Whether you're planning a move to the tropics or have called it home for a while, there are certain clutch items that are always hard to find.
There are a plethora of cultural, political and economic reasons for behind accessibility, but this post features 20 items you should bring with on your move to the tropics (Costa Rica edition)
You'll want to think about quality and cost efficiency when deciding on your priorities. Functionality strongly contributes to the way in which we evaluate your needs. Developing a homestead for example, requires specific considerations when compared to the development of an investment property. Keep in mind the most important aspects of your goals and the accessibility and price point of the items that you need for a sustainable project.
You may want to consider shipping large novel items like high quality furniture and equipment. Check out a fulfillment service to ship a great living room set or specialist equipment. You may need to wait a month or so but your items will arrive and you'll thank yourself.
With that in mind, here's a list of 20 things you should bring if you move to the tropics; for Namads, Ecological Lifestyls, and Investment Properties, as well as a few food items you might miss.
Nomads:
Tent - invest in a high quality FULLY WATERPROOF tent. There are a lot of great camping places but none of them have high quality tents nearby. The same goes for quality backpacks because most brands here are knockoffs.
Water bottle - there are plenty of water bottles around but quality ones are triple price; just go to TJ Max or something.
Raincoats and Pants - Quality only available in big cities, super expensive and not even as good as you could order the the US. Think lightweight and quick-drying.
Wifi Booster - this is going to save your life. Internet isn't always the most reliable.
Eco- Life:
Kitchen Tools - Top-of-the-line Juicers/ Blenders/ Toaster-ovens etc. are mong the very many overpriced and under preforming items found in local stores.
Biodegradable Cleaning Supplies - Enjoy the much more diverse selection available in the U.S.
Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils - essential oils are east to come by, but high quality or food grade not so much.
Biodegradable/ Cloth Diapers/ Pads - unavailable in rural areas, and otherwise elusive and expensive.
Shae Butter / Black Soap / Black Hair Products - definitely won't find in most parts Costa Rica, only in Limon, and the products are all Chinese.
Nice Cookware - Pots and pans are wierdly expensive here. Expect to pay high end prices for Walmart brand quality.
Investment Property:
Quality Décoré - Don't expect to find any unique throw pillows, rugs, or fixtures outside of the big cities.
Fixtures - put it this way: mirror glass is super low quality in this country as are plastic items and even most glass. (think made in china).Even plates and silverware are average quality at best.
Furniture - Buy that used $200 couch set and send it down in freight. It'll cost less than buying one brand new in Costa Rica. (Especially of you send all the furniture at once)
Security Cameras - cheaper Ben bought in the US, and it's worth it to have your system setup in English. Bonus *see wifi booster .
Smart Appliances - The basics are available, like smart tv and smartwatch, but if you have a thermostat, coffeemaker, charger, or any kind of convenience tech, you should bring it.
Food-
Flour - Most of the flour brands available are super processed and any baker will definitely notice.
Quinoa - among other grains like Fonio and Spelt: hard to source and very expensive.
Maple Syrup - don't take it for granted because the real stuff don't exist down here.
Saltfish - If you don't bring it down, you can still find it in Panama.
Cornmeal - Cornflour is everywhere, cornmeal is hard to find.
These are only a few of the nuances that are noticed as the transition unfolds, but the theme is consistent: quality, accessibility, and price.
Enjoy packing for your goal in the tropics!
You can check out our store, ImporTico for more inspiration or place an order for Costa Rica delivery.
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