Grecia, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#2070
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Grecia is a picturesque town located in the Alajuela Province known for its beautiful parks and lively community spirit. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 20,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Costa Rican Colón (CRC). 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is supplied at 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Kolbi and Movistar; prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | National banks like Banco Nacional are popular. International options such as Revolut work effectively. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local rentals, Airbnb, and extended stay hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in stores and cafes. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo offer many short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casa Verde is a budget-friendly option. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Grecia offers access to shops, restaurants, and local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around Parque Central is ideal for more extended stays, with cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café El Chivo offers reliable Wi-Fi and a workspace friendly environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de los Deseos is popular among remote workers for its cozy atmosphere and strong coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are organized by local expats through Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats of Grecia hosts regular social gatherings in local venues. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, providing convenient transport options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops rent out scooters and bikes, such as Rent a Bike Grecia. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Hermosa, approximately 1 hour away, is the closest beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines offers regional flights from nearby Juan Santamaría International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major airlines include American Airlines, Delta, and United. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstate 1 (Pan-American Highway) provides major access routes. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Grecia does not have a train station; buses are the main transport mode. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Various bus passes are available for local travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from the Grecia bus terminal connect to nearby cities like San José and Alajuela. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital San Francisco de Asís is the main healthcare facility in Grecia. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga del Mar offers classes and retreats for wellness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Grecia Sport Club provides access to a gym and sports facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Grecia is a popular local laundromat. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats is available for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional rice and beans dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Soda La Amistad offers a variety of vegetarian local dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocolates y Dulces offers a selection of local desserts and chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado de Grecia provide fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is the most popular online marketplace in Costa Rica. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | YoQuiero delivers groceries in Grecia, including fresh products. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around the central park has several laid-back bars and cafes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Costa Rica craft beer is available at multiple establishments across town. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El Mercado de Grecia has several wine options available. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the Central Park offer local snacks like tamales and empanadas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many restaurants offer Italian and American cuisine, with options like Pizzeria Italia. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The iconic Iglesia de la Nuestra Señora de la Merced is a prominent landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Histórico de Grecia showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historical buildings are found in the city center reflecting its coffee culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The town hosts several churches highlighting its rich religious traditions. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de la Virgen del Rosario takes place every October, featuring parades and local festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The central area around the park is vibrant with local shops and cafes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural events take place in community centers rather than formal theaters. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal de Grecia offers a range of local goods and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host live music events, particularly on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti murals can be found in the alleyways near the park. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes are available to learn local cooking at various local schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists showcase their work in small galleries across town. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various colonial-style buildings can be seen throughout Grecia. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The coffee culture is a significant part of Grecia's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Alto offers hiking and stunning views, just a short drive away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Braulio Carrillo National Park is accessible within 1.5 hours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several local trails are well-suited for biking and walking in nearby nature. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Grecia provides breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lookouts near the coffee plantations are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated camping areas near the hills allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos de Costa Rica provides reliable postal services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech stores in Grecia handle device repairs and sales. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in the area offer Spanish courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca Pública de Grecia is a nice spot for quiet study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Grecia hosts various community and cultural events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local internet cafes allow for gaming and social gatherings. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Grecia, but nearby cities have them. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate in Costa Rica is around 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Applicable rate is 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income taxation basis for residents. |
| 📈 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, moderate rules exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is around 0.25% of the registered value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1.5% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Costa Rica offers fiscal benefits for foreign income under specific conditions. |