Why you shouldn't live in Costa Rica?

Reasons not to retire in Costa Rica include the country having a lot of rain, and not having real summer or winter due to its proximity to the equator. Despite being one of the world's safest countries to visit, crimes do exist there. It is also not a cheap place to settle down in.

Where should you not live in Costa Rica?

Places to Avoid in Costa Rica

For example, the following districts in San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, are considered to be unsafe: Los Guido, Desamparados, Pavas, La Carpio, Leon XIII, the El Carmen neighborhood in Cartago, and the “El Infiernillo,” sector of Alajuela.

What are the problems with Costa Rica?

Overcrowding, poor sanitation, insufficient access to health care, and violence remain serious problems in Costa Rica's prisons.

Is Costa Rica worth moving to?

With its gorgeous climate and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, Costa Rica is perfect for maintaining a healthy way of life. And as an expat moving to Costa Rica, you'll be surprised at the high standard of private hospitals. You'll get world-class treatment for a fraction of the price you'd pay elsewhere.

Is it good for Americans to live in Costa Rica?

Luckily Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central and South America. With no standing army and a culture of pura vida, you'll find Costa Rica a pretty tranquil place to live.

8 Reasons Why Americans LEAVE Costa Rica [Why I Left]

What are the disadvantages of living in Costa Rica?

Though many aspects of Costa Rican living are decidedly first-world, the roads are not among them. Potholes, dips and cracks mark the roads so severely that cars can be damaged driving over them. Locals drive quickly and dangerously, passing where it is not safe to do so and not respecting the right of way.

Why are expats leaving Costa Rica?

Feeling homesick and missing family while living abroad. The increasing crime rate in Costa Rica. Coping with negativity coming from the expat community. Adjusting to the extreme climate, unstable infrastructure, and cultural/lifestyle differences.

Is Costa Rica LGBT friendly?

Costa Rica has many laws in place to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination and even ensures some rights to a family life, with equal marriage and adoption by same-sex couples due to be enacted into law by May 2020. Overall, it has one of the best records for LGBTQ+ rights in the region.

Is healthcare free in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica does have free public healthcare, but only for Costa Rican citizens who are most financially in need. This means that residents with a job and expats will have to pay for use of the public healthcare system (expats must provide proof of sufficient financial means in order to live in Costa Rica).

Is Costa Rica a third world country?

The Costa Rican economy still relies on financial aid from the First World Countries and remains a Third World Country but it is definitely no longer an Underdeveloped Country.

What should I avoid in Costa Rica?

What is the biggest problem in Costa Rica?

Violence towards children in Costa Rica is one of the most serious social problems of the region. The violence suffered by children can come as much from the family as from school. This physical, psychological, or even sexual violence has serious consequences on the health of the young.

Are Costa Ricans poor?

Costa Rica remains among the least poor countries in LAC. Yet, the poverty response to economic growth has been limited since 2010, and national poverty rates point to an increase in poverty between 2017 and 2018, both in urban and rural areas.

When should I avoid Costa Rica?

Avoid the peak rainy season, September and October, unless you're visiting the Caribbean coast. Avoid the weeks around Christmas, New Years, and Easter, especially if you're on a budget or don't like crowds.

Is Costa Rica safer than the US?

Central America (and Costa Rica) still have far higher homicide rates than the U.S., which itself has a far higher rate than Spain.

Is Costa Rica safer than Mexico?

The US State Department considers Costa Rica among the safest countries for US nationals. As per its safety ranking, Costa Rica is Level One whereas Mexico is Level Two.

Can you collect Social Security if you live in Costa Rica?

If you are a U.S. citizen and qualify for Social Security retirement, family, survivor or disability benefits, you can receive your payments while living in most other countries.

Can an American drive to Costa Rica?

Driving from the United States to Costa Rica is an adventure best undertaken with patience, a sense of humor, and about two weeks of free time. From the U.S. border at Brownsville, Texas to the Nicaraguan-Costa Rican border at Penas Blancas, the distance totals almost 2,300 miles.

Is abortion legal in Costa Rica?

Currently, abortions are allowed in Costa Rica only in order to preserve the life or physical health of the woman. Abortions are illegal in almost all cases, including when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest and when the fetus suffers from medical problems or birth defects.

Where do gays go in Costa Rica?

Most of Costa Rica's gay and lesbian nightlife takes place in either Manuel Antonio or in the capital city, San José, though the country is very welcoming for LGBTQ travelers in general.

Should I move to Mexico or Costa Rica?

Both Costa Rica and Mexico will allow you enjoy a far lower cost of living. Mexico is a fairly clear winner in the cost of living category, though. Your social security check will allow you to live comfortably whatever lifestyle you're looking for. Eating out at restaurants and cafes is extremely affordable.

Is Mexico better than Costa Rica?

Mexico is known for its beautiful beaches, rowdy spring breakers, luxury resorts, a fluctuating currency, and even the long-running drug war with the cartel. Costa Rica, on the other hand, is a bit farther away from the United States but all the major airlines offer low-cost flights to Costa Rica.

Why are so many Americans in Costa Rica?

As many as 50,000 Americans live in Costa Rica, according to the U.S. State Department. And many of them are Baby Boomers flocking to the country's tropical beaches to retire. They're drawn to Costa Rica's biodiversity, the political stability, and its cheap health care.