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Costa Rica Living, Retirement & Real Estate - Sample articles from this site

Here are a few sample articles to give you an idea of the kinds of things you'll find in the VIP Members Area of this site.

These articles are reprinted as they originally appeared in the members only section of this site.

Registration is free so what on earth are you waiting for?

Costa Rica Cigars: Tabacos de la Cordillera - Turning Back the Clock 50 Years
Wendi Patrick
Costa Rica Cigars: Tabacos de la Cordillera - Turning Back the Clock 50 Years In the mountains of Costa Rica, hand-rolled cigars are created using tobacco grown from pre-Castro Cuban tobacco seeds. Tabacos de la Cordillera prides itself on growing its tobacco from this seed bank, unique in the world, and making its cigars only from tobacco grown on its farm in the verdant Puriscal hills. . . . Keep reading
Taxes in Costa Rica - A quick overview with FREE online video
Costa Rica Tax Expert - Randall Zamora
Taxes in Costa Rica - A quick overview with FREE online video During the last 10 years Costa Rica had received a lot of attention from multinational companies, and therefore has been chosen as the country to be due to its affordable labor cost; economical, social and political stability. . . . Keep reading
Journey to the Cabecar Indigenous Reservation
Ginnee Hancock
Journey to the Cabecar Indigenous Reservation This was an important journey, important to me because I can not make this trip, important to her because it expanded her world, her mind, and I knew she could do it. It is also important that you learn about our rural Indigenous. This was probably her most challenging adventure yet, I knew it would be pushing her envelope but I left that part out when sharing the opportunity with her. . . . Keep reading
Costa Rica Pacific Coast Ocean View Home For Sale By Owner - Manazanillo de Cobano - $200,000
Simon
Costa Rica Pacific Coast Ocean View Home For Sale By Owner - Manazanillo de Cobano - $200,000 This simple two story, two bedroom ocean view home is made almost entirely of solid teak. All the hardwood used in the construction of the house was meticulously handpicked by the owner from sustainable sources. . . . Keep reading
Costa Rica Newsletter - Six years and 416 newsletters later ...
Scott Oliver - January 2009
Costa Rica Newsletter - Six years and 416 newsletters later ... Most Costa Rica newsletters that claim to inform you do nothing except put you on a list for some hard sell, boiler room salesperson who will call you from Florida and beat you to death on the telephone trying to sell you 'ocean view' land that they don't want you to see - because it doesn't actually have a view of the ocean - before you send them money - Yes! Thousands of people have done exactly that... . . . Keep reading
Costa Rica Realtors Most Recommended - Contact Phil Hemion for real estate in Heredia.
Scott Oliver
Costa Rica Realtors Most Recommended - Contact Phil Hemion for real estate in Heredia. Phil Hemion is an American citizen who has lived in Costa Rica since 2003. He lives in Barva de Heredia and covers the Barva, San Rafael, San Isidro and Santa Barbara parts of Heredia and has taken the real estate sales agent's course at the Costa Rican Real Estate Association (CCCBR) . . . Keep reading
Costa Rica Real Estate Investors - Trading on Insider Information - FREE Video
Scott Oliver
Costa Rica Real Estate Investors - Trading on Insider Information - FREE Video More than a decade ago when I was working on Wall Street, trading on insider information might have made me a lot of money but, it would also have landed me in prison because trading on insider information is strictly illegal. . . . Keep reading
Costa Rica Living in the Central Valley: The Three Villages of Escazu
Margie Davis
Costa Rica Living in the Central Valley:  The Three Villages of Escazu The Central Valley is the place for me, and maybe it's the place for you. When I was still living in Florida, I researched online a place to settle in Costa Rica. I wanted to be near the cultural center of San Jose with its symphony, museums, movie theatres, fine restaurants but ... . . . Keep reading
Free Spanish Lesson #17 - The Holiday Season in Latin America
Dave Clark
Free Spanish Lesson #17 - The Holiday Season in Latin America Because about 95% of Latin America is Catholic, Christmas is as widely, maybe even more widely, celebrated holiday than in the US. Because a majority of Latin Americans live south of the equator, for them Christmas is actually during the summer. As you will see later, this influences some of their holiday traditions. . . . Keep reading
How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa - Sold out in Costa Rica but you can order from Amazon.com
Scott Oliver
How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa - Sold out in Costa Rica but you can order from Amazon.com When searching for Costa Rica real estate, will you know if you are listening to someone with zero qualifications or training in real estate? Who will be trying hard to earn a sales commission selling you a property that could be overpriced? . . . Keep reading
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"I just want to say thank you for your website, video and book. I appreciate your honesty in disclosing the pitfalls one can run into when dealing with real estate in Costa Rica. Having been a widow for a number of years now, I have come to understand the value of having reliable, honest people to deal with. This network of good, dependable business and professional people you have developed makes a great comfort zone within which to operate in a foreign country. The knowledge you have provided me with has given me the courage to pursue a dream, that I may not have pursued otherwise."

Cheryl DuPlessis. Greenville Junction, Maine

"Hola Scott! It was some time ago when I asked you for a reference to legal counsel for a particularly ornery situation with MINAE. Well, we FINALLY got the last permit to complete the construction of our vacation villa in Manuel Antonio. Your recommendation led us to an environmental law specialist, Lic. Mauricio Salas. Thanks to Sr. Salas, we have prevailed in every instance over the MINAE follies. We are very pleased and have you to thank for the introduction(s) that led us to the right guy who got the job done. Saludos y muchisimas gracias."

Coleman Alderson, Manuel Antonio. Costa Rica.

"I have known Scott Oliver for over 20 years now, since our days of commuting together on the train into New York City. As a plain talking Brit, he may be a bit too direct for some people but know this: Scott Oliver is 100% authentic, he's a brutally honest, hard-hitting, no BS kind of a guy who cares about people and this shines through on the WeLoveCostaRica.com site."

Michael Fitzgerald, NY

"I have been a VIP member for a while on your site + you are a wealth of information for me. You recommended John McGee to me months ago for health insurance and I got my girlfriend and myself excellent coverage and John is really a nice person to deal with. I have also used 2 different lawyers from your site for title searches and they too were very professional and efficient. Thanks for any help and I appreciate everything that you have done for us already. I bought your book a long time ago and it was the most informative book on Costa Rica I have ever read and definitely the Bible for buying real estate in Costa Rica. This will be my second property here thanks to this book and the information that I gained from not only reading but applying what I read."

Lewis Alongis.

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Jazmin Sanchez Solano, San Jose. Costa Rica

"I have to write and say that I think your site is the best site in internet history. No really. I go into withdrawals if I don't receive your emails. This may sound selfish but I will be leaving FL in 4 years and retiring in CR. I hope nothing happens to you between now and then because I just don't know what I will do with out your articles keeping me up to date and informing me of the latest deals and all the other misc. great stuff about CR. This information tells me how the economy is going in CR and how I should be planning my retirement. Take care of yourself and always wear your seat belt."

Mary in FL, USA

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Heather Dopson in Costa Rica

"Of course this has all become a reality due to WeLoveCostaRica.com - the most exciting, colourful, informative and professional website anyone could wish for. Thank you Scott to the power of n.

Angela & Malcolm Wright. Yorkshire. UK

"You will never know how much your education your website and books served me well when I was in Costa Rica. Truthfully I can say that the time spent on your website helped me make the judgment I needed to recognize a great opportunity with a great deal confidence. I know that your education contributed much to my understanding about what is fact and what is fiction about retiring to Costa Rica."

Tom in Portland. Oregon.

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Grizzly.

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Jonina K. Winter. LaPorte, TX.

"Thanks Scott, I found your book inspirational about Costa Rica, with just the kind of practical information we were looking for."

Jerry Brown.

"Your web site is incredible and has already proven to be very helpful to us."

Frannie & Gabe Volinsky in Texas, USA

"I have to say your web site is by far the best prepared and most informative that I have seen."

Nick Constantin.

"I would just like to say thank you! Your website is phenomenal. What a wealth of information."

Bob Bodey. USA.

"Scott. Eve and I want to express our gratitude for your bold statements about the US equity markets. We took your advice and sold us equities at the 13,800 Dow level. We are so glad you saved us over $100,000 in losses so far. Enough to make a sizeable down payment on a piece of paradise in Costa Rica. Thanks!"

Steve and Eve. Charlotte, NC. USA

"I received my Costa Rica Fair Trade coffee yesterday and had my first cup this morning. It was as wonderful as I remembered. I was missing the view of the Costa Rica coffee bushes across the mountain hills, but it did bring back the memories of sunshine, butterflies, bright flowers and the gorgeous view. Pretty amazing that a cup of coffee can do all this!"

Lisa. USA

"I would like to take a moment to appreciate Scott and applaud what I think is a fabulous discussion board with a wide variety of opinions. It is obviously the best place on the net to exchange opinions about CR and to catch up on important issues."

Diego Vega, USA & Costa Rica.

"My husband and I just returned from Costa Rica. Scott Oliver is everything he says he is and more. We highly recommend him, his web site, his book, map and advice, and more. We really appreciate everything he puts into this venture-it has made life so much easier for those of us considering Costa Rica as our retirement home."

Amelia and Philip Lewis. Alabama, USA.

"I believe anyone considering Costa Rica owes you a debt of gratitude for putting your time into this site - it is wonderful. And you make it abundantly clear why you have taken your stance with various developers... Your integrity shows throughout. What your forum has done for me is to reiterate again how important it is to keep a very close watch on the progress of these developments. Thanks again for your work."

Christophe B. USA

"I just wanted to say that I have been enjoying your website very much and it is thought provoking and informative. I find the site to be the best of all sites as to learning about Costa Rica, you should be very proud of your accomplishment sir, My wife and I applaud your efforts to deliver such valuable information especially to people like us who are relocating in the next two years. We have made friends on the site also which we would not have had the oppty. if not for you so thanks again :) We wish you continued success."

Artie & Luz Giordano. USA

"I am a subscriber to your wonderful newsletter. It has given me enormous amounts of information. Please don't ever stop."

Your amigo Buster Wolvert, USA.

"Scott, thank you so much for the great Costa Rica coffee. My wife bought some Starbucks "Costa Rican" blend and it was terrible. Now she can finally taste the real deal that I have bragging about for three years now."

Robert Pearce, USA. USA

"I bought the Costa Rica map you recommended, the package was nicely done and the delivery was very prompt too. Very nice. I give it five stars."

Rahul Thacker, USA. USA

"Scott, just wanted to say that the site looks very good, is run very well and is a very useful tool as well provides for quite an interesting read. It is clear that it was conceived and is run by a very intelligent, insightful person. The site is easy to navigate, has decent graphics. By far, it is the most professional-looking site related to CR that I have encountered and one is compelled to feel that the info on the site comes from a trustworthy, dependable source. That's saying a lot when dealing with matters related to CR because gosh knows how much sensationalism normally surrounds the topic! Thanks and keep up the great work!"

Chuck Crider, Orlando, FL. USA

"I just wanted to tell you how effective and helpful your site is. I have researched living in Costa Rica, searched for real estate, rented a car, purchased top-quality products, and talked to others about CR in your forum. All conveniently available from your wonderful website. My heartfelt thanks for the terrific organization you have created and for all the great information you dissiminate regularly and so cheerfully. It is a real pleasure "doing business" with you."

Fred Jackson. USA

"Scott, I have been visiting Costa Rica for 7 years now. I have been a VIP Member for about 5 years and have done a tremendous amount of independent research on any and all aspects of living in Costa Rica. I can honestly say that I can not refute with confidence anything you have said in your forums, or represented on your website. You do more for Costa Rica than any ambassador could ever hope for. You're one of about three people I completely trust in Costa Rica when it comes to any recommendation. You tell it like it is. Any profit you make on your book is well deserved. Thank you for providing this invaluable service."

Robert Pearce, USA.

"You are the best! I love supporting people that make a difference in this world and I love that you are so accessible and down to earth and have been a wonderful help. We've had six serious buyers in three days contact us already from the FSBO section of WeLoveCostaRica.com."

Pamela Bain. Interior Designer. USA

"I've been a member for over a year and a half and never checked out the forums much until last week. What was I thinking? The entertainment value alone is worth it..."

Al Loria. USA

"WeLoveCostaRica.com is the best website for real estate investment in Costa Rica.

Cesar Londono, NY. USA

The WeLoveCostaRica.com forum has been more useful to me & my desire to learn about Costa Rica than all of the books put together!"

Debbie Bloom, USA

"I've tasted coffee around the world and think Bv?ho Sabio (from WeLoveCostaRica.com) is right up there if not THE best."

Coleman Alderson, USA

"I love your newsletter. I'm looking for property in Costa Rica and I've found that the information you provide is invaluable."

Joe Kovalik, USA

"At the airport, there should be a giant red banner with a warning sentence to all prospective Buyers: "DO NOT BUY REAL ESTATE IN COSTA RICA BEFORE READING SCOTT'S BOOK."

Yolande Citro, Miami's Celebrity Realtor.

"Just want to let you know that the information you have in your newsletters is awesome."

David Olmo, USA

"Thank you for tracking down the DVD & CDs of Costa Rica. I play mine in the car everyday & it makes the waiting to come back much more bearable. The DVD is fantastic & has some places I did not know about."

Robert Hellebuyck, USA

"Your book is the best I have read on Costa Rican real estate and so much more... Great work."

Roger Wyer

"Just looked at your tip of the week plus related items of interest. It's obviously the best of anything coming out of Costa Rica - by a long way."

David Rushton

"The weekly email reports are a must read for me Scott, and I really appreciate all the work you put into it."

Shawn Phillips

"I wanted to thank you Mayra Claveria for all your help in looking for a property. The time you spent with us, your excellent ability to communicate with developers and your warmth made our journey very worthwhile!."

Kristina Bonfield

"I just wanted to tell you THANKS for giving Costa Rica a good name just through your site! We love Costa Rica too!"

Kesia Tosi (A Costa Rican), living in Tampa, Florida

"I'm really pleased to say that I sold my Jeep through your classified ad section. I appreciate this great service...Most everyone else charges and for all the ones I've ever paid for I never once sold anything. Here I use your free service and I sell my Jeep, I love it! Great site!"

Ernie Tetreault, Costa Rica

"For us to visit Costa Rica and get the expert information that we've been able to find at WeLoveCostaRica.com would require about six weeks... Costing US$3,000 to US$7,000."

Jeff Billo, USA

"Thanks for a terrific newsletter! I can't believe the fantastic content."

Laurice Albert, Canada, USA

"BTW, your book is excellent. I will be recommending it to my investment networking group."

Kristina Bonfield

"WeLoveCostaRica is unique because most info sites are only skin deep, by comparison..."

William Brown, USA

"I have learned more about Costa Rica in two weeks with your website than I have learned doing my own research over the past three years."

Roy Scruggs, , Texas. USA

"I find your service to be priceless. Not only has it helped me to line up job interviews prior to my arrival, it has also provided valuable information on what to expect once I arrive."

Sean Johnson, USA

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John Herbert, USA

"The quality of the articles posted on your website is truly outstanding.

Ron Brewer, USA

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Kevin Myers, Albuquerque, NM USA

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Suzanne Carpenter, USA

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Kim Moore,, Oregon. USA

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Frank Grimm,, USMC

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Craig B. Hawe,, Playa Tambor, Costa Rica

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Jodi O'Shea-Walker,, OK, USA

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John Rubida,, Costa Rica

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Rich Hellner,, USA

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Jann,, ND, USA