Using accents when writing or speaking in Spanish is important - not just because it's the correct way to write (or pronounce) but because leaving them out can completely change the meaning of what you’re saying. Por ejemplo. “Feliz Año Nuevo” means Happy New Year....

The colón hit another record this week, sitting around ₡481* to $1 (USD). It’s the strongest it has been in about twenty years, and if your income or savings are in dollars, you’re probably noticing the difference when you convert. And if you’re coming from Canada,...

Living abroad comes with a set of expectations no one hands you, but (most) everyone eventually discovers. So I put together a few of the unwritten terms and conditions I wish someone had given me early on... the ones to help you move mindfully, respectfully, and just...

I wanted to clear up a common myth I see shared in Costa Rica Facebook groups... the idea that you can use your Costco card at PriceSmart here in Costa Rica. It’s an easy mix-up. PriceSmart feels a lot like Costco... the warehouse layout, the bulk sizes, even many of...

Q: Is Costa Rica disability friendly? A: Yes… and no. In some ways, yes... there are ramps, accessible parking spaces, and laws meant to support inclusion. But the reality on the ground can be uneven. Literally. Sidewalks aren’t always flat or well maintained, and...

Yesterday, I was on Ruta 3 (route 3), a winding mountain road. Because of my disability, I always need to hire a driver if I’m going more than about 15 minutes from home. We rounded a curve and there, right in the middle of the road, was a white-faced monkey. Luckily,...

You know those skits where it’s two people talking - but it’s actually just one person in two hats? Yeah… I made one. 😅 But behind the silliness is a serious topic I get asked about all the time: Can I work here? Start a business? Sell real estate? Teach at a school?...

In addition to my relocation work, I’m now also a licensed REALTOR® here in Costa Rica. Having bought and sold properties in both California and Costa Rica, I’ve experienced the differences firsthand. Homes are built differently here. The buying process is different....

(Prefer to watch versus read? Here's a 1 1/2 minute video.) Yesterday (May 11, 2025) I came across a Mother's Day post shared by a mostly foreign-owned, exclusive community selling overpriced lots and homes in Costa Rica. I'll give them points for posting in both...

Choosing a school for your child in Costa Rica is a big decision - especially with so many options, from local public schools to private international academies. To help make the process easier, here’s a list of key questions to ask when looking at both public and...