Whether it’s to escape the winter or check another country off that travel bucket list, many Canadians are looking to ditch their office life for a more picturesque location. If warm weather, beautiful scenery, and reliable internet are up your alley, it might be time to consider becoming a digital nomad in Costa Rica.

Why choose Costa Rica for a remote work destination?

Cost of living

Costa Rica is relatively affordable compared to many major Canadian cities. The price of housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses is less than what you’d pay back home, especially if you choose local restaurants and accommodations.

Budget-conscious travellers can find affordable short-term rentals in beach or mountainside destinations across Costa Rica. Want to know where to start? Facebook groups are still some of the best ways to find short- or long-term rentals, with Costa Rica House & Apartment Rentals being one of the biggest. 

Wi-Fi in Costa Rica

Internet speed is one of the biggest concerns for remote workers, and Costa Rica’s is generally reliable. The fastest and most dependable connections are found in San Jose and throughout the Central Valley, but you’ll still find strong service in beach towns and expat communities.

Before booking accommodation, ask the rental owner or hotel staff about the Wi-Fi speed. You can also purchase a local SIM card as a backup plan. Kolbi, Claro, and Liberty are the country’s major mobile providers. If you have a busy workday ahead, you can also find local coworking spaces with more reliable internet connections. 

Warm weather

The coastline stays warm year-round, while mountain communities get slightly colder. In many parts of the country, daily temperatures reach the high 20s and only drop a few degrees at night—a welcome change from Canadian winters. 

Not only is the weather more pleasant, but the landscape is truly awe-inspiring. From lush jungles to stunning beaches, you can’t find a better place to park yourself and your trusty laptop for a few months.

Lots to do and see

Surfing, yoga, wildlife watching, scuba diving, and waterfall chasing are just a few of the activities you can enjoy while working remotely in Costa Rica. Staying here means that you can finally dive into those hobbies you’ve been dreaming about while staying productive during the week. 

What Canadian travellers need to know

Before you head down south, keep the following tips in mind to make the most of your remote working adventure:

• Canadian travellers can visit Costa Rica without a visa and may be granted stays of up to 180 days, subject to approval by immigration officials upon arrival.

• For many remote workers, a monthly budget of $2,000 to $3,000 CAD makes for a comfortable lifestyle, including accommodation, eating out, and activities. 

• If you opt for only international restaurants and boutique experiences, your monthly travel budget can get much higher. Local markets, food, and lifestyle are the best ways to save money on a tighter budget. 

• Costa Rica is one of Central America’s top surfing destinations, with breaks for both beginners and seasoned surfers. It’s the perfect way to spend your mornings in between meetings. 

• The farther you get from the city, the harder it may be to find reliable internet access. Luckily, there are several co-working hubs that can provide you with remote workspaces and even help you meet other professionals on the same path. Some of our top picks are Puerto & Co and LoCoWorking.

All about Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa

If you really want to commit to life here, Costa Rica offers a Digital Nomad Visa designed for remote workers. The program allows eligible applicants to live and work remotely in Costa Rica for up to one year, with the option to renew for an additional year.

One of the program’s top benefits is that you can qualify to receive exemptions on foreign-earned income. Participants can also legally drive using their foreign driver’s license for the duration of their approved stay. 

To qualify, you need to demonstrate a stable remote income of at least $3,000 USD (roughly $4,200 CAD) per month for individuals or $4,000 USD (around $5,600 CAD) per month for families. You’ll also need proof of health insurance coverage that remains valid throughout your stay.

Your application can be submitted online, and supporting documents issued in another language may require an official Spanish translation. For all the details on Costa Rica’s digital nomad program, see the official website.

Disclaimer: Before booking a trip to work remotely in Costa Rica or elsewhere outside Canada, check with your employer to ensure they allow international work. Not all companies are comfortable with their employees being out of the country or unavailable during regular office hours.

Top destinations for remote work in Costa Rica

With direct flights and one-stop flights available from many major Canadian cities, getting to Costa Rica is just a quick plane ride away. Once you land, you’ll have plenty of options to set up your remote office and get to work. Whether you prefer a bustling city, a laid-back beach town, or a nature-filled adventure, here are some of the top destinations to work from home in Costa Rica.

San Jose

Best remote work hub for: City and culture dwellers 

The capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, is the country's economic and cultural hub. Remote workers can find reliable internet, bustling restaurants, a vibrant cultural scene, and plenty of spaces to meet like-minded people. If you consider yourself a ‘foodie,’ be sure to book a table at Restaurante Silvestre for a truly incredible dining experience where you can enjoy local flavours in an upscale, historic setting. 

San Jose is also a great base for day trips or weekend excursions to the nearby countryside. Just an hour and a half away is Volcán Irazú, Costa Rica’s tallest volcano. Take an epic hike up here to see the crater and enjoy views from more than 3,400 metres above sea level.

Check out these Costa Rica hotels to start your trip.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Best remote work hub for: Travellers looking for a nature escape and laid-back vibes

Located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo offers surfing, nightlife, and plenty of outdoor activities in a tropical setting. With a relatively low cost of living, remote workers can spend their days lounging on the beach and taking in the pura vida lifestyle. 

Once you arrive, make sure to set aside an afternoon to tour the Jaguar Sanctuary and see the beautiful cats of the area up close. 

To get here, you can fly into San Jose or Limón Airport. Buses from San Jose run throughout the day and cost about 7,000 colones (approximately $16 CAD). The journey takes about five hours total. There’s also the option to book a shuttle service from the airport directly to Puerto Viejo.

Tamarindo

Best remote work hub in Costa Rica for: Surfers and adventure seekers

One of the most sought-after destinations along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Tamarindo is a beach town in Guanacaste province that’s bustling with restaurants, shops, and bars. Here, remote workers can start their day surfing and end it enjoying the sunset on the beach. Fishing is also a popular activity if catching a wave isn’t really your thing.

The Internet is generally reliable around Tamarindo, but you can also find several coworking spaces for more reliable service. 

If you need a break from working, check out Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort for a one-of-a-kind stay.

Interesting fact: Tamarindo has crocodiles that swim in the waters off the beach and have been known to catch some rays on the sand. 

The closest airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Liberia, Costa Rica. From there, a cab, taxi, or shuttle into town will take about one hour. 

Manuel Antonio

Best remote hub for: Nature lovers

A notoriously popular destination in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is a favourite among remote workers. With sprawling beaches and lush rainforests, you’ll find the town a peaceful and welcoming place to relax at the end of your workday. 

With soft, white sand and beautiful blue water, you will feel like you’ve stepped into paradise. If you’re looking for added adventure, you can go on a guided hike through the rainforest and see all that Costa Rica has to offer (including monkeys and sloths).

While you’re in Manuel Antonio, make sure to take in an epic Costa Rican sunset. Locals swear that the mirador at Ronny’s Place offers some of the best views in town.

San Jose International Airport is your best bet when travelling to Manuel Antonio, but it will take about 3.5 hours to get there. Buses are available, but they make multiple stops along the way that add to your travel time.

Your Costa Rica checklist

Before setting off to paradise, make sure you’re prepared by reviewing these items on your Costa Rica checklist:

• Always double-check that there is high-speed internet access in your desired location.

• Electronics cost more in Costa Rica than in Canada, so make sure your laptop and devices are up to date before you go.

• If you’re applying for Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa, make sure you have the required health insurance coverage and documentation.

• Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and valuable belongings to protect yourself.

Make Costa Rica your next remote office 

Costa Rica is an exciting and beautiful country to work remotely from, offering Canadians a mix of productivity, adventure, and warm weather. Give yourself a few months to plan your trip, and use Skyscanner to find the best deals on flights and accommodations. Before long, your office could be just steps away from the beach.