These are some of the top complains about living in Costa Rica.
Keep in mind that these statements were encountered by different people in different situations, it may or may not be suitable for you to experience.
- Life is not as cheap as expected
- Costa Ricans are cold and unwelcoming
- The roads and highways are not developed in small cities
- The distance of Costa Rica is far from home
- The country is not safe for visitors
- The weather is very hot
- Immigration Regulations are a long and demanding process
- The waiting time in healthcare services is ridiculous even if you have an appointment
- Import fees are extremely high
- Critters are everywhere
- The traffic is horrible
Costa Rica is labeled as one of the retirement gems for cheap and simple living in a tropical paradise that includes relaxation, peace, fresh food, and fresh air.
For sure, before your vacation, you would have browsed an unending list of do’s and don’ts. And while you search on your lists, you may have come across expat and travel boards containing some complaints about living in Costa Rica.
No matter how you don’t want to exaggerate things, the complaints will still get your attention and start weighing whether to book that flight to Costa Rica or not.
Before you decide to skip booking your flight to this beautiful country, we herewith give you the 12 top complaints about living in Costa Rica and few insights about whether to justify the complaint statement or to let go.
1. Life is not as Cheap as expected
Most travel blogs, publications, or feature articles would inform you that living in Costa Rica is cheap, it is a dream place for retirement, a dream country to move in. Expats who are moving in or visiting Costa Rica came from various backgrounds, with diverse lifestyles, and countless expectations.
Defining “cheap living” is dependent on your background, lifestyle, and expectations. Some people would rather eat home-cooked meals with fresh, natural, and simple ingredients, while others would prefer a higher lifestyle. Some can live without the latest fashion or household items, while some cannot sleep without the luxury of shopping.
While you can live a luxury lifestyle in Costa Rica, it comes with a price. However, if you are contented, happy, and enjoyingly, living in the middle of green lushes, with natural surroundings, natural wildlife, savoring the fresh produce from the farmer’s baskets, then Costa Rica is the best place for you.
2. Costa Ricans are cold and unwelcoming
Some Costa Ricans are victims of crime, which they always think a stranger would do them harm. They are always paranoid and see strangers as potential aggressors that could attack them anytime. However, for those who don’t, Ticos (Costa Ricans) are cold to those know-it-all foreigners.
Generally, whenever you pass by a Costa Rican, they usually make eye contact, smile, and wave at you. Ticos can even ask you to share a cup of coffee or tea while having a general conversation. The locals in Costa Rica will embrace you if you show them a positive attitude.
3. The roads and highways are not developed in small cities
If you plan to visit the Southern Zone, expect bumpy hills and potholes on most of your journeys. So, make sure to pump up the tires of your vehicles before heading South. The Southern Zone has a small population with a small tax base to pay for road repairs.
While it is not an enjoyable road for speeding, it is best when you are taking it easy, cruising, enjoying your favorite tunes. Enjoy slowing down the road, while mesmerizing your eyes with the lush green jungles with colorful floras.
4. The distance of Costa Rica is far from home
Costa Rica is far from home if your origin doesn’t offer a direct flight to the country. Most migrants of Costa Rica are from Europe, North America, and an increasing number from China. Schedules from North America and Europe fly directly to San Jose at least once a week with an 8-hour journey.
The National Tourism Board of Costa Rica continues to promote the beauty of the country. By doing this, they are helping flight agencies not only from Europe and North America but internationally to provide flight deals and experience the jungle of Costa Rica.
5. The country is not safe for visitors
Costa Rica is a developing country, so if you are from a first world country who always flaunt what you’ve got, this is not the right place to show off your richness. By simply speeding your car around residential roads, the locals in Costa Rica will view you as arrogant.
Every country has its drawbacks of people, and it is not just in Costa Rica. Some people would take advantage of visitors, especially in a defenseless situation. Some people cannot resist the opportunity to grab something that they could not regularly afford. So long as you know how to keep your valuables, you will surely be safe with Costa Ricans.
You can safely walk around the villages and towns of Costa Rica while speaking to the locals and fellow foreigners but be mindful of your valuables, then your communications with the locals will be safe.
6. The weather is very hot
Costa Rica is a tropical country, which means the weather is relatively hot. However, you can choose the town you want to visit or live in, depending on the area and time of the year. Costa Rica has 12 climate zones that give you options for hot and humid or cool and dry.
The hot and humid part of Costa Rica is in the Southern Zone of the country, but this can be relieved by its magnificent mountain and ocean breezes. Quench the hot and dry weather between December and April with pipas frias and frosty beverages. The rest of the months will be experiencing drops to periodic fresh rains helping the forests and jungles wave with lush green leaves and colorful floras.
7. Immigration regulations are a long and demanding process
Immigration regulations are trouble-free when you are an investor, or you have a plan to open up a business in Costa Rica, and if you are retired with a pension. If you do not belong to the list, expect your papers to be in the processing stage for long.
You can easily get your residency papers through the rentista or pensionado programs. The programs are available for retirees with over $600 social security payments or monthly pension. If you are an investor, you should have at least $1,000 investment income to have a trouble-free immigration process.
All the necessary documents should be ready within two years from your local police, bank, birth, and marriage certificates. All your documents should also be translated in Spanish to be sent to the Costa Rican Consulate for authentication.
8. The waiting time in healthcare services is ridiculous even if you have an appointment
All expats, business owners, and retirees agree that the cost of healthcare in Costa Rica is just a fraction of the cost in the United States and Europe. A bonus is that they employ the best medical experts and practitioners. However, just like any other healthcare systems, it also has its drawbacks.
The waiting time for MRIs and other diagnostic tests will take months, even if you have scheduled an appointment with a nurse practitioner or a doctorate professional.
9. Import fees are extremely high
Costa Rica is a small country, and it doesn’t manufacture much of personal products or gadgets. Most of the technology products came from China. If you’re looking for the latest trends in technology, you’d better buy it once you visit your home country.
Getting a package online is also an option, so long as you can afford the import fees. The custom fees would cost you double the price of the product. Additionally, the delivery dates keep on changing until it takes months before you can touch your parcels.
10. Critters are everywhere
Costa Rica boasts a diverse variety of wildlife in every city and even in the provincial areas. While it seems to be an amazing view, you need to be cautious of aggressive monkeys that would snatch your belongings.
Snakes and scorpions also are regular visitors in every household, rugs, beds, and even shoes. That is why it is recommended to check every step and always have a bug spray with you.
11. The traffic is horrible
Again, this depends on your choice of town or city to move in. If you plan to retire in the city, expect traffic jams now and then. A four-kilometer ride can take you an hour to reach your destination. It would be best if you would have just walked.
You can, however, choose to minimize the traffic by living in remote areas. Only if you can afford to live in a provincial area where limited resources for everyday necessities are a struggle. You can courier items from the main city, but this option is only available to limited locations.
Conclusion
Living in Costa Rica has its drawbacks but seeing the good in it depends on your expectations. For years, Costa Rica has proved its strong economy, stable democracy, retiree immigration incentives, and the cost-efficient healthcare system.