Santa Teresa, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#922
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Santa Teresa is a small beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its breathtaking sunsets, surf spots, and laid-back vibe. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps; higher speeds available at coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Costa Rican Colón (CRC). 1 USD ≈ 600 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not entirely drinkable; it's recommended to buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Claro and Kolbi are popular providers with good coverage in the area. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa, Mastercard, and some places accept US dollars. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury villas to budget hostels and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, but it's advisable to carry cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property management companies offer numerous listings. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Posada is a popular choice with beds starting at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Playa Santa Teresa area is recommended for its proximity to the beach. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Mal País is ideal for long-term stays, offering quieter surroundings and good internet options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive, featuring high-speed internet and a community atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Social, which offers reliable Wi-Fi and a productive environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Frequent meetups and surf classes organized via local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community potlucks and gatherings happening regularly, found in local groups online. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in nearby towns but not always consistently; local taxis are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Santa Teresa Rentals offers bikes and scooters starting at $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Santa Teresa, just seconds away, known for its surf and sunsets. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines for domestic flights to San José. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the primary international hub. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Road access is primarily via Route 160, which connects to larger towns. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; buses connect Santa Teresa to other regions. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are available for intercity travel, with no passes; tickets are paid per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses travel to nearby Nicoya and San José regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | CIMA Hospital in San José, 4 hours away, or local clinics for basic needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Institute Santa Teresa hosts various classes, suitable for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Karma Fitness offers gym access and classes; memberships start at $50/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; San Juan laundry offers drop-off services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Glovo operate in the area for meal deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado, a traditional Costa Rican dish featuring rice, beans, salad, and your choice of protein. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Organic offers diverse vegetarian and vegan meals in a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Boulangerie is well-known for its pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local Mercado Santa Teresa for fresh produce and budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Supermercado Santa Teresa for grocery shopping and home delivery services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Walmart Costa Rica offers online shopping and delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Enjoy nightlife at The Hideout and Kina Surf Bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brew Rock, with local craft beers in a relaxed setting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | DiVino offers a selection of wines from various regions. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Taco and Fresco stalls are common for quick bites. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Zula offers Mediterranean dishes in a scenic setting. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the iconic surfing spots like Playa Hermosa and Montezuma Waterfall. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural art galleries can be found scattered throughout Santa Teresa. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Nearby historical sites include the town of Cobano. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Santa Teresa is the main church in the town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Feria de Santa Teresa, a local festival held annually in December, featuring music and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The main street in Santa Teresa is lively with shops, cafes, and local artists. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local beach events and movie nights take place frequently. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Farmers' markets on Fridays are popular for fresh, local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Regular live music at venues like The Hideout and 2 for 1 Pizza. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists often display their work on walls across the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Tamarindo Cooking Classes offers classes focusing on local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Sea of Art showcases local artists in an outdoor setting. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old wooden houses and structures from the early 20th century can be found around town. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Costa Rican culture is celebrated through music and food festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Exploring Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is a must for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Corcovado National Park is a notable nearby option for biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails around the beaches and through the forests provide opportunities for hikes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout points offer breathtaking views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Nicoya Peninsula is rich in bird species, especially around local reserves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas on Playa Santa Teresa allow for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correo de Costa Rica handles regular mail and parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Santa Teresa offer basic tech support and repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The local community center occasionally provides ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Several language schools offer Spanish classes for foreign residents. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes and coworking spaces serve as popular study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de la Cultura in nearby Cobano is active with events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Casual gaming events are sometimes organized in community spaces. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Santa Teresa; nearby towns have basic gaming facilities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% tax rate applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial taxation basis; income sourced within Costa Rica is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Costa Rica applies rules to limit tax avoidance strategies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is approximately 0.25% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Purchase tax is approximately 1.5% of the property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on foreign income for non-residents. |