Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
What's New?
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
What's New?
Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
What's New?
Grecia is often considered one of the cleanest cities in Costa Rica and is recognized for its unique central church building made of… iron!
The canton of Alajuela is like a visiting card of the province and a mandatory crossing point for those coming or leaving Costa Rica. It is home to the Juan Santamaría International Airport, ...
in Costa Rica Can non-resident foreigners own Property in Costa Rica? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It depends on what …
The Costa Rican tax system is based on the principle of territoriality, one of the most favorable for people who earn income from outside the country....
For years, Costa Rica was seen as a corner of paradise where you could retire, grow orchids, and eat papaya while counting your pills. Then ...
About us – OpenZone
20 years of experience in Costa Rica, real support for a new life
We have been living, working and fully adapting to life in Costa Rica for over 20 years. OpenZone is not just a website or a company — it is a project built from real experiences, challenges and lessons learned “on our own skin”.
We started with technology, security, automation and IT services, but we realized that what really matters to many people who come here is not just the equipment, but accurate, honest and well-documented information about what it is really like to live in this wonderful country, but with its ups and downs.
Life in Costa Rica – not just a Palm Tree Vacation
If you’re thinking about moving to Costa Rica, you already have a beautiful dream: beaches, sun, peace, and a laid-back life. But the reality is a little different — and we’re here to tell you what you need to know to make an informed decision.
Life here isn’t perfect. There are daily challenges: bureaucracy, cultural differences, adapting to a different healthcare system, navigating slow-moving authorities, finding a place where you truly feel at home.
On openzone.eu you can find clear and practical guides on all of this — from good neighborhoods for expats, to real supermarket prices, how the healthcare system works, local schools, veterinary services for pets, to what you need to do at immigration and the Hacienda to avoid wasting time and money unnecessarily.
We don’t sell you illusions, but honest, up-to-date and useful information — based on our own experience and the stories of those who have gone through it before you.
20 years of Adaptation and deep understanding
About us – OpenZone
We moved here two decades ago and have learned everything about life and business in Costa Rica on the go. We’ve seen how things change, how the market evolves, how communities develop, and how expats can build a beautiful yet realistic life.
I went through everything:
Finding and buying the right land for building a house
Understanding the bureaucratic system
Adapting to the local lifestyle
How it works to open and manage a business
Building a network of real contacts
and most importantly, I understood what you need to know so you don't fall into traps or get caught by surprise.
This experience is the foundation of OpenZone — a place where you can find accurate information, with details that few have access to.
What we offer now
Practical and detailed guides
From start to finish, we provide you with information about:
- Neighborhoods and localities — where to fit in, what lifestyle and what prices to expect
- Daily living costs — food, transportation, utilities, healthcare
- Medical services — public and private, what to expect, how to prepare
- Local bureaucracy — how to deal with immigration, Hacienda, required documents
- Schools, kindergartens and childcare services — what options do you have
- Veterinary services and pet facilities
- Job opportunities and local businesses
- Tips related to relocation and cultural integration
Local business and service directory
We are developing a platform where you can find quality, recommended and verified services, useful for expats and locals: from plumbers, lawyers, veterinarians, shops, to relocation-specific services.
Real advice and support
We are not a classic agency that just sells you packages and promises. We are here to honestly answer your questions, give you advice, and help you avoid common problems.
Why choose OpenZone?
Because:
- We’ve been here for 20 years and we know what we’re talking about
- We don’t sell illusions, but reality adapted to your needs
- We offer you updated, concrete and verified information
- Our guides are written and verified manually, not automatically generated
- We focus on practical experience, not just theory
- We offer you real support and help in the relocation process
Conclusion
Moving to Costa Rica is a beautiful adventure, but with many unknowns. OpenZone is here to make your journey easier, prepare you for what’s really coming, and provide you with a solid community and resources.
If you want to make an informed, down-to-earth decision without being fooled by “perfect vacations,” you’ve come to the right place.
