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My Spanish is coming along slowly. However my business opportunities and investments are doing well.
I have been with cuscatlan, however they do not have more than ONE person who speaks english, and understands the business banking needs I see as commonplace in the US. business checks, debit cards, short term money mamagement and long term investment objectives
Any suggestions?
Chip
Just be patient with that one person that speaks English. It takes a lot of patients but once they get to know you as a customer you get better service. We can not compare the banking business in the US with the business here. Living in Costa Rica takes patients and a lot of understanding. I am giving you advice that often times I am guilty of not applying to myself.
Ive learned that many Costa Ricans that work in banks do not feel confident to speak English but they can read it. You almost feel like going in the bank and giving them a statement you have written and ask them to respond in writing. You would be surprised how many can read English and write English but when it comes to having the confidence to speak, that is the problem.
Costa Rican banks are looking for workers that speak english. In fact in most businesses here in Costa Rica they would like to have people that speak english, if they are international businesses.
My statement probably does answer your question or be a solution to the problem, but maybe you will feel a little better.
Try Scotia Bank. The level of English of the staff is usually pretty good. However banking in Costa Rica is different to the english speaking world as the other poster suggested…some of the procedures will seem really crazy to you. You cant get around this even if everyone speaks english. Do not assume anything…for example here there is no such thing as a post dated cheque…the bank will clear it even if the date hasn’t arrived yet…things are different!!
I LOVE this country and the people but it remains a small, “less-developed” Central American country.
I have a number of bank accounts and deal with a number of so called “private bankers” and to be blunt, in comparison with first world, highly regulated and normally well trained financial services -they don’t have a clue so…
Keep six months cash here – only, keep the rest safely ‘offshore.’
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.com
Author of ‘Costa Rica’s Guide To Making Money Offshore’ (This book is appropriate for non-US citizens only)I have dealt with 3 different branches of Scotiabank as they have been opened closer to my residence and found the English language skills of both tellers and managers in each perfectly satisfactory. In spite of speaking a foreign language they still need to practice within the local banking regulations which differ from the ones to which you are used. Make an appointment with the bank manager and discuss your needs with him or her and I’m sure that you will be, if not satisfied with, then at least accepting of the level of service provided.
P.S. In the local small town, the Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, has been very helpful although communication has had to be via my limited Spanish.
Good Luck, and remember that here everything takes more time than you would expect.
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