Moving Guide

Buy a car. Outside San José's Uber coverage, public transit is severely limited - buses don't cover most expat residential areas, and rural/beach destinations have infrequent service. Most families buy within the first month. Used Japanese imports (Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mitsubishi Montero) are the most popular for their reliability and available parts. Importing your own vehicle is almost never worth it (52% import tax). Budget $8,000–$20,000 for a reliable used vehicle locally.

The Association of Residents of Costa Rica (ARCR) is a 50-year-old membership organization for foreign residents. It offers immigration legal advice, a monthly magazine, social events, discounts at local businesses, and connections to trusted immigration lawyers, doctors, and services. Membership is $100/year. It's one of the most useful first investments a new Costa Rica expat can make - particularly for navigating the immigration process and connecting with the established community.

Importing a vehicle attracts very high duties: approximately 52.29% import duty + 13% sales tax + 1% admin fee, calculated on the vehicle's CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value. Most experts advise against importing - locally purchased used cars are often cheaper after factoring in duties. Vehicles older than 1984 are prohibited from import. New cars (under 3 years old) may have slightly lower duty rates in some categories.

Recommended platforms: Encuentra24.com, Craigslist Costa Rica, and local Facebook groups ('Expats in Costa Rica', 'Housing in Escazú', 'Tamarindo Rentals'). RE/MAX, Century 21, and local agencies handle expat rentals. Typical deposit: 1 month's rent. By law (LASCA), residential leases are minimum 3 years; shorter informal leases are common in practice, especially with private landlords. Prices are often quoted in USD.

Foreign licenses from most countries are valid in Costa Rica for 3 months from entry. After that, or to get a local license: visit COSEVI (driving license authority) with your foreign license, passport, DIMEX card (for residents), blood type certificate, and eye test. Most holders don't need a driving test. Annual fee: ₡10,000–₡25,000. Costa Rica drives on the right. Roads in beach towns can be unpaved - a 4WD vehicle is recommended for rural areas.

Foreign licenses from most countries are valid for 3 months from entry. After that, or to get a local license: visit COSEVI with your foreign license, passport, DIMEX card (for residents), blood type certificate, and eye test. Most holders don't need a driving test. Annual fee: ₡10,000-₡25,000 (~$15-$40). Costa Rica drives on the right. Roads in beach towns can be unpaved - a 4WD vehicle is recommended outside of major urban areas.