Ojochal, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#2067
9.086347, -83.648648
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ojochal is a small village located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for its tranquility and natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 25-50 Mbps with options for fiber-optic connections available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Costa Rican Colón (CRC). 1 USD ≈ 650 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but some expats prefer bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Standard voltage is 120V, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Kolbi and Claro, with good coverage in the area. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs widely available. Credit and debit cards accepted at most businesses. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront homes to villas, typically found on Airbnb and local listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per night depending on location and season. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses are available starting from $20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Costa Rica Co-Working Space, offering flexible desks and a conducive work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bistro Cielo offers good coffee and a quiet atmosphere for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly expat meetups at local bars and cafes. Check Facebook groups for details. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Ojochal Expats Facebook Group for updates on local events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber services are gradually becoming more available in the region. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Tico Tours offers scooter rentals and guided tours. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Tortuga is a beautiful beach located about 10 minutes from Ojochal. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines provides flights to San José and other regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines offer flights to Costa Rica. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access to the Costanera Sur highway connecting to larger cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses connect Ojochal to nearby towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares are inexpensive, typically costing around $2 to $4 per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses regularly depart for San José and other attractions, making transportation convenient. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The nearest hospital is in Uvita, about 15 minutes away, with basic care facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House offers daily classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gym facilities can be found at Uvita, around 15 minutes drive. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats are available in nearby towns, with wash-and-fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and UberEats are available in the region. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional rice and beans dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Castillo offers a diverse selection of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sugar Beach offers delicious homemade desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local farmers’ markets in Uvita on Fridays provide fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to Costa Rica, with local alternatives available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Automercado offers online shopping and delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Ojochal has a few bars like The Bamboo Room for local nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery near Uvita, known for craft beers like Imperial. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Costa Rica located in Uvita has a variety of selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food trucks selling tacos and fresh seafood can be found by the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Los Almendros serve Italian and Mediterranean dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the stunning waterfalls at Uvita River. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The local artisan market in Uvita showcases local arts and crafts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient stone spheres can be visited in nearby Piedra Blanca. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Chapel of Ojochal is a peaceful place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Ojochal Festival in December features local culture and food. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Ojochal's expat community creates a rich cultural experience. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters in Uvita often host performances and screenings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Farmers' markets in Uvita on Fridays attract many locals. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are hosted in bars across Ojochal, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some murals can be found in Uvita, reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Ojochal Culinary School offers cooking classes featuring local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery located in Uvita showcases both local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical architecture from the 19th century can be seen in Uvita. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Celebrations of indigenous heritage occur during local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Corcovado National Park is accessible from Ojochal, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Marino Ballena National Park is just 15 mins away with whale watching opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Numerous trails for biking and hiking in the nearby jungle. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador Ojochal offers stunning views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Numerous locations for birdwatching, especially in Marino Ballena NP. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches around Ojochal allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services operate, with DHL available for international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Small electronics shops available in Uvita for repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available in community centers, often in Uvita. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Uvita library serves as a reading and quiet study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers in Uvita host events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Casual gaming opportunities in expat bars. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos, but small gaming options available in nearby towns. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $88,000) for beachfront properties. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) for properties inland. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) for centrally located apartments. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) for suburban properties. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) for two-bedroom apartments. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) for suburban apartments. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 30% in Costa Rica. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Costa Rica has a progressive income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Costa Rica has CFC rules to avoid tax avoidance. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is 0.25% of the registered value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is typically 1.5%. |