San Isidro de El General, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#933
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Isidro de El General is the largest town in the Pérez Zeledón canton, located centrally in Costa Rica. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Costa Rican Colón (CRC), with 1 USD approximately equal to 600 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, though it's advisable to use filtered water for long-term stays. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, using Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar, with good coverage throughout the area. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment options include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments via local banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Available via Airbnb, local rentals, and long-term leases with prices around $400-$800 per month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted at many locations, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo offer many listings with prices starting at $25 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Pura Vida offers beds starting from $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Downtown San Isidro offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and transportation. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Around Parque de los Niños for co-working spaces and community networking. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hub San Isidro offers good facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Kafé serves excellent coffee and has reliable wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly expat meetups are organized at local cafes and co-working spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in San Isidro' provide opportunities to connect with others. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates here but traditional taxi services are also available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals for around $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dominical Beach is about a 30-minute drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air offers flights to various destinations from San Isidro. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | San José International Airport is the nearest major hub, about 2.5 hours away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Route 2 connects San Isidro to San José and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Not applicable; bus transportation is the main form of transit here. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus fares cost approximately 500 CRC ($0.83) per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate daily to nearby towns and beaches with fares starting around 1,500 CRC. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Escalante Pradilla for emergency and healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en el Bosque offers classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit has multiple branches and a range of fitness equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Mágica provides wash and fold services at affordable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is popular, offering various dining options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Sopa negra (black bean soup) and casado (traditional meal) are must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Casita Verde offers a full menu of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Churros El Mago is known for delicious churros and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Frutas y Verduras has fresh produce and local products at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Libre offers a variety of products delivered to your door. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Not applicable, but local stores provide delivery services within the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nearby bar La Cantina hosts live music and events. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Artesanal La Perla is a local brewery that offers tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El Tenedor serves a selection of wines from Costa Rica and beyond. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Tacos El Chino and various soda (local diners) are popular spots. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria El Terruño offers tasty pizzas at affordable prices. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the San Isidro de El General Cathedral for its stunning architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Cultural Center in San Isidro showcases local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Check out the Parque de los niños, a historical park with significant value. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Isidro is a beautiful church in the heart of town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The annual Fiestas de San Isidro, celebrating local culture and traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The downtown area is rich with shops, markets, and eateries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The local theater hosts various performances and events throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The San Isidro market offers fresh produce and local crafts every Saturday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music, especially during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout town, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes in local homes offer authentic Costa Rican cuisine experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries display works by Costa Rican artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical structures are scattered throughout the town center, adding charm. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | San Isidro is known for its rich agriculture and rural traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro de la Muerte provides stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Chirripó National Park is nearby and is great for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths around the river offer beautiful walks and biking routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de San Isidro offers breathtaking views of the mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Los Cusingos Bird Sanctuary is known for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Areas near the river have designated places for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correos de Costa Rica operates delivery services throughout the town. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can assist with basic tech repairs and services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have recreational facilities including ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools are available for expats looking to learn. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The municipal library is a quiet place for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Civic community center hosts events and classes for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some local cafes offer gaming facilities for computer gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Nearby San José has casinos and gaming venues if you're looking for entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is approximately 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically around 15% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax is based on residency, with a progressive tax rate. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is around 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax (VAT) is set at 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules exist, impacting tax for controlled entities abroad. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is around 0.25% of the property's registered value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer tax is typically 1% during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Costa Rica offers favorable tax treatment for foreign income under certain conditions. |