Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#931
10.454139, -84.00825
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | A vibrant coastal town known for its Caribbean culture, surfing spots, and laid-back vibe. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2,500 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 20 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Costa Rican Colón (₡) - 1 USD ≈ ₡600 |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not fully drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are popular for mobile connectivity. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | All major credit cards accepted, ATMs available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to beachfront hotels and eco-lodges. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards but cash is advisable for local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel 17 and Rocking J's offer affordable options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Loco Coco offers a great atmosphere for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Rica is known for its good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized through local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Puerto Viejo Expats group on Facebook hosts various events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates but local taxis and shuttle services are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mellow Velo and Eco Rent offer bicycles and scooters for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Puerto Viejo Beach is within walking distance. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air operates flights to other destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines provides service to San José. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access via Route 36 from San José. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses connect with major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are affordable with fares typically around ₡500. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shuttle services available to Cahuita and Manzanillo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Limón is the nearest full-service hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Centre offers regular classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Kinesis offers gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at most hostels and local shops. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is operational in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Patacones (fried plantains) are a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Tico serves a great range of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato & Coffee serves delicious homemade gelato. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Fresh Market for locally sourced produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Various options available, including local sellers on Facebook Marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery services like TiendaMIA are available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Playa Chiquita is popular for nightlife and beach parties. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brauhaus offers locally crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Whitelight Wine Bar offers a good selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls near the beach serving local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurant Koki Beach serves a mix of local and international foods. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Jaguar Rescue Center is a popular attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kaya's Place features local artists' works. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the indigenous Bribri community nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The local church near the town center is worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Caribbean Sea Festival held annually in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Puerto Viejo's main street is filled with vibrant local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local venues host music performances frequently. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The organic market every Saturday offers local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live reggae music at various bars on the weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The area is known for its vibrant street art scenes. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Several local chefs offer classes on Caribbean cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Various pop-up galleries showcase local talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Pueblo de Puerto Viejo features unique Caribbean architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Influence from Afro-Caribbean culture is prevalent. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cahuita National Park is a short bus ride away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is accessible. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal road along Playa Cocles offers beautiful routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout points at Playa Chiquita are breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cahuita National Park is known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas on Playa Chiquita allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office and private courier services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops repair devices and offer tech support. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hostels offer table tennis as part of their amenities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish schools like Puerta al Español offer lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Puerto Viejo doesn't have a formal library; cafes serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The local community center hosts events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options, primarily community-based gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos, but nearby towns may offer gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for incomes above $3,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% VAT on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Applicable to residents with foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1.5% on property value assessed annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2.5% standard rate. |