San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#933
9.370616, -83.704644
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Isidro de El General is a vibrant city located in the Pérez Zeledón canton of Costa Rica, known for its agricultural activities and stunning scenery. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 25,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of around 20 Mbps are common, with fiber options available in some areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC. ATMs are widely available and most accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable in urban areas. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, utilizes Type A and Type B plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Kolbi offer good coverage and prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Global banks such as Scotiabank and local options like Banco Nacional are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from affordable hostels to mid-range hotels and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in most places, but cash is still recommended for local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate agents provide various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel paraíso is a popular budget option costing approximately $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café y Co-Working La Arboleda, offering fast internet and a comfortable workspace. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Ruiz offers a great atmosphere and strong WiFi for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | The local expat community hosts meetups through groups on Facebook as well as local networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various community gatherings are organized through the 'Expats in Pérez Zeledón' Facebook group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area and is generally reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available from local shops in the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hermosa Beach is about 40 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Skyway offers flights to nearby destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | The nearest major airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), about 3 hours away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Inter-American Highway (Route 2) connects to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The city has bus terminals providing domestic connections, though there is no train service. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets to nearby towns are cost-effective, usually around 1,000 CRC per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate frequently to destinations like San José, Dominical, and other regional hubs. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Escalante Pradilla provides good healthcare services in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Serenity Yoga Studio offers classes and retreats for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Multi Sports Gym offers various fitness options and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Rápido provides affordable laundry services for residents and travelers. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com is widely used for food delivery in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado, a traditional Costa Rican meal of rice, beans, salad, and meat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Callejón Vegetarian offers a wide range of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Casa del Dulce specializes in local sweets and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Municipal has fresh produce and local goodies at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre is a popular platform for online shopping in Costa Rica. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Ole Grocery Store offers delivery services for a variety of products. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bar El Jardin is known for its vibrant nightlife and local music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza La Perra offers locally crafted beers with an on-site tasting area. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca del Valle has a nice selection of wines from various regions. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around the central park offer delicious local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza a la Leña offers popular Italian dishes and has a good reputation in town. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Church of San Isidro Labrador is a notable local landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de los Egresados showcases local culture and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ancient petroglyphs in the nearby area are worth exploring. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia San Isidro stands out with its impressive architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de San Isidro are celebrated in late March with parades and festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown features local shops and artisan markets celebrating Costa Rican culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cine Bambu is a popular local cinema. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Estadio Municipal hosts a market every Saturday with local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local live music can be found in various bars and cultural centers, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals and art installations around the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Costa Rican Cooking School offers hands-on experiences with local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte San Isidro highlights local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Look for colonial architecture throughout the older areas of the town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural celebrations reflect the rich indigenous and Spanish heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Coto Brus and La Amistad National Park are perfect for hiking and nature experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Los Quetzales National Park is about 45 minutes away and renowned for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Many scenic trails wind through the natural landscapes around the city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Quetzales offers breathtaking views of the area. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The forests near La Amistad are a paradise for bird watchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in local parks allow for bonfires with proper permissions. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Cruz del Sur and local couriers provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Accesorios móviles offers phone and device repairs in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have ping pong tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Lenguas provides Spanish classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Centro de Información de San Isidro offers space for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura hosts various cultural activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafés are available for gaming and socializing with locals. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | San Isidro has a couple of small casinos, mainly offering slot machines. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $39,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules, but earnings abroad need to be reported. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is approximately 0.25% of the property's registered value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | One-time transfer tax of 1.5% on property sales. |