My first time in Jaco (about 20 years ago) it was a sleepy and traditional Costa Rican town that did not even have a stop light. Three years ago the skyline was filled with high-rise construction on the feeding frenzy of developers and speculators investing in property. However, that has changed, most investors are doing damage-control, regrouping and wondering how to deal in the slump of the real … [Read more...]
Qatar’s Investment In Costa Rica – Emir’s Arrivial
01/22/2010 by 2 Comments
With China investing heavily in Costa Rica in the last few years, it appears that the Middle East country of Qatar may be taking an investment interest in Costa Rica also. The ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, is now in Costa Rica and staying at, The Four Seasons on the Papagayo peninsula. The hotel's ownership is heavily Saudi Arabian and it is the place for those with Muslim … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Internet Fraud On the Rise – Haiti Earthquake Scams
01/18/2010 by 2 Comments
I got an panic email last Saturday about a small Costa Rica online store whose owner got scammed when she went to buy a product and was taken to a phishing website. She elected to pay by e-check, her second biggest mistake. Within seconds her account was cleaned out of several hundred dollars. She asked me what we could do to get her money back? I was sorry to say, "Nothing." Adding, all she … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Coffee – Los Santos and Wages
12/02/2009 by 1 Comment
Every time I come back from Costa Rica, my main import is coffee. I literally cram my bag with as much as I can without going over the weight limit. In fact, several years ago I got clipped with excessive baggage and had to pay extra. However, this last trip was a bit different, in fact, I wished I had kept quite, I must have gotten 15 emails before I left on, “Yeah can you bring me back some … [Read more...]
Chinese Drywall and Costa Rica Building Contractors
11/06/2009 by 3 Comments
With China investing in Costa Rica big time, there may be a problem with some of the building imports in the eco-minded country. When Costa Rica builders were busy a few years a go, many homes/condos and commercial projects were using Chinese imported drywall. In the US many class action lawsuits have been filed. If you Google, "Chinese drywall," the pages are filled with the problems it has … [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...]
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...]
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...]
General Electric Closes Main Offices in Costa Rica
09/29/2009 by Leave a Comment
General Electric's CEO Jeffrey Immelt is making $20 million a year, living in a mansion in New England, and selling parts to the Iranian military that are being used to make weapons that are killing, American Troops in Iraq. GE has long had a corporate presence in Iran, which U.S. officials say is providing weapons and training for Shiite militias in the Iraq conflict. GE also owns MSNBC and a … [Read more...]
Required Legal, Rules, Regulation, Documents For A Costa Rica Wedding
09/24/2009 by Leave a Comment
Many engaged couples looking to have their wedding in Costa Rica are not aware of the required documents, rules and regulations pertaining to marriage in this country. For instance, only a Catholic Priest or a Costa Rica Lawyer can marry a couple in Costa Rica, a Protestant Pastor may not. Here is all the up-to-date information needed to have a civil ceremony in Costa Rica. If neither the Bride … [Read more...]
Vessel Monitoring System Mandate in Costa Rican Waters
09/08/2009 by Leave a Comment
TBF succeeds in push of Vessel Monitoring System mandate in Costa Rican waters. The Billfish Foundation continues building strong relations on fisheries conservation SAN JOSE, Costa Rica and FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., USA (September 7, 2009) -- New regulations enacted by INCOPESCA, the Costa Rican fisheries agency, will require electronic vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on all commercial vessels … [Read more...]
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