Car Safety In Costa Rica

The road traffic accident rate in Costa Rica is phenomenal - and rising. Most tourists see at least one accident on the roads during their time in the country, and though Costa Ricans blame bad road conditions, the real cause is more often poor driving - you're advised to drive extremely defensively. Sections of washed out, unmarked or unlit road add to the hazards, as do mechanically unsound buses and big trans-isthmus trucks.

Another hazard of driving in Costa Rica involves car crime. A recent scam involves thieves entering car rental companies' parking lots and making slow punctures in the tires of hire cars. Unsuspecting
drivers then take these cars out onto the road until the puncture eventually forces them to pull over, at which point the thieves stop to offer help before robbing you on the roadway or hard shoulder. Drive to the nearest public area and call the police.

• Keep your doors locked and windows shut, especially in San Jose.
• If someone suspicious approaches your vehicle at a red light or stop sign, blow your horn.
• Do not pull over for flashing headlights. Note that an emergency or police vehicle has red or blue flashing headlights.
• If you become lost, find a public place, like a service station, to consult your map or ask for directions.
• If someone tells you something is wrong with your vehicle do not stop immediately. Drive to the nearest service station or other well-lit public area.
• Keep valuables in the trunk or out of sight, and your car locked at all times.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• Do not leave the keys in your vehicle or the motor running when you stop to fill up.
• If you suspect you are being followed, go to the nearest well-lit public area and call the police.
• In case of emergency call 911.

For extensive information about car rental in Costa Rica, visit Costa Rica real estate.

A Look At San Jose

Ringed by the jagged silhouettes of soaring mountains, San Jose landscape would surely leave tourists in beguile. The capital and largest city of Costa Rica, it holds the seat of the government and is the center of political and economic activity. A very cosmopolitan capital with many welcoming qualities and buildings boosting a unique Caribbean, Victorian architecture, San Jose has attracted number of tourists, expatriates and investors interested in San Jose real estate.

The home of the Teatro Nacional, a lot of tourists drop by San Jose just to see Central America's grandest theatre. The exemplary Museo de Oro Precolombino that has 2000 pieces of pre-Columbian gold and Museo de Jade, America's largest collection of the precious stone are all situated in the city of San Jose. A colorful arrangement of fruits and vegetables and an array of beef and chicharrones (deep fried pork skins) are just some of the things you�ll find when you come to San Jose's Mercado Central. If you're looking for drinking and nightlife, the trail of bars and clubs in San Jose is a good destination.

The eternal spring weather and climate in the Central Valley is another reason why San Jose is one of the most viable destinations for Costa Rica real estate investors. If retirement is on your mind, and you are thinking of buying a second or a retirement home you might consider Costa Rica's affordable offers. A land of natural wonders and countless splendors, Costa Rica is really a worth-seeing Caribbean haven.

...and thou shalt know all these things

1. Thou shall learn to love eating black beans and rice three times a day.
2. Thou shall expect to hear mi amor (my love), mi vida (my life), mi corazón (my heart), and te quiero or tea mo (I love you) a lot. Don’t get freaked out – people use these terms a lot more glibly than they might where you are from.
3. Thou shall do plenty of research before starting up any property or land investment in Costa Rica real estate.
4. Thou shall buy fruit and vegetables at the local weekend feria rather than in the supermarket – much more fun!
5. Thou shall shout “Upe” when arriving at someone’s house rather than knocking on the door.
6. Thou shall not overstay your visa. You could be deported, and the Tico immigration police don’t seem to share the famed friendliness of the general public.
7. Thou shall not be flashy and ostentatious – Ticos hate such behavior,and much prefer people who are humilde (humble).
8. Thou shall not give alcohol as a gift when visiting a Tico’s home. A family member may be a recovering alcoholic, or the family may be teetotal.
9. Thou shall not shout at people or employees, no matter how frustrated you are, and especially not in public. Ticos take offense easily, and this will cause you more trouble than what the momentary relief was worth.
10. Thou shall not expect to get straight down to business. Personal contact is very important in Costa Rica-expect a fair amount of good-natured banter and chit-chat before the serious business begins.

Dance Like Latinos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MmTNM5sbAs

Costa Ricans love to dance, and it's common to see children who have barely learned to stand up grooving and bopping, much encouraged by their parents. Consequently, there are many good discos, mainly in San Jose. And one of the best ways to meet people and to prepare yourself for San Jose nightlife is to take a few salsa lessons at one of the city's many academias de baile. You don't necessarily need a partner, and you can go with a friend or in a group. Your popularity at discos or house parties will have something to do with how well you can dance. If you are really keen you might want to take salsa and merengue lessons before you come. Fitting in at a disco is easier for women, who simply wait to be asked to dance. Men,however, are not only expected to go out and hunt down female dance partners, but also to lead, which means they actually have to know what they're doing.

The truth is, Costa Rica literally has something to offer everyone. It is a hot spot for foreign investors, retirees from the US and Europe who want a better lifestyle and own a beautiful house from Costa Rica real estate, adventure touring, hiking, surfing, rafting, fishing and much more. If you haven’t been here yet, you clearly should look into it, you won’t regret it!

Now, are you ready to dance?

The America’s Next Top Surfing Destination.

Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has some of the most diverse scenery in the world. Beautiful sandy beaches, high investment with low risk Costa Rica real estate, lush rainforests, and volcanoes can all be discovered here. It is breathtakingly beautiful and is meant to be explored!Numerous rivers offer quality sandbar rivermouth breaks, particularly on the Pacific coast. Now it has become, for many, a passion.

Costa Rica has indeed become a favorite surfer hangout, especially for those who want to take on some of the more challenging waves found on the planet.Bringing too many boards can limit your mobility, plus getting around with many surf boards can be very challenging. Be very careful, however. Costa Rica also has an unusual strategic position that within just a few hours you can surf at sunrise at the Caribbean coast, and later in the day, watch the sunset over on the pacific side, catching a different set of waves.

Surfers, like Ticos are polite and hate confrontations- they are holistic when it comes to surf etiquette. Gringo surfers have a bad setting, and the locals will not take kindly to you stealing their wave (although they probably wont say anything to your face).

And though some of the surfer beaches maybe kind of hard to reach, due to poor road conditions, they are well worth the trip as the waves here are good all year round.

Getting The Best Value Out Of Your Real Estate Investment.

Bothered by the distressing notion that your assets might get you into financial trouble instead of it giving you the peace of mind and financial security you need from owning one? Does your property investment earn you with added profit? Do you get “cash value” out of it on a regular basis without having to wait for certain period to sell it?

If you have a property that’s been unoccupied for a long time now and you can’t think of any worthwhile present use, it might just be a good idea to use it as collateral to get a loan to perhaps purchase another piece of property and make it to work for you to produce stable income.. Unlike insurance and pension plans, real estate is a fixed asset, thus, it is a safe investment. The concept here is to create other opportunity out of your property’s value and make it earn interest for you while paying for monthly installments.

Check on regularly your monthly financial statement and evaluate your monthly cash flow. For example, you may want to take a closer look on how much your monthly mortgage installment payments contribute to your outgoings in your cash flow statement. So instead of shelling out money contributing to more pension plans and insurance policies, why not double your own mortgage installment payments if you can afford it? This means practically that you get to own your own or you can have another property in double the time.

Whether the need for extra savings is sooner or perhaps a little later, the idea always work to the advantage of real estate property owners who act on it even before a pressing financial problem arises.

To venture for more safe and stable real estate, please visit Costa Rica real estate.

For The Love Of The Beach

Say goodbye to the hassles and the bustles of the city, embrace the quiet and peaceful life by the Costa Rican beaches. If you love the sea, beach front properties are the best buys. A range of small and large properties that are more suitable for development are available for you. More and more people are discovering the natural beauty and the numerous investment growth potential in Costa Rica. We will help you find the best deal and purchase the right property for you.

If you dream of having a beach front property in tropical Costa Rica, Costa Rica real estate can help to make your dreams come true. Enjoy the most amazing beach view from your own terrace or balcony and see how beautiful Costa Rica is.If you want to build the perfect beach house, then Costa Rica’s tropical setting would make it the best location.

Anyone considering investing in real estate in Costa Rica and moving to live in the country full time can potentially benefit from tax break incentives available to investors. An upscale lifestyle in a unique community by the beach is what Costa Rica Real Estate has prepared for you.