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I like the Hacienda Pinilla Property, but the road from Villareal to 27 de Abril needs to be paved. That will make a big difference for that property, because it’s only 5km from Villareal, but it seems much longer. The JW Marriott was really impressive. They did a great job. Rosewood was in negotiations with a large European Resort company and supposedly the land has been sold, that’s the last I heard, though nothing has been confirmed yet. As far as the Ritz land, it was up for sale/partnership last I heard.
Bella Colina (near Canyon Ranch) has had no activity for a while. I was told by the sales manager that they are supposed to break ground in 60 days. Canyon Ranch is on hold, but I have reason to believe it will go forth next year. They had 3rd party financing that fell through. RIU is a huge project. It basically takes up the entire Matapalo beach, and there is nothing else down by that beach. The first phase of 701 rooms will be open in October/November. Eventually it will have around 1500 rooms.The Rosewoood and Ritz were cancelled. I would like to see the Hyatt happen–but I will believe it when I see it. I drive by the project daily and have seen nothing done since last year. Canyon Ranch is also on hold last I heard. JW Marriott is up and running and RIU is set to open in a few months.
Edited on Apr 21, 2009 12:22
James, I have to disagree that there are not places for the ‘frugal’ visitor. Northern Guanacaste has backpacker establishments from $10 per night to 5 star resorts from $300 per night, so you can’t there is nothing for a visitor wanting to spend less. You just need to know where to look. I would recommend visiting Samara and Dominical as well–both great spots.
Chillpill (like your screen name). My name is Becky Clower, I am the recommended Realtor in the Guanacaste area of Conchal/Flamingo/Tamarindo. We also handle property management for short and long-term rentals. I can offer you some options to see if our area is a fit for you and your family. You can email me privately at: rebecca@welovecostarica.com
We stayed at the Radisson last month. It was a great place. If you want to stay under $100 I hear Plaza Paitilla Hotel is decent.
You should also have a policy through INS for “riesgo” for workers. I have one and it’s inexpensive but protects you if your employees get hurt on your property. Minimum wage for a maid (if a full-time employee) is 185,000 colones per month or roughly $337 per month plus the mandatory CAJA (24% from the employer and 9% from the employee of their gross salary) and Christmas bonus (Aguinaldo) equal to one months salary. I am not sure how CAJA works where hourly wages are concerned. Also remember the ‘severance pay’. For every year an employee works they are eligible for one months salary for up to 7 years (that is the cut off I believe). You can pay this also at years end or when they quit or if they get fired.
Banco Cuscatlan: http://www.bancocuscatlan.com
I don’t know if there is a Cuscatlan in Jaco or Quepos. I doubt they are in Quepos. They just came to Tamarindo last year, which is great! I am sure if they are not in Jaco, it’s just a matter of time before they are. Cuscatlan is expanding quickly.Depending on whether you want to open a personal account or a Business account, you will need different information. Also, if you are a resident, you are have different requirements. Also, something to think about, which may or may not matter to you: Cuscatlan got bought by Citibank and is now requiring US Citizens who have personal accounts only at Cuscatlan to sign a 1099 to report to the IRS. I was ok with signing this (I have a personal and corporate account) because I have nothing to hide. The clients who have an issue with this can simply open a Corporate account, as they do not require a 1099 to be signed. You’ll need the following for both accounts:
1. Copy of passport or cedula.
2. Copy of a utility bill of place of residence in CR (does not have to be in your name).
3. Proof of income (local) or source of funds (if foreigner).
4. Fill out paperwork to open an account.
5. Deposit to open account $100If corporate bank account:
1. Copy of Passport or Cedula
2. Copy of Articles of Incorporation
3. Recent financial statements (if new corporation, your attorney can write a letter to explain).
3. Personeria Juridica (proof of who is the legal representative) no older than 90 days.
4. Copy of Cedula Juridica (corporate ID number).
5. Utility bill of the business office.I have all checking accounts, because I use checks occasionally for my accounts. I would recommend a checking account even if you don’t want to use checks. It won’t make a difference that you have other accounts in CR. They don’t require you to bring letters of recommendation as BN does.
Good luck.
The fees involved to transfer online internationally are $41.00. Under the same menu you use for bill pay is a tab for ‘transferencias internacionales’. You just need the typical information, routing, ABA, etc, bank name, and the wire usually hits the next business day. I send money between my account here in CR to my account in the states without issue. To receive funds is another story, the bank charges a commission, so usually I just write a check from my US account and deposit it in my Cuscatlan account. Much cheaper. There are no ‘set up’ fees for the online international wires. You can wire to any bank in the USA. There are no restrictions. I can’t help you with your EFT question unfortunately.
Hi Jon:
I requested to be able to wire money internationally to the USA from my $ account at Cuscatlan. It is ironic, because as I mentioned that their bank to bank transfer system is complicated, thier system to wire internationally is so simple and takes minutes online. More banks should offer online international transfers. Hope this helps.
I have an account an BN and Cuscatlan. I have to say that Banco Cuscatlan is very ‘user’ friendly, has bilingual tellers, and has an English language website for online banking as well. I am able to transfer money internationally online, instead of standing in line at BN for hours sometimes (Tamarindo) to do one. No thanks. Taking a number like you are at the deli counter is for the birds. If only more banks could be like Cuscatlan! The one thing that Cuscatlan does need is a more ‘user friendly’ bill pay system and transferring funds to other banks. That is my only complaint. However, to bypass that, I move money from my Cuscatlan account to my BN account and make most of my online payments there.
leafpepper: My husband does property management and does special tasks such as what you are mentioning. You can feel free to email me privately. My email is rebecca@welovecostarica.com. He and I live in Puerto Viejo (near Pirate’s Bay). Basically when you turn left in Matapalo to go to Playa Grande, I turn right to go to our house.
leafpeeper: I live in the neighboring beach town. What is it you want to know? PGE is alive and kicking and all seems to be well.
It is true. I have a friend, who is not a resident yet (in process) and takes her son to EBAIS (spelling?) clinic for vaccines and check ups. There is no cost involved.
Tracy: I am one of Scott’s preferred Realtors on this site. My name is Becky. I would be happy to help you if you need assistance. I am completely familiar with the Surfside (Potrero) and Flamingo areas and will be happy to point you in the right direction. I also have an article that I wrote regarding the Flamingo Marina and we are keeping tabs on the progress. My email is rebecca@WeLoveCostaRica.com
Best of luck to you and your upcoming move. It’s a beautiful, peaceful, area.
Hello all. I do personally believe that this Marina project will get done. It is simply a very important and necessary project for our area. It took us this long to get here… I will be happy to send photos of any progress as it happens, but realistically it will take some time to ‘see’ some noticeable difference. I drive the area almost daily. Also, the road that is supposed to be paved is la “Ruta del Sol” which is the road that runs from Playa Penca north to Playa Zapotal area. This route runs along the Pacific Coast and will join the Rosewood Hotel, The Ritz and the RIU projects. The “Monkey Trail” (aka Congo Trail) is also supposed to be paved, however, I don’t see this happening for a few years realistically. The Ruta del Sol is more important for the time being, however I was told that the government and private entities are budgeting for some pavement in the future. That would be nice, considering that the adventure on the Monkey trail is not worth the 10 minutes you save to get to the airport IMHO. Becky
