Is Costa Rica an expat alternative to post-Brexit Europe?

With the number of Brits moving overseas to escape a Brexit-generated economic disaster, new destinations are becoming popular as European favourites decline.

One destination previously reserved for USA expats is Costa Rica, a small Central American country bordered by Panama and Nicaragua. Originally famous as the ‘poster child of ecotourism’, it’s crammed with nature parks and protected areas and seems somewhat protected from the violence and political chaos common to other Central American states. For potential UK expats, its main attractions are the low cost of living, affordable real estate and the fact the country has no income tax!

Costa Rica’s political scene is stable, unusual for its location and ensuring jobs and new businesses are secure. Healthcare, although not free as in the UK, is far more affordable than in the USA, with shorter waiting times for diagnosis and treatment. Standards are good, with many medical professionals having learned their trade in the USA. The country’s tropical climate is split into just two seasons, dry and rainy, with occasional constant downpours during May to November, and the country has been a favourite with American retirees for some decades.

For those looking for an established expat community, Costa Rica offers a choice of hotspots, with the Central Valley region great for those allergic to stifling heat. Year-round temperatures stay in the 70’s, and it’s popular with expats who need town amenities at far less than extortionate prices. The Southern Zone is for beach-lovers, especially when the sands are backed by towering, jungle-clad mountains bringing cooling breezes to cut humidity for residents living in view of the Pacific Ocean. The region’s three main towns are home to expat communities, offering all needs at reasonable prices.

Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline is famed for its stunning beaches, beach bars and reggae music, perfect for expats who’ve long loved the idea of a totally tropical lifestyle complete with a vibe normally found only on Caribbean islands. The Arenal region is famed for its huge, freshwater lake and soaring volcano, with small rural villages tempting would-be expats dreaming of getting away from it all. The year-round climate is pleasant and the expat community is close and friendly. Costa Rica’s northern Pacific coastline is known for its healthy lifestyle, fresh produce,rural charm and welcoming locals. For those who need the comforts of a big city, it’s a no-go destination, but for the basics including excellent healthcare and a supportive local community, it’s perfect.