We get emails all the time about traveling in Costa Rica, so we thought it might be a good ideal to point out some of our top 20 tips about a vacation and/or maybe retiring in Costa Rica. One thing you must understand is the culture and society; manners and respect play an important role and sometimes a simple misunderstanding can become a big deal. Costa Ricans by nature do not like … [Read more...]
San Jose, Costa Rica’s Mercado Central, or Central Flea Market
05/24/2010 by 4 Comments
Central Market (Mercado Central) Flea and Street market. Bordered by Avdas. Central and 1 and Cs. 6 and 8 Barrió La Merced San José, Costa Rica San Jose, Costa Rica's Mercado Central, or Central Market, is the largest marketplace in San Jose. The Central Market is more than a common sale place. It is a congregation place, which city life passes day by day. It is a maze of shops and … [Read more...]
New Insurance Program Starts March 1, 2010 – Expats Have to Pay for Caja Policy
02/28/2010 by 6 Comments
Starting Monday, a new requirement for foreign residents (expats or permanent residents), must show proof of insurance from the government Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social. Often cited as a reason for the country’s stability over recent decades, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social is the safety net for health care and pensions. Permanent residents are foreigners who can legally … [Read more...]
Costa Rica Copyright Protection – Government Involvement
01/04/2010 by Leave a Comment
Sometime ago we wrote about how San Jose is cracking down on street vendors. The biggest complains were, hassling of customers in front of stores, illegal aliens, and the big one, selling of pirated CDs and DVDs and counterfeit products like designer clothes. For some time now Costa Rica has been under fire for their lack of enforcement of pirated software, movies and music, even if the … [Read more...]
First IMAX Theater Opens In Costa Rica – 3-D Viewing
12/25/2009 by 6 Comments
IMAX (short for Image MAXimum) is a motion picture film format and projection standard created by Canada's IMAX Corporation whose technology is geared to the 3D. So there is lot of excitement about the new IMAX theater going in Escazú, and no one is more excited than Repretel, the theater operator. Repretel runs several Costa Rica television stations, and viewers have been hammered with lengthy … [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...]
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...]
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...]
Costa Rica Animal Shelter – San Rafael de Heredia
09/22/2009 by 27 Comments
After the Jan. 8 Cinchona earthquake, dogs were running free, which caused problems. The Costa Rica Animal Shelter near San Rafael de Heredia rescued many and placed them in new homes. The shelter also offers veterinary care and spay/neuter services and is run and operated by Dutch expat Lilian Schnog. The shelter also offers an adopt a pet dog, puppy or cat program, all is require is a small … [Read more...]
Costa Rica’s New Reality – Patti Blagojevich
05/23/2009 by Leave a Comment
The first lady of ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Patti Blagojevich is now going to take her hubby's place on being on the NBC show "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here," (which got canceled due to poor rating) to be filmed in Costa Rica. If you remember (ugh, like it is one of those most important things in your life) a federal judge barred Rob Blagojevich last month who faces … [Read more...]
Worst Motorcycles Drivers Are Costa Ricans
05/19/2009 by 2 Comments
I'm in the technology business and own a tech company here in San Jose. My favorite past time is riding my Harley Davidson as it has been for the past 40 + years. I've lived in a number of countries and have ridden in many more but I have to say the worst motorcycle riders I have ever seen are here in Costa Rica. Tico Times Directory Editor's Note: Raising gas prices have caused a surge of … [Read more...]
First Swine Flu Death Reported in Costa Rica
05/10/2009 by Leave a Comment
Costa Rica's first death of the swine flu was that of a 53-year-old man on Saturday and as of now his town and name has been kept from the public. As we posted last week Whine Flu - Paris Hilton, hundreds of Costa Ricans (or should I say, hypochondriacs) hush to hospitals in similar flu-like symptoms. I guess the government is being smart, not needing a PP (Pandemic Panic) as the culprit … [Read more...]
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