Weather – The weather in Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is near perfect, with no need for insulation or heating in most homes. Half of the year is dry meaning that it rains extremely rarely or not at all. This time would correspond with our idea of summer in North America or Europe meaning that it is the warmer and sunnier time of the year. This is usually from late November until mid April or early May. Following is the wet or rainy season that would be similar to your winter. It rains every few days at the beginning of the season and then continues on to raining most every day but only for a few hours in the morning or afternoon. The only month that has semi-constant rain is October. All of the other rainy months also have sun for more than 50% of the day. December and January are considered by many to be the best months of the year. Rain is extremely rare in December and mostly unheard of in January (except this year, 2006, when it rained for about an hour on New Year’s Day!). The days are hot and sunny with a strong wind from the north that cools and cuts down on bugs. Nights are fresh and perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. July is also a favorite of many because the rain holds off for a little while to let the sun come out more strongly. It is commonly referred to as a mini summer.

Economy – The Costa Rican economy is relatively strong with a lot of investment from multinational companies like Coke, Intel, and Pepsi to name only a few. In addition, Costa Rica boasts a booming tourism industry with such hotel chains as Sol Melia, The Four Seasons, Best Western, Holiday Inn, Sheridan Gardens, Hampton Inn and The Marriott Courtyards, again to name only a few. In most major towns you can the find brands of clothing, food, appliances and electronics that you are used to buying in North America and Europe. In our area of Brasilito, we have 2 major grocery stores that supply our residents with cereals, canned goods, personal hygiene items and alcohols from the U.S. and abroad. You won’t find the prices through the roof either which makes enjoying your favorite foods from home all the more comforting!

Residency Process – Retirees or people that receive pensions have a special process for gaining residency here in Costa Rica. With minor paperwork and proof of receiving at least $600.00 per month in income from a permanent pension source or retirement fund you can receive resident status. You then have the freedom to stay in Costa Rica as long as you would like with only the requirement being that you spend at least 4 months of the year within the country. There are also options for business people who plan to work and hire employees in Costa Rica, people who will be renting, and people who wish to invest in tourism, exportation or any other business. The government sees the benefit and possible stimulation of the economy in this instance therefore have eased the process somewhat for those who wish to invest or open a business here. There is also a process for those who have married a Costa Rican or who have had a Costa Rican child and plan on starting their family here in Costa Rica.