Watching TV in Costa Rica

One of the great things about living in Costa Rica is taking advantage of the many different recreational activities available.  Great weather, hiking, surfing, fishing, bicycling, golfing[...]

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all of those are just a few examples of how many ways people enjoy their free time in Costa Rica, but let’s face it many of us still enjoy some TV now and then.  In fact for many people I speak with, it’s often one of the most common questions when they first start inquiring more about Costa Rica, especially if they are planning to live here.  So for those who love their TV and really want to know, let me share with what you is available. Basic Cable

Basic cable is available throughout Costa Rica, with the exception of some of the more remote and rural areas.  Cable service is going to run you around $25-35 a month and will include anywhere from 50-60 channels.  Since it IS Costa Rica you would think that the majority of these channels would be broadcast in spanish, but that is not the case.  The local channels are in spanish, but almost all of the U.S. based channels are broadcast in English with Spanish subtitles.  All of your big network and common cable channels are here, including ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN, MTV, HBO, CNN, FOX NEWS, TNT and many more.  Depending on the area, you will be seeing the affiliates for Denver, Miami or New York areas, so you can even catch the nightly local news from those areas.

Satellite

SKY/DirectTV is available for those who just can’t get enough from their basic cable.  Satellite is naturally going to have a variety of different packages with 100s of different channels, very similar to what is available back in the U.S.  Typically people who go with satellite are big sports fans and have it so they can order different NFL or NBA packages and be assured they can assured they can still follow a favorite sports team.  Cost for satellite will vary, but starts at $50-60 a month.

Internet/DVDs

Websites like Hula.com stream many different TV shows and can be used in Costa Rica, but you just need to have an IP address blocker which can simply be downloaded online.  And in most towns you will find a DVD rental store similar to states where you can find all the same movies.

Bottom line, I don’t think the majority of us move to Costa Rica to watch TV, but it’s comforting to know that we can all enjoy the same shows, local sports, and channels we watched while drinking Imperials at the beach or from your home in Los Suenos!