For a long time now there has been clash between taxi drivers and porteadores (the informal taxi drivers) with the government caught in the middle. Porteadores have always provided the public's alternative to transportation, particular in areas where the formal or legal taxis would not provide service, but more likely in smaller towns. The service as "porteos" provided that personal … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2009
Costa Rica Govenment to Repair Bridges after Tragedy
10/26/2009 by Leave a Comment
The Costa Rica government announced on Saturday that it is allocating us$15 million for the reparation of 10 bridges, two days after a tragedy that took five lives and sparked a barrage of criticism against the ministra de Obras Pública y Transportes, Karla González. Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, personally visited the site of Thursday's tragedy, reiterating his support of González, his … [Read more...]
Chinatown Project Starts In San Jose, Costa Rica
10/21/2009 by 1 Comment
China continues to wine and dine Costa Rica, now the government of China will be contributing US$1 million dollars to help construct a Chinatown or Barrio Chino. Of course Costa Rica’s Government or municipalidad de San José will fork out about US$300,000 to help finance the project. This announcement came in an official ceremony that included Costa Rican president, Oscar Arias, Municipalidad … [Read more...]
Jaco, Costa Rica, Say, “Get Waco For Jaco”
10/20/2009 by Leave a Comment
When someone mentions Jaco, Costa Rica, the instant thought is the Wacos. Besides probably the most visited beach in Costa Rica, its closest beach to San Jose, great and almost “sinful” night life, surfing, unique shops and an assortment of art galleries make Jaco a must for almost all itineraries that cater to all types of people. In Jaco walking down the street, you will find an … [Read more...]
Exchanging Money In Costa Rica – Hotel and Banks
10/18/2009 by 2 Comments
When exchanging your money, you can either utilize the services at many of the Costa Rica banks, or what we like to suggest, is the services of your hotel - most will exchange your money providing that you are staying there. The rate they offer usually is be a bit below that offered by banks, however, changing money at the local banks requires plenty of time due to bureaucratic handling … [Read more...]
Americans Heading To Costa Rica For Stem Cell Treatments
10/15/2009 by 5 Comments
The stories are starting to come in ... the man with the heart attack, now with a stem cell transplant, his glands can now generate insulin. The Florida parents of 7-year-old, who has autism, are taking him to Costa Rica at the end of this month for adult stem cell treatments. Success stories have grabbed international media attention, with cable and TV networks jumping on the bandwagon by … [Read more...]
Illegal Street Vendors in San Jose, Costa Rica, Crackdown
10/13/2009 by Leave a Comment
Years ago a renovation project spearheaded by the San Jose Municipality, labeled San Jose Posible, was design to give a total face-lift to the downtown area, adding more walking boulevards, planting trees, paining facades and offering incentives for Costa Ricans and residents to move back into the city. The Central Avenue Boulevard and its surrounding parks and plazas have been called the biggest … [Read more...]
Crime in Costa Rica – Does it Get Reported?
10/10/2009 by 2 Comments
The other day we received an email wondering, why we require a "real name" in the comments part in regards to our post on Armed Robbery on a bus in Costa Rica. The emailer thought that the use of the "real name" would be caused for retaliation, and then asked, Why is there not a website were people who have been victimize can post their tragedy without retaliation? He or she went on … [Read more...]
Costa Rica’s Crocodile Man, Tarzan Tico – Town of Sarapiqui
10/07/2009 by 11 Comments
IF you thought the legend of the horse whisperer was impressive, here's an animal tale with even more bite. Chito wrestles in the water with best mate Pocho, a five-metre long crocodile, Chito and Poncho play in the water together Rather than trying to tame wild stallions, fearless Costa Rican fisherman Chito prefers a playful wrestle in the water with his best pal Pocho - a deadly 17ft … [Read more...]
Alico To Sell Insurance In Costa Rica – INS Competition
10/06/2009 by Leave a Comment
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, … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Government Wants To Tax Gross Gambling Income
10/04/2009 by Leave a Comment
Costa Rica has always been very lax on gambling. In reality it only took a business license and just about anyone could open up a casino. And with the US crack down on betting in 2007 hordes of online gambling and bookie businesses flooded Costa Rica. About every two to 3 years the government ties to put a new novel plan to generate revenue from these establishments. The last one (about 1 and … [Read more...]
Costa Rica’s Sex-Tourism Is Growing
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- The slumping global economy is having a stimulus effect on Costa Rica's famous sex-tourism industry, as a growing number of unemployed women -- from Colombia to the Dominican Republic -- flock to San José to seek a living in the world's oldest profession. In popular prostitution hot spots such as the Hotel & Casino Del Rey and Key Largo, local prostitutes compete … [Read more...]