Business

U.S. Fed stays course amid spending cuts

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said that the Fed’s policy board still saw risks for the economy.

HP to move 400 Costa Rica jobs to India

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Employees will be offered positions in other local units.

Industry trade fair to focus on carbon neutrality

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

Some 200 businesses are expected to participate.

Duty Free, Liberia Airport

Airport duty free stores expanding

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

Sales last December alone totaled $843,000.

Water Footprint

Do Costa Rica crops have a ‘Water Footprint’?

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

“In Costa Rica, government officials prioritize short-term development that puts at risk what’s most important for the country’s development: water and land,” experts say.

Costa Rican hotels ready for Holy Week rush

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Hotels in Guanacaste and the Caribbean expect to be the two top destinations this year.

Lawmakers approve $55 million loan for Caribbean docks

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Funds will be used to add a 300-meter dock to the current port.

Infosys opens outsourcing center in San José

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

The Costa Rican office will soon offer the company’s entire range of services.

Medical Tourism

Costa Rica to host annual medical tourism summit

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

Costa Rica is among the world’s five best places to retire, according to “International Living” magazine.

Internet

Internet slow, but speeding up in Costa Rica

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

The Costa Rican government expects 16 percent of the population to have a broadband connection by 2016.

Adventure tourism

Costa Rica ranks high with Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor users

By Rebecca Aguilar  | Special to The Tico Times

Travelers praise the country for its nature, adventure and friendly fellow travelers.

VP Luis Liberman at MicroVention

U.S. medical supplies firm opens $8 million facility in Costa Rica

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Company expects to hire 500 employees in the next two years.

Costa Rica, Colombia wrap up free trade deal

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Presidents will sign the agreement on May 23.

Delta airlines announces new daily L.A.-San José flight

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

The new nonstop flight is already available for booking at the company’s website.

Mobile Market

What’s new in the mobile market?

The Mobile World Congress showcased the latest in mobile technology. Global smartphone sales could soon top two billion units.

U.S. Tax Law

Costa Rica firms ready for new U.S. Tax Law

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

Starting on Jan. 1, 2014, local agencies will be able to locate U.S. taxpayers who have accounts with them.

Cruise ship, Caldera

New tax could push cruise ships away from Caldera

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Tourism business owners fear that a tax increase could force cruise ship companies to use ports in Nicaragua or Panama.

Are Ticos getting hooked on credit cards?

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

A new report by Costa Rica's Central Bank shows that more Ticos than ever before are using plastic for their purchases.

Sansa Airlines offers discount rates on domestic flights

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Passengers must present their Costa Rican identity card or residency permit to take advantage of the offer.

Agricultural ministers

Regional ag ministers agree on program to fight coffee fungus

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

The roya fungus has damaged 64 percent of coffee crops in Costa Rica, officials said.

Costa Rican exports increased by 7.2 percent in January

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Microprocessor components are still the top export product.

Border

Why can’t Central America trade more?

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

A World Bank report finds that poor roads, bad bureaucracy and inefficiency are hampering business in the region.

Finance minister publishes list of tax delinquents

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Outstanding tax debt totals some $26 million.

Seven new hotels to open in the next two years

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Costa Rica’s hotel occupancy capacity has increased in the past two years.

ExpoViajes

ExpoViajes helps Ticos travel the world

By Lindsay Fendt  | The Tico Times

Some 717,000 Costa Ricans traveled out of the country in 2011.

Multiplaza del Este

Mall Multiplaza del Este to add 80 more stores

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Work also includes renovation of current facilities and the addition of 1,100 parking spaces.

AMCHAM elects new board

By Lindsay Fendt  | The Tico Times

Café Britt founder Steve Aronson was elected president.

Only 35 percent of Costa Rican corporations will pay taxes on time

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Those failing to pay corporate taxes will be blocked from doing business starting Feb 1.

Iberia to increase seats in flights to Costa Rica

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Airline carried 194,000 passengers between Madrid and San José in 2012.

Cruise Ships

Number of cruise tourists decreased in the Caribbean

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Authorities say cruise ship staff are warning passengers that Limón is dangerous.

Coffee Roya 1

Decree helps fight coffee fungus

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

Thousands of hectares of Costa Rican coffee plantations have been damaged by a plant fungus known as “roya.”

Economic, climate crises raise risks: WEF

By AFP

Experts, who were asked to rate 50 global risks, suggested the risk of growing wealth gaps was the most likely to materialize, followed by unsustainable government debt and rising greenhouse gas emissions.

HuliHealth

Somebody find me a doctor!

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

A new website offers detailed information on services of 125 doctors in Costa Rica.

Canopy

Tourism associations at odds over industry statistics

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

CANATUR President Juan Carlos Ramos said that the group’s recent survey is accurate and includes 120 companies.

AMCHAM awards

AMCHAM awards corporate responsibility

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

Twenty-six companies with more than 40 projects participated in this year’s ceremony.

Costa Rica's inflation registers 4.26 percent in November

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

A decrease in fuel prices prevented higher inflation.

Daewoo Costa Rica

Costa Rica exports buses for the first time

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

A Korean-owned company based outside of San José expects to sell 100 buses in the region in the next two years.

Smashburger opens first Latin American restaurant in Costa Rica

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

New restaurant is located at Lincoln Plaza mall in San José.

Tim Cook Apple

iPhone 5 to arrive in Costa Rica on Dec. 14

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Local phone companies have not yet announced service-plan options.

Starbucks

Starbucks’ most expensive coffee is from Costa Rica

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

The U.S. chain is selling $7 cups of a limited edition brew made from Costa Rica’s Finca Palmilera.

Natural Gas

Decree could help boost liquefied natural gas imports in Costa Rica

By Alberto Font  | The Tico Times

Officials hope to replace petroleum imports with cleaner natural gas.

Davivienda Financial Group takes control of HSBC

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Bank plans to expand operations in El Salvador, Honduras and Panama.

Eurobond sales to help Costa Rica pay down debt

By L. Arias  | The Tico Times

Finance Ministry and the Central Bank will define a payment plan to avoid affecting the exchange rate.

86% of world’s unemployed get no income support: ILO

By AFP

In Latin America and the Caribbean, 40 percent of workers have unemployment insurance.

Solar Panels

Energy players must find common ground

ICE could no longer generate the energy required to meet increased demand.

‘Jawboning’ on interest rates

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Low-risk bet: Convert dollars to colones.

Intellectual Property

Presidential decree ends photocopying row

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Student rights advocates took to the streets in reaction, and last week, a demonstration outside of the assembly turned nasty,

Exchange Rate

Exporters see threat in dollar exchange rate

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

If the colón were to rise against the dollar, the survival of local exporting companies would be threatened.

China

Construction in China: Opportunities for Costa Rican firms

Nowadays, the People’s Republic of China is a huge open market, which offers vast opportunities for the construction industry.

Exchange Rate

Costa Rica exchange rate to stay at ₡500 into 2013

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

For the rest of 2012 and into 2013, pressure on the Costa Rican colón’s exchange rate versus the dollar will be downwards.

Roberto Gallardo

Could Costa Rica become another Greece?

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

The Tico Times spoke to Planning Minister Roberto Gallardo, the one in charge of coordinating Costa Rica’s ever-growing public sector.

Laura Chinchilla, tax law

Chinchilla signs tax laws, announces loan

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

President Laura Chinchilla signed three tax and finance bills into law on Tuesday that will help close tax loopholes and remove Costa Rica from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s “gray list.”

Informal workers

Informal workers: It’s the payroll taxes!

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Caja payroll headcount numbers are much harder than fuzzy census estimates.

Coffee

Coffee symposium to give growers a boost

By Steven Ercolani  | The Tico Times

Some 300 scientists and academics to attend a series of seminars that include more than 450 presentations.

New ‘eco-friendly’ Marriott airport hotel

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Courtyard Marriott has the distinction of being that prestigious chain’s first hotel built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) specifications.

Hacienda Pinilla

Hacienda Pinilla auction to benefit NGOs

The sprawling Pacific coastal property Hacienda Pinilla is on the market. High-end buyers are taking notice, while owners say profits will help fund nonprofit aid groups in the northwestern province of Guanacaste.

Fernando Ocampo

Costa Rica targets strategic trade deals

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

Costa Rica targets strategic trade deals across the globe.

Protecting Forests

How to make money by protecting forests

By Hannah J. Ryan  | The Tico Times

For the past 28 years, César Vindas has staked his plot on a beautiful piece of land in Los Santos region of southern Costa Rica. With the help of the National Fund for Financing Forestry, he’s able to reduce his carbon footprint and protect the forest. You can, too.

Digital Government Program

Hope for cutting red tape in Costa Rica?

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Laura Chinchilla’s National Liberation Party administration has started a low-key project to apply technology to help get government off ordinary citizens’ and entrepreneurs’ backs.

Edgar Ayales

Costa Rica’s 2013 budget a controversial move

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Finance Minister Edgar Ayales on Monday presented the Legislative Assembly with the administration’s 2013 budget, which cuts spending on infrastructure projects, but not the public payroll.

Housing Market 1

Housing market changing

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

After a boom-bust bubble cycle in the Pacific coast area, real estate property appreciation there and in the Central Valley is once again positive.

Escazú Mayor

Escazú Mayor Barahona: Local government can work

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Escazú Mayor Arnolodo Barahona and his progressive Yunta Progresista Escazuceña party wrested control from national political parties in 2010 elections. Two years later, the mayor tells The Tico Times what he’s accomplished.

Solar Energy

It’s getting easier to go solar in Costa Rica

By Hannah J. Ryan  | The Tico Times

For years homeowners in Costa Rica largely have been locked out of the solar option by high pricing and lack of infrastructure. That’s quickly changing, making solar energy a viable option for energy consumers who want to save money and the planet.

Featured Costa Rican properties

By Tico Times

Two options at Tamarindo beach and Conchal beach.

Laura Chinchilla 1

Chinchilla’s trip: What you need to know

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

President Laura Chinchilla wraps up a tour of Asian nations China and South Korea. What big business plans will she bring home for Costa Ricans?

All-inclusive Hotel

At big hotels, convenience is king

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

Hotel managers play wise with planning out the concept to stop guests from going overboard with eating and drinking.

Panama Canal 1

100 years later, Canal to make history again

By AFP

When finished, the waterway’s annual capacity will be double, from 300 million tons to 600 million tons.

Edgar Ayales

President’s fiscal agenda gets needed boost

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Administration officials are relieved that a political stalemate in the Legislative Assembly seems to be over, as lawmakers approve a series of bills to help reduce the fiscal deficit. But will the measures work without reining in public-sector spending?

Organic Food

Labelling not easy for organic food vendors

By Hannah J. Ryan  | The Tico Times

Every Saturday in San José's Barrio Aranjuez, vendors at Feria Verde, a farmers market, offer healthy organic food that shoppers can't find in supermarkets. But getting the government to certify their products as organic isn't simple.

Costa Rican Inflation

Costa Rican inflation: The 2007 breakthrough

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Costa Rica is now operating in an inflation range that was an impossible dream for two generations.

Food Prices

U.S. drought to drive up local food prices

By Rod Hughes  | Fijatevos.com

One of the worst droughts in the history of the United States will likely have an impact on food prices in Costa Rica, experts say.

Unemployment

How to read Costa Rica’s unemployment figures

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Employment is one of those slippery economic statistics that is easily misunderstood.

Moin Port

Moín Port could attract foreign investment

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

Costa Rica’s Caribbean ports need a makeover to compete with 21st century shipping needs. APM Terminals’ Paul Gallie tells The Tico Times how his company can help draw foreign investment to a region that badly needs it.

carbon-neutral

Companies receive nod for carbon efforts

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

The Environment Ministry recognizes nine Costa Rican companies for private initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. For the government, private sector efficiency is a win-win situation.

Franchising

Franchising a good option for start-ups

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

According to the Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce, one of the most viable options for business start-ups is franchising. Find out why franchises have been so successful despite a global economic downturn.

Ad Astra

Astronaut delivers motor mock-up

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

The motor is revolutionary, developing thrust on the basis of expelling super-hot plasma gas.

Luis Liberman

Costa Rica economy ‘on track,’ Vice President Liberman says

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Second Vice President Luis Liberman heads the Chinchilla administration’s economic team. Will his experience in the private banking system help Costa Rica weather rough economic seas?

Ssang Yong back in Costa Rica

By Tico Times

The Ssang Yong showroom is in Santo Domingo de Heredia.

Lesson: Careful who you recommend

By Tico Times

Top Costa Rican politicians wrote letters in favor of former Finance Minister and his wife, both forced to resign last April.

Limon Strike 1

Loan promise ends port strike

Exporters: Will deal to end strike last?

PROTOUR

Biz owners challenge Costa Rican Tourism Board

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Tourism Board officials a no-show at forum.

Hotel and restaurant owners showcase goods at 2012 Expo

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Three days of service industry demonstrations.

Dollar Exchange 1

For exchange rate, 5 years of stability

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

In the late 1970s and early ’80s, Costa Rica suffered its worst currency devaluation in history. Today, exchange-rate stability is considered one of the country’s economic victories.

Standard and Poor’s

S&P warns of new credit risk

Central America’s sovereign debt “is faced with growing credit risks,” a report noted.

Costa Rica to expand private renewable energy markets

Government goal is to have 95 percent of the country’s energy come from renewable sources by 2014.

Foreign Investment

Costa Rica: A tale of two economies

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Foreign direct investment in Costa Rica increased to a record $2.1 billion in 2011. Growth is projected at double the rate of the U.S. economy. So why is everyone still complaining?

Costa Rica Economy

Central Bank: Costa Rica economy has momentum

By Fernando Quirós  | The Tico Times

Despite low consumer confidence, the Central Bank reports this week that the country's production figures are better than expected. That's good news for the economy.

Intaco

For builders, Expo offers one-stop shopping

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Sector sees opportunity in automotive sales.

Language Schools 1

Is the worst over for language schools?

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

The Instituto Británico is closing its doors in June but other local language schools think they have what it takes to bounce back from the 2008 economic downturn.

9N Cigar Shop

In Costa Rica cigar bars, puff away – for now

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Businesses hope Costa Rica's new anti-smoking law won't affect their operations.

Taxes

Costa Rica needs more taxes ... eventually

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

Some experts say there's only one way out of Costa Rica's ongoing fiscal deficit problem: new taxes.

Chicken

Are the eggs on your plate free-range?

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

Humane Society International launches a program in Costa Rica to convince restaurant and store owners to better market eggs produced from free-range chickens. But consumers still need education, the head of the program says.

Grainger

Grainger comes to Costa Rica

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Industrial supply giant opens fourth location in Central America and the Caribbean.

Starbucks

Starbucks to sell Tico brand in Costa Rica store

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Bella Vista coffee selected by international coffee giant

Electricity rates increase in Heredia

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

ARESEP announces rate hikes for businesses and homes 2012-2013.

Restaurant Chains 1

Are U.S. chains taking over Costa Rica?

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

U.S.-based franchises are finding an increasingly open market in Costa Rica. Today, 171 foreign franchises operate here. How will it affect local businesses?

Costa Rica secures $670 million loan for hydroelectric dam

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

The project is slated to start generating energy in 2016.

Bill to transfer Telecom control advances

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

The bill still faces one more round of discussions before being signed into law.

Intellectual Property

Academy helps protect intellectual property

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

The Justice Ministry, Costa Rican-American Chamber of Commerce and other groups created the Costa Rican Academy of Intellectual Property to help train public and private agencies to protect intellectual property rights.

Medical Tourism

Medical tourism businesses expect growth

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Companies see opportunities in medical travel.

Fiscal Reform

Chinchilla outlines new fiscal measures

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

The president wants to implement four measures in order to prevent a financial crisis in Costa Rica.

Aloft San José Hotel

Costa Rica welcomes two new hotels

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Starwood Brand unveils new properties in Costa Rica

Heredia Bars 3

It’s easy to unwind in a college town

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Heredia has to have a lot to offer to keep fickle student bodies interested.

Spanish Schools

Spanish learners hit stride in Heredia

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

Many students traveling to Costa Rica to learn Spanish head straight to the coast. But language schools in Heredia think they'll teach you more.

Heredia Housing Projects 1

From coffee to condos, Heredia grows

By Andrew Kasper  | akasper@ticotimes.net

Since 2000, Heredia’s population has outpaced the rest of country in terms of growth.

UK-CR Chamber

Business leaders form new U.K.-Tico Chamber

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

After years of pondering the idea, U.K. business owners and Tico leaders joined the U.K. Embassy in inaugurating the United Kingdom-Costa Rica Chamber of Commerce.

Tourism

Visitor data reliable, says tourism official

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

ICT officials claim they provide a wealth of information generated from Immigration Administration data.

Tourism Numbers

Are Costa Rican Tourism Board numbers inflated?

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Association for the Protection of Tourism says industry is losing competitiveness.

Expo Movil

Deals still available at Expomóvil

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Hundreds of cars and special financing attracted car lovers.

Audi introduces new compact SUV

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Despite the Q3’s diminutive stature, the vehicle is long on Audi luxury and options

Check the VIN

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

When buying a car, checking a vehicle’s 17-digit vehicle identification number can provide useful information.

Expo Movil

Buying a car in C.R.: What should you know?

By Ashley Harrell  | aharrell@ticotimes.net

Buying a car in Costa Rica can be tricky. Financing and tax rates can be a burden. We’ll help you through the process.

Solar Power 1

University lab taps the power of the sun

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

Solar association reunites to promote solar energy.

Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars gain ground in Costa Rica, still face hurdles

By Matt Levin  | The Tico Times

Choices for electric and hybrid cars are limited, but alternative fuel-enthusiasts are pushing their growth.

Ascot mining to expand Costa Rica gold operations

By Adam Williams  | The Tico Times

The company has explored 12 percent of its two-kilometer concession area

Gas Prices 1

Will conflict affect Costa Rican gas prices?

By Adam Williams  | The Tico Times

Expert say U.S. and European sanctions against Iran will not directly affect Costa Rica but if conflict continues gas prices could rise.

Lago Mar 1

Lago Mar: 3-day escape to Ft. Lauderdale

A hotel in Florida with Costa Rican connections.

Dan Rogerson 1

British MPs eye Tico environmental program

By Clayton R. Norman  | The Tico Times

A delegate from the British House of Commons visits Costa Rica to learn about this country’s environmental services payment program.