Expat Life in Costa Rica
Hi! I’m Samantha, nice to see you here! You’re probably curious about my life in Costa Rica so here are is my story.
I’m an Asian-American who moved to Costa Rica in August 2012. I grew up in Washington state and went to UW and during my junior year, I met Yeison, who is Costa Rican in 2010 (you can read our story here). I graduated college and decided to move to Costa Rica two years after we met.
We got married in Costa Rica in 2021 and now I’m happy to say that I’m officially a Costa Rican resident! I am no longer an “expat” aka perpetual tourist, but a very happy immigrant. You can read about my process of getting residency through marriage to a Costa Rican here.
Articles I’ve Written About Living in Costa Rica
Here are the articles I’ve written so far about living in Costa Rica. Most of these articles were written in the first two years of my move when we lived in Playas del Coco. I don’t write too much about relocating or living in Costa Rica since we focus more on traveling but hopefully some of these stories will be interesting and entertaining for you if you’re considering making the big move as well.
Expat Life in Costa Rica
Guide to digital nomad life in Costa Rica
Things I had to get used to living in Costa Rica
What I wish I knew before moving to Costa Rica
What surprised me about living in Costa Rica
You know someone’s been living in Costa Rica for awhile when…
Living in Costa Rica for $2000 a month
What it’s really like to live in Jaco
The day I met the president of Costa Rica
Getting laser eye surgery in Costa Rica
Getting my Costa Rican driver’s license
Kayla says
Hi, I am an American college student and I love your reading your blog. I have used it to help prepare myself for my first trip to Costa Rica last year. I instantly fell in love with CR and have been back two more times since my first trip. I have also decided that I want to attend a university there to further my career in healthcare. Do you know of any universities that have English instruction? Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Kayla, I am not sure if there are universities in English and if it’s like a masters or professional school, they will be in Spanish. I know many of the school participate in foreign exchange programs, UCR is one of them and in Costa Rica, public universities are actually better than private but private universities may have English options.
Lesley Allec says
Your blog is awesome, I came across it yesterday as i prepare for my new expat experience in Costa Rica, reading your posts made me even more excited to be there next month, when my husband and my three year old son make our way down there.
Keep being you 🙂 – wonderful post and very encouraging.
Much love!
Sincerely
Lesley A
Sammi says
Hi Lesley, thanks for reading and for the kind words. Good luck with your move to CR!
Farrin says
Love your blog, so much good information!!! thanks for sharing
Sammi says
Thanks!
Cameo says
So glad to have found this blog! I’m studying abroad in Costa Rica this August for 4 months and this is great info to know. Thanks for sharing. 😀
-Cameo
Sammi says
Glad to see you here Cameo! 🙂
Nancy herbst says
I am looking for an expat community somewhere in Cectral or SA which is on or near a beach, can take classes and perhaps volunteer. I am a retired NYC teacher. I would like to. Be part of the local and expat community. I have enjoyed San Miguel in Mexico but there are no beaches. Any ideas?
Sammi says
Hi Nancy!
If you are interested in Costa Rica, you can check out the expats in Costa Rica facebook group for more information and to connect with other like-minded people.