Menu
Expat.com

Checking things out in March

Post new topic

dennisqdw

Like others, we have been to Costa Rica before, but are now thinking of retiring there. Or maybe splitting time between San Jose and New Mexico, where we currently live. We are coming in mid March to do some fact finding about where the best neighborhoods for us in San Jose would be. We will only be there for about 4 days. At this point it is just to look at things with a different eye than a tourist. Not to start any official processes or anything.

Our most important issue might be fast dependable internet, as I will be able to continue to do some work remotely.

I'll look over other posts here for relevent info.

If anyone might want to meet us for lunch one day it would be great to have a real conversation with someone who has been there awhile.

daveandmarcia

We've been using SpaceX's StarLink Internet access system for about three months. So far, it has been flawless and, while speeds vary, we've gotten almost 400mbs download sometimes. The most current system is for sale here in Costa Rica for about crc200,000. It's straightforward to install.


The downside is that currently StarLink does not have subscriptions available in Costa Rica. That may be due to limitations StarLink has imposed or it may be due to licensing restrictions imposed by the government here. And I cannot get any answer about when that restriction may be lifted.


Failing that, check with nearby neighbors for recommendations for an Internet Service Provider but be certain, absolutely certain, to check with that ISP about the availability of service for you before you commit. Just because your neighbor has Internet service doesn't mean it'll be available to you. That goes for the other utilities, too.

TerrynViv

I'll vouch for daveandmarcia's advice.  Up until two years ago, when ICE installed fiber optic in our subdivision, 75% of our community had ICE copper internet.  My next door neighbor had it and it was not available to us.

Jenn Dunn

That depends on the area, ICE covers most of the national territory but has limited to almost no access in rural places, if you're settling down in San Jose there should be no problem, however you should ALWAYS call the internet provider to confirm if the area where you live is covered. I pay around $50 for 100mb of symmetrical fiber optic with Kolbi (ICE) and I live in San Jose de la Montaña, a little mountain town near the Barva Volcano, located 45 mins away from San Jose and I don't have any internet issue, I work from home too.

If you would like to visit this area contact me when you're in Costa Rica, bye

Articles to help you in your expat project in Costa Rica

All of Costa Rica's guide articles