Tips for Working Remotely from Costa Rica

Are you dreaming of swapping your cubicle for a hammock, your coffee breaks for beach walks, and your commute for a surf session? Costa Rica is calling your name! As someone who hasn’t reported into an office for the last seven years, I guess you could call me somewhat of an expert in remote work. My husband, Alex, and I have set up temporary workspaces from different continents over the years, usually for a week or two at a time. But this past January, with our home in Colorado under construction, we decided to dive deeper and spent a transformative six weeks in Costa Rica. It was a wonderful experience and now I want to encourage others to follow in our footsteps.

But before you start your workday with the sound of waves and a fresh coconut in hand, let's walk through some essential tips to make this dream a reality.

Notify HR and follow official protocols
Choose an area that meets your needs
Prioritize good WiFi (and have a back-up plan)
Keep a set schedule
Maintain a dedicated work space
Rent a car (preferably with 4WD)
Secure a digital nomad visa
Navigate the Language Barrier

Notify HR and follow official protocols

First things first, let's keep it professional. Have a chat with your HR department to get the green light on planning your adventure. Different companies have different rules about working remotely, especially from another country. No matter if you’re planning to work remotely for two months or two years, ensure that you are clear on work hours, project management, and communication methods that align with your team's expectations. Getting formal approval avoids any unforeseen hiccups in your work arrangement.

My husband and I are both employed by software companies and work remotely even when home in Colorado so asking permission to go to Costa Rica for six weeks was a total non-issue. Working from Central America had the added benefit of being in the Central Time Zone so our work schedules weren’t impacted. I know other industries do not provide as much flexibility, but there’s no harm in asking if you feel like you’re able to fulfill your responsibilities in another location.

Choose an area that meets your needs

Costa Rica is more than just beautiful beaches and coffee plantations. Each region offers something unique. Looking for a laid-back beach vibe with a side of whale watching? Uvita might be your spot. Prefer the buzz of a city? San José’s got you covered. Whether it's the quiet of the mountains or the hustle of a tourist hotspot, pick a place that aligns with your work needs and lifestyle.

Alex and I chose Uvita for a number of reasons. The region is known for its unspoiled natural wonders, lush vegetation, and quieter, relaxed atmosphere. When traveling, we usually try to steer clear of tourist hot spots which is what drew us to Uvita. Because the area is less popular than other prominent destinations, we were also able to secure a long term AirBnB for a steal. Be sure to check out my post dedicated to the top 15 things to do in Uvita!

Prioritize good WiFi (and have a back-up plan)

In the land of 'Pura Vida', the internet is fairly reliable, but I wouldn’t leave it to chance. Ensure your accommodation has strong WiFi by searching through reviews to understand the typical guest experience. Our internet was really solid during our stay, but power blips were common in the area which consequentially reset the modem several times a week. It wasn’t a big deal unless one of us were on a video call (in which case it would kick us off for a minute or two) but it was a bit annoying. There was only one time in which a power outage lasted for more than an hour, but I’ve been told that is a more common occurrence in the rainy season.

For those 'just in case' moments, it’s a good idea to pack a portable hotspot or a local SIM card with a hefty data plan. We purchased a Solis hotspot for our trip and bought day passes whenever we needed them. It worked better than expected!

Keep a set schedule

The temptation to play first and work later is real, but a set schedule is your friend. Align your work hours with your team, if needed, and stick to them. This way, you can enjoy that sunset surf or jungle trek without the nagging guilt of unfinished tasks. Discipline equals freedom when working remotely.

Because I do a lot of independent work for my company, I tried to start my day a couple of hours earlier than normal so that my husband and I would have more time in the afternoon to explore. This was especially helpful since the sun sets pretty early in Costa Rica. When we were there in January, it was dark by 5:45pm.

Maintain a dedicated work space

Setting up a workspace that's just for work – even if it's a corner of your beachfront villa – helps separate 'work mode' from 'vacation mode'. A dedicated space helps keep you focused and productive. My husband and I are both on video calls quite a bit for work so we knew it was imperative to each have our own space—preferably with a door as my husband’s Zoom voice can shake mountains. One of the reasons we chose the AirBnB we did was because it had two bedrooms and a kitchen/living room combo. The setup worked great and the host was even accommodating about providing an additional table that functioned as my desk for our stay.

If your work doesn’t center around work calls, another good option is to explore local coffee shops for the perfect 'office' ambiance. The added benefit is that you get direct access to some of the best coffee in the world.

Rent a car (preferably with 4WD)

Costa Rica is not exactly known for stellar public transportation so a rental car is highly recommended, especially for prolonged stays. Living the remote work life means you’ll need to do errands like grocery runs which are a lot easier with your own mode of transportation.

You also might want to consider renting a vehicle with four-wheel drive. With roads ranging from smooth highways to rugged mountain trails, a 4WD vehicle ensures you’re equipped for Costa Rica’s many terrains. Whether you’re navigating to a remote beach for a sunset or exploring the lush rainforests, a sturdy vehicle gives you the freedom to explore beyond the typical tourist paths.

Secure a digital nomad visa

Costa Rica welcomes remote workers with open arms and a digital nomad visa. If you’re planning to work in Costa Rica for more than three months, this little piece of paper (or more accurately, a digital document) is your ticket to working legally in this paradise for a year, with the possibility to extend. You just have to make sure you meet all the criteria, like working for a non-local company. Check out the details and apply here.

Navigate the Language Barrier

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, venturing deeper into Costa Rica means encountering more Spanish-speaking locals. Embracing the local language can enrich your experience significantly. It's not just about being able to order your Gallo Pinto (a traditional dish) more smoothly; it's about connecting with the Ticos (Costa Ricans) on a deeper level. Download a language learning app or carry a small phrasebook. Even better, consider taking Spanish lessons from a local – it’s a fantastic way to learn about the culture and make new friends. You'll find that Costa Ricans are incredibly patient and appreciative of your efforts to speak their language.

Working remotely from Costa Rica isn't just a trend; it's a lifestyle upgrade. It's about balancing productivity with the art of living well. As you prepare for this adventure, remember the above tips to ensure a smooth experience and guarantee the possibility of working remotely again in the future! So, go ahead, trade your boring office backdrop for a tropical one and have the experience of a lifetime! Costa Rica is waiting!

If you end up in the same region that Alex and I were in, be sure to check out my post dedicated to the top 15 things to do in Uvita!

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My name is Kolby Tallentire and I’m the creator of Tallentire Travels! This site formed out of my unending love of travel. My goal is to bring you the best travel recommendations for every destination. Learn More