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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.

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