Escazú, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#1696
9.919527, -84.140027
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Escazú is a suburban district located in the San José Province, known for its upscale residential neighborhoods, modern amenities, and proximity to the capital. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 43,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps, with options for higher speeds in certain areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). 1 USD ≈ 610 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and provided by the local water utility. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Services from Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic are widely accepted; online banking options available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from apartment rentals to villas; platforms include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local real estate sites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, but it's good to carry some cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb offers a variety of short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Selina offer dormitories and private rooms. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork Escazú provides modern workspaces with high-speed internet and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Museo offers a relaxed atmosphere, good coffee, and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are held through local Facebook groups and Eventbrite. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Costa Rica host monthly social gatherings; check social media for updates. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used and reliable in Escazú. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several local shops offer bike rentals; Nutra is a known provider. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jaco Beach is approximately 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines offers regional flights to popular destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Delta Airlines have regular flights to and from San José International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstate Routes 27 and 1 connect Escazú to the rest of the country. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | San José’s main bus terminal is just 30 minutes away for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Use the local bus system; tickets are affordable with options for prepaid cards. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from the nearby terminal connect to destinations in Guanacaste, Alajuela, and beyond. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital CIMA, known for quality healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Verde offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym provides a comprehensive fitness facility. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavaxpress offers convenient laundry and dry cleaning services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Glovo are popular choices for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado, a traditional dish featuring rice, beans, and meat, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Café de los Deseos offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería D'Amo serves delicious ice creams and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | El Mercado Escazú features local food stalls and small grocery vendors. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is a popular online marketplace in Costa Rica. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Masxmenos has an online platform for grocery shopping. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Escazú nightlife district features bars like Bar El Camino. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewed Costa Rica provides craft beer tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinaria offers a unique selection of Costa Rican wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Stalls at the local markets provide affordable and delicious traditional street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Milanesa offers a variety of international dishes including Italian and Argentinian. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Escazú Cemetery and the local Escazú Church for cultural experiences. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Nacional de Costa Rica is a short drive away in San José. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Discover the rich history of Escazú through its colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Escazú is an important local church with historical significance. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiesta de la Virgen de la Soledad celebrated in September features parades and local crafts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the artsy areas surrounding the central plaza. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Eugene O'Neill in nearby San José hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal de Escazú offers local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check out local venues for live music events, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals in Escazú highlight local culture and artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Check out local culinary schools for classes in traditional Costa Rican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Nacional showcases Costa Rican art and culture. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Cultura is a beautifully preserved historical site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural celebrations reflect the rich heritage of the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Parque La Paz to enjoy nature trails and waterfalls. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cerro Chirripó National Park is accessible for day trips, renowned for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Escazú bike path leads to scenic views of the Central Valley. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | La Cangreja viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Explore the birding trails at the nearby Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in national parks and beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos de Costa Rica operate services for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like PC Doctor offer computer and phone repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Escazú offer courses in Spanish for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca de Escazú provides a quiet environment for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de Escazú hosts cultural and community events, enhancing local interaction. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Geek Café offers gaming facilities and events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | City Casino in San José provides entertainment options nearby. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000) |
| 🏠 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% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend payments. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% on income exceeding $32,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, a strict framework is applied. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1.5% rate on property transactions. |