'Best Business to Have in Costa Rica?' Business

Best Business to Have in Costa Rica?

missy from kutztown, PA (Contact Member) -

If one is relocating to Costa Rica, what would be the best business to bring to Costa Rica. What businesses are the most successful in Costa Rica? Hotels? Bars? or?

Reply #1 Old Grump from San Jose (Contact Member) -

You will probably find that "Bed and Breakfasts" are the best business for a gringo in Costa Rica. The problem there is figuring out something special to justify a suitable room rent, or having enough rooms for a low price. Consider also that a B&B will be a 24 hrs a day, 7 day a week project for you.

Other businesses such as bars or restaurants can be very difficult due to staff requirements, location, etc. If you rent a property for a business that is dependent on that location you might find that many people will try to get you out once your open so they can take over a "ready made business for them."

For any business keep in mind that the laws and procedures for doing things may be very convoluted (from your point of view) and very slow. You may have extreme difficulties with some of the very basics, ie: telephone or cellular.

If your business (or home) location dosen't have a telephone line, how long will it take to get one? If you can't get a cellular phone in your name, what are the hassles of using one that is in a corporate or other persons name?

If you business caters to locals (rather than gringos) keep in mind that the going wage there is around a buck an hour. Someone bringing in $300 a month has a very good job. Someone bringing $2, 000 a month is rich. Who has the money to buy your product or service?

All that said, the best business to bring along would be won't you don't bring along at all, but operate by remote control. Then your only question will be if the internet service is consistently reliable and fast enough to meet your needs (and available where you want to live).

Reply #2 missy from kutztown, PA (Contact Member) -

Thank you so much for all this information. You are very helpful. I have noticed your comments all over this board and am impressed by most of your comments :) Thanks again for all the input!

Reply #3 Old Grump from San Jose (Contact Member) -

Actually, I am an Old Grump and do usually have a bad attitude. I apologize if it isn't showing at the moment!

Reply #4 Mario from in the desert (Contact Member) -

I had no clue that income was that small as compared to in the U.S. I guess you can really have a great time in Costa Rica on very little money. I haven't been in many years and didn't rememeber how much everything cost. I was looking up some places to stay and mansions you can stay in for about 200.00 per night per person, that is cheap compared to anywhere else. These are all inclusive, with maid service, and everything you can think of.

Reply #5 Old Grump from San Jose (Contact Member) -

Look at Vida Tropical near the San Jose Airport...

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When visiting lovely Costa Rica, you have many choices of places to visit and options on accommodations. --We're listed, among others, in The New Key to Costa Rica by Beatrice Blake, Harvards Lets Go Costa Rica, John Howells Choose Costa Rica, in the Tico Times Explore Costa Rica, and soon in Lonely Planets Guide. We are recommended often in message boards such as --Discovery Press, Costa Rica Living, Lonely Planet Thorn Tree, Fodor's, and Frommer's Guide.

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Currently listed at $45/night for a double.

• Vida Tropical

Reply #6 missy from kutztown, PA (Contact Member) -

Yeah i was not aware how little some people can make per month down in Costa Rica. But some people even in America can make very little, but still they would be very well aware that they are making little and 1, 00 would not be observed as a lot of money over here. But then again everything here is soooo expensive that it's insane! So no wonder we need to make a lot of money.

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