There is sooo much good information coming in from Costa Rican residents.
(Carolyn Kelley was right: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get!”)
I’ve joined several Costa Rica Facebook pages and reached out to their members to ask questions.
I’ve contacted Pet Lounger CR to ask pet import-related questions.
I’ve befriended friends-of-friends in Costa Rica to introduce myself and share my plans to move there in September 2025.
As a result, on the day I fly in, I won’t feel quite as much like a fish out of water as I would otherwise.
Where to Live? The FIRST Question!
I still haven’t decided where to locate first. I’d prefer the Lake Arenal area, but the medical offices there are limited and I haven’t been able to find out if the nearby largest town (Tilaran) has a kidney doctor and a clinic that can test my INR level every month. (If I can get a warfarin alternative down there for less, I would switch to that so I don’t have to get my blood tested so often.) (Update: Tilaran clinic just got back to me sayng they provide both of the medical services I need. WO HOO! So Lake Arenal is back on my “CR Landing Place” list!!)
If I move to Arenal, I will submit my residency application materials to CR Migracion in Liberia. I will need an appointment to do that.
If I move to San Jose, I will submit my residency app materials to CR Migracion in San Jose. No appointment required to do that.
FLYING TO COSTA RICA: THE PROCESS
I will need a refundable round trip ticket (the return trip 180 days out) OR a bus ticket out of CR to Nicaragua for 180 days after I arrive in CR, although I won’t have to use either one as soon as my residency app materials have been submitted. At that time, I will get a “Golden Ticket” that allows me to stay in CR while the application goes through the process, which can take from six months to two years. After I’ve been a temporary resident for three years, I can become a permanent resident. I need to find out how soon after arrival or application date I can apply to the caja (health care) system. And in the interim, what do I do about health coverage? Cost?
Additional info I’ve learned
Please Note: The info that follows came courtesy of this site: https://drinkteatravel.com/costa-rica-grocery-stores/
(I have truncated the information for ease of reference.)
Home delivery from WalMart (or PriceSmart, the Walmart local alternative) is available. A great many people don’t have vehicles and rely on public transit options, or shop locally within walking distance.(Pensionados as old as I am get free and/or reduced public transit, I hear, depending on carrier.)
High-end supermarket Auto Mercado
Middle-high range supermarkets: Mega Super, Super Compro, Perimercados, PriceSmart.
Budget supermarkets: Pequeno Mundo, and BM.
Small convenience stores commonly found in major cities: Vindi (a sister company of Auto Mercado), AM PM, and Fresh Market.
Each neighborhood also has its own small markets or mini markets for basic grocery food shopping.
Pali is the go-to for the cheapest prices.
Most grocery stores accept credit cards (and colones, of course).
Finding a membership warehouse club near you is key to finding the best prices.
Most Popular Costa Rica Grocery Stores
1. Mas x Menos
One of the largest chains in Costa Rica. Clean, well-organized, fully stocked with a decent selection of products. Fresh produce, meats, vegan and organic options. But prices may be higher compared to smaller-scale shops.
Where to Find Them:
Check their store locator here.
2. Auto Mercado Supermarket
Auto Mercado Premium supermarket chain, upscale shopping experience. clean, high-quality, and customer service is top-notch. More expensive compared to most supermarkets. If budget isn’t an issue, shop Auto Mercado.
On Wednesdays is “Dia del Campo” where many products go on sale for up to 50% off, or have 2 for 1 or 4 for 3 bundles.
Where to Find Them:
Check their store locator here.
3. Pali
Cheapest deals, shop at Pali, discount supermarket chain owned by Walmart. Most affordable prices and a basic selection of products. Limited variety of items,customer service isn’t the best. But if getting the lowest prices is top priority, go this route. Pali also has a bigger, full-service supermarket counterpart called Maxi Pali.
Where to Find Them:
4. Maxi Pali
Warehouse-style discount store Low prices and bulk discounts on groceries, home goods, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, and clothes. Electronics, too. Some Maxi Palis have a pharmacy inside the store.
Where to Find Them:
5. Supermercado Walmart
The Costa Rican branch of Walmart is essentially the same as the ones in America. Competitive prices, wide range of products: general merchandise, groceries, frozen food, clothing, home and garden, pet supplies, etc. Walmart has limited locations (just 14) in Costa Rica.
Where to Find Them:
Check their store locator here.
6. Local Organic Markets
Each town also has its own organic market. Good option for shopping local. Gluten-free items, fresh produce, and other organic products.
7. Mini markets
Small, basic markets. Limited selection of food, personal goods, produce. Tend to be overpriced and sometimes sell expired goods.
Farmers Markets in Costa Rica
Every area in Costa Rica has its own farmers market (feria). There are 80 ferias throughout Costa Rica, so there’s a fresh market close by. Local brands sell fresh fruit, fresh produce, dairy, poultry, ready-to-eat food, and other local delicacies at very good prices. Great alternative to grocery shopping in larger supermarkets, helps save money. Fresh produce with the same quality, or better, at significantly lower prices. Buying direct from farmers also supports the community.
Details depend on town, but typically, they occur Friday-to-Sunday. Here are a few popular Costa Rica farmer’s markets:
San Jose
- El Mercado Central, most popular farmer’s market since 1882. Produce, ready-to-eat meals: Costa Rican casados, homemade tortillas, empanadas, cheeses, and other delicacies.
Guanacaste
- Feria de Villa Real (outside Tamarindo) open daily. Great selection of fruit, local vegetables, dairy, and more.
- Feria La Paz, organic farmer’s market outside La Paz Community School. Open 3pm-6pm on Wednesdays.
Escazu
- Central Farmer’s Market Saturdays from 7am to 1pm outside San Miguel Church. Locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, meats, seafood, other Costa Rican staples.
Pharmacies in Costa Rica
Pharmacies (“farmacias”) are easy to spot, but not always in supermarkets. Only some stores (Walmart, Mas x Menos, and Maxi Pali) have their own pharmacy, but not all branches include them.
Every Costa Rican pharmacy is required to have a licensed pharmacist on site. They’re can assess common symptoms and recommend treatments on the spot.
Farmacias Fischel, preferred pharmacy, has stores in nearly every town in Costa Rica. Usually well stocked over-the-counter drugs, deodorant, shampoos, vitamins, etc.
