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Working Remotely from Costa Rica: The Pros and The Cons

My husband and I have been working remotely from Costa for the last three years. Over the course of those three years, the work that we do has evolved, but the lessons learned remain. Whether you are on vacation or staying for an extended period, Costa Rica is a remote worker’s paradise.

costa rica

Boris G.

Remote Working, Telecommuting, Working Online

Before getting into the pros and cons, let’s define what ‘working remotely’ means. For the purposes of this article, remote work, telecommuting and working online are used interchangeably. They mean any work that happens via internet or phone line while not located in the same office as your clients, co-workers, staff or employers.

If this defines your situation, working in Costa Rica may be right for you.

costa rica

Arturo Sotillo

The Pros of Working Remotely from Costa Rica

High Speed Internet
High speed wireless internet is easy to find in most areas of the country. Most rental properties offer this amenity, as do restaurants, cafes and bars. You can enjoy a $1.25 bottomless cup of aromatic Costa Rican coffee and unlimited wifi without having to listen to an overenthusiastic Starbucks barista calling out coffee orders to his co-workers.

Low Cost of Living
While Costa Rica is the most expensive Central American country, the cost of living – including internet and phone – is still more affordable than it is in the United States or Canada.

A Community of Remote Workers
On any given day, you may find that yours is not the only laptop in the cafe. The number of online workers in Costa Rica is increasing. Networking opportunities and a collaborative environment exist in many communities, especially those with lots of expats. This means that even those of us who crave face-to-face interactions will find remote work makes sense here.

An “Office” with a View
Costa Rica is all about outdoor living. Most buildings, especially in the coastal areas, have a roof to protect patrons from the rain, but no walls. You may find yourself overlooking the ocean while you work, or for a change of pace, you may orient yourself toward the trees. Just beware getting sidetracked by the troops of howler monkeys as they swing by.

costa rica

R. Breve

The Cons of Working Remotely from Costa Rica

Service Interruptions
The internet and power do go out in Costa Rica periodically, though usually only for a moment. We use these forced breaks as opportunities to find the man selling chilled coconuts on the beach.

Distractions
Those monkeys I mentioned above, they can sure be distracting! The ocean can also have a magnetic pull that drags you away from computer.

Tech Hardware Takes a Beating
The sand and the salt can be hard on your laptop, tablet and smartphone as well as their chargers. It can also be hard to find replacement parts in coastal towns. Your best bet is to keep spare power cords and use protective cases for all of your devices.

Do the pros outweigh the cons? You be the judge.

We think they do. That’s why we moved our family here.

With the proliferation of the internet, our vision began to take shape. We would free ourselves from the bonds of geography and the clock. The Family Freedom Project is our story. If you are considering a similar move, check out the resources and stories available on my website and in my book, The Family Freedom Project: A Step-by-Step Guide to Living Abroad with Kids. From Dream to Plan to Reality.

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