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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.

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