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Guide
Jacó, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#1908
,
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Jacó is a vibrant beach town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for surfing and eco-tourism. |
👥 Population | approximately 10,000 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 30-50 Mbps, with various service providers available. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC. ATMs are widely available, and most accept international cards. |
🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended in some areas. |
🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Kolbi and Movistar, offering prepaid options. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica are widely accepted, along with services like Wise. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachside hotels to vacation rentals; Airbnb is prevalent. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit/debit cards are widely accepted in stores and restaurants. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous short-term rental options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa De Lis is a well-rated budget-friendly option. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Jacó, close to the beach and nightlife. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Playa Hermosa, known for its tranquility and proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Outpost Jacó is a popular coworking spot with strong wifi and community events. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee House offers a relaxed atmosphere and good internet. |
💼 Networking Events | Monthly Meetups at Outpost where digital nomads share experiences. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Jacó's Expats Facebook Group hosts regular social gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used, alongside local taxis. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Playa Rentals offers scooters and bikes for rent. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jacó Beach, known for surfing and vibrant nightlife. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air provides flights to nearby locations. |
✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines operate frequent flights. |
🛣️ Highway Access | The Costanera Sur highway provides direct access to major cities and attractions. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Jacó does not have a train system; travel is primarily via bus or car. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Regular bus services run to San José and other areas; no formal transit passes available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly to San José, with ride-sharing options as well. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital CIMA is a well-equipped facility for emergencies and routine care. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pura Vida Wellness located in Jacó offers a range of yoga classes and wellness programs. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 24 Hour Fitness in Jacó offers membership options for both short and long-term users. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Marina Laundry provides wash-and-fold services and self-service machines. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Rappi operate in the area, providing a variety of options. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado, a traditional Costa Rican dish with rice, beans, and meat/vegetables. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Buddha Cafe offers a fully vegan menu with local organic ingredients. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Bakery offers delicious pastries and cakes, perfect for a sweet treat. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Supermercado Mas x Menos provides budget-friendly options for groceries. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local marketplaces like MercaSanta and international platforms like Amazon are available. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi offers a grocery delivery service through their app. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Chill Pot and Monkey Bar are popular nightlife spots. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Costa Rican Craft brews local beers that are well-reviewed. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Vino Y Mar offers a curated selection of wines in a cozy atmosphere. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the beach serve fresh ceviche and tropical fruits. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | El Hicaco offers a fusion of seafood and Asian influences. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Jacó's vibrant beachfront promenade is a must for visitors. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Jacó Art Gallery features local artists and hosts regular exhibitions. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The old pier offers a glimpse into Jacó's fishing history. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Catholic Church in Jacó is notable for its architecture. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Jacó Beach Festival held annually attracts visitors for music and dance. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown Jacó area hosts various shops and eateries showcasing local culture. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Casa del Arte offers theatrical performances and local events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | The Jacó Farmers' Market takes place every Friday with local produce. |
🎼 Music Scene | Live music is frequently hosted at venues like The Costa Rica Surf Club. |
🎨 Street Art | Various murals throughout Jacó highlight local artists and culture. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Costa Rican Cooking School offers classes in traditional cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Sasso features contemporary art and local creators. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Waterfall property showcases Jacó's historical architecture. |
🏴 Local Heritage | The Indigenous cultures of the area are celebrated in local art and performances. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Suenos Marina offers water activities and scenic views. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manuel Antonio National Park is a 30-minute drive, known for its biodiversity. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beach promenade provides a scenic route for walking and cycling. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Miro viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of Jacó Beach. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Carara National Park is famous for its birdwatching opportunities. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated bonfire areas are located on the beach after dark. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos de Costa Rica have offices for parcel delivery. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Jacó Tech Services offers device repairs at reasonable prices. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Jacó Sports Center has a recreational area for table tennis. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cultural Language School offers Spanish classes tailored for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local community center features a quiet reading area. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Jacó Community Center hosts various classes and social events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Game Zone in Jacó features consoles and multiplayer setups. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The El Cortez Casino offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $76,000) |
🏢 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 corporations. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax on dividends. |
🏦 Tax System | Costa Rica operates on a territorial tax system. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax (VAT) is 13%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Costa Rica enforces CFC rules. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is 0.25% of the property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1.5% for property transfers. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from low living costs and favorable tax conditions. |