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Curious?
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions...
... about life in Costa Rica.
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Where exactly is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is located on the Central American isthmus, north of the equator. It borders both the Caribbean Sea (to the east) and the Pacific Ocean (to the west). Costa Rica has a total of 1,290 kilometers (802 miles) of coastline (212 km / 132 miles on the Caribbean coast and 1,016 km / 631 miles on the Pacific). It is in the Central Time Zone.
Costa Rica borders Nicaragua to the north, and Panama to the south-southeast.Costa Rica's 2 international airports makes travel from any country easy. It is aproximately 3 hours from Miami, 5 1/2 hours from New York and 3 - 4 hours from Los Angeles by plane.
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How Big is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is 51,100 sq km (19,730 sq miles, slightly smaller than West Virginia). Costa Rica is composed of seven provinces: Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limón, Puntarenas and San José. Each province is divided into 81 cantons, each of which is directed by a mayor. Mayors are chosen democratically every four years by each canton's people. There are no provincial legislatures. The cantons are further divided into districts.
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Is life much different in Costa Rica?
Of course that depends on where and how you live now. The standard of living is relatively high. Land ownership is widespread. You'll find a wide variety of housing in Costa Rica, and a wealth of every imaginable activity to keep you busy and happy. The coastal areas are perfect for whale watching, sport fishing, surfing and diving. Costa Rica is also an exotic bird watching paradise, with Toucans, Scarlet Macaws and Tiny Hawks to name a few. There are two excellent English-language newspapers, cable and DirectTV with all of the U.S. channels, and a myriad of exciting business opportunities for the enterprising entrepreneur. And consider this: If you move to Costa Rica, you can live very comfortably on $1,000 to $2,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle. A full-time maid costs around $10 per day. Utilities, like telephone, electricity, and water, are much lower than in the U.S., Canada, or Europe.
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What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
The climate is tropical, with a dry season from December thru April, and rainy season, May to November, typically bringing heavy downpours in mid afternoon. The temperature does not vary much and averages 79 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Elevated properties in the area normally have refreshing sea breezes. The feeling is tropical, fresh and close to nature.
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What about health care?
Costa Rica has universal medical care and free and subsidized educational programs. The well-run national health care system means that the country's people are strong and healthy. The average life expectancy is 76.3 years--one of the highest in the world. Costa Rica has an up-to-date medical system with hospitals, clinics, and complete medical services in all major cities and some towns. Costa Rica is considered to have one of the best low-cost medical care systems in the world. Dental care and cosmetic surgery is affordable, and Costa Rica's plastic surgeons are considered among the world's best.
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Is Costa Rica Safe?
Costa Rica is particularly appealing because it is a long-established democracy and politically stable, and, for the most part, it is very safe. There is very low incidence of violent crime and, outside the capital city of San Jose, there isn't much crime of any kind. Costa Rica is known as one of Latin America's most peaceful nations (and one of the most politically stable--it has enjoyed over 60 years of uninterrupted democratic rule). Costa Rica's constitution guaranties free elections.
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Why Should You Consider Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with a modern capital city, long stretches of deserted tropical beaches, cool mountain getaways, and pristine lake regions. Costa Rica is a middle-income, developing economy, with a tradition of democracy. The life expectancy at birth here is one of the world’s highest--outstripping both the U.S. and the U.K. Two other characteristics set Costa Rica apart from its Central American neighbors: a high literacy rate (one of the highest in the world) and the absence of an army. Tourist facilities are extensive, and because English is a second language for many Costa Ricans, the country feels very visitor-friendly.
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Are there any tax advantages ?
There are many tax advantages you can enjoy after moving to Costa Rica. Investors pay no capital gains taxes on real estate, business taxes are minimal, and high-interest bank accounts are tax free. Property taxes are also reasonable compared with the U.S. and elsewhere. When you take into account all of these factors, the fact is that in Costa Rica you will surely enjoy a more peaceful and laidback way of life.
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What about owning property in Costa Rica?
One of the great appeals of Costa Rica real estate comes from the advantageous property laws. Property laws in Costa Rica are the same for nationals and foreigners. You don't need to live in the country to own land or property. All property titles are registered with the Registro Publico. Just as in the US and most other countries, Costa Rica practices a “first in time, first in rights” policy. Title insurance is available in Costa Rica.
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If you have any unanswered questions
your personal representative Otto Calvo will be happy to assist you.
973 343 8290
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