Dominical, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#2069
9.253574, -83.862695
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Dominical is a small beach town located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for its surfing, lush jungles, and a laid-back atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps, with some local cafes and coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 0.62 CRC (Costa Rican Colón), widely used; ATMs are available but may charge fees. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but it's recommended to use bottled water due to potential contaminants. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar, with various prepaid plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks such as Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica accept international cards; online banking is widely supported. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb rentals, hostels, and boutique hotels like Olas Verdes Hotel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, but cash is recommended for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo offer a variety of short-term rental options, with average prices around $50-$150 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Costa Rica offers dorm rooms starting at $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cocorico Coworking is a popular spot for remote workers, with high-speed internet and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mono, known for its coffee and friendly atmosphere, is a favorite among digital nomads. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized at local cafes and coworking spaces, check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Dominical group on Facebook organizes regular gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, providing a reliable transport option. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops like Dominical Bike Rental for about $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dominical Beach is right in town, famous for surfing and beautiful sunsets. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines serves domestic flights to destinations like San José. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, Delta, and United fly to San José International Airport (SJO) nearby. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Costanera Sur highway (Route 34), connecting to other major towns along the Pacific. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; buses are the primary mode of long-distance travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses to San Isidro de El General run frequently; no transit passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect Dominical to nearby towns; expect fares around $2-$5. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Orotina is the nearest hospital, approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Dancer offers various yoga classes and wellness workshops on site. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Dominical Gym offers workout facilities with day passes available for $10. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromat services available, such as Lavandería Dominical, with prices starting at $5 for a wash. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats operates in the area, with local restaurant options available. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional rice and beans dish, is a must-try for breakfast. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Cafe offers a fully vegan menu and fresh smoothies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pizzeria La Parcela offers delicious desserts, including brownies and homemade ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and local goods; visit the Friday Market at Dominical. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping options include local stores as well as international options like Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local store deliveries available through Walmart Costa Rica online shopping platform. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Costa de Pajarito is a popular bar for nightlife in Dominical. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Costa Rica produces craft beer enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bodega La Cueva offers a unique selection of wines and tastings. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls along the beach serve fresh seafood, tacos, and traditional dishes. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Los Locos offers delicious Mexican cuisine and other international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Dominicalito River and surrounding natural beauty are breathtaking landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Costa Rica Surf Museum is located nearby, celebrating Costa Rican surf culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historical fishing village of Dominical features quaint architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The local Church of Dominical is a small, charming place to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Dominical Surf Festival takes place annually in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The beachfront area features a vibrant cultural scene, with art shops and local vendors. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural events often take place at various venues, especially during festivals. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the local Farmer's Market on Saturdays for fresh produce and artisan goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host live music performances featuring Costa Rican and international artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Dominical features colorful murals and street art throughout the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at local venues, introducing you to traditional Costa Rican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Various galleries showcase local artists and their work, mainly along the beach front. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historic buildings reflect the fishing heritage of the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The area is known for its integral relationship with the ocean and fishing culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Corcovado National Park offers pristine rainforest and wildlife just a few hours away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manuel Antonio National Park is about 30 minutes south, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beach road offers scenic walking and cycling paths for outdoor enthusiasts. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador Dominical provides stunning ocean views, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Dominical is known for diverse bird species; head to nearby rivers and forests for sightings. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire areas are available along the beaches, especially during festivals. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local postal service, Correos de Costa Rica, provides parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer basic electronics repair; check out if any stores in Dominical provide such services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have recreational facilities, offering ping-pong tables in local areas. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language classes are available at various local schools and through private tutors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Informal study spots are available in cafés like Cafe Mono and Cocorico Coworking. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Dominical Community Center hosts various events and provides resources for locals and expats alike. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges exist, but various local cafes have internet access and gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Dominical, but nearby cities offer gambling options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) for studio apartments in central Dominical. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) for studio apartments outside central Dominical. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) for 1-bedroom apartments in prime locations. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) for 1-bedroom apartments in suburban areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) for 2-bedroom apartments in central hotspots. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) for 2-bedroom apartments in less dense locations. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax in Costa Rica is approximately 30%, with alternatives available for small businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is generally set at 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Costa Rica operates on a territorial tax system; foreign income is not taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is around 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules exist, aimed at preventing tax avoidance through foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax in Costa Rica is generally 0.25% of the property value annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The tax applied during property purchases is around 1-1.5%. |