Coldwell Banker - Peninsula Trading Co.

Columbus called Costa Rica the "Rich Coast" upon his discovery in 1502. Rich in beauty, rich in ecology and rich in flora and fauna with thousands of species of plants, animals, birds and insects that live in magnificent and sometimes mysterious tropical forests. Costa Rica's wealth of natural resources is so abundant that it even exports oxygen, an essential nutrient for a better, healthier and cleaner way of life. Some call Costa Rica the "Switzerland of the Americas", others call it "Paradise on Earth". You can call it what you like but one visit to Costa Rica and the memory of it will be etched in your mind forever.

About the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica encompasses about 51,000 square kilometers of enchanting rainforests, majestic mountains, and countless virgin beaches among rocky bluffs, enclosed by numerous peninsulas and bays of unsurpassed scenic beauty. Its natural heritage form one of the world's most outstanding biological reserve and national park systems.

Most Costa Rican visitors fall in love with this beautiful country and its very friendly people and start to dream about living in Costa Rica. From exotic beaches and verdant mountains where the climate is always pleasant, to tropical rain forests with amazing flora and fauna, Costa Rica enchants everyone.

Costa Rica has much to offer. Whether you come as a visitor or an investor, or are thinking about living in Costa Rica, there is something attractive here for you.

As one of the oldest democracies in the Americas (and having abolished its army over 50 years ago), Costa Rica has instead chosen to spend its money on education, health services and now infrastructure. All this makes living in Costa Rica a great idea. Having established political and social stability, Costa Rica is a peaceful and prosperous nation, safe for the foreigners as well locals. Below you will a summary of the advantages of living in Costa Rica.

Political stability.
Peace and democracy.
No army.
Fiscal incentives and local exemptions.
Regional incentives.
Low cost of living in Costa Rica and highly qualified labor force.
Streamlined investment procedures.
Simple and streamlined import and export procedures.
Official participation in important international exhibitions and commercial missions to main international markets.
Excellent electricity, water, telecommunications, insurance, banking and health services.
Infrastructure suited to export and tourism needs.
Excellent weather and geographic location.
Protected national parks and reserves with great variety of flora and fauna.
Special immigration status for investors, executives, technicians and their families.
International prestige and recognition of Costa Rican products. Open support to private development initiatives that promote employment, technology transfer, national income, social and economic development and the preservation of the environment

This is just a small collection of the positive attributes of living in Costa Rica.

The expression "Pura Vida," literally translated as "Pure Life," best describes the Costa Rican way of life. Ticos, as the locals commonly call themselves, are their country's greatest asset and are renowned for their friendliness. They are warm hearted, gracious, educated, entrepreneurial and ready to accept you into their country, their lives, and their homes. In addition, foreigners are usually pleasantly surprised to discover how many of their neighbors are also from foreign soil.

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, but a great many Costa Ricans speak English. Additionally, as Costa Rica continues to attract visitors from the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia, other languages such as French, German, Italian, Chinese and Dutch are becoming more and more prevalent.

Costa Rica boasts about as many microclimates as could be found in any country in the world. Like it cool, very cool? Try high up in the mountains above the Central Valley. Hot and dry on the beach? Try the Guanacaste Gold Coast. Want to live in the rain forest? Like remote? Check out the Osa Peninsula. Whatever your preference, Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Some areas such as Grecia and Atenas, forty-five minutes from San José, claim the best climate in the world. In fact, the whole of Costa Rica boasts spring-like climate at least ten months out of the year. Temperatures in the Central Valley and the mountains average 68º degrees Fahrenheit (20º degrees Celsius) and in the lower coastal areas, about 79º degrees Fahrenheit ( 26º degrees Celsius). In the northern province of Guanacaste they say half the year is like living in Hawaii and the other, like living in Palm Springs, California.

The national currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. U.S. dollars can be easily exchanged throughout the country at any bank, national or private, and also at most hotels and money exchange companies. In addition, nearly all hotels plus some restaurants and shops will accept U.S. dollars as payment. Canadian dollars may be exchanged at branches of Banco Nacional and other monetary currencies should be converted in San José at either Banco Central de Costa Rica or at a currency exchange house. Be certain to check daily exchange rates at local banks, currency houses or in the local newspaper as it changes continually.

The banking system in Costa Rica is very modern and offers all local and international services. This includes issuing credit and debit cards, loans and both personalized and computerized banking. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's) are available throughout the country and will accept PLUS cards as well as local ATM cards. Visa credit card advances are easily obtained at most local banks.

The cost of living is probably one of the most important issues concerning prospective full-time residents. Although the cost of living here is less than that of the United States, the difference is not dramatic. Housekeeping and gardening help is very affordable, as are other conveniences, which are often considered a luxury. On average, a monthly income between $1,500 to $2,500 with established accommodations will provide for quite a comfortable lifestyle.

Out-of-country income is not taxed in Costa Rica, and if you are employed in this country, income tax is minimal. Basic property taxes are six-tenths of one percent of the property stated value, which is nominal by North American standards.

There are numerous quality hospitals operated by the National Social Security System located throughout the country. In addition, private health care is quite common and considered inexpensive. Privately operated hospitals offer highly educated physicians and personnel, excellent facilities and multidisciplinary Medical Corps catering to the needs of many foreign visitors who frequently take advantage of the better value and best professional medical care offered in Costa Rica. Cosmetic surgery plus dental and optical care are very affordable and are in particularly high demand.

Costa Rica provides free education for its residents and boasts the highest literacy rate in Central America, rivaling even that of many larger and much wealthier industrialized nations. The right to primary education for both sexes was established in 1869 and has been declared obligatory. In addition to free public education, there are several high quality private institutions extending from the primary level up through the university. Although most of these institutions are located in and around San José, the rapid development of the Guanacaste Gold Coast area has begun to attract some of the private, higher quality schools to the region.

Employment opportunities are limited, as Costa Rica gives job priority to its residents and requires work visas for any foreign visitors who seek employment in this country.

Perhaps as much as 90% of the Costa Rica population practices Catholicism, the country's official religion. Other religious beliefs exist freely although and are protected by the Constitution as well.

Costa Rica is a free and independent republic and its people have enjoyed a peaceful, democratic way of life since 1889. The military as a division of the Costa Rican government was abolished in 1948 and is now prohibited by the Costa Rican Constitution. The current leadership consists of three branches of government including the President, elected by popular vote for a period of four-years and exercising executive powers; the Congress, a single chambered legislature, whose members are also elected by popular vote for a four-year term; and the Supreme Court, acting as the judicial body of the nation. The Constitution guarantees and protects its peoples right to life, freedom and basic civil liberties. The death sentence was abolished in 1882, which has provided an ideal environment for several prestigious international human rights organization who have established their headquarters here in Costa Rica.The country enjoys a quiet co-existence with its neighbors aided in part by ex-president Dr. Oscar Arias, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, for his negotiating efforts throughout Central America. Perpetual Neutrality was proclaimed in Costa Rica in 1983.

The biggest crime facing Costa Ricans is petty theft. Violent crime is nearly non-existent and virtually all crimes committed are in and around the larger cities.

Costa Rica's communication network is among the very best in Central American. Postal, facsimile, telephone and cell phone services, as well as electronic mail (Internet), are readily available anywhere in the country.

Costa Rica now enjoys the convenience of three international airports. The largest and most frequently used, located about twenty-five minutes from San José, is the Juan Santamaria Airport. It is serviced by several major intercontinental airlines with direct flights between North and South America, Europe and Asia. The Tobias Bolaños International Airport in Pavas is much smaller and receives flights from the United States and Canada only. The new airport in Liberia, Daniel Oduber International, in the province of Guanacaste, began operations several years ago, receiving international flights from the United States, Canada and Europe, catering essentially to the tourist industry with mostly charter flights. A domestic network of internal airports also serves local travel needs with daily flights to popular tourist destinations and other parts of the country from any of the international airports. There are also several private airline companies that offer charter flights to anywhere in the country with a landing strip. Their equipment includes twin-engine aircraft, helicopters as well as other aircrafts.

There exists an excellent network of ground transportation throughout the country serviced by private enterprises. Regularly scheduled trips between San José and all parts of the country are reliable and very economical. In addition, there are several bus companies that offer scheduled departures to Panama, Nicaragua and the rest of Central America at competitive rates. There are also several companies that offer micro-bus direct transportation to/from and between the airport and major tourist spots around the country for about $20 USD.

There is an impressive choice of car rental companies to choose from in Costa Rica and this can be a fun way to see the country. It is a good idea to shop around for the best deals though. Costa Rica's highway system is very good and most areas are paved or have 2-WD passable dirt roads, as is the case in remote and rural areas. It is important to remember that some roads that may be drivable in the dry season can become impassable during the rainy reason and may require 4-WD. Renting a 4-WD though is not necessary if you plan on sticking to the major routes. There are a few tollbooths throughout the country, but the charge is minimal. Gas stations are plentiful and many are open 24 hours, although if you are heading into remote areas its a good idea to fill up why you can and there are no self-service gas stations in Costa Rica so sit back and enjoy the luxury. Other important tips to remember: pay the extra full coverage fee when renting a vehicle; if in doubt about road conditions - it's best not to try it; maps are not always up-to-date and may not reflect current existing road conditions. Do not be afraid to ask directions, the people in this country are extremely friendly and are always willing to steer you on the right track.

Costa Rica offers a wide variety of hotel, bed & breakfast, and other short and long-term accommodations catering to even those with the most discriminating needs. Whether you want to be in the city, at the beach or in the mountains the choices are endless. There are also many self-contained resorts offering a great range of amenities and activities from golf, tennis, fishing, diving, and surfing to casinos and day spa facilities. Whatever your preference, Costa Rica has it!

The variety of recreational and cultural activities available in Costa Rica is unlimited. From sailing, beachcombing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, water skiing, parasailing, fishing, and surfing at the beach to hiking and bird watching in the rainforests - the possibilities are infinite. If adventure is what you seek, you will find it here. You can raft down class III and IV white water rapids, swing through the trees with monkeys on a canopy tour, bungee jump over a raging river, experience world-class wind surfing on Lake Arenal or catch a spectacular volcanic firework display. Horseback tours to local waterfalls and hidden beaches are abundant throughout the country as well. Or if more relaxing is your style, spend a day golfing at any of the number of championship golf courses, pamper yourself at a local spa or just enjoy a dip in some of the volcanic hot springs. If you're looking for a taste of the cultural experience, you can enjoy a theater show, visit historical sights and museums, catch a movie, or sample the wide variety of cuisines found in and around the capital, San José. For those who live outside the metropolitan area, climb in your car, hop on a bus, or catch a flight on SANSA or Travelair into the big city for a couple of days.

Costa Rica is quickly becoming an international hot spot. As more and more people begin to discover the beauty and temptation of the "Pura Vida" lifestyle, the more they want to become a part of it.

"When choosing a country to invest in, we find Costa Rica is greatly attractive to investors and their families." says Ricardo Monge, director of the Costa Rican Investment and Trade Development Coalition (CINDE), a private, nonprofit organization. And the proof is in the numbers as several international companies have already chosen this country as a prime investment location.

U.S. based giant, Intel Corporation, recently invested $700 million into an assembly factory and testing plant, which began operations in 1998. Acer America opened a new customer service facility as a base to branch out to the rest of Latin America and Firestone is currently doubling the capacity of its tire factory for export to the United States and other Central America nations. In addition, Lucent Technologies has opened a corporate office in San José with plans for expansion. Other companies such as Baxter Healthcare, Conaire Corporation and Bali Company are just a few of the many new businesses to join this growing list.

"Costa Rica is at a historic turning point; if we do things right we will grow very rapidly," says Monge. "We are trying to apply logistics to gain private sector expansion in order to better our infrastructure. This is crucial to the development of our nation."Costa Rica, the most politically stable country in Central America, has proven attractive to investors for its relatively open investment and trade policies. Laws governing private investments are the same for nationals and foreigners. In addition, there are virtually no controls on foreign exchange transactions conducted by commercial banks. The exchange rate is determined by the Banco Central of Costa Rica through open market operations, and has disposable funds guaranteed by the export-import Bank of the United States and other major international banking organizations.Ranking number one as far as investments are concerned, tourism remains in a dynamic role as Costa Rica's number one industry. A remarkable improvement in tourism has been noted in the past five years - nearly a 58 percent increase. The visitor count last year of 792,287, as reported by the Costa Rican Tourist institute's (ICT) statistical department, consisted namely of U.S. citizens, followed by Canadians, Germans, Mexicans, Italians, Colombians, Guatemalans, British, Spanish, French and Chinese.As a result, there has been a tremendous surge in development within Costa Rica's hotel sector mostly in the regions of Guanacaste and Puntarenas with a reported $711 million in investments to date. The total for tourism investment reported last year amounted to $759 million. Some of the major developments included the Allegro Resorts' Caribbean Village and the $33 million new Marriott Hotel in Jaco. At present there are numerous other hotel, resort and golf developments in the planning stages or under construction in the northwest Guanacaste region, where the ICT continues to promote development of the area.

To benefit the investment climate, the government supports free trade and international competition. Clearly, the most enticing factor for foreign investors has been the country's income tax laws, which allow complete exoneration of taxes on an average of 8 to 10 years, and 50 percent exoneration for 4 more years depending on the investment. There is virtually no screening of foreign investment in most areas . The ICT recently signed a $10 million, 12-step program for tourism development. Last year, they launched a very aggressive international advertising campaign with the tag line "Costa Rica, No Artificial Ingredients," which focuses on the country's unsurpassed beauty, adventure and natural environment, of which one quarter is dedicated to national forests, parks and reserves, and which the country continues to protect. The ICT and a number of private organizations, such CINDE, have placed considerable emphasis on facilitating investments and streamlining government services. CINDE's U.S. office in New York aggressively promotes Costa Rica as an investment destination.

A big attraction for tourism-type investments is the current incentive law, which offers a 12-year income tax exemption on non-distributed profits, land tax exemption, and offers duty-free entry to yachts, sailboats and certain motor vehicles for use in tourist transportation. Additionally, Costa Rica has one of the strongest U.S. dollar reserves in Central America (nearly $1 billion). It also has advanced electric and technological industries and Free Zones continue to be one of the backbones of Costa Rica's export and investment promotion strategies, contributing significantly to local economic growth. Investment in the

Free Zones totaled close to $500 million, mainly from U.S. businesses. Companies currently under the Free Zone Corporation have close to 100 percentexemption on raw materials for export on most products. Most of Costa Rica's export incentives have been undergoing reforms to serve the international tendencies, and are on a par with tourism development.

Costa Rica remains a member of the World Trade Organization and the Central America Common Market, and has investment treaties with Switzerland, Great Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. Another incentive for investors has been the free-trade agreement under the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative, which guarantees access to the U.S. markets for many products. Under its Free Market treaty with Mexico, over 8,000 products became tariff-free in 1995. It also has a free-trade agreement with Panama, and similar agreements are being negotiated with Colombia and Venezuela. Primary trade discussions have been held with Chile, the market they are currently strongly targeting. " Bringing in key players such as Intel gives Costa Rica a letter of recommendation. Soon, other electronic industry firms will follow." It is a prediction that already seems to be becoming a certainty. So come to our little corner of paradise and let us help you make your dreams a reality!