(And other tropical Central American countries)
Who wants to move to Costa Rica!? "Me, me, me!"
We might be biased but we certainly recommend it. But first here are some tips we've learned from living in Costa RIca for over 15 years.
They are not the common ten tips you'll find anywhere and everywhere. We are pretty sure they are unique to us. They may be uncommon but we think that is what makes them so great. From humidity, bugs, power outages to real dangers; we've got a crash course in tropical living to help you get a good start.
While moving to a tropical destination is full of upsides:
Beautiful beaches
Swimming and snorkeling
Activities like sailing and fishing
Sunset cocktails
Lively music and dancing
There are a few downsides that while very manageable will come with a learning curve if you’ve always lived somewhere more temperate.
HUMIDITY
For example, humidity. For you, what comes to mind? Frizzy hair - being perpetually sweaty - I’m not worried about humidity, I’ll be at the beach all day
Well, your possessions have a message for you. It is ROUGH on electronics, clothes, leather, canvas, rubber, metal, paper, cardboard…. So here are a few steps to get you prepared so HOPEFULLY you won’t learn the hard way (although it’s all part of the initiation to life in paradise, I suppose).
If you are not moving to an air conditioned studio apartment where you plan to keep the AC cranked to high and dry all the time, you will go into your closet one day to find one of several colors of mold has started to consume your wardrobe. White, green or black they are all pretty much permanent stains once they get going. Even a well ventilated space will be affected during rainy season when nothing really ever truly dries out all the way.
But, there are some things you can do.
Clothes: Full disclaimer: I never really mastered keeping mold from growing but if that happens to you too you won’t be the only one AND you’ll look like you’ve been there for years very quickly.
However, I did learn a lot along the way.
Invest in a few humidity control packs for closets, cabinets and small spaces and change them regularly.
Install a little fan in the closet to circulate air.
Separate the hanging clothes enough so they are not touching.
You can store folded clothes in suction bags as long as the clothes are clean when they go in.
Rotate clothes washing frequently, doing small loads instead of waiting for clothes to accumulate (a laundry hamper is a prime clothes deterioration station and also a haven for scorpions, just saying) and above all make sure they are as clean and dry as possible before storing.
Typical houses don’t usually have hot running water for the washing machine (assuming you are blessed enough to even have one!) so for undergarments give them a wash in some hot, hot water and a little extra scrubbing or bleach to get them really clean.
Electronics: Computers especially have a shortened life span in the tropics. Wet and heat are their mortal enemies. Consider this if you are in the market for a new computer and maybe buy last years cheaper model considering you will be replacing it likely within the next few years anyway.
You can make a little dry box with an insulated cooler, fan and light bulb. Make sure it is big enough to fit you computer, camera, etc.
I’d say the best approach is a full on dry room. Take a food pantry or closet or spare room, insulate it and prevent any major air leaks then install a small air conditioner with an automatic temperature setting to keep that space fresh, cool and dry. Your clothes, computer and other electronics will thank you.
Corrosion: If you have a car, quad, motorcycle or bicycle make sure to rinse any salt water or even just ocean mist off regularly. I recommend getting an inexpensive wash and detail weekly and have them apply protective oil coats. Once a year or so have metal parts painted with anticorrosive paint on the chassis and metal bars etc.
Important paperwork: Get a plastic filing box with a good latch and seal on it and put your important documents in it. Cardboard becomes delicate and disintegrates, most wood rots or can get infested with termites and little bugs easily move in and metal quickly corrodes so although all three make pretty boxes, unfortunately rubber maid is probably best (although things still manage to sneak in, burry and even bore holes sometimes. Between the high moisture in the air and little critters looking for material to nibble or create a cozy nook, papers are under a double threat. Which leads us to…
BUGS
There are bugs. YOU are in their habitat. Not the other way around. A small line of ants coming from who knows where really is NOT something to worry about. Likely they are helping clean crumbs and bits and will leave you alone. You can wipe them away, spray them, scream at them and they will still come back. Life is more peaceful when you accept them as a free micro cleaning crew and learn to live harmoniously.
NOW the important bug stuff. Bugs and insects are by and large not dangerous AT ALL. The scariest to me are mosquitos and ticks which are certainly satan’s spawn. Other than that the gigantic spider, the scampering scorpion and even the coiled snake just want to be left alone.
When I first moved to CR and was organizing my closet and saw a scorpion I cried! “No! There are scorpions here?!?! Paradise is ruined!” I GENUINELY AND IMMENSELY REGRETTED MOVING HERE for a few moments at the realization that everything was not picture postcard perfect.… I’m just keeping it real.
Even a few years in, finding a scorpion within the same 500 square feet as me would send me scampering onto counter tops and into a panic. I once came across a strange looking spider and out of fear ran out into the road to find someone to help me get it out of the house. Turns out it was harmless and I have become accustomed to it’s strange appearance , although they are still pretty creepy I admit.
I am so happy to say that somehow I have come to understand that spiders and scorpions are completely and utterly non aggressive and unless they accidentally get stuck wearing the same pair of pants as you and are just trying to protect themselves and get free, they will do you no harm. I do not pet them and wish to have them crawl on me, but I don’t get that lingering ibby geebiez if I do come in contact accidentally
This is a good chance to tell you to try to retrain the instincts to immediately swat at the sensation that something is on your skin. Look first before you clamp your hand down. A shake or a blow that doesn’t make direct contact is much better to avoid a defensive gesture on the part of the bug.
I once pulled a dress off the clothes line, threw it on and then proceeded to walce around the kitchen. I diced a banana, scooped some ice from the fridge, bend over to get a protein powder from the cabinet and I made a smoothie. Then I started washing the dishes. As I glanced down into the sink my eye caught sight of a little scorpion clinging for dear life to the front of my dress, terrified (i presume) With a tidal wave of panic I pulled that dress up and over my head so fast even though it was sleeveless so the less risky way would have just been straight down. I bounded outside buck naked screaming and shrieking oblivious to my neighbors giggles! After the shock and flashing about 4 people, i composed myself, gingerly picked the dress off the floor, shook it out and the little guy plopped to the floor, wide eyed and tail posed to strike. whoo that was a close one huh little buddy. I bet you are glad you didn’t have to sting me and I’m glad as well :) I gently scooped him up in the broom pan and put him outside on a pile of branches were he gratefully scuttered away.
I TRULY believe in bug karma. You treat them with kindness and you will be protected from pricks in a benevolent karmic bubble
Other ways to avoid unwanted interactions besides just good karma.
If you haven’t slept in a bed for a few days, say you’ve been out of town, check it well before you slide in. Jump on it, shake it out, throw back the covers all the way; just let everyone who might have thought they found the best new hiding place know that you are back and coming in. On that note, I prefer light colored sheets and towels. It is easier to spot scorpions and ticks.
If you grab a towel or blanket out of a closet, give it a good shake before wrapping it around your body. Same for pants, shirts, dresses, socks, bras and bathing suits.
Bang boots and sneakers against a post a few times to wake up any sleepy heads that might be taking a snooze in your cozy shoe
If you need to shuffle to the bathroom in the night time use a little flash light or your phone to help you avoid stepping on something unexpected.
Don’t let your fear of bugs stop you from coming! Remember, black widows and brown recluse spiders live even in cold climates.
POWER OUTAGES
Invest in a plug and play solar power system as a back up if connectivity is a priority. This includes something like a Blue Yetti and a couple hundred watts of solar. If you haven’t considered solar before and find it overwhelming these lithium battery systems are as easy as it gets. Best still they are more portable, efficient and affordable than ever
“But I’m not a digit nomad.” EVEN if you’re moving to the jungle with the explicit purpose of getting disconnected, when the fans go out at night so does all chance of getting any sleep. So, even if just for the 20 some nights the power will go out per year I guarantee that having a fan blowing away buzzing, blood sucking mosquitos is worth every penny.
REAL DANGER - Short and sweet
Plummeting bowling balls: Do not lie or sit under a coconut tree. It is by far one of the most deadly places to be.
Rip tides: Waves often create areas with a strong current, often difficult to see, that can pull even the best swimmers out to sea. The main thing to remember is NOT TO PANIC. Swim parallel to the shore knowing that which ever way you go, left or right, you will get out of it. IF YOU TRY TO SWIM AGAINST IT by swimming straight back to shore it WILL TIRE YOU OUT AND probably win. They are only so wide so by swimming in one direction for long enough you will break free. I have been caught in a rip tide and it was very scary. But I remembered this important lesson and even though the desperate voice in my head told me I could be swiming toward the center and the strongest part of it I had to pick a direction and stick with it.
We will end on a happier note: Mangos! I can just imagine the thrill of having your very own mangos growing in a tree in your yard! Just one quick word of caution: the white, milky sap that comes from the broken branches will burn your skin, leaving a temporary welt and redness. It is not too dangerous but just something to be careful of.
With this knowledge, plus the other tips and tricks everyone else is sharing about theft, medical care, residency etc. your move to paradise will be a breeze.
