Guides
Clear explanations of the paperwork and numbers people in Costa Rica deal with every day, with sources.
Nov 2, 2026Marchamo 2027: how to remove the ₡11,900 "Más protección" insurance the INS adds automatically
When you pay the 2027 marchamo on the INS website, the amount already includes an optional ₡11,900 insurance. It isn't mandatory and you can remove it in two clicks.
Nov 1, 2026Marchamo 2027: where and how to pay it
Payment dates for the 2027 marchamo, where to pay (INS website, app, online banking and in person), the new digital receipt and mistakes to avoid.
Nov 1, 2026Black Friday 2026 in Costa Rica: your rights as a consumer
Black Friday 2026 date, what offers must follow under MEIC rules, warranties on sale items and tips for shopping in stores and online.
Oct 31, 2026Why do gas prices change in Costa Rica?
Who sets gasoline and diesel prices in Costa Rica, what makes up the price of a liter, how often it changes and how to use less fuel.
Oct 31, 2026How to claim a lottery prize in Costa Rica
Deadline to cash a JPS prize, where to claim it depending on the amount, what documents you need and what to do if you bought your ticket online.
Oct 30, 2026Which bank should you exchange dollars at?
Buy or sell rate, why banks don't pay the Central Bank rate, how much you save by comparing and where to see today's rate at every bank in Costa Rica.
Oct 30, 2026Aguinaldo 2026: how much you get and when it's paid
How Costa Rica's 2026 aguinaldo (Christmas bonus) is calculated, with examples; what counts, whether anything is deducted, the payment deadline and what to do if you aren't paid.
Oct 29, 2026How is the marchamo calculated?
What Costa Rica's marchamo includes, how the vehicle property tax is calculated, how much the SOA insurance goes up for 2027 and how to look up the exact amount.
Follow the news from many outlets and read the full story at the source. Headlines always link to the original article.
Daily briefing on Telegram (Spanish) ↗