Costa Rica (CR)
Costa Rica is Central America's most stable democracy — a small, lush republic that abolished its army in 1948 and instead invested in education, healthcare, and the environment.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Costa Rica.
Firma Digital (Costa Rica Digital Signature)
Costa Rica's legally recognised electronic signature system allows citizens and DIMEX holders to sign digital documents with the same legal validity as a handwritten signature under Ley 8454. Used for income tax filings, factura electrónica (electronic invoicing), and government digital procedures. Uses a smart card with a PKI certificate — OAuth-based digital authentication is expanding as a complement to smart cards for more services.
How to get it: Apply at BCCR, BCR or BAC San José — authorised to issue Firma Digital smart cards to DIMEX holders. Required: DIMEX + passport. Cost: approximately ₡15,000–₡25,000 for the card; card reader ₡20,000–₡40,000 separately.
E-Government Portal
https://www.sedeelectronica.go.crCosta Rica has invested significantly in e-government and continues expanding under Agenda Digital 2025–2030. Most common expat interactions (CCSS, Hacienda, COSEVI) are partially or fully digital in 2026. DGME (immigration) still requires in-person appointments for most residency applications. All portals operate in Spanish only.
Essential Apps
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
Encuentra24.com
FreeRegional Latin American classifieds platform active in Costa Rica — widely used for apartment and house rentals in the GAM, Guanacaste and other areas.
SINPE Móvil
FreeThe national instant payment system operated by BCCR. Link any Costa Rican bank account to your phone number. Send and receive money instantly to any Costa Rican mobile number 24/7 at no cost. The dominant payment method in Costa Rica.
Uber / Bolt
PaidBoth operate in the GAM and major tourist areas. More reliable pricing than unofficial taxis. Bolt is often cheaper. GPS tracking for safety. Both accept credit cards and in-app payment.
Waze
FreeThe dominant navigation app in Costa Rica — most accurate road data, police alerts and real-time San José traffic. More reliable than Google Maps or Apple Maps for local roads and construction.
The primary communication platform — used by landlords, doctors, tradespeople, schools and government services for notifications. Setting up a Costa Rican WhatsApp number is the single most important communication step on arrival.
Mi CCSS
FreeOfficial CCSS app for viewing appointment history, contribution history (essential for residency renewals), digital health records (EDUS) and CCSS administrative services.
Kolbi App (Grupo ICE)
FreePay ICE electricity bills, view usage, manage Kolbi mobile account and top up prepaid credit. ICE/KOLBI is the state telecom — this app handles the most common government utility service.
Rappi / Uber Eats / PedidosYa
PaidAll three platforms operate in San José and larger towns. Rappi also offers grocery and pharmacy delivery. Uber Eats has the widest restaurant coverage in the GAM.
Doctoralia CR
FreeBook appointments with private doctors, specialists, dentists and psychologists online. Includes teleconsultation options. Useful for finding English-speaking private practitioners in the GAM.
Fibre broadband (25–600 Mbps) is available in most GAM zones through KOLBI, Tigo, Claro and Liberty. Mobile 4G LTE coverage across all major populated areas, with 5G expanding in the GAM by 2026. Prepaid SIM cards are available at any supermarket or convenience store with DIMEX or passport. Most Costa Rican businesses communicate through WhatsApp — set up a local number as soon as possible after arrival.