[New] Solutions to 28 Cons of Living in Costa Rica

by Ivo Henfling

Ialways see blogs from realtors about all the great and positive things. Most sugarcoat their reporting, but I see never one that shows the cons of living in Costa Rica. I am well known for giving it straight up, although some don’t like it.

I think Costa Rica is a third-world country, pretending to be a second-world country. This is why many things might not be up to your standards. Some people love to complain; they do it all the time. Especially when they made a move here without doing their homework. Then it’s everyone else’s fault and never their own.

So, before you make the step of moving here, read this article first. Then you cannot say it wasn’t your fault; you were well informed!

by GoDutch Realty

Of course, our beautiful country has hundreds of advantages and incredible things going for us, which is the reason for being on everyone’s retirement list. But, in my opinion, you should also know some of the cons of living in Costa Rica, so you can jump into your adventure well-informed.

This article is not a complaint about Ticos and their habits, but quite the opposite. I love it here! It’s meant to warn newcomers about the negatives they can expect to find here and to give them simple solutions.

Some Ticos might not like my comments when they read this blog. For their information, I’ve been here since 1980, I’ve married two Ticas (over 30 years in my second marriage now), my kids are Ticos, and I’m fluent in Spanish, among other languages. I have had several businesses and hundreds of employees.

Let's check out these cons of living in Costa Rica now.

1. Tico time

If you have an appointment with Ticos, they’ll usually arrive late or not show at all. We call it Tico Time. Foreigners who have lived here for a while adapt quickly and do the same.

Solution

Call to confirm the appointment a couple of hours before. Bring a book, and don’t wait more than 15 minutes.

2. Terrible driving

Costa Ricans do not have much discipline in traffic. Nobody pays attention to road demarcation, signs, and lights. Stop signs are ignored, and drivers will jump a red light because it’s Sunday. Motorbikes use the double yellow divider line as a lane.

Solution

Purchase an SUV that’s big enough to feel safe. Don’t fix the dents until you sell the car.

3. Finding an address

We don’t have street names and numbers. Our address is more a description of locating a well-known or well-visible place and then so many meters from there, using cardinal points. Often, we use the name of a building or a tree that disappeared 15 years ago.

Solution

Install Waze on your phone and ask the party visiting to send you the Waze location.

4. Long lines in institutions

You’ll always find long lines in banks and government institutions like the water, power, phone company, municipality, and even the grocery store. That’s because they have more counters than attendants. Besides, who is in a hurry anyway?

Solution

Slow down — you’re in Costa Rica, and you’re supposed to enjoy life now. Bring a book, smile and be happy! A smile will get you a lot more than getting mad.

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