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Atenas, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#924
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Atenas is a small town located in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica, known for its beautiful landscapes and a pleasant climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 8,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Internet speed averages around 25 Mbps for residential users, with some areas offering fiber optics that can provide up to 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Costa Rican Colón (₡). 1 USD ≈ ₡615. Local banks include Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity operates at 120V, 60Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar are available for mobile connectivity with 4G services. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and local options like BCR (Banco de Costa Rica) are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to vacation rentals on Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, while cash is still common, cards are accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms offer various options, typically costing between $30-$100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casa de la Vida, with dorms starting at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The central area near the town square is ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas near the coffee farms and the main square provide a quiet and scenic environment for work. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Atenas offers a collaborative work environment, priced around $150/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Plaza, known for its good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by Atenas International Group for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Community potlucks and expat meet and greets happen regularly, promoted via local Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Atenas, providing an easy way to get around. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals, typically around $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Jacó is about a 45-minute drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air offers flights to various destinations in Costa Rica. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta operate flights from Juan Santamaría International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via Route 27, connecting to major cities like San José and the Pacific coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main public transit hub is in San José, a short bus ride from Atenas. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets are generally affordable, ranging from ₡400 to ₡2,000 based on distance. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent buses connect Atenas to larger towns and cities, offering a budget-friendly travel option. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital San Rafael de Atenas provides quality medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Atenas offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | El Centro fitness center provides various equipment and classes for a monthly membership fee of about $30. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Atenas offers wash-and-fold services starting at ₡3,000 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates in the area, delivering from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional rice and beans dish that's a staple for breakfast. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian-friendly cafe called The Green Kitchen offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería Atenas offers excellent pastries and local treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Atenas Market sells fresh produce and local snacks at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local shops utilize platforms like MercadoLibre for online sales. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Walmart Costa Rica offers online grocery shopping with home delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | El Bar de La Plaza is popular among locals and expats for evening hangouts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Atenas crafts local beers with tours available for enthusiasts. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de Vinos offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food carts offer delicious empanadas and ceviche around the town. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza & Pasta Cravings serve delicious Italian food, also popular among locals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Parque de Atenas features local sculptures and picnic areas. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo El Puente showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Church of San José, built in the 19th century, is a significant landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Templo de Atenas is a popular place of worship in the community. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiesta de San José takes place every March with parades and local festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Atenas features local artisans and a vibrant community scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional performances are held at the town's cultural center, offering theater and music events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Atenas Farmer's Market operates every Saturday, showcasing local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Informal music gatherings often occur at local cafes, featuring local bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals depicting local culture can be found around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes in traditional Costa Rican cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleria Atenas showcases works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | La Casa de la Cultura is a historical building turned community space. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Atenas is famous for its coffee production, celebrated through local tours and tastings. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Cerro Turrubares offers hiking trails with breathtaking views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manyara National Park is a short drive away, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails in the rural areas around Atenas provide excellent routes for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador del Atenas offers stunning views of the central valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The area's rich biodiversity makes it a prime spot for birdwatching, especially at the nearby coffee plantations. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Local parks have designated areas for barbecues and bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos de Costa Rica offers reliable parcel delivery within the country. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Atenas Tech provide device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Atenas sports complex has facilities for table tennis enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools offer courses tailored for expats looking to learn. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The public library in Atenas is a quiet place to read or study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Atenas Community Center provides resources for local events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes in town offer spaces for gamers to gather, although not specifically dedicated. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no major casinos in Atenas; the closest is in San José. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The standard corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Costa Rica operates a progressive individual income tax system, based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is approximately 0.25% of property's declared value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 1% on property sales, with 0.5% for new construction. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives; however, living costs are lower than many Western countries and foreigners are taxed only on Costa Rican income. |