Digital Nomad Life in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Summary: Tamarindo, Costa Rica is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and low cost of living. Tamarindo is located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica and is known for its stunning sunsets, surfing, and wildlife. The best neighborhood to live in Tamarindo is Playa Langosta, which is a beachfront community with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. The approximate population of Tamarindo, Costa Rica is around 5,000 people. The weather in Tamarindo, Costa Rica is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Tamarindo is around $1,500 USD, depending on lifestyle and accommodation. The cost to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Tamarindo is around $800 USD per month.
How do I meet people in Tamarindo?
When we asked people living in Tamarindo about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Tamarindo often join clubs and activities such as yoga, surfing, and Spanish classes. Expats also meet people through local events such as farmers markets, art galleries, and music festivals. Additionally, many expats join social media groups and attend meetups to connect with other expats in the area. Finally, expats often meet people through their work, by attending local churches, or by simply striking up conversations with people they meet in the community," explained one expat living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
What is life like in Tamarindo?
When we asked people living in Tamarindo what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Tamarindo is generally quite pleasant. The town is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning beaches, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The cost of living is relatively low, and the local people are friendly and welcoming. There is a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes to explore, and the nightlife is vibrant. The town is also well-connected, with good internet access and plenty of coworking spaces. Tamarindo is a great place to live and work, and many expats and digital nomads find it to be an ideal destination," said one expat in Tamarindo.
Where should I live in Tamarindo?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"On one visit, we took a side trip to Costa Rica to explore the beaches of Guanacaste. When we drove into Tamarindo, it felt a California beach town with a nice vibe. Over the next couple of years, we took a few trips to Playa Flamingo and Tamarindo to further explore the area and to look at condos for sale. We bought an ocean view condo in Tamarindo a couple of years before we retired, and then moved there full time after retiring in May 2013 (age 61-62). We liked the beach and the availability of a variety of restaurants and stores in Tamarindo, and easy walking access in town," said one person in Tamarindo.
"Tamarindo is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike, and there are many options for finding a place to live. One of the best ways to find a place to live in Tamarindo is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that specialize in rental listings for Tamarindo, such as Tamarindo Rentals, Tamarindo Real Estate, and Tamarindo Vacation Rentals. Additionally, there are many local real estate agents and property management companies that can help you find a place to live in Tamarindo. You can also look for rental listings in local newspapers and on bulletin boards in the area. Finally, you can also ask around in the local community for recommendations on places to rent," said one expat who made the move to Tamarindo.
What do I need to know before moving to Tamarindo?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Tamarindo, they said:
"Tamarindo is a popular destination for expats looking to retire. Before making the move, it is important to understand the cost of living, the availability of healthcare, and the local culture. It is also important to research the local laws and regulations, as well as the climate and weather patterns. Additionally, it is important to understand the language barrier, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in Costa Rica. Finally, it is important to research the local job market and the availability of recreational activities," said one expat who made the move to Tamarindo.
"My wife and I lived in Tamarindo for 5 years. (We now live in southern Nicaragua near our daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters.) When we first visited Tamarindo, it felt like driving into a California beach town from the 1960's. We liked the beach front road and string of beach restaurants. But it is also very popular for tourists, so the town is often packed with tourists, which can get a bit annoying. However, there are also low tourist seasons when the town is very pleasant. We liked that we could easily walk to many restaurants in town, And we owned a nice condo with a great view of the bay," explained one foreigner living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Tamarindo?
"Expatriates in Tamarindo appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals. They also enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, and hiking, that the area has to offer. Additionally, they appreciate the vibrant nightlife, with its many bars and restaurants, as well as the variety of cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year. Expats also enjoy the relaxed pace of life and the fact that the cost of living is relatively low," said one person in Tamarindo.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Tamarindo?
"Expatriates in Tamarindo often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Costa Rica is a Spanish-speaking country, and many of the locals do not speak English. Additionally, expats may find it difficult to adjust to the slower pace of life in Tamarindo, as well as the lack of modern conveniences that they may be used to in their home countries. Furthermore, expats may find it difficult to navigate the bureaucracy of the local government, as well as the cultural norms and expectations of the local community," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Tamarindo.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Tamarindo for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Tamarindo for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a Temporary Residency Visa. This visa is valid for up to two years and can be renewed. You will need to provide proof of financial stability, a valid passport, and a police record. Additionally, you may need to provide a medical certificate and proof of health insurance," explained one person living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Tamarindo?
We asked people in Tamarindo if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be respectful of local customs when visiting Tamarindo. It is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly or using offensive language. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding public displays of affection, as some cultures may be more conservative than others. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local wildlife and to avoid disturbing or harassing animals," said one expat in Tamarindo.
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What are healthcare services like in Tamarindo?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Tamarindo, they replied:
"Tamarindo offers a variety of healthcare services to its residents and visitors. The town has several private clinics and hospitals that provide general medical care, as well as specialized services such as dentistry, optometry, and dermatology. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the area that offer prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies. For more serious medical issues, Tamarindo is close to larger cities with more advanced medical facilities," said one member in Tamarindo.
"National health care may not provide a sufficient safety net - it may require a long wait for medical procedures. Private health care is recommended, but coverage for "pre-existing conditions" is generally not available except through national health care," explained one expat in Tamarindo.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Tamarindo?
"Expatriates and digital nomads living in Tamarindo enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, the stunning beaches, and the abundance of outdoor activities. They also appreciate the friendly locals, the low cost of living, and the easy access to amenities. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of infrastructure and public transportation inconvenient, and the high levels of tourism can be overwhelming," explained one digital nomad living in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
"I enjoy the Tamarindo area and surrounding quite well but I prefer the Paquera area and Saint Therese. The infrastructure needs a lot of work here. There are many businesses and expats, lots to do and plenty to see. It is a super area for young and active," said one member in Tamarindo.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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