Going Crazy in Paradise: My Five Pet Peeves About Living in Costa Rica

As anyone who’s spent time at the “University of Google” knows, searching for Costa Rica turns up thousands of glowing articles about this little Central American paradise. You’ll read all about the pura vida lifestyle, the incredible biodiversity, and the warm, smiling people.

And to be fair—it’s all true. After nearly 20 years in Atenas, I still wake up each morning amazed and grateful to live in such a beautiful place.

But… (you knew that was coming!)

Over the years, I’ve watched clients arrive with stars in their eyes, only to leave six months later, frustrated and jaded. How does paradise lose its shine? It’s not usually the big things—it’s the little day-to-day annoyances that pile up until people say “enough.”

So, in the spirit of honesty (and humor), here are my five biggest pet peeves about living in Costa Rica.

1. Banking Headaches

When we bought our first home in Atenas in 2005, opening a bank account was easy: show your passport, provide a reference letter, and you were done in under an hour.

Fast forward to today, and banking feels like you need an arm, a leg, and maybe a lock of your firstborn’s hair. Thanks to international agreements and U.S. regulations like the Patriot Act, the requirements have gotten complicated.

Even simple in-person transactions can take forever. And then there’s the signature issue—Costa Rican banks demand your signature match exactly. I once had to sign my name over 20 times before they released my new credit card.

Thankfully, online banking has made things easier, but if you do have to step into a bank, bring patience (and maybe a good book).

2. Tico Time

Clocks exist in Costa Rica, but they’re more decorative than practical. The concept of “Tico time” means appointments, parties, or even professional services often run late.

Invite friends for dinner, and expect them half an hour (or more) after the agreed time. Waiting on a service provider? You’ll probably learn to smile and say, “better late than never.”

The upside? Everyone does eventually show up—and life feels a little less rushed.

3. Driving: An Abstract Art Form

Driving in Costa Rica is… let’s just say “creative.”

In the city, you’ll face traffic bursting at the seams, motorcycles weaving between cars, and pedestrians darting out of nowhere. In the countryside, you’ll find tractors, ox carts, horses, and people who think the middle of the road is the perfect spot for a chat.

After two decades here, I’ve even caught myself doing the same thing—stopping in the road to greet a neighbor. That’s when I realized: yep, I’ve gone full Tico.

4. Road Conditions: The Obstacle Course

Once you master Costa Rican driving, you get to tackle the obstacle course known as the road system. Yes, there have been major improvements over the years, but potholes, narrow highways, and traffic jams are still part of life.

On the backroads, things can get bumpy—rough enough to rattle your teeth. A Costa Rican engineer once joked with me: “When we built the highways, all we really did was pave over the old ox cart trails.” Honestly, he wasn’t wrong.

5. No Standard Way of Doing Things

If you like consistency, Costa Rica will test your patience.

Opening a bank account? The required documents change depending on the branch, the employee, the mood of the day—or maybe even the moon phase. Making a doctor’s appointment? Sometimes you’ll need proof of payment, sometimes you won’t. New taxes? The law might pass before anyone figures out how to actually collect them.

It’s never the end of the world, but it definitely keeps you guessing.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my five pet peeves about living in paradise.

Do they still irritate me after 20 years? Occasionally. But mostly, I’ve learned to laugh, go with the flow, and remind myself that living in Costa Rica was my choice. The country doesn’t need to adapt to me—I need to adapt to it.

And really, that’s what the pura vida lifestyle is all about.

So if you’re thinking of moving here, remember: the potholes (literal and figurative) aren’t deal-breakers. Learn to navigate around them, keep your sense of humor, and you’ll find that even the pet peeves can become part of the charm.

The next time you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, consider the benefits of staying in a vacation rental—it’s a more authentic, comfortable, and often more affordable way to experience pura vida living.

At PLD Atenas Realty, we not only manage beautiful vacation rental homes but also help buyers like you find properties that double as smart investments and future retirement retreats.

Explore our luxury property listings to find your dream home in the world’s best climate and start living the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve.