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Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#931
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Puerto Viejo is a vibrant coastal town located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and strong Afro-Caribbean influence. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 2,500 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 650 CRC. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available in town. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. SIM cards can be purchased at kiosks and grocery stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks such as BAC San José and Scotiabank are available, as well as ATM services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront hostels to upscale villas and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in restaurants and shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms have a good selection of options, with prices ranging from $40 to $150 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Rocking J's offers dormitory beds starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The area around Playa Puerto Viejo is popular among tourists due to its proximity to the beach and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Cocles is favored for longer stays, with quiet surroundings and a mix of local and expat communities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Collective is highly regarded for its fast internet, comfortable desks, and good coffee. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bread and Chocolate offers a great atmosphere for working with reliable Wi-Fi and delicious food. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups and community events happen regularly, especially through Facebook groups like 'Puerto Viejo Expats.' |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly beach clean-up events and local festivals encourage mingling between expats and locals. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber services are available, although local taxis are more common due to the limited reach of the app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Most places offer bike rentals, with prices around $10-$15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Cocles, known for its surfing and beautiful scenery, is a short bike ride away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air services regional flights from San José to nearby areas. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers include American Airlines and Delta serving Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Route 32, the main highway connecting to San José, takes about 4-5 hours by car. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; buses are the primary means of long-distance transportation. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets from San José to Puerto Viejo cost around $10 and can be purchased at bus terminals. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and shuttle services provide connections to nearby towns and attractions, including Cahuita and Manzanillo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Limón is the nearest hospital, about 30 minutes away by car. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga at Eden is popular, offering daily classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local fitness centers such as The Gym Puerto Viejo offer basic workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Puerto Viejo provides laundry services at affordable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is available for food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rondon, a traditional Caribbean stew made with fish and coconut milk, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Rico and The Lazy Mon offer good vegan and vegetarian menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato Costa Rica serves delicious homemade ice cream and sorbet. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets on Fridays and Sundays offer affordable fruits and vegetables. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Walmart.com provides grocery delivery services in the area. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket delivery services through local stores can be arranged. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Joni's is lively at night with music, dancing, and socializing. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery known as Costa Rica Craft Beer is local and worth visiting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino offers a good selection of wines in a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the beach serve affordable and delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Viejo specializes in Italian dishes and pizza. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cahuita National Park and the beaches of Playa Chiquita are essential visits for their biodiversity. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Caribbean Chocolate Factory offers tours and insights into local chocolate production. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Talamanca Indigenous Reserve to understand the area's indigenous cultures. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Playa Puerto Viejo offers a glimpse into local religious practices. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Puerto Viejo Culture Festival is celebrated annually with music, dance, and food. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The beachfront area features art galleries and local craftsmen showcasing their works. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local events and performances are hosted at various venues like the Casa de la Cultura. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Friday artisanal market at the beachfront is a vibrant spot for shopping for local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The local music scene features reggae and calypso, especially at beach bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Muertos de la Tierra, a local street art project, adds vibrancy to the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | School of the Jungle offers cooking classes focusing on local ingredients and flavors. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery is a great spot to see local artists’ work and purchase pieces. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various Afro-Caribbean houses showcase a blend of culture and architecture unique to the area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Puerto Viejo's heritage is celebrated in its music, dance, and festivals reflecting Afro-Caribbean influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge offers pristine nature and diverse wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cahuita National Park is a major attraction, featuring coral reefs and tropical wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coast road from Puerto Viejo to Cahuita is popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Punta Uva offers stunning views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Local areas like the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve are known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near Playa Manzanillo allow for bonfires under the stars. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL and local post offices are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can repair smartphones and laptops, though options may be limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally host ping pong games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes are available at various locations, including private tutors and schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library is small but provides a quiet space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Puerto Viejo promotes cultural events and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are limited gaming options, but some cafes offer video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Puerto Viejo; interested individuals must travel to larger cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $1,500 per m² (e.g., a 50 m² studio could cost around $75,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., a 50 m² studio could cost around $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² could cost around $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² could cost around $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² could cost around $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² could cost around $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Establishments pay a corporate tax of around 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% for distribution to shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Global income is taxed for residents; however, numerous exemptions exist for foreigners. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approximately 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, certain rules apply to foreign-owned subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is approximately 0.25% of the property’s value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 1.5% on property purchase. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Various incentives exist for digital nomads, ensuring lower tax burdens. |