The Law Applies to All
Moving to Costa Rica means embracing a laid-back lifestyle and the famous pura vida vibe. It’s a refreshing change—forgetting about closed-toed shoes or maybe even shoes altogether. Seatbelts feel like relics of your old life, and paying cash to sidestep taxes might feel like just part of the culture. Tipping in restaurants isn’t the norm here, so it’s easy to slide into the comfort of not tipping, even though you know servers earn a low hourly wage. And if you’re just visiting, that sense of freedom might be amplified. Suddenly, you find yourself considering things you wouldn’t dare at home: buying drugs on the beach, drinking and driving, or dabbling in other questionable activities. After all, what happens in Costa Rica stays in Costa Rica… right? Wrong.
It’s important to remember that Costa Rica has laws, and you are just as subject to them as any Costa Rican citizen. Whether you’re here on a tourist visa, as a retiree, a worker, a rentista, or a permanent resident, you’re expected to follow the same rules as everyone else. You might feel like you’re getting away with bending the rules because the legal process here can seem slow, but don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. Costa Rica has extradition treaties with the United States, Canada, many European nations, China, and much of Central and South America. If you’re hiding out here to dodge legal troubles back home, it’s only a matter of time before it catches up with you.
If you assume Costa Rica’s reliance on paper records or the lack of a robust digital database makes it easy to slip through the cracks, think again. Times are changing. Respecting the laws of the land isn’t just about staying on the right side of the law—it’s about protecting yourself from serious consequences. Prisons in Costa Rica are reportedly grim, and breaking the law here could lead to deportation, extradition, a lifetime travel ban, or worse, imprisonment.
Many fugitives, including murderers, have been discovered hiding in Costa Rica. For example, there’s the case of the American yoga teacher who tried to evade justice by undergoing plastic surgery and living under the radar here. Or the husband who murdered his wife in the U.S. and fled to Costa Rica to start a new life with his young lover. Then there’s the doctor from the States convicted of sex offenses who is now back in prison.
In addition to these cases, countless individuals have been arrested for running, buying, and trafficking narcotics in Costa Rica. It’s worth noting that marijuana is not legal here, despite misconceptions by some visitors.
White-collar crime doesn’t fare any better. While tax evasion, fraud, or skipping out on paying bills may seem convenient in the short term, it will eventually catch up with you. Costa Rica may be known for its relaxed pura vida lifestyle, but it is not a lawless haven.
For those who have built a life in Costa Rica—friends, family, investments, or a community—breaking the law risks losing it all. And while the warmth and friendliness of Costa Rican people might make you feel at ease, don’t mistake kindness for weakness. The courts here are not particularly sympathetic to foreigners who exploit or disrespect their laws.
So, as you embrace the beauty and freedom of Costa Rica, remember that pura vida isn’t about living without limits—it’s about living with respect. Respect for fellow Costa Ricans, the environment, and the law. Stay mindful, follow the laws, and truly appreciate what this amazing country has to offer.