Among the Central American countries, Costa Rica is the most expensive country. After colone, which is the first currency of Costa Rica, the second currency is the US dollar. Those tourists who wish to buy real estate property may find transactions in dollars easy as compared to other countries. Real estate developers like Edward R. Mercer provide the property seekers a true value for their investment in Costa Rica. Originally hailing from Canada, Ed came to Costa Rica with his wife for the Iron Man competition. Despite humble street beginnings and no educational degree to back him, Ed Mercer had always been a self taught entrepreneur with a penchant for excelling in the role life offered. Ed was the best salesman in Herbalife Company and eventually earned $100,000 a month by having 1.3 million people in his down line (multilevel marketing strategy). Similarly, Ed became the best seller of swimming pools, bought and sold duplexes and became the best contractor. Ed ventured into the land development business and formed his own real estate company, eventually becoming one of the largest owners and builders in Costa Rica. A philanthropic millionaire, Ed came to be known as Mr. Costa Rica for his constant association with the welfare of abused( or delinquent children, battered wives or destitute families ) and directing a part of every sale of his company for infrastructural development and reforestation efforts in Costa Rica. He considered the formation of his enterprise, Edward R. Mercer Foundation, as his biggest achievement dedicated to the betterment of the earth via conservation of ecology and education.
When Ed came to Costa Rica, he saw that the scarlet macaws were being hunted for their feathers, white-faced monkeys for pets and sea turtles for eggs. Not only did Ed fortify the security by deploying guards 24/7, but also his employees planted thousands of almond trees, which, by virtue of providing food to the macaws, increased their population. Monkeys also significantly increased in number as they also have abundant habitat to thrive. Ed provides protected nesting beaches to sea turtles. These pioneering efforts of Ed Mercer won him world wide fame as he was recently inducted into the prestigious Environmental Hall of Fame in June. Ed shared the stage with the prominent environmentalists worldwide, benefiting with a rewarding exchange of ideas to assist humanity by protecting the environment. Ed is a member of the organizations like Habit for Humanity, National Geographic, Greenpeace and World Wildlife Fund. An accomplished leader and public speaker par excellence, Ed was the first ever non Costa Rican advisor to the Costa Rican President.
In regard to money, a majority of people in Costa Rica buy and sell in colones. The tourists gradually understand and utilize the currency as soon as they arrive. The prices for the upper range accommodations are analogous with those in the US. A service charge is imposed by most banks to cash the traveler’s cheques. While the British Sterling and the Canadian Dollar may be exchanged at Banco Lyon, C.; the German Marks may suitably be exchanged at Banco National Inn, San Jose. There are some exchange agencies which have opened in San Jose. So, the foreign tourists visiting San Jose may be able to open a short term account for ease of exchange and steady avoidance of long lines.
A yearly devaluation of about twenty percent (of falling price of colone against the dollar) is supposed to be the recent trend. From Monday till Friday, the banks are opened. It is advised that the tourists must carry some cash with them on a regular basis, having a change of coins while visiting small towns and villages. It is wise to avoid buying from street vendors. The colone exchange is unlimited. It is true that major credit cards are accepted at most shops, hotels and banks. It is also better to avoid falling into the easy trap of quick services provided by the black marketers, who have their operations in full swing on Av. Central, duping by counterfeit notes.
