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Costa Rica’s Trash Problem Begins in Our Own Neighborhoods

I was walking up the street toward my house when I saw a young man coming from the other direction casually toss a bit...

Costa Rica Water Outage to Affect 13,000 in Heredia

More than 13,000 people in San Rafael de Heredia are expected to lose water service for six hours today, while crews clean two storage...

Costa Rica Raises Mandatory Vehicle Insurance Rates for 2027

Anyone owning a car in Costa Rica will face higher mandatory insurance costs in 2027, with private vehicles, motorcycles and buses among the categories...

Dollar Slips Back Toward 450 Colones, Shrinking What Your Dollars Buy

The dollar closed Friday at 452.92 colones on Monex, down from 460.45 on Oct. 1, reducing what anyone earning or saving in dollars gets in Costa Rica.

Pandora Closes All Five Stores in Costa Rica, Leaving Shoppers With Questions

Jewelry retailer Pandora has closed all five of its stores in Costa Rica, leaving customers wondering whether the popular Danish brand plans to reopen...

Water Upgrades for Jacó, Quepos and Manuel Antonio Stall After Seven Years

A loan-funded program to upgrade water systems in Jacó, Quepos, Manuel Antonio, Limón and Guácimo has reached just 25% completion after seven years, according...

Costa Rica’s Pensionado Visa Ranks Fourth in Global Retirement Index

Costa Rica's Pensionado visa ranks fourth of 46 retirement programs worldwide on its $1,000 income rule and tax treatment. Paperwork is the weak spot.

Dollar Holds as Central Bank Warns US Rates Could Push It Higher

The dollar has eased from its early-October high, but Central Bank President Róger Madrigal warns a widening US rate gap could lift it again.

Fruit, Roadside Traditions and the Seasons of Guanacaste

I’m not good with exact dates. Ask me when my boys were born or when I got married and you’ll see an uneasy look...

Costa Rica Among Only Two Latin American Countries Where Most Say Nation Is on Right Track

Costa Rica is one of only two Latin American countries where a majority believes the nation is heading in the right direction, according to the 2026 Latinobarómetro.

Costa Rica Plans to Spread El Niño Power Costs Over Three Years of Bills

A government directive proposes recovering the extra cost of generating electricity during El Niño through rates over 36 months to avoid abrupt increases.

El Niño Leaves Guanacaste Dry and My Family Rationing Water

El Niño has turned Guanacaste's rainy season brown. One expat on dry rivers, thirsty wildlife and water rationing at home.

The Costa Rica Bike Ride I Was Lucky to Survive

Two anonymous Ticos once prevented me from doing one of the more insane things I have ever thought of doing in my life. It...

Costa Rica Red Taxis Can Now Be Booked Through Uber

Uber users in Costa Rica can now request one of the country’s licensed red taxis directly through the app. Uber Taxi started yesterday with...
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Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan Leads UN Race but Faces Two Potential Vetoes

Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan remains the leading candidate to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, but a new round of voting...

Beéle Concert in Costa Rica Canceled Hours Before Show

The concert by Colombian singer Beéle scheduled for tonight in Costa Rica has been canceled less than 24 hours before the show, leaving ticket...

Your Android Phone May Soon Warn You Before a Costa Rica Earthquake Hits

Google is expanding its Android earthquake alerts to more than 200 countries, and Costa Rica has been reported among them. Here is what to check on your phone, and what to use until the alerts switch on.

Costa Rica’s President Says US Government Already Operates on Costa Rican Soil

President Laura Fernández said U.S. government agencies already carry out operations on Costa Rican territory, describing them as the continuation of existing security arrangements...