Costa Rica Expertise LLC

Salvaged vehicles seem to be common in lots

By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

Readers requested this article. Some helped write it by sending in accounts of their own experiences trying to buy a used car in Costa Rica. Most recount the endeavor as a terror. One couple has almost given up and prefer the bus to dealing with used car salespeople. They may import their old vehicle from the States, paying more in the process, because they know the car and do not want any more surprises.

The biggest problem is the twisted tongues of some of the sellers. Little that some state about a used car comes close to the truth, especially the mileage.

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Main consideration is limiting liability

By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

There are six different types of companies in Costa Rica. Most people are only familiar with one or two, the most common types like sociedad anónimas and S.R.L.s. In these times of changing tax regulations, everyone, business people as well as individuals, should know the differences between the company structures available under commercial law.

The most common company structure in Costa Rica is a sociedad anónima, which is equal to a standard corporation in the United States and other parts of the world.

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For employers, homebuyers and homeowners

By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

Foreigners and expats here have a tool to check out potential employees, contractors, domestics and even real estate brokers and other business associates.

And they really need these tools.

As an example, 75 percent of the applicants to a recent clerical job opening in Costa Rica had serious credit problems. Employers need to know this information because many believe that individuals up to their eyeballs in debt are more likely to steal on the job.

The tool is the six credit reporting agencies in Costa Rica.

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