Escazú, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#1696
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Escazú is a suburban area located just southwest of San José, known for its affluent neighborhoods and beautiful views. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Costa Rican Colón (CRC). 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but bottled water is recommended for tourists. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment methods include cash in CRC and international credit cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and extended stays in local hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in most stores and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb with prices starting at around $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Cascada is a popular choice; prices start at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The San Rafael area is recommended for its accessibility and local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Escazú residential areas, closer to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nexus Escazú offers modern workspaces and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Mancha offers a great atmosphere with Wi-Fi access. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups often hold events at local cafes; check Meetup.com for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Escazú Expats Facebook group for social events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Escazú, offering convenient ride-sharing options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available and are a great way to explore the area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jaco Beach is about 1.5 hours away, known for its surf and nightlife. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines operates regional flights to Manuel Antonio and Tambor. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and American Airlines serve Juan Santamaría International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Ruta 27, connecting to the Pacific Coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | San José's downtown transport hub connects to the greater metropolitan area. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus rides within Escazú cost around $0.50, cash only. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to nearby locations including San José and Santa Ana. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Clínica de Guadalupe is the main private hospital nearby. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Garage offers numerous classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Bodytech Escazú provides a comprehensive gym experience. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Rápida Escazú offers efficient laundry service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is popular for food delivery in Escazú. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado is a traditional plate worth trying. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like The Green House offer diverse plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Patisserie La Bergamote is famous for its pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Escazú Centro has several budget-friendly grocery stores. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local sites like Mercadolibre are popular for buying goods online. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Automercado offers online grocery shopping and delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Escazú has a vibrant nightlife in the San Rafael area with several bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Costa Rica has many craft breweries, such as Costa Rica Beer Factory. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Cava offers an excellent selection of wines with a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks near local parks provide great local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian and Japanese cuisine are well represented in Escazú. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Escazú Cathedral and El Alto for stunning views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Costarricense is a popular museum located nearby. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the historic architecture in the San Rafael district. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of San Miguel is a local historic site worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Escazú Art Festival occurs every August, showcasing local talent. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the artistic community in La Casa de la Cultura. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro la Guacharaca hosts local performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Escazú Farmer's Market is great for fresh produce and handmade goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live music featuring Costa Rican artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Enjoy murals around the urban areas of Escazú. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | VerdeOlivo offers Costa Rican cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Enrique Echandi features contemporary Costa Rican artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Aserrí Church is a notable historic building in the area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Celebrate Costa Rica's agricultural roots through local crafts and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo for hiking and wildlife spotting. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-visit, around 2 hours away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Escazú path near La Tica offers scenic routes for walking or biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at La Loma offers stunning views of the Central Valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Los Quetzales National Park is a prime birdwatching spot nearby. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Parque Metropolitano La Sabana allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL offer international shipping options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Movistar has several stores offering tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local sports centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural de Costa Rica offers Spanish language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca de Escazú is a quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Escazú is a hub for local events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming shops often host esports events and community gatherings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Royal Casino offers various gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $56,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% on corporate income. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates based on income levels. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is approximately 0.25% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% on property purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Many digital nomads benefit from low taxes on foreign income. |