One of the biggest bummers in Costa Rica is their infamous import tax, a horrendous tax that is applied to so-called luxury items, such as boats, vehicles and electronics. A tax that makes these items VERY expensive. Anyone that has tried to import a vehicle knows how a $10,000 vehicle can quickly become a major investment and/or headache.
However, this week may have changed that. It is no secret that China has been wining and dining Costa Rica politicians for some time now and has forked out mucho dinero for such projects as a Chinatown in San Jose.
In April 2010 Costa Rica signed a free trade agreements with China, before this agreement the US accounted for almost half of Costa Rica imports. China is Costa Rica’s second largest trading partner and for the last five years has been dumping billions into Costa Rica by investments, bonds and aid, including a new soccer stadium.
However, last week (May 31st) lawmakers on passed a final version of Costa Rica’s Free Trade Agreement with China (CFTA). According to Foreign Trade Minister Anabel González this will help improve the lives of Costa Ricans by generating more jobs, consolidating access for products exported to China and expanding options for consumers. Read more... (675 words, 2 images, estimated 2:42 mins reading time)
INS tells their Insurance brokers there would be “consequences” if they sold any other company’s products.
Every Costa Rican knows [since they can remember] the government monopoly of, oil/gas, electric, internet, and insurance has been one big headache after another. In Oct, 2007 when Costa Rica’s Free Trade Agreements (FTA) were signed, it looked like for the first time Costa Rican’s were going to get a break, when foreign companies could compete with government companies, especially for insurance. Ticos, for the first time would be able to pick a company based on service, care, quality, and cost.
Over a year later it looked like FTA was not working, then Canada’s American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) and a few others had received approval to sell in Costa Rica.
But has it happened? Well not quite as expected.
One of the first signs it was under undergoing, “Rules of Engagement” was with the new requirements for foreign residents (expats or permanent residents), who had to show proof of medical insurance to the government Caja, Costarricense de Seguro Social, which forced Expats scrambling for coverage from Instituto Nacional de Seguros, (INS), and/or Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, (CCSS), which is government’s socialized medicine. Very few got coverage from foreign companies. Read more... (633 words, 1 image, estimated 2:32 mins reading time)
Hiring a person to pick a few bushels of coffee off your land may cost you more than you think, that is if you are not paying the payroll taxes
The scenario starts innocently enough. Expats come to the country and start looking for someone to help with household chores like maid or gardener service. If you are not living in a gated community where they have these services, it starts by asking around for references or putting the word out in their community.
Try not to place an ad in some local paper or post one in a market down the street, because all kinds of weirdos answer them. Some even are crooks looking to case out locations to rob.
Costa Rica’s labor is good, however, one must understand how the labor laws work, otherwise you may find yourself in court. Read more... (926 words, 1 image, estimated 3:42 mins reading time)
Costa Rica and Canada try and continue to better their relationships, with free trade and visas
It’s no secret that North Americans are the dominating foreigners that live in Costa Rica. And because of that, Costa Rica also would like to increase Canadian tourism. It is estimated that some 100,000 Canadians come to Costa Rica each year and about 10,000 Canadians live there, compared to 10 times that amount of Americans.
And because of the Canadians tourism and expats, both governments want to increase revenue from it. However, there is this, Do this for me first and, I will think about doing this for you second, mentality will probably stone wall any reasonable agreement between the two countries if they don’t wake up to reason.
Last week, Michaëlle Jean, the Canadian governor general, met with President Óscar Arias Sánchez to help develop a better relationship. However, Jean is only a representative of Queen Elizabeth II in Canada, at most, a ceremonial post, but does have a tad of influence. How much? Humm … interesting question.
There are a lot of major hurdles to accomplish a better relationship, we will write about three that we consider have to be overcome if either government wants to develop a better relationship and make some more bucks while doing it. Read more... (469 words, 1 image, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)
INS Costa Rica's only insurance company may now have some competitors
It seems that CAFTA may be working … for over 50 years, American Life Insurance Company has been dedicated to working families in Canada and the US won conditional approval this week to sell insurance in Costa Rica.
This company will operate under the name of Alico Costa Rica and the license is requested for the sale of policies in the category of personal insurance, including life, annuities, accident and health.
In the past Costa Rica has had only one monopoly insurance company, the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros – National Insurance Institute), a mixed public/private capital enterprise with majority government ownership. And until this time, only INS is allowed to sell insurance in Costa Rica. However, many (if they can) get offshore medical and other insurance policies that provide coverage in Costa Rica. A few of our accounts have insurances that will reimburse for medical expenses.
INS sells insurance directly at its many offices throughout the country, or you can purchase a policy directly from a registered agent. It will cost the same, but a responsible agent (not all are, so be careful) is preferable, as you will get advice and help with the red tape if, along the line, you have to file a claim. Read more... (473 words, 1 image, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)
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