Dominical, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#2069
,
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dominical is a coastal village located in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, known for its scenic beaches and laid-back atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of about 30-50 Mbps, with some areas reaching up to 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Costa Rican Colón (₡), with 1 USD ≈ 600 ₡. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, with NEMA Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Kolbi are popular providers offering good coverage in Dominical. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks such as Banco Nacional and Bancrédito; credit cards accepted widely. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | A variety of options including hostels, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards but cash is still used, especially for food stalls. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular platforms for short-term rentals in the area. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Pura Vida has dorm beds starting at around $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area offers easy access to restaurants and activities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Living near the main road offers better internet access and proximity to cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café Cielo offers reliable Wi-Fi and a comfortable work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mono, known for its welcoming vibe and fast internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meet-ups at local cafes; check Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Dominical Expats Facebook Group organizes regular social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in nearby towns, but taxis are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals for about $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dominical Beach is just a short walk and is known for surfing. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air and Sansa Airlines provide regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta offer flights to Juan Santamaría International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Costanera Sur highway, connecting to major towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | San Isidro is the main transit hub, 30 minutes away by car. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses around Dominical are affordable, usually costing around 500 ₡. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from Dominical connect to San Isidro and other coastal towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Ciudad Cortes is the nearest hospital, approximately 30 minutes away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House Dominical offers classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | There are several small gyms offering day passes for about $10. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services available at various local businesses for about 1000 ₡ per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is popular in the area for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo pinto (rice and beans) is a must-try Costa Rican dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Aracari Restaurant offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Casa del Dulce for homemade desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local farmers' markets offer fresh produce at good prices on weekends. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores provide access to Amazon for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi also delivers groceries from local markets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beachfront bars offer a vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewed Awakenings crafts locally brewed beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de Vino offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks like empanadas for under $2. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante Fuego has good Italian and Mediterranean options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Whale's Tail in Uvita National Park is a popular natural landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Osa Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to wildlife conservation. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Mayan ruins can be explored in nearby Quepos. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Dominicalito Church is a local community landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Dominical Festival features local music and dance every March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The village itself promotes a laid-back, artistic vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local events often held in outdoor spaces by the beach. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly farmers markets provide local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local bars like The Beach Bar on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists display their work along community walls. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Tica Cooking Classes offer insights into Costa Rican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art galleries featuring local artists pop up around the area. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Visit local houses preserved for their unique architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural events celebrate Costa Rican heritage throughout the year. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Corcovado National Park is a short drive away, perfect for hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manuel Antonio National Park offers stunning beaches and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous trails along the coast and through the nearby rainforest. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at the river mouth offers stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Osa Peninsula is renowned for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beach areas permit bonfires during certain hours. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services like TCS offer reliable delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in nearby towns can handle basic tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language classes available at various local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited resources, but local cafes with Wi-Fi serve as makeshift study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events hosted at local parks and recreational areas. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; most gaming is done privately at accommodations. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Dominical, closest in San Isidro. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m². |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m². |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,500 per m². |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,800 per m². |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend payouts. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Costa Rica operates on a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate at 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is approximately 0.25% of the property's value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer tax of 1.5% when purchasing property. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for residents. |