Costa Rica adds $2 more into its departure tax . The contribution will go to the Animal Health National Service (SENASA). The new fee was approved on May, 25th and will come into effect within two months. The departure tax from Costa Rica already includes a $27 exit fee and a $2 contribution for plants […]
Higher oil prices explain recent dollar increase
The higher dollar demand to import raw materials, specially oil, is one of the main reasons to understand recent dollar exchange rate increases, according to officials and analysts. Since May, 30th, the dollar exchange value has risen 4,91 colones reaching 545,48 colones per dollar on Thursday. The public sector has had to spend more dollars […]
$1 billion loans depend on VAT approval in August
Finance minister, Helio Fallas, said that if the Congress approves the Value-Added Tax (VAT) in August, the government would receive two loans for a total of $1 billion. The VAT approval would be a condition set by the World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank to lend funds on conditions of low-interest rates and long-term payment. […]
CCSS extends Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s pension to LGBT couples
The social security administration (CCSS) approved to extend the Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s pension benefits to same-sex couples with same conditions heterosexual couples have. José Loría, CCSS board member, said the decision didn’t create a new right, but only recognizes a right that has been denied so far to the LGBT community. Extending […]
Medical appointments from CCSS might take up to six year to arrive
The waiting list in public hospitals reached 153,000 people on February 2015, according to the latest data released by Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS). Some medical appointments take up to six years to arrive. Every month, 15.000 people sign up on waiting lists. The problem is caused by management flaws in hospitals, clinics and […]
Government intends to tax vehicles for pollutant emissions
Starting on January 2018, the government plans to tax drivers for contaminants emitted by their vehicles. The vehicles would go through a technical review to determine the fee in relation to emission levels. In the next two months, the government will establish the fee scale to apply to contamination categories. Afterwards the proposal be open to public consultation, and is […]