Santa Teresa, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#922
9.641641, -85.164356
Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Teresa is a small beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula known for its beautiful beaches and surf culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2,500 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 15-25 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 620 CRC |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Kolbi, Movistar, or Claro; prepaid plans are affordable. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs widely available; credit/debit cards accepted in most places. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, hostels, and boutique hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Somewhat cashless; small vendors may require cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb and local agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Consider Hotel Girasoles or Selina Santa Teresa for affordable stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Sanctuary at Cabo Blanco, offering a quiet environment and reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee shop "El Carmen" has a relaxed vibe and good WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check out local Facebook groups for digital nomads and expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups at local bars and surf schools. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use Uber or local taxis; typically reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like Santa Teresa Bike Rentals offer bikes and scooters for hire. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Santa Teresa is the main beach, known for surfing and sunsets. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air provides services to nearby destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines offers international connections from San Jose. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Route 21, which connects to various parts of the Nicoya Peninsula. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; buses are the primary transit option. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses available, tickets paid per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Santa Teresa to Cobano and other nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital CIMA in nearby Ciudad Colon is the most reputable healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Amara Wellness offers yoga classes and retreat programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Santa Teresa provides basic equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and drop-off laundry services available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and local services like Nosara Delivery operate in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional Costa Rican rice and beans dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant "The Bakery" offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try "Sugar Beach" for delicious desserts and smoothies. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and snacks at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Santa Teresa, with local options available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local shop "Frescos y Frutas" provides grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Explore the nightlife at The Lookout or Kimbas Bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Visit Santa Teresa Beer for local craft brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Santa Teresa has a few options, including a selection at "Bar La Perla." |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various vendors at the beach serve tacos and fresh seafood. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Look for Italian options at "Pizzeria La Estrella". |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Check out the iconic Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural events often held at local community centers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old lighthouse near Playa Santa Teresa is a scenic spot. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the small church of Santa Teresa. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Surf competitions and local fairs occur annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The artisan area by the beach has local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Outdoor performances happen occasionally, check local listings. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Saturday Farmer's Market offers local products and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often host live music from regional artists. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Mural art can be found around the town, celebrating surf culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Be part of local culinary classes at "Casa de la Cultura." |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display work at "Café Pronto." |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old wooden Costa Rican houses are a cultural highlight. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Costa Rican traditions are celebrated through festivals and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Explore Playa Hermosa and Cabo Blanco National Park. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve is the nearest national park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Biking paths along the coast offer scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hike to Montezuma for breathtaking ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cabo Blanco is also great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfire pits are available along some beach areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office services and DHL operate in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Check Aloha Tech for device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some hostels and community centers have ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes are offered by local language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | There are small study areas in cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events take place regularly at local hubs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Online gaming at local cafes available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Santa Teresa; nearby cities may have some. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $75,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive system based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yearly tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1.5% on real estate transactions. |