Playa del Coco, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#1593
,
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Playa del Coco is a popular beach town in Guanacaste Province, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant expat community. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 8,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is 20-60 Mbps, depending on the provider. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 620 CRC. Major credit cards accepted, wire transfers available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Kolbi, Movistar, and Claro, with prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly used banks include Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic, with services in English. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, short-term vacation rentals, and long-term leases through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, but cash is still preferred for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb, Vrbo, and local property management services. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Pura Vida offers dorms for around $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Stay near Playa del Coco beach for easy access to restaurants and activities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Las Palmas area, known for a quieter atmosphere and proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kaya Sol Co-Working has fast internet and a comfortable work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Playa offers Wi-Fi and a beautiful view, a perfect spot for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized through community platforms like Facebook and Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Playa del Coco Facebook group regularly hosts social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, offering convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer rentals, such as Coco Bikes, charging around $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa del Coco is the main beach, known for swimming and snorkeling opportunities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air provides flights to various destinations within Costa Rica. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines and American Airlines fly into Liberia International Airport, about 30 minutes away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Interstate Route 21 provides access to other towns and attractions in Guanacaste. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; local buses connect to nearby towns and Liberia. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares are generally $1-$3 depending on the destination. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run frequently to Tamarindo, Liberia, and other coastal towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | CIMA Hospital is the main facility, offering comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House Playa del Coco offers classes for all levels with ocean views. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | For fitness, check out Gym Tonic, offering daily and weekly memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromat near the beach charges about $5 for a load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | DeliBites delivers a variety of local and international cuisine. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional rice and beans dish served at local sodas. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Nalu Health Bar & Cafe offers a variety of tasty vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Ice Cream Shop and Cafe serves delicious handmade ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets, like the Wednesday Farmer's market, offer fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Pura Vida Bracelets offers trendy accessories and supports Costa Rican artisans. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Walmart and Mas x Menos provide home delivery services in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Main nightlife spots include The Monkey Bar and the Coco Sunset Hotel. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Craft beer at The Costa Rica Brewing Company in nearby Liberia. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino offers a selection of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Playa del Coco has many food stalls near the beach serving fresh seafood and tacos. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several Italian and Asian restaurants cater to diverse palates. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Coco Beach is famous for its sunsets and vibrant local life. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Costa Rican Art Museum in San José showcases national talent, accessible via day trips. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore local fishing history at small museums and displays around the port. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Local church, Iglesia de Coco, represents the town's cultural heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar is celebrated every July with parades and cultural events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center features local shops and restaurants showcasing Costa Rican culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theater hosts events regularly, providing insight into local arts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit the artisanal market on weekends for handmade crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at local bars throughout the week featuring various genres. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals depicting Costa Rican culture and wildlife around the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes that include market tours and hands-on cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Vida offers local art and rotating exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Some historical buildings reflect colonial architecture, especially in the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Fishing has historically shaped the community, showcasing artisan techniques passed down generations. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park for hiking and hot springs. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Santa Rosa National Park is nearby full of wildlife and hiking trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycling paths along the beach offer scenic views and leisure activity. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout point at Playa Ocotal provides stunning views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands of Palo Verde National Park are renowned for biodiversity. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at nearby beaches allow bonfires, perfect for beach gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post office are available for sending and receiving packages. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shop, PC Costa Rica, can assist with device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Many community centers have tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Como en Casa offers Spanish language classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | There is a small local library with access to public internet. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The community center hosts a variety of activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game spots in town cater to video gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Occasional gaming events at nearby hotels attract tourists and locals alike. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $156,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $184,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax is generally 30%, depending on the income level. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Costa Rican tax system is based on worldwide income 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 | No strict CFC rules currently in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is calculated at 0.25% of the property's registered value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 1.5% on the purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Costa Rica offers special visa programs and tax incentives for digital nomads coming to work remotely. |