sent me a document to sign and I sent it back.  So I have no will in that country.

My Costa Rican Will cost $250 and is simple... House gets sold by ________; and he divides the funds evenly between ___, ___,  and ___.   I arranged, already, with my bank here (BN) for there to be a name on each account that the funds go to WHEN I die.   

Anybody that doesn't plan on dying is a fool...  but the Legal community loves a fool.  They eat them for lunch.

@gst1212

I think you'll need at least a few more 'YEARS' before some of that content will be 'usable'... but you were thorough and I think, after some thought, that you are a great example of being capable and resourceful; something that many newcomers just aren't.  You're using your 'head' and that's going to progress your being 'comfortable' here, faster than depending on the internet or a forum.  Ticos don't.   ??  LOL!   Giving you a few more years, I'm guessing you'll be even more resourceful and a VERY GOOD RESOURCE for the readers.  kudos!!

Yes!!   Walmart is a good deal here (never went there in my former life)... not necessarily cheaper, but right in line with most prices and the produce section and bakery (artisanal bread!!) sections are quite good... they have more produce variety than some produce markets that only sell... produce.  And you can buy whole chickens and turkeys for roasting, and real Ham, etc.  It boggles my mind why the meat markets here don't sell good ham??  I will add, that sometimes the produce markets, especially in the bigger towns and cities, have the BEST prices on the local goods... like tomatoes, melons, root veggies, oranges, mangos, pineapple, etc... but the variety, at times, just isn't there. They have repeat, local, and neighborhood customers that they MUST satisfy... unlike a weekly Farmer's Market that I've never found to be less expensive; people just get caught up in the 'vibe'... and why not??

I'm not sure with why people are having trouble opening bank accounts here...  I was here for five days to sign the paperwork to buy my property (2018) and walked into a BN with a passport, $200 cash, and the address for my new home... and opened TWO accounts without a hick-up.  One in US dollars, and the other in Colones.   That was it.  Nothing else was needed.   Perhaps I had a 'forgiving' banker assisting me???  I do not know. 

Final point... Yes!!  Always ask a Tico first...  why would you ask anyone else???   Finally... somebody, yes, somebody! is singing my song....   hahaha

You learned fast... Ticos DO tend to be honest and of course there are bad eggs... but there are bad eggs everywhere.  Any adult should know that.   One thing about the Gringo attitude about Ticos, and vice versa, is that most of the stereotyping happens in tourist zones and places where gringos live in a congregated manner.  Ducks on a pond are always easier to shoot.   

My favorite thing about Ticos is that they tend to 'like' each other, for the most part.   They don't yell if somebody buds into a line, they don't pull a gun from the glovebox to shoot somebody that cuts them off in traffic, etc.  There have been no Mass Shooting here.   Ever.   

Welcome aboard. 

You haven't had any tropical maladies yet, nor 'stung or bitten'....  so be ready!!   I accidentally touched a fuzzy bright green Caterpillar last week... I didn't even see it until too late... how in the hell can one microscopic tip of a caterpillar hair deliver such pain????  I still can't feel my index finger... but typing is second nature!!   I won't get into the Dengue... Pura Vida

CR isn't for everyone.

@rainagain

Great points.

Thank you for your illuminating post.

@rainagain:

I did some banking in the provincial capital today since I was turned down by BN and BCR in my hamlet.

I also stopped at Walmart, but I am now well-provisioned and just needed some odds-and-ends.

One bank in the provincial capital told me I could open an account only after I can demonstrate residency in CR for six months.

The others flatly turned me down, mostly for the same reasons: a). Not enough cash on hand to deposit; b). Not a property owner; c). Not married to a Tica; d). not an incorporated LLC or LLP ("Sociedad").

Fortunately, watching a video put me on to a bank/credit union in the provincial capital where perseverance paid off (though I will not have a debit card till next week [though I have two from banks in the USA],

I don't really trust the digital banks options linked on this site, but that may be a factor that pertains to age and experience.

I have found that transitioning to life in CR from the northeastern US is practically a full-time job (lining up medical, dental, vision appointments; outfitting my "furnished apartment"; connecting with a local worshipping community; learning the ins-and-outs of shopping.

My landlord has lived here for 30+ years and his experience, advice, and counsel have proved to be invaluable.

I bought a desk and a desk chair at Pequeno Mundo.

[Fortunately, the landlord assembled it for me; it would have been very challenging otherwise].

I landed very good (and quite reasonably priced) travel insurance with emergency medical coverage here (based in Miami-Dade but catering to expats and Ticos in CR).

I joined MediSmart, which I have found to have definite pluses for me.

My first medical appointments brought positive results.

Meds are much more expensive than my US-based insurance co-pays, but then again, I don't have to oay for office visits or telehealth conferences to have my prescriptions renewed a FarmaValue or Walmart.

I found an excellent purveror of food and household items that delivers for free on a weekly basis once a reasonable threshold is met.

I would like to find P/T work opportunities and have found to date that most of the internet offers are "come-ons," "click-bait," or pay peanuts.

Typically, refrigerators and freezers are smaller here, but I have found that the frozen fish bought at Walmart can be stacked and kept in the freezer.

I have learned the fine art of cooking with the air fryer.

I shop at Mom & Pop locations in my small town but occasionally have picked things up at Pequeño Mundo or el Rey, in addition to Walmart, all in the provincial capital.

[I avoid AutoMercado, which I find to be too pricey].

I discovered a firm based in South Florida that ships to CR [Amazon items and other nice things}.

For instance, I got a digital meat thermometer (@ 80% off); six Hanes tee shirts with pockets; two olive or salad oil dispensers (drizzle, squirt, or spray features); and today I ordered four Apple Air tags at a greatly reduced price, plus a pair of HOKA Gore-Tex walking shoes (with an additional 10% discount for Memorial Day), DHL delivered to CR and a motorcycle courier does the drop at the door.

Our excellent internet service goes out for a short while about every other week (like today).

I can't complain, because it provides excellent service overall and like the water (cold in the bathroom and kitchen sinks and hot in the shower) and the electricity are all included in the rent.

I bought and assembled a three-speed oscillating fan from Walmart since the overhead "Casablanca" fan does not adequately cool the space.

I walk into town (about 1KM or .6MI downhill but take the bus (@ about $0.75) or a local cab back (@ $2,20).

At a brisk pace, it takes fifteen minutes and serves as good aerobic exercise.

UBER is not readily accessible here, although some businesses transport products here from the provincial capital via UBER FAST.

The people in my town are reserved, but kind and helpful.

English is not commonly spoken or known by people in the retail shops,

Fortunately, my Spanish is good and continually improving by practicing and studying via free on-line courses.

I like to take the bus since I can engage people while queuing up for the arrival of the bus en route to another town (though I hop off).

Except for an early bout of <<La Venganza de William Walker>> [GOOGLE "William Waler" "Filibusterer"], I have had no GI issues and did not use Imodium to mask symptoms.

The water is said to be fresh and potable where I live, but I boil it as a precaution with my tea.

I have not yet traveled to San José to hit the museums, shop, or for medical reasons, or for cultural or culinary ones.

I like my small town and am content to get settled in before "branching out."

My landlord is scheduling an event in the near future (which he is "catering" but inviting the nine tenants to attend (and to bring a "pot-luck" item, if possible).

it will involve futból/soccer match on a big screen in the backyard.

I think it will be a nice icebreaker/community builder for the seven Ticos and two Yanquis who reside here (one of which is about to "stamp out" and make her first "border run" to cross the frontier in Panama.

I cannot overemphasize the huge difference that a responsive landlord makes (especially, in this case, one born in the "Lower 48" United States who is thoroughly bi-lingual and experienced in the issues that face transitioning expats.

@gst1212..It is an important get together ! You will find out eventually if the other' what's their face' gets stamped in for another 180 days...Keep the group posted, the other want to be perpetual tourists in group are dying to find out....

@gst1212

You sound upbeat; and intuitively staying away from SJ is smart... no reason to go unless you need Migration, Airport, or other big city things, like Medical stuff; decent furniture and some building materials.   I haven't touched the place since 2020??   when I had Retinal surgery... and subsequent cataract surgery.

One word of advice...  buy more here and less on Amazon. Try to kick that habit and support the local economy.    Also... used clothing stores are becoming far more common, and I've found stuff that is almost new for just a few bucks.

You won't be able to find PT work here unless it is for a foreign employer... you can't work 'legally' without Permanent Residency.  Don't get caught doing it... you'll be sent OUT of the country, perhaps, permanently, without time to prepare.

But you sound like you're going in headfirst as an expat newcomer... and I say why not!!  Dale!

Best of luck.

BTW, when I did have to do border runs (it was every 90 days a few years back...) while waiting for my Residency to become REAL... I made them interesting instead of just a chore.  I took a bus up to Chiles (from ciudad Quesada) in the central north, on the border with Nicaragua... took a boat up the Rio Frio from Chiles into Lake Nicaragua, spent the night at the lakeside town of San Carlos (Nic. border control) where the boat docked... and returned via boat to Chiles (CR border control) the next day.  Easy and interesting.

I also found a cheap flight down to Bogota and spent a weekend... great food and art scene and I felt really safe there... things were cheaper than here in CR too.

For what it's worth...

Pura Vida.

Re.: San José: I will go for a medical reason at the Metropolitan Hospital and perhaps combine it with a museum junket or for some shopping but will have my "Spidey senses" tingling and avoid notorious places like the Mercado Central and certain other high-crime neighborhoods, like Coca-Cola and Pavas.

Coming from a major metropolitan area in the States, I know how to "keep my head on a swivel" and have followed the advice in the travel guides and on the DoS website to avoid becoming a victim.

"Clothing Arts" makes some great pickpocket-proof travel weare: #LIVETHEUNEXPECTED.

Some siblings gifted me with several and swear by them.

Even the locals complain about its lack of charm: petty street crime; noise; overcrowding; pollution; litter; crumbling infrastructure; crazy drivers.

I'll take life in my small town any day.

I found the people in San José to be charming when I scouted out CR and used Sabana Oueste/Nunciature and Barrio Escalante as my home bases.

Seemingly everyone whom I encountered spoke English (even the German tourists!), and the concierge desk and security guard at my AirBnB in Barrio Escalante [URBN Escalante] could not have been nicer or more helpful (along with the Hilton in Sabana Oeste).

URBN Escalante is a charming, 29-storey building, a combination of residential units and rented, fully outfitted studios, one-bedrooms, or efficiencies.

Get used to the train noise and honking cars and buses, but the staff is top-drawer the neighborhood is nice (if a bit "off-the-beaten-path"); and it is an easy downtown walk into the heart of San José, with the museums, restaurants, sodas, and shops.

One of my brothers says, "I've always found that the people in Latin America are much nicer than the people in the US."

My experience and impressions of San José remind me of a memorable line from "A Chorus Line": "Committing suicide in Buffalo is redundant."

I don't buy from AMAZON in the USA but found an expediter with offices in CR and Colombia that can get and ship items, often at a very reduced price.

For instance, I bought very serviceable avocado and olive oil dispensers that will pour, spray, or mist oils over salads or for the air fryer.

I find them to be handy and economical, since I am not wasting avocado and olive oils, with their "high smoke points," and don't get the oil residue all over a bottle or my hands.

I also got a six-pack of HANES tee-shirts with pockets to cover my definitively not six-pack abs.

I got a digital meat thermometer for 80% off.

On Memorial Day, I purchased four Apple Air Tags and a pair of HOKA walking shoes, with an additional 10% off for the US holiday, since it ships from South Florida.

I find this company to be safe and reliable.

They ship by DHL for free and then deliver to my address via motorcycle courier.

A great convenience, that would save me from having to go into San José or to the vicinity of SJO for pick-up and to avoid having to pay duties.

Re.: "Border Runs":

When I came down, I flew via a carried with which I have many "frequent flyer miles" logged.

I ordered a R/T ticket and got several upgrades without paying extra.

AMEX raised its membership fee in November from $200.00 to $300.00, but it now offers better provisions for a "companion fare" and allows the points to be used for flights to Hawaii or Europe for the first time.

I think after 180 days, I will pass on a border run to stamp out in Panama and fly back into the USA, not to my home airport (with the connecting flight), but to return the following day (also on frequent flyer miles), and complete the circuit to "stamp in" at SJO (essentially, with no cash outlay other than an overnight accommodation and ground transfer).

I will certainly post with news about the experiences of people's "border runs," but if I am doing it by land, I am inclined to go to Panama, as interesting as the Chiles option sounded.

It would be equally best to monitor inexpensive airfares and fly to Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru, or Colombia (I would like to stay in Medellin for a bit).

Even Havana would intrigue me (although my Irish passport expired after its third ideation, so that might be more difficult to arrange as a USC).

In the small town where I live, I am only aware of a single used closing and furniture shop (in a kind of grungy location).

I have found some mom & pop retail stores in my town, an exurb of San José , which sell clothing at very reasonable prices. I have purchased three cotton short-sleeve men's collared dress shirts (with pockets) for $20.00 several times to support the local economy and replenish my wardrobe.

I virtually never shopped at Walmart in the States, but now that I know my way around the one in the provincial capital, I try to visit it every week or so.

I fill prescriptions; buy fish and produce and baked goods; and procure some household items.

I always scan the bargain shelves near the checkout counters to pick up some very off-priced products.

I realize that I cannot work in CR and would not even attempt it.

I have applied for some P/T "digital nomad" work, most recently as a writer for a disaster channel that apparently airs on YouTube (!).

That's an interesting story about Nicaraguan border control.

I think <<los Nicaraguense>> serve the role in CR like Haitians do in the Dominican Republic or Mexicans in agribusiness in the US: cheap field labor (though many have a justified fear of persecution and have fled the Ortega/Chamorro government over the years).

I hope your experience of the border cross in Nicaragua did not involve corruption: bribes or mutilation of your US passport, rendering it useless and requiring its replacement at the Embassy in Pavas (a major hassle).

I will post on udate on what I learned and implemented about BANKING and PHONE SERVICE soon.

I made slow, but discernible progress and turned the corner on the resolution of both matters recently.

Surprisingly difficult on both counts, even for a skilled and resourceful traveler with excellent research skills and a willingness to stick to it and see things through to completion.

@gst1212

ok. 

[Some thoughts on dining out and a few other random travel pointers that I have learned as a new arrival, entering my tenth week as a temporary resident in CR]:

I've done all of my own cooking to date in my "efficiency apartment," with all new features and appliances (I added a rice cooker and an air fryer).

I  do comparison shopping, purchase nutritious food, and I am enjoying a balanced diet.

I haven't even bought a slice of pizza or an ice cream cone in town yet, but when I do, it will be at on of Costa Rica's landmark institutions, a "Soda."

{Remember when we had "soda jerks" in the States who worked behind the counter at a "Soda Fountain" and served up Cokes or made vanilla, chocolate or strawvberry egg creams?].

The "soda" is a Tico invention, similar to an old-time mom-and-pop diner in the USA.

Sodas feature many menu items: mostly rice and beans, pork, chicken, or beef, and some soups.

The beef will be considered to be tough by American standards.

The chicken never seems to disappoint.

A "Casado" [slang term for a "typical meal" that means 'husband" in Spanish, or literally "married male") at the Soda at the far side of our town costs approximately c1,500-2,000 [Colones, the local currency, named after Christopher Columbus]  (=$3.00-$4.00 US).

The tax (local VAT @ 13% would add $0.39--$0.52).

1% CaJA fee (= National Health Insurance tax) would add another $0.30 or $0.40.

Then, a mandatory 10% service fee is included to cover a "propina" ("tip") for the server: (@ $0.30--$0.40)

One is free to add an additional tip, though CR is not a "tipping country" (like China), and cab drivers generally do not receive tips from the local clientele.

(I do not know about Uber drivers; Uber largely lacks a presence in our small exurb, but we enjoy response taxi service, summoned by WhatsApp).

If I were to order a Casado as a dinner meal in a "Soda" in CR, note the breakdown of what it would cost:

Entree: half of a fried chicken, black beans, fried or boiled rice [to taste], and fried plantain: $3.00

CaJA tax: $0.03

CR Vat: $0.39

Mandatory Service Fee: $0.30

Beverage (e.g., energy drink or cold orange juice): $2.50

[Optional;] tip for the server (@ 10%): $0.60

TOTAL: approximately $6.62 in USD.

The portions are large, generally enough to feed two people or to take some home as the basis for a second meal.

¡Qué ganga!

"Such a bargain!"

The food is simple, but fresh, filling, and made-to-order.

The sodas in the Central Market in San José are very creative in the range of menu items and desserts and the affordability of prices.

In the late winter, I often ate at a soda in Los Altos/San José for less than $6.00.

like preparing my food, cooking it, and eating in.

I get prefer organic items, a bit pricier, but in the long-run, worth it.

I eliminate some shopping hassles (since I found a purveyor in the regional capital who will deliver for free when I reach a threshold price point, and they offer me a 10% discount each week when I supply a recipe that they can post on their site.

Their customers are benefiting from my growing experience slaving over a hot air fryer...

CR is very "green," but the farmers use lots of pesticides, so I prefer to avail myself of the services of a purveyor that I trust and go the organic route.

Overall, the fresh fruits in season in supermarkets I find to be quite reasonable, even cheap.

Eggs are very inexpensive, and form a main staple of the diet, not like what the States experienced in the mid-winter.

Rice and beans are common with every meal, and bananas, plantains, and avocadoes are plentiful.

Peanut butter is now available in large containers, marketed though the "Members' Selection" brand (sort of like COSTCO's Kirland brand), and carried at Walmart.

The quality is better than Jif, comparable to Skippy, and you can get three times the amount for about half of the imported price.

Good cheese is hard to find, though we have a fine little shop with reasonable prices in the heart of Barva near the town square.

The hamlet has at least three bakeries, one of which is quite good.

I am told that there's an excellent butcher shop in town, but I get my meats and poultry delivered from the warehouse of my purveyor in the regional capital of Heredia (about four miles away, and a 10-15 minute car ride, without traffic, via UBER Fast).

I get my frozen fish at Walmart (flounder, salmon, and tilapia), either of Costa Rican or Chilean origin.

They sell plenty of junk food in CR, which I avoid.

The country produces a lot of dark chocolate (which I don't eat) and delicious coffee (which I don't drink... I prefer herbal tea, and I can get a pack of 100 Chamomile herbal teas at Walmart).

The local beers (which I don't drink) are called Imperia, Damberger, and Pilsen, but one can find Budweiser, Amstel Light, and even occasionally Heineken here (imported beers from Europe or the US are pricier, as are spirits from Canada, the US, the UK, or Europe) and wines from the US, France, Spain, or Italy.

On the other side of town is a large Mickey D's and a KFC, while Heredia has a Taco Bell downtown and a McDonald's and a Popeye's near the Walmart.

We have a hole-in-the-wall brick oven pizza joint in town called "Ready Pizza," which prides itself on its name: not having to wait long to claim your pie and head  for home.

San José even has a Starbuck's in the Los Yoses neighborhood (and is building more) and a Smashburger across the street from the huge national soccer stadium, in the affluent Sabana Oueste (West Grassland) neighborhood, at the site of the original airport, now converted to a leafy park and the stadium, near the Nunciature section (the home of the papal ambassador, or nuncio, to Costa Rica).

San José features many fine restaurants, as the guidebooks attest.

Our little hamlet in the hill country is simpler and more subdued, but one will always feel safe and never taken advantage of while traveling here (though one cannot expect a server or vendor to know English or to have an English language menu, or for dollars to be accepted for transactions).

Major credit cars and debit cards are generally welcome.

Some retail shops and smaller stores, like bakeries and fruit stands, require payment in Colones.

Ticos do not like to accept even crisp new hundred-dollar bills.

They want to be paid in twenties, since they fear that even the newest "C-Notes" issued by the US Treasury are prone to counterfeiting.

Breakfast and lunch specials are always less expensive and cater to working people or students.

But Caveat Emptor, "Let the buyer beware."

(The Central Market in San José and its environs form a dangerous haven for pickpockets and petty thieves.

Those who venture within should avoid wearing flashy jewelry, clutch their backpacks, purses, camera cases, and cell phones tightly to themselves, and make photocopies of their passport face page and entrance stamp page, while leaving the original passport, large sums of money, extra credit cards, and excess cash in a hotel room safe or hidden as securely as possible at the accommodation.

Bus stations are also prime spots for pickpockets and street thieves, so one's "Spidey senses" should be tingling there at all times.

Sling a backpack over the or it should or clutched in front of you, not worn on your back, and put a small travel lock over the zipper, Zip-Tie, or safety pin over the zipper to deter theft.

Do not carry a valuable bag on the curb side, where it can be snatched by a thief on a motorcycle or scooter, sometimes accompanied by an accomplice on the ground who will grab the phone or bag or other object, toss it to the partner on the scooter, and then take off running in a different direction along a planned escape route.

Do not gawk at your cell phone while reading GOOGLE maps, because that posture spells "vulnerable tourist" and places a target on your back for being bumped by a sophisticated "dip" or swarmed by a gang of thieves (sometimes as young as eleven or twelve).

Do not advertise yourself as a target for a hold-up.

Also, be careful while standing online while queuing up for a or standing as a "strap-hanger" on a bus, tram, or commuter rail car.

Invest in pickpocket proof pants from an on-line vendor, with zippered, Velcroed, and buttoned pockets.

If you are robbed, make noise to dissuade the perpetrators, but do not resist.

Avoid wearing distinctive clothing that will make you stand out or present you as a target.

We all possess "fight-or-flight" instincts.

The country is generally free of violent crime, but break-ins and petty theft are common at homes, AirBnBs, rental cars, and beach blankets (why else do the locals have razor wire, broken glass, and bars on walls, doors, and windows?).

One should not walk in a park in San José at after dark alone and should take a cab or Uber back from a restaurant, bar, or club.

Recently, a tourist was accosted in CR by two men on a motorbike, who demanded his cell phone and camera.

When he resisted instinctively, they beat him so badly that he required facial reconstruction when evacuated to a hospital in San José from a coastal region.

In hindsight, it's easier to get a new phone and camera, even with the contact information and precious photos on both of them difficult or impossible to replace, than to have to undergo the physical and psychological trauma suffered by that man before, during, and after that horrific incident.

Call 9-1-1 or have someone do so for you to obtain a police report and contact the US embassy in Pavas to report any incident, so you can get a police report for insurance purposes and the Embassy staff can input the data into their reports on the STEP program and assist you to replace necessary documents or other items.

9-1-1 operators generally speak English.

Ask for help from a local if you require it.

The average Tico will gladly step up to assist you.

I hate to take up extra space, but I added a couple of vital safety hacks to this post and tightened it up a bit, so you would benefit more from reading this version:

[Some thoughts on dining out and a few other random travel pointers that pertain to safety that I have learned as a new arrival, entering my tenth week as a temporary resident in CR]:

I've done all of my own cooking to date in my "efficiency apartment," with all new features and appliances (I added a rice cooker and an air fryer).

I do comparison shopping, purchase nutritious food, and I am enjoying a balanced diet while engaging in a steady program of light exercise.

I haven't even bought a slice of pizza or an ice cream cone in town yet, but when I do, it will be at one of Costa Rica's landmark institutions, a "Soda."

{Remember when we had "soda jerks" in the States who worked behind the counter at a "Soda Fountain" and served up Coca-Cola, "the 'Pause that refreshes,'" or made vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry egg creams?].

The "soda" is a Tico invention, similar to the old-time mom-and-pop diner in the USA.

Sodas feature many menu items: mostly rice and beans, pork, chicken, or beef, and some soups.

The beef served in sodas will be considered to be tough by American standards, like nothing from Iowa or Nebraska.

The chicken never seems to disappoint.

A "Casado" [slang term that means 'husband" in Spanish, or literally "married male") forms a typical meal at the Soda.

In the Soda at the far side of our town it would cost approximately c1,500-2,000 [Colones, the local currency, named after Christopher Columbus] (=$3.00-$4.00 US).

The tax (local VAT @ 13% would add $0.39--$0.52).

1% CaJA fee (= National Health Insurance tax) would add another $0.30 or $0.40.

Then, a mandatory 10% service fee is included to cover a "propina" ("tip") for the server: (@ $0.30--$0.40)

One is free to add an additional tip, though CR is not a "tipping country" (like China), and cab drivers generally do not receive tips from the local clientele.

(I do not know about Uber drivers; Uber largely lacks a presence in our small exurb, but we enjoy response taxi service, summoned by WhatsApp).

If I were to order a Casado as a dinner meal in a "Soda" in CR, note the breakdown of what it would cost:

Entree: half of a fried chicken, black beans, fried or boiled rice [to taste], and fried plantain: $3.00

CaJA tax: $0.03

CR Vat: $0.39

Mandatory Service Fee: $0.30

Beverage (e.g., energy drink or cold orange juice): $2.50

[Optional]; tip for the server (@ 10%): $0.60

TOTAL: approximately $6.62 in USD.

The portions are large, generally enough to feed two people or to take some home as the basis for a second meal.

¡Qué ganga!

"Such a bargain!"

The food is simple, but fresh, filling, and made-to-order.

The sodas in the Central Market in San José are very creative and desirable in the range of menu items and desserts and the affordability of prices.

In the late winter, I often ate at a soda in Los Altos/San José for less than $6.00.

I like preparing my food, cooking it, and eating in.

I get prefer organic items, a bit pricier, but in the long-run, worth it.

I eliminate some shopping hassles (since I found a purveyor in the regional capital who will deliver for free when I reach a threshold price point, and they offer me a 10% discount each week when I supply a recipe that they can post on their site.

Their customers are benefiting from my growing experience slaving over a hot air fryer...

CR is very "green," but the farmers use lots of pesticides, so I prefer to avail myself of the services of a purveyor that I trust and go the organic route.

Overall, the fresh fruits in season in supermarkets I find to be quite reasonable, even cheap.

All imported items cost 30—100% more than their prices in the US.

Eggs are very inexpensive, and form a main staple of the diet, unlike the shortages that drove the prices up on the US in the mid-winter after the avian flu pandemic.

Rice and beans are common with every meal, and bananas, plantains, and avocadoes are plentiful.

Peanut butter is now available in large containers, marketed through the "Members' Selection" brand (sort of like COSTCO's Kirkland brand), and carried at Walmart (and by my vendor).

The quality is better than Jif, comparable to Skippy, and you can get three times the amount for about half of the imported price of Jif Crunchy.

Good cheese is hard to find, though we have a fine little shop with reasonable prices in the heart of our cantón near the town square.

The hamlet has at least three bakeries, one of which is quite good.

I am told that there's an excellent butcher shop in town, but I get my meats and poultry delivered from the warehouse of my purveyor in the nearby provincial capital (about four miles away, and a 10-15 minute car ride, without traffic, via UBER Fast).

I keep the perishable food in the freezer or refrigerator of my brand-new 9.7 cu.ft. Durabrand (national Tico brand) appliance or in plastic storage tubs I bought at Walmart of from my purveyor.

I get my frozen fish at Walmart (flounder, salmon, and tilapia), either of Costa Rican or Chilean origin.

They sell plenty of junk food in CR, which I avoid.

The country produces a lot of dark chocolate (which I don't eat) and delicious coffee (which I don't drink... I prefer herbal tea, and I can get an inexpensive pack of 100 Chamomile herbal tea bags at Walmart).

The local beers (which I don't drink) are called Imperial, Damburger, and Pilsen, but one can find Budweiser, Amstel Light, and even occasionally Corona and Heineken here (imported beers from Europe or the US are pricier, as are spirits from Canada, the US, the UK, or Europe) and wines from the US, France, Spain, or Italy.

On the other side of our town is a large Mickey D's and a KFC, while the provincial capital sports a Taco Bell downtown and a McDonald's and a Popeye's near the Walmart.

We have a hole-in-the-wall brick oven pizza joint in town called "Ready Pizza," which prides itself on its name: not having to wait too long to claim your pie and head for home.

San José even has a Starbuck's in the Los Yoses neighborhood (and is building more) and a Smashburger across the street from the huge national soccer stadium, in the affluent Sabana Oueste (West Grassland) neighborhood, at the site of the original airport, now converted to a leafy park and the stadium, near the Nunciature section (the home of the papal ambassador, or nuncio, to Costa Rica).

San José features many fine restaurants, as the guidebooks attest, which range from the inexpensive to the affordable to the high end.

Our little hamlet in the hill country is simpler and more subdued, but one will always feel safe and never taken advantage of while traveling here (though one cannot expect a server or vendor to know English or for the establishment to have an English language menu with the prices listed in USD, or for dollars to be accepted for transactions).

One may readily do the conversation in one's head:

C10,000= $20.00.

Major credit cards and debit cards are generally welcome at most places, though conversion fees may apply through one's bank and at the ATM.

Although chips are programmed to be used overseas, one always benefits from calling the banks and credit card companies and informing them of the dates and locations of overseas travel.

Some retail shops and smaller stores, like bakeries and fruit stands, require payment in Colones.

Ticos do not like to accept even crisp new hundred-dollar bills.

They want to be paid in twenties, since they fear that even the newest "C-Notes" issued by the US Treasury are prone to counterfeiting.

Breakfast and lunch specials are always less expensive and cater to working people or students.

But Caveat Emptor, "Let the buyer beware."

(The Central Market in San José and its environs form a dangerous haven for pickpockets and, as Boris Badenough used to say to Natasha (in the "Rocky & His Friends" cartoon series): "villains, thieves, and scoundrels..."

Those who venture within should avoid wearing flashy jewelry, clutch their backpacks, purses, camera cases, and cell phones tightly to themselves, and make photocopies of their passport face page and entrance stamp page, while leaving the original passport, large sums of money, extra credit cards, and excess cash in a hotel room safe or hidden as securely as possible at the accommodation.

Bus stations are also notoriously prime spots for pickpockets and street thieves to operate with impunity, so one's "Spidey senses" should be tingling there at all times.

Sling a backpack over the shoulder away from the street side or clutch it in front of you (not worn on your back), and put a small travel lock over the zipper, Zip-Tie, or safety pin over the zipper of the backpack or fanny pack to deter theft.

Do not carry a valuable bag on the curb side, where it can be snatched by a thief on a motorcycle or scooter, sometimes accompanied by an accomplice on the ground who will grab the phone or bag or other perceived to be valuable object, toss it to the partner on the scooter, and then take off running in a different direction along a planned escape route.

Do not gawk at your cell phone while reading GOOGLE maps, because that posture spells "vulnerable tourist" and places a target on your back for being bumped by a sophisticated "dip" or swarmed by a gang of thieves (sometimes as young as eleven or twelve-years-old).

Do not advertise yourself so as to become a target for a robbery.

Don't place a cell phone on the table while dining in a restaurant, but place the backpack, fanny pack, or pocketbook with one of its slings under the leg of a chair and resting between your legs.

Also, be careful while standing online while queuing up for a or standing as a "strap-hanger" on a bus, tram, or commuter rail car.

Invest in pickpocket-proof pants from an online vendor, with zippered, Velcroed, and buttoned pockets.

If you are robbed, make noise to dissuade the perpetrators, but do not resist.

Avoid wearing distinctive clothing that will make you stand out or present you as a target.

Try to avoid standing out by your garb or mannerisms.

We all possess "fight-or-flight" instincts.

The country is generally free of violent crime, but break-ins and petty theft occur with some frequency at homes, AirBnBs, rental cars, and beach blankets (why else do the locals have razor wire, broken glass, and bars on walls, doors, and windows?).

One should not walk in a park in San José  after dark alone [if at all] and should take a cab or Uber back from a restaurant, bar, or club, especially anywhere near the Red Light District (prostitution is legal or tolerated in CR, and "johns" or "janes" often find themselves drugged, robbed, beaten, or dumped outside of town).

Recently, a tourist was accosted in CR by two men on a motorbike, who demanded his cell phone and camera.

When he resisted instinctively, they beat him so badly that he required facial reconstruction when evacuated to a hospital in San José from a coastal region.

In hindsight, it's easier to get a new phone and camera, even with the contact information and precious photos on both difficult or impossible to replace, than to have to undergo the physical and psychological trauma suffered by that man before, during, and after that horrific incident.

Call 9-1-1 or have someone do so for you to obtain a police report and contact the US embassy in Pavas to report any incident, so you can get a police report for insurance purposes and the Embassy staff can input the data into their reports on the STEP program and assist you to replace necessary documents or other items.

9-1-1 operators generally speak English.

Ask for help from a local if you require it.

The average Tico will gladly step up to assist you.

How could you possibly know if  'most 911 operators speak English" ????? 

Of the three times I have called here... NOBODY spoke English.   

So that was bad 'generalized' information, from you, at the get go...

Of course, 'general' information, or better yet, time tested testimonials, is about all that most of us can hope for here... but that 911 thing was just a guess and you know it. 

Not good nor SAFE, to tell people that.   Step back for a while.

Based on my research and not on your experience, but based on your experience, you made a good point.

A six-minute read that I found to be comprehensive and consequential, from a couple who have lived in CUENCA, ECUADOR (happily) for over fourteen years:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/t … &ei=72

I find the postings of folks like @rainagain and @dave&marcia on this site to be helpful, constructive, and affirming to people considering uprooting from home and hearth and relocating overland or sea to Costa Rica.

The effort and experience that they bring to the table serve as a great resource.

I indicated that I would post some information about Medi-Smart this week to benefit interested parties.

I paid for a six-month membership in this pay-as-you-go, discounted health care system, affiliated with the nine branches of the Metropolitan Hospital throughout the country; its aligned in-house and mail order pharmacy; its affiliated Fischel Farmacias; discounted partnerships with Dr. Max (vision) and Drs. Dent (dental); an add-on for "onco-care" for cancer care and preventive maintenance; and even options to cover pets.

They offer services that do not appeal to or are irrelevant to me, but would be vital for others: pediatric care; maternity care; drug screening; and a very clever MediSport program, all at remarkably affordable prices (by North American standards, the psychiatry option stands out as remarkably affordable (the discount from the normal, out-of-pocket fee of $153.36/session amounts to $50, or only $76.67 per appointment [whereas most psychiatric consultations in the United States cost between $250.--$450,00 and up per hour)

I have made appointments and met with quality physicians in my own canton as well as the regional capital.

While I speak Spanish fluently and prefer to speak with these providers in their native tongues (to broaden my vocabulary and gain valuable practice), each of them handles English well (an option that can be specified on the website for those whose comfort level or linguistic facility so dictates).

One can sign up in English, though it helps to have a Tico phone number to do so online.

A dedicated English-language phone extension at MediSmart (strictly monitored and restricted to Anglophonic members).

The young staffers who speak English are dedicated, patient, pleasant, and knowledgeable.

I had meds delivered via motorcycle courier the next day from their main pharmacy in San José to my residence in an exurb in a neighboring province.

With one exception (where cash was required), I paid with credit cards and received rewards points/frequent flyer miles for each appointment with a different specialist.

Every service is discounted.

Special sales are run each month (e.g., June being the month of Fathers' Day, specials exist for fathers).

[I am willing to provide a breakdown concerning a rundown of MediSmart's coverage specialties and discounts within later posts, if desired, but that information exists readily in English on the MediSmart website].

I would like to direct my focus on how I derived benefits from my membership in MediSmart while undergoing several elective, routine procedures today (along with some of the advantages and disadvantages that I experienced).

As a temporary resident, I do not qualify for membership in the national health care system, and do not ever intend to pay into the ,<<CaJA, >>which would offer minimal benefits to my interests and needs at my age and in my health profile.

I prefer to access private health care and consider the options offered by MediSmart and the Metropolitan Hospital system to offer the best available options to and for me while living in Costa Rica.

Today, I underwent two tests at the Metropolitan Hospital campus in Los Pozos/Santa Ana (A/K/A <<Sede Lindora>>).

I took advantage of my MediSmart membership to book the procedures.

While I had trouble doing so on-line, two charming young English-speaking reps on the dedicated line for Anglophonic expats (restricted to English-speakers only, with a strong admonition from the robo-voice to refrain from cheating!) booked and confirmed the appointments.

I received the confirmation emails which I wisely kept on my phone.

Without this equivalent proof of a physician referral, I would have been denied the ability to undertake procedures.

Since I had the reservation, which I could forward electronically to those at the admission desk, I managed to proceed unabated, and the intake staffer printed out the information and appended it to the procedural order.

In the future, I shall ask the referring physician for a written order, which other patients presented as a matter of course.

I found the hospital reception staff with whom I interacted to be charming and helpful.

One needs to show a Cedula (national ID card for residents or "permanent resident" expats) or one's passport in order to verify identity (so if one is a MediSmart member, the national ID care of hard copy of the passport form a sine quo non for treatment.

The staff managed to bump up my second appointment by 45 minutes when a vacancy occurred.

In the meantime, I visited the café and walked a block to a small restaurant for a light supper.

The hospital features a 24-hour pharmacy affiliated with MediSmart on the first floor.

The tests were "routine," but I wanted to check an issue as a follow-up to a prior day hospitalization at home many years ago.

Unfortunately, the original MediSmart-scheduled appointments in the Metropolitan Hospital  <<Cariari C3>> center n San Antonio de Belén could not be honored, since only two (9) of the nine (9) MediSmart-affiliated Metropolitan Hospitals in the country perform one of the procedures.

This cancellation of the appointment with the radiologist at the Cariari campus n in Belén increased my travel distance, time, and expense (thereby forcing me to drive past that town and further into the opposite side of the Central Valley from where I reside in a different province).

I chose to avoid the only other available option for one of the procedures covered by MediSmart--in the <<Plaza del So>> near the barrios of Freses and Prado on the southern end of San José--thereby minimizing the increased distance, expense, noise, traffic, aggressive city driving, potholes, and pollution.

Normally, one of the procedures would have offered a 30% benefit for MediSmart members, but since I elected to book a late evening appointment, I received a 50% discount for it (thanks to the suggestion of the MediSmart English-speaking phone representative).

Instead of paying $1,257.26 USD out-of-pocket, my MediSmart discounted, pay-as you-go membership allowed me to pay only $628.13 USD for one of the procedures, an extensive process that took over an hour.

This amount represented a 50% discount from the normal itemized expense.

I received the films and reports for the shorter procedure, in "hard copy" immediately and via electronic transmission at my email address while still in the hospital.

The retail price for the other procedure would have been $267.43, but I received a 40% discount and paid $106.97 USD.

I had the option to pay in USD or CR Colones, and chose USD to avoid transaction fees (and make matters easier for taxe and record keeping).

For the two (2) medical procedures, I paid $735.60 USD, which I consider to be money well spent.

It amounted to a small fraction of what the "full-boat retail" expense for those procedures would have been in the USA, even taking into account insurance deductibles and co-pays.

Getting there was not half the fun on account of the rain; the onset of rush hour traffic while passing through busy industrial zones and dealing with school buses; and the questionable routes proposed to the cab driver by the WAZE app.

I allowed an hour-and-a-half to make the ten-mile trip to the hospital, though I arrived literally with only two minutes to spare.

The moral of the story: budget sufficient time and ask knowledgeable people for a reasonable estimate of travel time to allow for a timely arrival.

Like NYC, the taxi meters' (called "Maria" in C.R.) fares are calculated by both distance and time traveled.

By way of illustration, the afternoon trip to the hospital in Los Pozos/Santa Ana took 90-minutes and cost $33.60  USD.

The return trip required only 30-minutes and cost $24.70  USD.

The transportation cost $58.30 USD R/T.

By paying those fares on credit cards, at least I received "rewards points"/ "frequent flyers miles," in addition to the fees for the procedures at the Metropolitan Hospital's "Lindora" center.

It would have been impossible to make this trip by bus, but I did get to see the industrial duty-free zones near the SJO airport along with a variety of industrial parks en route to the hospital (including INTEL factories and corporate campuses) and even a Porshe/Lexus dealership.

(So, someone is making money in this country, presumably other than the United Fruit moguls, the international bankers, high-powered entrepreneurs, and drug-money launderers).

Driving around San José is like driving in Brooklyn.

It seems you have to be born there to find your way around it or out of it.

@gst1212,

Great summary !

I have been using MediSmart for about 8 -10 years (as long as it has been available). I am totally sold on it ! While I have Tricare (retired military) I sometimes just use MediSmart for simple, inexpensive things so I don’t have to pay Tricare up front and then wait to be reimbursed.

A few other things to add … Other farmas offer MediSmart discounts. For example, my Walmart Farma offers a 10% discount on most drug. If I am there and need a medication it’s easy and I don’t have to pay to go elsewhere. Paez labs (they are everywhere) also offer a significant discount on many blood test (some up to 50%). I think Paez is affiliated somehow with MediSmart.

They also have a phone service where one can talk with a doctor/nurse about medical problems. They can’t diagnose or prescribe (understandable) without a face - to face but they can make suggestions. I used it during Covid when I didn’t want to get out to a doctor’s office. I thought I might have had Covid and they ask me different questions and then gave me suggestions. Very helpful !

Finally, yes, I have found the phone service (both Spanish and English) to be helpful, professional and friendly. However, I now make all my appointments with doctors using the MediSmart website or Hulihealth website. One can often make an appointment for the same or next day, if necessary. One can see a list of doctors with a specific speciality, location and then read reviews, see languages spoken, where they studied medicine and etc. Labs and other tests usually still need to be made on the phone or in person (if one lives close to a provider, as I do).

Oh, don’t let your membership expire since I have heard from friends that you have to wait a few months to get membership again. I can’t personally verify that but it might be worth checking out. I just pay annually and have reminders so I don’t forget to renew.

Sorry, just thought of something else … one can also add others to their membership for about a 50% of the normal membership fee and all the program discounts are the same. This is great for couples and etc. I even put my part-time Tico driver on mine a few years ago so the person added-on does not have to be family. One can add more than one additional but I’m not sure if there is a maximum number. They get their own Carnet (MediSmart ID number)

Anyway, again, a great review and equally great program ! I highly recommend it to anyone.

John

John--

Great post.

Sorry about a few "late night" typos on my post, but one gets the gist of things.

I chatted with one of two MediSmart doctors telephonically on call (in English), and she set up the two appointments for me (I mistakenly attributed that to one of the English-language customer service reps at MediSmart.

I booked for six-months up-front and got a slight discount, and also opted for "Onco-Care."

PAEZ labs does share an affiliation with MediSmart.

In fact, they have a lab facility in the same building as the office of two of my MediSmart docs in my provincial canton, and I received a discount and had the results of routine blood work via electronic transmission in less than three hours (also, forwarded to my doc.

I had to use MediSmart directly to schedule these exams for two reasons:

1. The site did not reference, specifically, one (1) of the specializations;
2. One of the tests was only offered in two (2) of the nine (9) Hospital Metropolitan locations (both in barrios of San Juan; neither particularly convenient to me, but it did not have to travel all-day or stay overnight to make the appointment, and was able to "piggy-back" them.

I echo your comments about the advantages and value of MediSmart.

It's not a panacea, and certainly is NOT insurance, but it offers a wide variety of pay-as-you-go private health options.

By setting up appointments on line, one can tell if a specialist is available in a day; a week; or whenever.

Also, one can get an idea of the discounted price, though be prepared to pay more than what's specified on the site, depending upon the amount of services rendered (all at very reasonable prices, but US standards).

Many appointments are set up through WhatsApp,

Since every Tico business or individual appears to use this FREE service, get it and use it.

Family and friends in the US tell me that the transmission and reception comes across clearer (with my excellent Wi-Fi in an outlying province in the hills of the Central Valley) than through Blue Tooth in my car at home or ion my apartment in the NE USA.

Happy 250th birthday to the major armed services of the US on June 14th (Flag Day).

"Thank you for your service."

And as I prefer to say, "Thank you for our freedom."