Category: Blog

The escalating trade war between the United States and China is creating significant uncertainty for Costa Rica’s export-driven economy. This month the U.S. imposed a 145% tariff on imports from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, combining a 125% reciprocal tariff with a 20% existing levy, citing systemic trade imbalances. China retaliated with a 34% …

Read more “Costa Rica Faces Uncertainty as U.S. – China Tariff War Escalates”

The Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope today at 7:35 a.m. (5:35 a.m. GMT). He was 88. The news has brought immense sorrow here in Costa Rica, where the Catholic faith shapes much of our cultural identity. “Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must …

Read more “Pope Francis Passes Away at 88, Leaving Legacy of Compassion”

“Mother can also fight, rifle in hand, when democracy is in danger,” declares French actress Bérénice Béjo, who plays a Guatemalan activist in “Mexico 86,” a Spanish-language film that strikes a chord for this daughter of Argentine refugees. “Mexico 86,” which is being released these days in several European countries, plunges into the struggle against …

Read more “Bérénice Béjo Stars in “Mexico 86” as a Revolutionary Guatemalan Mother”

I didn’t move to Costa Rica for its beaches or rainforests. I moved for a man—Daniel, my high school sweetheart. It sounds like a cliché straight out of a reality TV show, but this was my reality. A self-proclaimed feminist, I grew up believing I could be anything. I fought for a unisex ice hockey …

Read more “Why I Left Corporate America for a Jungle Eco-Lodge in Costa Rica”

A tragic boating accident off the Pacific coast of Panama has left two people dead, one missing, and a community in mourning. On Friday, a boat carrying 23 people set sail from Brisas de Amador on Perico Island, bound for San Miguel Island to join in Holy Week festivities, a significant cultural and religious event …

Read more “Holy Week Boat Accident in Panama Claims Two Lives, Search Continues”

Robberies remain a persistent issue in San José, with the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) reporting over 5,000 cases annually in 2022 and 2023, a trend that extended into 2024. Distracted commuters and tourists are frequent targets, with cell phones, wallets, and electronics commonly stolen in busy districts like Hospital, Merced, and Catedral, according to OIJ …

Read more “Costa Rica Grapples with Rising Crime: San José Robberies Surge”

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica issued a health alert on April 15, warning travelers of carbon monoxide risks after a U.S. teenager’s death at a Manuel Antonio hotel. Miller Gardner, 14, son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died on March 21, 2025, from carbon monoxide poisoning at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront …

Read more “Costa Rica Faces Carbon Monoxide Concerns After U.S. Embassy Warning”

There are only four rounds to go in the Clausura regular season, and things are heating up at both the top and bottom of the league—every match matters. After Pérez Zeledón’s disappointing 3-0 defeat last weekend to Cartaginés, they bounced back with a 3-0 win of their own against AD Guanacasteca, with goals from Brazilian …

Read more “Costa Rica Clausura Update: Saprissa Tops, Santa Ana in Crisis”

Costa Rica faces a lawsuit before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, accused of violating the rights of 81 migrant children deported from the United States in February 2025. The children, part of 200 migrants from countries including China, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, were detained for nearly two months at a …

Read more “Costa Rica Faces UN Lawsuit Over Rights of Deported Migrant Children”

Starting October 2025, renewing or replacing a driver’s license in Costa Rica will be as simple as a few clicks, thanks to a new online service from the National Road Safety Council (COSEVI). Aimed at reducing long waits at Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) branches, this digital platform will streamline processes for expats, tourists, and …

Read more “Costa Rica to Launch Online Driver’s License Renewal Service in October”