Heredia, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#927
,
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Heredia is a province located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, known for its charming coffee plantations and cooler temperatures due to its elevation. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 50 Mbps, with numerous cafes and coworking spaces offering stable connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC (Costa Rican Colón), widely accepted in major establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume, a rarity in many countries. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available through Kolbi, Movistar, and Claro. Typically provides good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco Nacional and Scotiabank offer services for expats; credit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, long-term rentals through local listings, and guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas and tourist spots. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular platforms to find short-term accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Pangea offers dormitory-style lodging at approximately $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown Heredia with easy access to shops, restaurants, and public transport. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | San Francisco de Heredia area is popular for its ambiance, coffee shops, and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Workshop is a popular coworking space offering a vibrant community and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Literario provides a cozy atmosphere with good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech Meetups at local cafes; digital nomad groups can be found on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats Connect organizes monthly events, allowing digital nomads to network. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely available and reliable for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent bikes at local shops like Bike Rental CR in downtown Heredia. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jaco Beach, about 1.5 hours away, is the closest popular beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines offers regional flights across Costa Rica. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Costa Rica’s international Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) is about 15 minutes away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstate 32 provides direct access to San Jose and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Heredia's bus station offers connections throughout Costa Rica. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes are available; typically very affordable. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from Heredia to nearby cities are frequent, with average costs around $2. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital San Vicente de Paul is the main healthcare facility in Heredia. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Samasati Yoga Retreat offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Heredia provides a variety of fitness programs. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available through local laundromats like Lavanderia La Estrella. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Domicilios have wide restaurant selections. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional Costa Rican dish made of rice and beans. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Veggie offers an extensive vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería La Cima is famous for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado Municipal offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and MercadoLibre are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Shopping services like Kölbi deliver groceries through local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Calle Vieja is known for its vibrant nightlife with various bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Artesanal Herediana offers local craft beer tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Bodega serves a variety of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer delicious Casado plates and empanadas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and sushi are plentiful, with places like Pizzeria La Fresca and Sushi Itto. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Heredia Cathedral and the historic Casa de la Cultura are major attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de la Ciudad de Heredia showcases the city's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old railway station is a notable historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción is a must-visit church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Heredia Festival in December celebrates local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit Barrio La Trinidad for arts and performances. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Eugene O'Neill hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Central Heredia offers crafts and local food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local musicians perform at venues like La Casona. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art murals can be seen in downtown Heredia. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join classes at the Heredia Culinary School for traditional Costa Rican dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | La Galería hosts local artists' exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Heredia City Hall is an architectural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its coffee culture with tours and tastings. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro Flores offers scenic hikes and nature trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Braulio Carrillo National Park is a short drive away, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths along the Central Valley offer beautiful cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de la Paz provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The La Selva Biological Station is nearby and a paradise for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks like Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Correos de Costa Rica and DHL for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iRepair offer smartphone and computer repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community Centers often have recreational tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like CPI offer Spanish language immersion. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública de Heredia is a quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Heredia offers activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes often have console stations for gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino Fiesta is a popular spot for gaming. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax based on residency status. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 0.25% of assessed property value per year. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Taxation only applied to Costa Rican-sourced income; no taxes on foreign income. |