Costa Rica Updated, Travel, Real Estate, & Helping the Needy as of November 21, 2020 is a 3 part newsletter that includes some great news. Hi everyone, I hope you are all well and will have the time to digest this newsletter over the next couple of days. Please share with your family and friends. As you know, growing this base is a big part of my business. As such, I appreciate each new connection made in the hopes of helping them realize the dream of spending time in paradise.
The 3 parts of this Costa Rica Updated newsletter are: Helping the needy, Updated entry requirements, and a Real Estate update for 2020.
Helping the needy here in and around the Papagayo beaches. Costa Rica Updated
As you know, the Covid pandemic took a huge hit on the tourism industry and back in February-March put our beaches out of business. The ripple effect has been huge, and it's people like our own Michael Simons, broker/owner of Tres Amigos Realty Group, that have stepped up to win the day. That said, they can't do it alone. They really do need your help via donations, either personally, together with family or at work. To that end, some great people have come together to raffle holiday packages here in Costa Rica. Here is just one such offer.
Here is your chance to win a trip for 4 to COSTA RICA, and you can help FEED PEOPLE at the same time. For just $100 you get a raffle ticket. There are only 100. All the money goes to buy food for the amazing people of Costa Rica who have been struggling for 8 months with the tourism shutdown. Even though we are open for business, only a small percentage of people will get their jobs back, so we will need to continue to do this for a while. PLEASE open your wallets and your hearts and donate. The winner gets 4 airline tickets to Costa Rica and a week's stay in a luxurious PACIFICO 3-bedroom condo. You can ZELLE or PAYPAL to michael@tanktopsflipflops.com and MAKE SURE to put CARDELLA CHALLENGE #5 in the description to get you into this draw.
It takes approximately $1000 USD to feed 60 families. 100% of your donation goes to feeding affected families. Many of these people just don't have other options. Officially, unemployment is running around 23%, and we know it's much higher at the beaches. In return for food, people have been collecting garbage, cleaning entire villages and roadways as an exchange for your donations. They are good and humble people with their backs to the wall at this time. Please remember them in your prayers and hearts. No gift is too small or too large.
Real Estate 2020, Costa Rica Updated
We have all heard a common saying when it comes to Real Estate: Location, Location, Location. Over this past year, this has shown itself to be true once again. Sales in the area are happening as the pandemic, elections, and protest riots, are making many people rethink their current lifestyle. In researching Costa Rica, most people will also discover the government here, as in all other countries, is under financial pressure, with a fiscal outlook adding up to 3 or 4 difficult years ahead. As always, different areas will feel those effects more than others. That's where “Location” comes in and where the “Good News” starts. Because this area was designated as a special tourist area by Costa Rica many years ago, we have received many upgrades in infrastructure, including electrical lines, water, fiber optics, and roads. There's a few more things to do. There always is. After all, Costa Rica is an emerging country. That said, this area is in great shape. Liberia is growing fast, feeding into our base, and we remain the best spot in Costa Rica to live. As a result, sales in our part of the country are okay. We had some fire sales due to the pandemic, but we've sold most of that inventory, and more than ever sellers have decided to take their properties off the market and stay in Costa Rica.Here is a peek at some 2020 sales in our immediate area. Costa Rica Updated.
Condos $0 - $500,000; 50+ units not including 6 the owners who decided to keep their condos
Homes/Villas $0 - $800,000; 27+ Homes & Villas sold, 4 owners decided to stay
Villas $800,000 plus; 7+ Villas. Plus 3 Villa owners decided to keep their properties
Lots; Oceanview and non-oceanview 18+ Mainly oceanview
These are sold or currently under contract. Most of the local market is sold by our own Tres Amigos Realty Group, and many properties this year were sold using videos or live walk-through media prior to the new owner's arrival.
Here is a small selection of current listings. Please see my website for the expanded assortment of available properties.
Tourism is starting to return, albeit at a slower pace. That said, property sales are alive and well, as many people have decided to make Costa Rica home, either full or part-time.
Travelers from pretty much every country can enter Costa Rica with minimal requirements. As far as we know, that will not change. But always be cautious when booking flights, etc., as flight coverages vary depending on your country of origin and government travel advisories. For now, here are simplified requirements for entering Costa Rica.
As a Tourist;
Costa Rica requires you to fill out a health pass prior to coming. The pass is available online and is submitted online. A link to the pass “here”
Costa Rica also requires Covid-19 travel insurance. The minimum requirement included in that insurance is $50,000 USD medical, and $2,000 USD housing. There are exemptions for the housing component, provided you supply proof of a rental contract or ownership of a home.
Remember the insurance coverage must match the number of days you will be in the country, and you must provide written proof of the same. (preferably in Spanish)
No Covid test is required
As a Resident.
Fill out the health pass online prior to coming and submit online. A link to the pass “here”
You must provide proof that your Caja payments are up to date. If you are not up to date, Costa Rica provides a remedy for that situation. Please follow the link below for more information
You must have a valid Resident/Dimex card. If it is expired, you will enter as a tourist.
No Covid test is required
As a Citizen
Fill out the health Pass online and submit online. Link “Here”
No Covid test is required
Carrying insurance in Costa Rica. A few thoughts.
We tend to search in our home countries for insurance either for travel, life, or special insurance such as needed for Covid-19 coverage. In listening to some doctors and Phil Eitman of All Insurance Costa Rica, I have gained some insight into the idea, “Not all insurance coverage is equal.”. To get to the point, not all private hospitals will accept just any insurer for emergency or scheduled procedures. The simple reason is that in the past they would have to fight for payment from the insurance company. As such, they may require payment by credit card for services. Then provide you with the paperwork necessary to be reimbursed. That may be suitable for you in an emergency. Of course, many people are covered through a policy from home or work to one degree or another. If you plan on living here full time or for extended periods, some advice and a level of coverage from Phil and the team at All Insurance CR is worthwhile. They have been doing this for years and can answer questions correctly instead of someone's opinion online, including my own. You can contact All Insurance Costa Rica. “here”
For Covid-19 insurance, Here are 3 Costa Rican links
INS, Sagicor & All Insurance Costa Rica
Full Costa Rica travel information is available from The Costa Rican Tourism Board. They will answer any questions you may have. Contact them here
Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter, Costa Rica Updated November 21, 2020, and contact me anytime. The best compliment I can receive is a referral to your friends.