Once again Costa Rica has been determined the Happiest Planet on Earth in the annual Happy Planet Index (H.P.I.) by the New Economic Foundation. The study ranks countries in terms of life expectancy, the amount of well being experienced by the local population, and environmental impact. Costa Rica has been in the top 3 since the formation of the first H.P.I. in 2006 and has been #1 for the past 2...
Costa Rica Living
Learning a new language is very challenging and overwhelming at times, but if you can speak some of the local language it will help you transition to a new culture more smoothly. This is true around the World and Costa Rica is no exception. Although many locals speak some English and I know many foreigners that have gotten by for years without any Spanish skills; I still feel learning some of the...
On September 9th Costa Rica will celebrate “Dia del Nino” or Children’s Day. This is a day to celebrate children around the World. It was created by the U.N. in 1954 in order to bring attention to children’s rights and healthy child development around the globe. The official day of celebration in October 20th, but countries celebrate on various dates that are convenient for them. Today, the...
Most people dream about moving to a tropical paradise and enjoying the beach and beautiful scenery while living a laid back lifestyle. Then reality strikes and they think it is an impossible dream only for the wealthy and they go back to plugging away at the ‘rat race’. Well, this dream can become a reality and for less than one would imagine. In this blog we will discuss on how to leave it all...
Costa Rica has been a favorite destination for tourists, retirees, and second home owners for many years. It is perfectly safe to travel and live full time in this country. Of course you have to use caution in certain areas of the San Jose due to crime concerns and use common sense to avoid petty theft when travelling with cash, passports, and electronics throughout the country. In tourism areas...
If you want a cell phone in Costa Rica that works on the local networks, then it has to be unlocked; meaning not tied or ‘locked’ to any wireless provider in the U.S. The phone also has to use a SIM card and work on an HSDPA 3G network. Note: CDMA phones will not work here. There are few ways to get an unlocked phone: 1.) Buy it here, but the price is much higher due to heavy import taxes on...
Labor in Costa Rica is very affordable compared to the U.S., Canada, or Europe and many ex-pats employ a full or part time gardener and house cleaner. Since the jungle grows so fast around here, a gardener can keep the property and the landscaping maintained. Same for a finished home, having some help cleaning windows, sweeping, mopping, and more helps maintain its beauty. After all most people move...
Hello World!! And welcome to our blog on life in the Dominical area of Southern Pacific Costa Rica. My name is Josh Kanter and I will be writing this blog about all things Domincal and the surrounding areas. We will be discussing the Costa Rica lifestyle, real estate, property management, local news, advice for retirees and families moving to the area, vacation tips, activities, and much more. ...