Heredia, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#927
9.998151, -84.117016
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Heredia is a charming city located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica, known for its coffee plantations and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 130,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 35 Mbps, with some areas providing faster options. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Costa Rican Colón (CRC); 1 USD ≈ 610 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Traditionally drinkable, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, with a mix of Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Kolbi, Movistar, and Claro, with prepaid options readily available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment options include Banco Nacional, BAC Credomatic, and use of international banking apps. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Popular platforms include Airbnb, Vrbo, and local listings on Encuentra24. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services offer good options for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels like Hostal La Casa de Bambu offer dormitory and private rooms. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Heredia offers a collaborative space with good internet and facilities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café del Arte is known for its great coffee and work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups happen at Creative Minds Costa Rica and through expat community Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events are often organized in cafes and at local community centers for networking and socializing. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Heredia, providing convenient transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at local shops such as Heredia Bike Shop. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Hermosa is the closest beach, approximately 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines operates regional flights to various parts of Costa Rica. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers like American Airlines and Delta frequently service the Juan Santamaría International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located near Route 32, providing access to San José and the Caribbean coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The closest major transit hub is the San José terminal; buses frequently connect Heredia and San José. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus passes are available, with most fares around CRC 600 per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Heredia to nearby towns like San José and Alajuela. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Heredia offers a range of medical services and emergency care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Rasa offers classes for various skill levels in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | MultiSport Fitness is a popular gym with modern facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Nena offers affordable laundry services in the area. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Domicilios.com are popular for food delivery in Heredia. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional Costa Rican dish of rice and beans, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante El Jardín Verde offers varied vegetarian and vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Casa de las Delicias is known for its delightful pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Supermercado Mas x Menos offers good prices on grocery items. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers select items, while local platforms like MercadoLibre provide various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets often have delivery services available for online orders. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The thriving nightlife can be found in downtown Heredia with bars like La Casona. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Costa Rica offers local craft beers and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vino y Tapas is a popular spot for tasting local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors selling empanadas and fresh fruit cups are common throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante El Hato serves a range of international dishes and is a local favorite. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Heredia Cathedral and Las Aquilas Ruins are notable attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Cultura Popular is a great place to learn about local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | La Ciudad de las Flores is a rich cultural site with colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de La Inmaculada Concepción is a beautiful church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival de las Flores is an annual event celebrating local agriculture and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Llano de Neill is known for its vibrant art scene and local artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal de Heredia hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal de Heredia offers local crafts, produce, and snacks. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various local bars feature live music, with genres ranging from jazz to reggae. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Interventions by local artists can be found in several neighborhoods throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | A range of cooking classes teach traditional Costa Rican cuisine at local centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Nacional exhibits work from local artists and offers workshops. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old train station is an iconic building and a symbol of Heredia's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Heredia is famous for its coffee culture, reflected in many local businesses and tours. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro de la Muerte offers stunning views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Braulio Carrillo National Park is a large park easily accessible from Heredia. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths along the Río Segundo are popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador La Ventolera provides breathtaking views of the Central Valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Rincón de la Vieja National Park is a well-known spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in local parks allow for bonfires under permits. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and C.R. Express are reliable next-day delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops around downtown Heredia offer phone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have ping pong tables available for members. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Heredia offer Spanish courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública de Heredia provides study space and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura offers cultural events and activities for locals and expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes, such as Gamers Paradise, feature PC and console gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Several casinos nearby offer gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $68,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $56,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is around 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Costa Rica follows a progressive income tax system 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, there are regulations governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rate is usually around 0.25%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The property transaction tax is 1.5% of the purchase price. |