The good
- Amazing landscapes and beaches
- Astonishing fauna and flora
- Cost of living is low
The bad
- Public transport
- Lack of English speakers
- The rain season
Connectivity
Even though Costa Rica might not be as advanced technologically as a first-world nation like the USA, it is surprisingly well covered across the country. The most popular mobile networks are Kolbi Movil, Clara Movil and Movistar:
With that being said, if you want to work from remote places there are many things to know and anticipate. Here is a brilliant blog article showing the highs and lows of connectivity in Costa Rica and all the « life-hacks » to go around it.
Visas and documentation
You will find all the information needed on this web page. When you arrive in Costa Rica, you need to show proof of your intent to leave the country in the time period of your visa, generally 90 days for most countries.
Where to work
Costa Ricans are following the trend of building productive spaces to help the growing community of digital workers coming from around the world. Other than that, cybercafés are also very common and offer the basic necessities for digital nomads.
Coworking spaces
- Selina Coworking – San Jose
- Puerto&Co – Puerto Viejo
- LoCoworking – Samara
- Sand&Surf Coworking – Tamarindo
- Swinda Cowork Office – Puntarenas Province
Tech stuff
Power plug types
The power plugs and sockets are of type A and B, like most of the countries in Central and Northern America. Just a reminder that type A sockets have no alternative plugs but type B sockets is compatible with type A plugs.
Laptop & phone repair
If you’re in a need to repair your devices, your best bet is in San Jose where you’ll find a lot of computer & phone stores.
For Apple users, make sure to check the link below to locate Apple affiliated shops like iShop.
Language
The official language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Only 11% of the adult population speaks English fluently. There are also several indigenous languages to be wary about in certain regions:
When to visit
The rainy season occurs from May to November and the dry season starts approximately in mid-December and ends in April. This is the peak season for tourists and outdoor activities as the temperature and sunshine are more than agreeable.
Of course, it also depends on the region you’re visiting. To learn more about the specificities of Costa Rica’s climate, check out this complete guide.
Food
Costa Rica’s staple ingredients are rice, black beans, pork & beef, fresh tropical fruits, and vegetables. Being at the crossroads of south and north America, it is exceptionally diverse.
A traditional meal will cost you between 5 to 7 U.S. Dollars.
