www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I am looking at buying a bar in Jaco, and am looking for any advice from those of you who already own a business in CR. A few general questions:
1) From everything I have read, there is really no problem for foreigners owning a business. What might I be missing?
2) What sort of licensing issues are there? I saw on Craigslist that the are liquor licenses for sale for over US$100,000 as well as for rent. What is up with that?
3) What kinds of corruption will I be facing as a small business owner? Do the police shake you down each week for example? Do government officials need payoffs before signing off on licenses you need?
4) Is there a problem sending small amounts (less than$10,000) back to the states?

Anyone who owns a business, please add random thoughts on the topic as well!

Thanks in advance,
Scooter

How much time have you spent in Costa Rica?

Very little...one week. Sounds crazy, but after doing research, I am having trouble finding out why NOT to make the move. I am 50, have worked in the hospitality bus for over 30 years, and am really ready to own my own place. Never stupid enough to get married or have K*ds so I ask myself why not CR? Doesn't everybody dream of retiring to a tropical island? Ok, so I would not be retiring, but hopefully someday....

Scooter

There are many other places in CR that are nicer than Jaco. If I were you, I would spend a few months in Jaco, get the "feel" of the place, and then ask the same questions.

Scooter I have a bridge for sale, great investment and probably a better return than buying a bar in a central American country that you've only spent a week in.

_________________

Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

You are walking a slippery slope, CR ain't like NY or CA where you can get judicial relief within your lifetime if things go wrong. I do admire your let's go, but that may not serve you in CR.

as the others have said you would be best served to take a step back and a deep breath. its all pretty exciting i agree and if you have the money a good deal might be out there. but you could just as easily get cut to shreds and walk away with nothing.
i've heard a lot more stories of pain as opposed to glory in five years.
also agree there are a lot nicer place than jaco, but it does seem to be having a resurgence of late.

_________________
im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood

If you can get in for 100K bring 200K then you will be even.
Regards, 911 Driver

_________________
The happy hour is a device either for getting rid of social obligations hurriedly en masse or for making overtures toward more serious social relationships, as in the etiquette of whoring.- Brooks Atkinson

Just by reading the questions you asked it is apparent that you should not even consider going any further then having thought about it.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Your best bet would be to call or PM Boyd (BKTUNA) about questions on businesses in SJ or Jaco.

He has current experience on the ground. He is "street-wise", and he has very good business sense.

RAC

of

Gonna be the least of your problems.

But good for you and your "dream."

DO NOT DO IT!!

Please go slow!! Learn to speak Spanish & do not try to live a fantasy!

I lived in Jaco for 12 years. If you want to donate money to something, I promise to use it wisely. Seriously, Jaco is somewhat cliquish. Very seldom do people blow into town and open a new business that succeeds. I've seen more bars than I can count come and go. They were opened by someone who is not known or previously connected to anyone in Jaco. And some of them actually pretty nice. There are a handful of bars that do really well and they have solid followings. You're probably not going to get that no matter how good your concept. As I'm writing this, I'm thinking of a few that I really wish had made it. Not to be harsh, but that is how I have seen it ever since I moved there.

There are many ways I could write this but you have rec'd some good advice - don't include yourself on the list (and its a long one) of stupid gringo's who invested in Costa Rica and lost everything.

Seriously, if this is anymore than a fantasy (and if it is a fantasy, I don't like to be a part of anyones wet dream) you need to do the following:

Visit (Jesus....do you know how crazy it is to want to live/invest in a place you visited one time for one week )

Get as much time on the ground as you can

Forget this particular opportunity - move down, take it slow and over say, 6 - 12 months look - in person - at any opportunities that may interest you.

Trust me - your problem will not be the sending of <10k, but the getting of <10k in the first place (the saying how do you make a million - start with two - was tailor made for Costa Rica) - you need a lot more time, info and advice -

JUST BY BEING A PERCEPTIVE PERSON AND "READING BETWEEN THE LINES" YOU ARE SO RIPE TO BE phucked THAT WERE I YOU I WOULD NOT GO ANYWHERE CLOSE TO PUCHOS BAR (But of course you have no idea what I'm talking about - and that - not Pucho's; I was obviously making a joke - is illustration of problem one)

This thread is an April Fool's joke a week early just to yank everyone's chain ? It worked.

The bar thing has been discussed in several threads: Here is one of them:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=19461

_________________
* These are the "Good Ole Days". Enjoy Them.

* RENT but, "Don't Buy a Home in Costa Rica" until you have lived here for THREE years.