Blogs

Eco-friendly Costa Rica Gold Mill Seeks Investors

Submitted by michael on Fri, 12/04/2009 - 14:29

With demand for gold at an all-time high, Costa Rica has an opportunity to prosper. The gold mines near Las Juntas consistently see 15-20 grams per ton and have been successfully producing for over 100 years for a total exceeding 1.5 million ounces. However, the mercury-based refining method of the arrastas (local refiners) is crude, inefficient, and severely damaging to the environment. The environmentally-conscious government of Costa Rica has tried to halt mercury refining, but it was overturned by intense protests from the small miners. A new company has brought its expertise to Costa Rica to build a more efficient and environmentally-safe gold mill to help the local miners and to eliminate the mercury pollution.

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U.S. Transfers Business and Workers to Costa Rica

Submitted by michael on Fri, 12/04/2009 - 08:47

Outsourcing has been a trend for quite some time; much of the U.S. tech sector has gone to places like India, where Indians are doing the work.  A trend is developing among American companies:  they are beginning to move their businesses and their workers to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is significantly less expensive than the United States, but it is not the cheapest place for a business and its workers to reside.  However, Costa Rica has benefits that may not directly affect the bottom line of a company’s operating costs, but indirectly prove that it is the best country in the world for business relocation — and more and more businesses are coming to this conclusion.

Costa Rica, unlike many low-cost Third World countries, does not pose a physical threat to company employees: there is no history of kidnappings (think Mexico); no political instability (Nicaragua, Guatemala, Indonesia); and workers are likely to be happy relocating to one of the best climates in the world (unlike Panama).  Furthermore, Costa Rica is no more than a 6-hour flight for most Americans.

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The Positive Future of Foreign Investing in Costa Rica

Submitted by michael on Wed, 11/11/2009 - 11:24

A recent Bloomberg article highlights positive comments made by Marco Vinicio Ruiz, Costa Rica’s minister of foreign trade. After a difficult year in 2009 that has seen foreign direct investment fall 30%, Ruiz stated that in 2010, “Companies are ready to go to Costa Rica, they are just waiting for the board to approve that.”

Foreign investment in tourism, ports and telecommunications is the main driver of the Costa Rican currency, the colon. The global recession which resulted in decreased tourism and company freezing of investment funds resulted in more than a 10% slump in the colon.

“Foreign direct investment has the biggest effect on the colon because Costa Rica isn’t dependent on exports of a specific commodity with fluctuating prices,” Ruiz said. New trade agreements with China, Singapore, and the European Union should bolster investment back to the $2 billion level seen in 2008.

The goal, according to Ruiz, is to increase exports via trade agreements to 84%, in order to “send a long-term message, especially in lean times.”

READ SOURCE ARTICLE

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SPECIAL OFFER -- LUXURY 52-ACRE RESORT. $899,000

Submitted by michael on Mon, 11/02/2009 - 09:06

hotel1

RESORT DETAILS

Located 2,500 feet above sea level, southwest of the Caribbean about 60 miles East of San Jose Costa Rica, this beautiful property encompasses more than 50 acres of untouched natural beauty blossoming with abundant jungle wildlife and vibrant flora. Presently it contains seven fully furnished pastel colored villas available for vacation rental and a 5,000 square foot Frank Lloyd Wright inspired mountain lodge which will luxuriously accommodate up to 10 people. You will also find an authentic Costa Rican restaurant, a heated swimming pool, a hot tub, a first-class day spa, and horseback riding, all of which are on-site, a coffee & macadamia plantation and a beautiful waterfall, naturally surrounded by the unspoiled Costa Rica landscape. This is the ideal place for a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation. From the resort you can easily make daily tours to nearby volcanoes, Caribbean beaches, zip lining through the canopies of lush rainforest, walk across sandy beaches and swimm underwater through magnificently colorful reefs. This Costa Rica resort is a gem in the heart of the Caribbean just waiting for you to unveil its natural beauty.

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Costa Rica Real Estate and Relocation Tour: December 7-10

Submitted by michael on Sat, 10/31/2009 - 16:44

Hola!

We have a few spots left for our December 7th to 10th relocation/retirement tour of the Central Valley, including the suburbs of San Jose (Escazu and Santa Ana), San Ramon, and Atenas.  Please join us and learn everything you need to know about this wonderful country and how to make a successful move here (or even to find out if it's right for you).

Our tour promises you a fun and intelligent look at Costa Rica. Most importantly, we provide you with honest and relevant information that you will need in order to relocate, purchase real estate, and begin your new life. The point of the tour is to help you live your dream without making costly mistakes. We’ll help you avoid the headaches so you can focus on why you came here in the first place: to invest, live, and retire in paradise!

What's Included:

*Three nights stay at Angel Valley Farm B&B (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
*All meals on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with breakfast and lunch on Thursday
*Transportation via mini-bus
*Snacks and beverages on the bus

Price: $1,499 per couple, or $1,299 per single

To make a reservation:

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Strong Foreign Currencies in Costa Rica

Submitted by michael on Fri, 10/30/2009 - 08:25

by Jeffrey Hickcox, author of Real Estate Investing Guide Costa Rica

Rarely do we think about how currency exchange rates affect our daily purchases. Even though the USD has lost around 11% globally over the past six months, it remains at near record strength (580CRC – 1$) in Costa Rica. The fluctuation of the US Dollar has a real impact for buyers of big-ticket investments like Costa Rica real estate. The largest beneficiaries of the recent currency moves are Canadians and Europeans whose currencies have recently experienced dramatic gains against the USD.

The broad appeal of Costa Rica continues to keep the real estate market stable, which is confusing for most Americans because they reside in a plunging market with tiny interest rates. In other words, we have witnessed more “price shock” as of late from American buyers. However, the continued strength of the dollar and the lower cost of living generally still allows Americans to live more comfortably on less income in Costa Rica.

The increased strength over the last 6 months of the Canadian dollar ($1.03) and the Euro ($1.49) against the USD is creating a prime window of opportunity for Canadians and Europeans to snatch up Costa Rica property at good values.

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Ameurope´s Properties in Costa Rica

Submitted by david on Fri, 10/23/2009 - 12:48

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SPECIAL OFFER! Beautifully Renovated Home with Guest House in Atenas $195,000

Submitted by michael on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 14:54

SEE VIRTUAL TOUR HERE

 

Ameurope Staff

house and guest housefront view

Enjoy the sound of rushing rivers and waterfalls that converge on the property line while relaxing in a hammock on the wrap-around porch. Situated on a meticulously landscaped 1/2-acre lot, this property features a remodeled 2-bedroom, 2-bath main home and a loft-style guest house.

Located in a desirable Atenas neighborhood, the area is a nice blend of expats and locals. Just minutes to Atenas (which has been called The Best Climate of the World), a tranquil coffee town about 45 minutes to San Jose and the Pacific beaches.

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Relocation and Living Guide to Costa Rica

Submitted by michael on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 13:56

by Michael Anthony and Andrew Mastrandonas

The U.S. economy is continuing its freefall, and the quality of life for millions of people is being threatened by a financial climate heading toward even riskier terrain. Cost of living is rising, retirement savings is declining, and the expected payoff for many homeowners has been dramatically reduced. According to Barry Golson, author of Retirement Without Borders, and editor of Forbes Traveler, “Surveys have shown that as many as four out of five baby boomers have not saved enough for a comfortable U.S. retirement, and the latest figures indicate a national savings rate approaching zero. (In Japan, it is 20 percent.)” An increasing number of people are looking past the borders of their home country for new opportunities. Proper research and finding a network of people who are living overseas can help to make an informed decision. It is likely that you will find people who are experiencing a retirement that is socially and intellectually fulfilling, while also maximizing their savings. The purpose of this article is to highlight the steps that can be taken right now to find a location that will offer a more rewarding future.

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Medical Tourism in Costa Rica: The New Trend

Submitted by michael on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 13:53

by David Cazorla

Tourist trends in Costa Rica seem to be developing around a new market: the business of medical tourism. At present, the American market represents 50% of the world market for medical tourism. With higher levels of taxation, general expenses, and medical costs, North America continues to suffer. Many people are looking for lower-cost locations that still provide world-class care for their medical needs. Costa Rica is beginning to stand out as a perfect option.

MANY OPTIONS
To take a small getaway to Costa Rica in difficult times can represent a search for wellness, and to seek the enormous advantages of being attended to by excellent medical professionals in an exotic location. There is now huge competition for the growing health tourism market from places such as Singapore (250,000 patients per year), India (growing from 150,000 patients in 2002 to a half million in 2005), Thailand, Hungary, Estonia and Spain. Costa Rica is seeking to be the point of reference in Latin America in front of powers like Mexico, Brazil and Panama.

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