Welcome to **Costa Rica Expat Compass!** Start here to learn how to use the community, connect with members, ask questions, share recommendations and find trusted local resources. You’ll also find our community guidelines, how to introduce yourself, and how to recommend or list a business. Whether you’re planning your move, already living in Costa Rica or serving expats, this is your first stop.

Plan your move to Costa Rica with clarity and confidence. Explore the essentials, including choosing the right area, residency, cost of living, housing, transportation, healthcare, banking, schools, pets, shipping and income options. Use practical guides, checklists and how we moved ourselves in the resources "7 Steps to Move to Costa Rica", as indication, to prepare wisely, avoid common mistakes and turn your Costa Rica dream into a realistic plan.

Find trusted local services across Costa Rica, from legal and immigration help to healthcare, real estate, construction, transportation, pets, insurance and home services. Browse recommended businesses by category, location, languages and service area, and connect with reliable professionals who understand the needs of expats.

Explore Costa Rica’s seven provinces and discover which areas may suit your lifestyle best. Learn about popular towns, climate, cost of living, housing, healthcare, schools, activities and local services. Whether you’re planning your move or already living here, use this section to compare regions, find useful local information and connect with people and businesses nearby.

Learn the 9 key steps Dirk & Muriel took to move from the Netherlands to Costa Rica as a family with 2 growing up children — with real-life lessons, tips, and guidance.

Settle into life in Costa Rica with practical guidance for your first weeks and months. Learn how to arrange banking, internet, healthcare, transportation, utilities, schools, household help and local services. You’ll also find other tips for example about learning Spanish, meeting people, understanding local life and feeling at home faster.

Build a fulfilling long-term life in Costa Rica. Explore practical guidance on healthcare, property maintenance, taxes, transportation, pets, safety, business, local services and everyday challenges. You’ll also discover ways to build friendships, enjoy activities, volunteer, adapt to the culture and feel truly connected, confident and at home in Costa Rica.

Let's build a community around your passion or business. Get discovered by 25 million users. With Muriel's Guidance (I've got your back 🥷👊 🙂)

Read these important disclaimers before relying on information, hiring a provider or entering into any agreement through Costa Rica Expat Compass. This section explains the role of Dirk and Muriel, member responsibility, business listings, professional information, changing regulations, due diligence and reporting concerns. By using the community, you accept that all decisions, transactions and outcomes remain your own responsibility.

Read the Community House Rules before posting or participating. These guidelines help keep Costa Rica Expat Compass respectful, helpful, safe and easy to use. Learn what is expected around kindness, privacy, language, recommendations, self-promotion, business opportunities, private messaging and reporting concerns. By joining the community, you agree to follow these rules.