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Monteverde, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#1594
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Monteverde is a small, mountainous community known for its cloud forests and eco-tourism. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of about 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but it's recommended to use filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz. 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Kolbi and Claro with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATM cards and credit cards are widely accepted, including Visa and MasterCard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer many short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Monte Verde offers dormitory and private rooms at affordable rates. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Cloud Forest area is preferred for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Santa Elena is ideal, with many cafes and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Monteverde provides a vibrant working environment with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Cabure is a favorite for its good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for digital nomads and community events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monteverde Language Exchange organizes regular meetups for expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in nearby cities, but local taxis are more common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several shops offer bike rentals for exploring the area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach, Manuel Antonio, is about 1.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air provides flights to various destinations in Costa Rica. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Main carriers include American Airlines and United Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Route 606 connects Monteverde to the rest of the country. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The nearest major bus terminal is in San Jose. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses run between Monteverde and larger cities. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are the primary form of transportation to nearby towns and attractions. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Santa Elena offers basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Monteverde offers various classes in beautiful settings. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Casa de la Cultura has fitness facilities available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Automatic Laundry Services provides quick turnaround for laundry needs. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and UberEats occasionally operate in Monteverde. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado is a traditional Costa Rican dish worth trying. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Grill offers a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pizzeria El Sabor offers delicious desserts including brownies. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local Mercado offers affordable fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Most major products can be ordered through online platforms like Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | MasXMenos offers online delivery options for groceries. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Monteverde Café offers live music and local drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Artesanal Monteverde produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine House features a great selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various local vendors offer traditional snacks around town. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | There are several pizza and pasta places popular among locals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a must-visit for its biodiversity. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Bat Jungle offers an educational and entertaining experience. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Monteverde Cheese Factory showcases the region's agricultural history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Ecumenical Chapel welcomes visitors of all faiths. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Monteverde Music Festival takes place annually, featuring various performances. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Santa Elena and Monteverde are vibrant with local shops and eateries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theater showcases performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Artisan Market offers handmade crafts and local produce every weekend. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Cafe Cabure often hosts live music events featuring local artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals reflect the rich culture and biodiversity of the region. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes at the Monteverde Institute teach local recipes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Monteverde showcases works by local artists and artisans. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The original Monteverde School building is a renowned historical landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Monteverde's Quaker roots influence its culture and community values. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve offers stunning nature trails and tours. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Manuel Antonio National Park is a popular nearby park, famous for its beaches. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Many trails are available for hiking and biking throughout the cloud forest. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Arenal Observatory offers breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Monteverde is a prime spot for birdwatching, especially for the resplendent quetzal. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in local campgrounds welcome evening bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services deliver and ship parcels. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide basic tech repairs if needed. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The community center has table tennis tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Spanish classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Monteverde Community Library is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de la Cultura provides events, activities, and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited to casual gatherings in local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present; entertainment is mostly outdoor activities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $232,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $192,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Costa Rica is a territorial tax jurisdiction. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 0.25% annually based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income for non-residents. |