Personal freedom in Costa Rica is far more protected than it is in the USA, mostly because the government is not a “Big Brother” type where everything the government mandates is backed up by a threat of armed force or loss of liberty.

You are welcome to your views like anyone else and I am replying so that “no-reply” serves as a unpsoken affirmation of your comments. Finally, I would say most developments are legal and have all the permits and there are many that do not permits. It goes back to “it takes two to tango” and it amazes me how so many people would come to Costa Rica and drop money into something without performing the slightest due diligence that would normally take place back home. When I was a kid my mother said to me, “If everyone decides to jump off the bridge that does not mean you have to also” Come to Costa Rica, do not leave your common sense back home, if something smells rotten, it probably is. When investing make sure you certified professionals who have a long track record in Costa Rica, not someone who sell’s canopy tours and real estate, its just plain common sense.

Unfortunately, a lot of police participate in graft and there is no excuse for it. However, if you wanted to be realistic and see the world for what it is, most police are not bad people but husbands and fathers who have a job that does not pay them enough for the risks they take and they are struggling in this world just like everyone else. At then end of the day, they come home and want to be able to provide for their families. By and large, Costa Rica and its people are friendly and the country they inhabit is paradise & beauty only God could create, don’t confuse the two. It is like labeling a US citizen a war monger simply because their government wages imperial aggression.

Cheers

Do not invest here! Most developments are built with no or false permits and on land not owned by the developer. Whatever paperwork you are shown is most likely forgeries or have been obtained by bribes. Do not pay for anything in advance!