Let's Chat About Costa Rica - Your Costa Rica Questions Answered! || Part 1

Not too many moons ago, I traded my NYC corporate heels for a surfboard and camera in Costa Rica. It definitely has been as adventure, and I can't believe I'm going on 9 years, splitting time between Tamarindo and Savannah, GA!

So whether you're considering moving to Costa Rica or dreaming of your (next) trip to Pura Vidadise, I'm stoked to answer questions that you may have about Costa Rica...or didn't even think to ask about Costa Rica! 

So are you ready?

Let's chat about Costa Rica...a couple of questions about a time!

Does it ever get cold in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is located 10 degrees north of the Equator = very strong sun! Temperatures are typically in the 70s in the evening (for the majority of the year), and in the 80s-90s during the day. BUT, it feels hotter because of the sun intensity, and the humidity in rainy season. 

During rainy season, the temperatures can "drop" with the cloud cover. Temperatures really all depend on where you are in Costa Rica, the beach or in the mountains. Here at the beach, the lowest I've experiences is the low 70s in rainy season. If you're traveling in the mountains, I highly suggest brining long pants, sweatshirt, and a rain jacket!

Click here for more info on the weather in Costa Rica.

Other than tourism, what are the biggest industries in Costa Rica?

Agriculture!  Thanks to over 20 microclimates, Costa Rica grows + produces a variety of food items for domestic consumption + export -- bananas, coffee, papayas, pineapples, sugar cane, palm oil, beef and dairy to name a few.

*Palm Tree Adventures*

How's the local crime in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica in general is pretty safe, but unfortunately petty left is pretty common.

Don't leave your belongings unattended (especially on the beach -- I've had my backpack stolen (I should have known better...) or hang your purse on the back of your chair), keep your purse or wallet in front of you, and don't carry / wear valuables. Be smart and exercise caution, like you would anywhere else you travel or go. 

Click here to read more about my posts on theft in Costa Rica and "Is Costa Rica Safe?".

How stable is the internet service in Costa Rica for remote working?

Internet reliability and speed in Costa Rica all depends on where you are. Pretty much everywhere you travel in Costa Rica has WIFI. Here in Tamarindo, there are 3-4 internet service providers. I have a fiber optic connection, which I've found to be the most reliable and stable 🤞🏻. Plans start at 1Mb up to 30Mb for residential, and up to 500Mb for businesses.

How can I move to Costa Rica permanently?

I always say that (within reason), you can do anything you put your mind to. Now, how easy is it to move to Costa Rica? That all depends on your current life + financial situation.

For me, as a single gal in her mid-20s, the hardest part was making the decision to trade NYC corporate life for Costa Rica. Once I decided to take the jump, I just kept putting one foot in front of the other.

When I first landed in Costa Rica, I was working for Señor Endless Summer, Robert August, helping with social media + business development. During that time, I started to chase + photograph Costa Rica's magical sunsets...and that's when I finally allowed myself to pursue one of my passions, photography, to see where it'd take me! 

For more info, check out my Pros + Cons of living in Tamarindo. Spoiler: Living in a tropical paradise is not always magical sunset and dreamy waves!
 

Do you have even more questions about Costa Rica?

Click here to read more of my Costa Rica tips, or feel free to email me and ask away!