WiFi and Coworking in Costa Rica: A Digital Nomad Reality Check

Let me start with a story that'll make every digital nomad's heart skip a beat. Picture this: I'm on a crucial client call, sharing my screen to present a project I'd been working on for weeks. The WiFi bars are showing full strength, everything looks good. Then boom – the internet dies mid-sentence, leaving me staring at a frozen screen and 15 confused faces on Zoom.

Welcome to the reality of remote work in Costa Rica's beach towns.

Don't get me wrong – I absolutely love living and working from Tamarindo, and after three years here, I've figured out how to make it work. But if you're planning to move to Costa Rica as a digital nomad, you need to know what you're actually signing up for. The Instagram posts showing laptops on the beach? Yeah, that's not how this works.

The WiFi Reality: It's Complicated

Internet Speeds: What to Actually Expect

When I first moved here from Austin in 2021, I was coming from gigabit fiber internet that never, ever failed. The transition was... humbling.

Here's the real deal on internet speeds across Costa Rica's popular nomad destinations:

Tamarindo: This is probably your best bet for consistent internet. Most places offer 50-100 Mbps download speeds, which is totally workable for video calls and file uploads. The infrastructure here is more developed since it's such a tourist hub.

Nosara: More hit or miss. You'll find speeds ranging from 25-75 Mbps, but the consistency can be spotty. I've had friends there struggle with important calls dropping at the worst possible moments.

Santa Teresa: Beautiful for surfing, challenging for working. Internet can be slow (15-40 Mbps) and unreliable, especially during peak tourist season when everyone's streaming Netflix.

Flamingo: Similar to Tamarindo but with fewer backup options if your primary connection fails.

The upload speeds are typically much slower – usually about 10-20% of your download speed. This matters if you're uploading large files or doing heavy video work.

The Power Situation: Your Internet's Biggest Enemy

Here's what nobody tells you: the internet might be working fine, but if the power goes out, you're screwed. And power outages happen. A lot.

During rainy season (May through November), I probably lose power at least once a week. Sometimes it's just a 10-minute blip, other times it's hours. I learned to always keep my laptop charged and invested in a portable battery pack for my router – game changer.

Pro tip: Download the ICE (Costa Rica's main utility company) app. They usually post outage updates, so at least you'll know if you should pivot to a backup workspace.

ISP Options: Know Your Providers

ICE/Kolbi: The government-run option. Generally reliable and affordable ($30-60/month), but customer service can be... an adventure. Good luck if you don't speak Spanish.

Claro: Private company with decent speeds and better customer service. Slightly more expensive but worth it if you need reliability.

Tigo: Another private option. I haven't used them personally, but nomad friends report mixed experiences.

Most rental properties come with internet included, but always ask about the provider and speed before committing to a place.

Coworking Spaces: The Good, Bad, and "Pura Vida"

Tamarindo: The Nomad Hub

Tamarindo has the most coworking options, which makes sense given its nomad population.

Selina Tamarindo was my go-to when I first arrived. It's part hostel, part coworking space, with decent WiFi and a good social scene. The workspace gets loud though – lots of backpackers treating it like a social hangout rather than a work zone. Expect to pay around $15/day or $150/month.

Rocket Coworking is newer and more professional. Better for serious work, with private phone booths and consistently fast internet. It's pricier at $25/day, but worth it when you need to get stuff done.

Local cafés can work in a pinch. Café Tico and Nogui's both have WiFi, but don't expect to camp out all day – they're more coffee-and-go spots.

Santa Teresa: Limited but Growing

Santa Teresa's coworking scene is smaller but improving. Tribe is the main option, and it's actually pretty solid – good WiFi, nice vibe, and they understand the nomad needs. The challenge is that it's often packed, especially during high season.

Selina Santa Teresa also has a coworking area, though it's more basic than their Tamarindo location.

Nosara: Community-Focused

Kaya Sol in Nosara is less of a traditional coworking space and more of a community hub. The WiFi is decent, and there's a strong sense of community among the digital nomads who work there. Just be prepared for a more laid-back, "it'll get done when it gets done" vibe.

The Challenges Nobody Mentions

Time Zones Are Tricky

Costa Rica is GMT-6, which means if you're working with US East Coast clients, you're starting your day at 6 AM. West Coast? You're working until 8 PM. Europe? Good luck – you're looking at very early mornings or very late nights.

I've learned to be super clear with clients about my working hours. Setting boundaries early saves a lot of stress later.

The "Pura Vida" Pace

This is both a blessing and a curse. The relaxed Costa Rican attitude is amazing for your stress levels, but it can be frustrating when you need tech support or have to deal with bureaucracy. Internet repair appointments? They'll show up sometime between 8 AM and 6 PM, maybe today, maybe tomorrow.

Adapt your expectations and always have a backup plan.

Rainy Season Reality

May through November can be challenging for remote work. It's not just the power outages – the humidity can mess with your electronics, and some days it rains so hard you can't hear your Zoom calls. I learned to schedule important meetings for mornings when possible, as afternoon storms are common.

Making It Work: Practical Strategies

Internet Redundancy is Key

Don't rely on just one internet connection. Here's my current setup:

1. Primary: Home internet (ICE, 75 Mbps)
2. Backup 1: Mobile hotspot (Claro, unlimited data)
3. Backup 2: Coworking space membership
4. Emergency: Tether from my phone

Yes, it seems like overkill until the day your primary connection dies during a client presentation.

Location Matters More Than You Think

When searching for rentals, prioritize these factors:

• Distance from town center: Closer usually means better internet
• Elevation: Higher locations sometimes get better cell signal
• Backup power: Some places have generators or solar backup
• Coworking proximity: Walking distance to a backup workspace

Time Management Strategies

I've learned to batch my work around Costa Rica's rhythm:

• Early mornings (6-10 AM): Important calls and focused work
• Midday (10 AM-2 PM): Admin tasks that can handle interruptions
• Afternoon (2-6 PM): Creative work or tasks that don't require calls
• Evening: Catch up with West Coast clients if needed

This schedule accounts for the fact that power and internet issues are more common in afternoons.

The Bottom Line: Manage Expectations

Look, I'm not trying to scare anyone off. Costa Rica is an incredible place to live and work remotely – the lifestyle benefits are real. I wake up to howler monkeys, surf before work, and have dinner watching sunset over the Pacific. That's worth dealing with some internet hiccups.

But come prepared. This isn't Lisbon or Mexico City where the digital nomad infrastructure is dialed in. You're trading some convenience for an incredible quality of life.

Budget for redundant internet connections, be flexible with your schedule, and always have a backup plan. The nomads who struggle here are usually the ones who expected everything to work exactly like it did back home.

Equipment Recommendations

• Portable router/hotspot: Huawei or TP-Link models work well with local carriers
• Surge protector: Power fluctuations are common
• Laptop stand and external keyboard: Working from bed gets old fast
• Good headphones: For calls when the neighbors are playing reggaeton at full volume
• Portable battery pack: Keep your devices charged during outages

Ready to Make the Move?

If you're ready to take on the challenge of remote work in paradise, the first step is finding the right base. Look for rentals with reliable internet, backup power options, and proximity to coworking spaces. The nomads who thrive here are the ones who plan ahead and stay flexible.

Browse available rentals in Costa Rica's top digital nomad destinations and filter by the amenities that matter most for your remote work setup. Your future self (and your clients) will thank you for doing the research upfront.

Remember: the goal isn't perfect internet – it's finding the right balance of work and "pura vida." And trust me, once you find that balance, you'll never want to work from a gray office cubicle again.