Author: Ivo Henfling

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7 Ways Ticos will think you are an Ugly American

Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes It’s really easy to be an ugly American in Costa Rica if you want to be one. There is an ugly American in every country, (and I don’t mean physically ugly) not only in Costa Rica. The 1958 novel turned into the 1963 movie with Marlon Brandon has made such…

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For your information, we have lots of volcanoes in Costa Rica

Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes For your information, we have lots of volcanoes in Costa Rica When I started selling real estate in Costa Rica, roads were less crowded and we were very few real estate agents in Costa Rica. It was necessary to take listings that were within 5 hours drive from your real…

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The solution to Costa Rica’s high product prices

Costa Rica News published The real reason behind Costa Rica’s high product prices on April 8, 2015. This is a really interesting article about the fact that Costa Rican produced products are cheaper in neighboring countries than in Costa Rica itself. This article explains that commercial protectionism of certain Costa Rican industries, the high import…

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Book an Atenas vacation rental on time or sleep in the park

The Atenas vacation rental is the hottest item this season. If you are looking to rent a home in Atenas – Costa Rica, you need to reserve on time; please do so. If you don’t, you will have to sleep on a bench in the park of Atenas. Atenas has a very nice park, mind…

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Russian property buyers interested in Costa Rica via Tranio

Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes Recently, GoDutch Realty Costa Rica has been able to secure an alliance with us at Tranio. Tranio is the largest directory of overseas property for international buyers. This international property website offers property for sale worldwide in over 30 countries. This will make the Costa Rica real estate listings more…

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Prohibition during Easter week and Election Time

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes Prohibition during Easter week in Costa Rica is something you should know about. I know, it’s like going back to the Stone Age, but we have this liquor prohibition or dry law here. Oh, and we also have a dry law, countrywide, on election day. The United States had Prohibition…

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US Embassy security message warns for living in Escazu

I was surprised to read a US Embassy security message from the U.S. Embassy in San José, forwarded to me by one of our real estate agents, who is an American citizen. You can read the US Embassy Security message at the end of this blog in case you haven’t received it yourself. In this…

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What is a granizado or copo in Costa Rica?

When the weather is hot, you need to order a granizado, also called a copo. Summertime in Costa Rica is around the corner although we really have an eternal spring. The December winds are making overtime and we’re almost in Easter week or “Semana Santa”. Therefore, we still have a lot of winds. It keeps…

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Ticos have flaws, had you noticed?

Have you noticed that Ticos have flaws, just like we all do? But let me show you that they have different flaws than you and I have. Sometimes these flaws are funny. And sometimes they’re quite the opposite. And that’s when you need to keep your cool! Costa Ricans, we call them Ticos, have a…

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5 reasons to be disappointed about living in Costa Rica

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes Disappointed about living in Costa Rica? All that glitters is not gold! Some who have moved here found out that is also true for Costa Rica. At least for a few. I personally think it’s terrible to have to live in a place that you hate, no matter where it…

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What can happen at the traffic light in Costa Rica?

Stopping at a traffic light in Costa Rica can bring a lot of surprises, driving is different. A traffic light in Costa Rica creates a surprising business center. A traffic light is a great place to try to sell you something or beg for money. Because there is nowhere to go but wait for the…

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Neighbors to avoid when you buy a Costa Rica property

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes There are always reasons you should NOT purchase a Costa Rica property. Cultural differences can be obstructive, especially if you are not aware of them and your neighbors could be one of them. Some of those issues, your real estate agent might or might not be aware of. Your agent doesn’t live there…

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The Costa Rica Vehicle Inspection or RTV

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes Those who own a vehicle in Costa Rica should know about the Vehicle Inspection or RTV, also known as RITEVE or DEKRA. All new or used vehicles must pass RTV every year before they’re allowed to circulate on the country’s public roads. At Godutch Realty, we sell homes and land…

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No passing zones in Costa Rica are more dangerous than you think

Today’s turn is for the no passing zone and the lack of it. Como, qué dice? A no passing zone? What’s that? I have written quite a few blogs about driving in Costa Rica and strange and funny things you might find on the roads of Costa Rica and show you that driving in Costa…

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Put a lock on your house in Costa Rica when you go on vacation

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes Do you lock your house in Costa Rica well enough when you go away? It is summertime again in Costa Rica and that means trips to the beaches and national parks for all of us. For sure, you will have family and friends from back home visiting. They will want…

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