Costa Rica Real Estate Investments

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Costa Rica Information

September 12, 2007

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Costa Rica is a middle-income, developing country with a strong democratic tradition. Tourist facilities are extensive and generally adequate. The capital is San Jose. English is a second language for many Costa Ricans. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Costa Rica for additional information.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: For entry into Costa Rica, U.S. citizens must present valid passports that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival, and a roundtrip/outbound ticket. Some U.S. airlines may not permit passengers to board flights to Costa Rica without such a ticket. Passports should be in good condition; Costa Rican immigration will deny entry if the passport is damaged in any way. Costa Rican authorities generally permit U.S. citizens to stay up to ninety days; to stay beyond the period granted, travelers must submit an application for an extension to the Office of Temporary Permits in the Costa Rican Department of Immigration. Tourist visas are usually not extended except under special circumstances, and extension requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. There is a departure tax for short-term visitors. Tourists who stay over ninety days may experience a delay at the airport when departing. Persons who overstayed previously may be denied entry to Costa Rica.Persons traveling to Costa Rica from some countries in South America and Sub-Saharan Africa must provide evidence of a valid yellow fever vaccination prior to entry. The South American countries include Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.See SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES for information on requirements to carry documentation within Costa Rica and for information on travel by dual national minors. The most authoritative and up-to-date information on Costa Rican entry and exit requirements, including visa information, may be obtained from the Consular Section of the Embassy of Costa Rica at 2114 “S” Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 234-2945/46 , fax (202) 265-4795 , e-mail consulate@costarica-embassy.org, web site http://www.costarica-embassy.org, or from the Costa Rican consulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Juan (Puerto Rico), San Francisco, and Tampa. The Costa Rican immigration agency maintains a web site at: http://www.migracion.go.cr. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington or one of Costa Rica's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements before shipping any items.Find more information about dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: There have been no recent acts of terrorism in Costa Rica. Visitors to Costa Rica may experience the effects of civil disturbances such as work stoppages and strikes. Although infrequent, these acts can create inconveniences for visitors. On both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, currents are swift and dangerous, and there are few lifeguards or signs warning of dangerous beaches. Every year eight to twelve American citizens drown in Costa Rica due to riptides or sudden drop-offs while in shallow water. Extreme caution is advised.Adventure tourism is popular in Costa Rica, and many companies offer white-water rafting, bungee jumping, jungle canopy tours, deep sea diving, and other outdoor attractions. Americans are urged to use caution in selecting adventure tourism companies. The government of Costa Rica regulates and monitors the safety of adventure tourism companies; enforcement of safety laws is overseen by the Ministry of Health. Registered tourism companies with operating permits must meet safety standards and have insurance coverage. The safety regulations enforced in Costa Rica are not the same as safety regulations enforced in the United States. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution Travel Alert, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Over one and a half million foreign tourists, the majority American, visit Costa Rica annually. All are potential targets for criminals, primarily thieves looking for cash, jewelry, credit cards, electronic items and passports. U.S. citizens are encouraged to exercise the same level of caution they would in major cities or tourist areas throughout the world. Local law enforcement agencies have limited capabilities and do not act according to U.S. standards. Travelers should minimize driving at night, especially outside urban areas. Americans should avoid areas with high concentrations of bars and nightclubs, especially at night, and steer clear of deserted properties or undeveloped land. For safety reasons, the Embassy does not place its official visitors in hotels in the San Jose city center, but instead puts them at the larger hotels in the outlying suburbs. Americans should walk or exercise with a companion, bearing in mind that crowded tourist attractions and resort areas popular with foreign tourists are common venues for criminal activities. Travelers should ignore any verbal harassment, and avoid carrying passports, large amounts of cash, jewelry or expensive photographic equipment. Tourists are encouraged to carry photocopies of the passport data page and Costa Rican entry stamp on their persons, and leave the original passport in a hotel safe or other secure place. Travelers should purchase an adequate level of locally valid theft insurance when renting vehicles, park in secured lots whenever possible, and never leave valuables in the vehicle. The U.S. Embassy receives several reports daily of valuables, identity documents, and other items stolen from locked vehicles, primarily rental vehicles. Thefts from parked cars occur in downtown San Jose, at beaches, in the airport and bus station parking lots, and at national parks and other tourist attractions.Travelers should use licensed taxis, which are red with medallions (yellow triangles containing numbers) painted on the side. Licensed taxis at the airport are painted orange. All licensed taxis should have working door handles, locks, seatbelts and meters (called "marias"); passengers are required to use seatbelts. When traveling by bus, avoid putting bags or other personal belongings in the storage bins. At all times have your belongings in your line of sight or in your possession.Thieves usually work in groups of two to four. A common scam has one person drop change in a crowded area, such as on a bus, and when the victim tries to assist, a wallet or other item is taken. The most common scam involves the surreptitious puncturing of tires of rental cars, often near restaurants, tourist attractions, airports, or close to the car rental agencies themselves. When the travelers pull over, "good Samaritans" quickly appear to change the tire - and just as quickly remove valuables from the car, sometimes brandishing weapons. Drivers with flat tires are advised to drive, if at all possible, to the nearest service station or other public area, and change the tire themselves, watching valuables at all times. In late 2006, the government of Costa Rica established a Tourist Police force, and units were established in popular tourist areas throughout the country. The Tourist Police can assist with the reporting of a crime, which can be difficult for victims due to language barriers and the requirement that only investigative police can accept crime reports. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. More information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. See our information on Victims of Crime.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care in San Jose is adequate, but is limited in areas outside of San Jose. Most prescription and over-the-counter medications are available throughout Costa Rica. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. A list of local doctors and medical facilities can be found at the website of the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, at http://sanjose.usembassy.gov. An ambulance may be summoned by calling 911. The best-equipped ambulances are called “unidad avanzada.” Ambulance service in Costa Rica does not meet U.S. standards, and response time is unreliable.Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Costa Rica is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle accident rates in the world. The fatality rate for pedestrians and those riding bicycles and motorcycles is disproportionately high. Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored, turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, turn signals are rarely used, passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common, and pedestrians are not given the right of way. Roads are often in poor condition, and large potholes with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are common. Pedestrians, cyclists, and farm animals may use the main roads. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are inadequate and few roads are lined. Shoulders are narrow or consist of drainage ditches. All of the above, in addition to poor visibility due to heavy fog or rain, makes driving at night especially treacherous. Landslides are common in the rainy season. All types of motor vehicles are appropriate for the main highways and principal roads in the major cities. However, some roads to beaches and other rural locations are not paved, and many destinations are accessible only with high clearance, rugged suspension four-wheel drive vehicles. Travelers are advised to call ahead to their hotels to ask about the current status of access roads.Costa Rica has a 911 system for reporting emergencies. In the event of a traffic accident, vehicles must/must be left where they are. Both the Transito (Traffic Police) and the Insurance Investigator must make accident reports before the vehicles are moved. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Costa Rica’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Costa Rica’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Land Ownership and Shoreline Property: U.S. citizens are urged to use caution when making real estate purchases, and consult reputable legal counsel and investigate thoroughly all aspects before entering into a contract. Coastal land within fifty meters of the high tide line is open to the public, and construction on the next one hundred fifty meters inland is possible only with the approval of the local municipality.Squatters: Organized squatter groups have invaded properties in various parts of the country. These squatter groups, often supported by politically active persons and non-governmental organizations, take advantage of legal provisions that allow people without land to gain title to unused agricultural property. Local courts may show considerable sympathy for the squatters. Victims of squatters have reported threats, harassment, and violence.Documentation Requirements: Visitors are required to carry appropriate documentation at all times. However, due to the high incidence of passport theft, tourists are permitted and encouraged to carry photocopies of the datapage and entry stamp from the passport, leaving the passport in a hotel safe or other secure place. Tourists who carry passports are urged to place them securely in an inside pocket. Exit Procedures for Costa Rican Citizens: Costa Rican children may only depart the country upon presentation of an exit permit issued by immigration authorities. This policy, designed to prevent international child abduction, applies to dual national U.S./Costa Rican citizens. Parents of minors who obtained Costa Rican citizenship through a parent or through birth in Costa Rica are advised to consult with appropriate Costa Rican authorities prior to travel to Costa Rica, especially if one (or both) parent(s) is not accompanying the child. Disaster Preparedness: Costa Rica is located in an earthquake and volcanic zone. Serious flooding occurs annually on the Caribbean side near the port city of Limon, but flooding occurs in other parts of Costa Rica as well, depending on the time of year and rainfall. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Costa Rican laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Costa Rica are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues web site.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Costa Rica are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration web site and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Costa Rica. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located in Pavas, San Jose, and may be reached at (506) 519-2000; the extension for the Consular Section is 2453. The Embassy is open Monday through Friday, and is closed on Costa Rican and U.S. holidays. Those seeking information are strongly encouraged to utilize the Embassy web site: http://sanjose.usembassy.gov/ and can email consularsanjose@state.gov with any questions/concerns. For emergencies arising outside normal business hours, U.S. citizens may call (506) 220-3127 and ask for the duty officer.

Costa Rica is One Hot Place for Real Estate Investing

Investors need not let this opportunity slip by. It is predicted that Costa Rica is going to be as hot of an investment as Hawaii was years ago. Smart and savy investors already know that if you want to invest in Costa Rica real estate....the time is now. Whether you want to live in Costa Rica, vacation in Costa Rica or invest in Costa Rica it is agreat opportunity. If you know of any one selling Costa Rica Properties you can list the here

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Costa Rica Luxury Real Estate

By Ross Bainbridge

Buying luxury real estate in Costa Rica is an excellent option for affluent people. Costa Rica luxury real estate includes luxury homes, resorts, hotels, estates, mansions, castles, farms, and other investment opportunities. Mountain properties, beach properties, and vacation rentals are other options. Costa Rica luxury real estate properties can be taken for sale or rent.

Most of the luxury real estate agencies and companies provide top class service to their clients. These firms list, market and sell high-end residential real estates. Costa Rica luxury real estate covers Costa Rican properties located in prime locations such as San Jose, Santa Ana, Escazu, Heredia, Santo Domingo, Atenas, Alajuela, Cartago, and the scenic beach locations. Costa Rica luxury real estate properties are attractive with their wonderful weather, good facilities, friendly neighborhoods, and charming farms and homes. The agencies dealing with luxury real estates in Costa Rica also see to it that the customers get their property at the best prices.
The Internet is the best option for purchasing luxury real estate in Costa Rica. Many real estate agency websites provide details of available properties, which help you to invest in the most lucrative ones. These sites showcase a spectacular selection of Costa Rica luxury real estates.

Some sites offer forums for both purchasers and vendors. You also have the facility to clarify doubts regarding the prospects of investment in Costa Rica.

There are online directories that provide details of the complete network of all luxury real estate specialists and agencies throughout Costa Rica. These information sources are the best way to locate Costa Rica real estate agencies and agents. Very often property owners personally advertise their lands for sale, without involving any middleman or organization. In such cases, you can approach the owner directly and fix a sale, which might be more profitable.

Costa Rica Real Estate provides detailed information on Costa Rica Real Estate, Bargain Real Estate in Costa Rica, Central Costa Rica Real Estate, Costa Rica Real Estate For Sale and more.

Costa Rica Real Estate is affiliated with Costa Rica Weather.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge

Real Estate Appreciation in Costa Rica

By Ross Bainbridge

Generally, a real estate appreciation means an increase in the value of your property and home. Most of the real estate investors in Costa Rica buy income properties for cash flow and capital appreciation. Almost all purchasers dream of getting the benefit of increasing their net worth through the process of appreciation. The geographical layout of the Costa Rican area is one of the main reasons for the popularity of this region among real estate investors.

Real estate appreciation in Costa Rica occurs due to many reasons. Economy is the driving factor of real estate appreciation in the United States, and this is true in the case of this Central American country as well. Some of the other common factors are inflation, undersupply, falling mortgage rates, the availability of jobs, the level of interest rates, and availability of land.

Demographics and regional economic and social factors also play a great role in real estate appreciation. A nationwide slowdown in appreciation rates will always result in high demand for real estates. For these reasons, investing in Costa Rica is a profitable business.

Studies have proved that in the recent past, Costa Rica real estate had an average of over 10 percent appreciation per year. As the rates of real estates tend to fluctuate at any time, it is better to get proper assistance from a reputable realtor and attorney about the possibility of purchasing land or property in Costa Rica. There are real estate investment software packages which can help you in understanding how to make wealth through appreciation. People who are interested in real estate purchases in Costa Rica can use these types of software packages to make more money.

Costa Rica Real Estate provides detailed information on Costa Rica Real Estate, Bargain Real Estate in Costa Rica, Central Costa Rica Real Estate, Costa Rica Real Estate For Sale and more.

Costa Rica Real Estate is affiliated with Costa Rica Weather.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge

Buy Property In Costa Rica

By Geoff McCabe

Costa Rica is beautiful place, with scenic landscapes, lush rain forest and wonderful beaches. Costa Ricans are a friendly people and together with its welcoming beauty, the country offers an open invitation to tourists all over the world. Costa Rica’s mesmerizing charm captivates tourists who return year after year. Many of these people buy property in Costa Rica and have made this enchanting place their home.

If you wish to buy Property in Costa Rica you are making a very sound decision. Costa Rican property is part of a demand driven market where the climate is great, the place is safe and its beauty unparalleled. Moreover the property is affordable as compared to beach areas of America and the cost of living is low. All these factors contribute in making buying property in Costa Rica a profitable proposition.

Costa Rica Properties are easy to acquire as the government policies are very relaxed and for titled properties, the laws are applied equally to Costa Ricans and foreigners who buy properties in Costa Rica. It is the most opportune time to invest in Costa Rica Real Estate as the property market is witnessing a boom.

Tropisphere Real Estate of Costa Rica offers titled as well as concession properties in Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. We provide beautiful properties at attractive prices. Your investment in this friendly international community is a lucrative option and a sound decision. Our focus areas are Montezuma, Malpais, Tambor and Santa Teresa.

We have a vast and varied property list to offer to our customers that range from Beach Front Homes for Sale, Beach House Rental to luxury villas and resorts. Choose your dream home and indulge in the luxuries that life has to offer.

Tropisphere is a real estate company in Costa Rica and is the only realtor in Costa Rica that donates 10% of its sales commissions to local community projects. These projects include schools and wildlife conservation organizations. We work closely with an excellent team of professionals such as lawyers, topographers, and vacation home management services to offer our clients an all inclusive service of buying as well as development of the client’s property.

Tropisphere offers you the best of properties in Costa Rica that are perfect for your dream home. Visit the site www.tropisphere.com and get more details about property in Costa Rica, and book your appointment today!

Geoff is well know author who writes about real estate property in costa rica. He not only only realtor in Costa Rica that donates 10% of all our sales commissions to local community projects such as schools and wildlife conservation organizations here in Costa Rica.

For more information please visit Tropisphere.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geoff_McCabe

Costa Rica Real Estate - A Smart Financial Move

By Jason Albright

Buying Costa Rica real estate is a smart financial move, as well as a good way to establish a second home in one of the most marvelous places in the world. When you buy Costa Rica real estate, you will be able to take advantage of the Costa Rica real estate boom that is predicted to last for many years to come.

Costa Rica real estate is still currently inexpensive, but rates are continuing to rise with time. A Costa Rica real estate property that cost $30,000 15 years ago can now fetch a price of $750,000. What is the cause for this rise in the price of Costa Rica real estate? Foreign investor interest has resulted in pricing doubling and tripling from their price ten years ago.

Regardless of the increased prices in Costa Rica real estate, the price of a home or property in the country is still cheap compared to homes in the United States or Europe. A 3 bedroom, beachfront Costa Rica real estate property can be bought for as little as $60,000 while the same property in Florida would be 3 or 4 times as much.

If you are considering investing in Costa Rica real estate you need to understand the value of location. There are some major developments happening in Costa Rica that you need to take into account when planning a purchase. These developments will affect the value of Costa Rica real estate. A new freeway will be completed shortly, which will link the large metropolitan areas of the country to the Pacific Coast. This will increase the flow of traffic and influence Costa Rica real estate prices in surrounding areas. Next, the largest marina will be completed shortly near the town of Quepos, which creates interest in the surrounding Costa Rica real estate. Finally, a new international airport is planned for the town of Orotina. Keep in mind these changes in infrastructure when planning your Costa Rica real estate investment.

Jason Albright is a contributing editor at Cookgroup Marketing LLC. His background is with lifestyle topics including: Gardening, Outdoor Living, Home Decor & Travel Destinations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Albright