How to use Banking in Costa Rica
Anyone may open a bank account in Costa Rica, you will need your passport or residency card. Tourists are not prohibited from opening a Bank account, but most banks require a current utility bill as proof of your address and residency. Banks are subject to many of the 'Know your customer' reporting requirements to prevent money laundering, including the $10,000 transaction reporting limit. However, banking secrecy laws are in effect, so no government (or private) agency may get access to your specific account information without a court order.
This makes Costa Rica a frequent choice for foreigners who would like to keep their assets protected from frivolous civil litigation in their home country.
Costa Rica's financial sector includes the Central Bank, 3 state-owned commercial banks, 12 private commercial banks, 1 workers' bank, 1 state-owned mortgage bank and 3 mutual house-building companies, 9 private finance companies and 28 savings and loans cooperatives. In addition, there are 2 money exchange houses, 30 investment and retirement funds or trusts run by both state and private commercial banks and the state insurance company.
If looking to purchase real estate in Costa Rica it is best to source real estate online to connect with a Real Estate Consultant who specialises in Costa Rica Real Estate and will guide buyers through the process.
If you are looking for Costa Rica Real Estate For sale , or general international Real Estate For sale for sale and for rent start your search by looking in the Costa Rica Real Estate For sale section of this Directory.
