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Guide
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica π¨π·
#922
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Santa Teresa is a small beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its breathtaking sunsets, surf spots, and laid-back vibe. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 5,000 residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps; higher speeds available at coworking spaces. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Costa Rican ColΓ³n (CRC). 1 USD β 600 CRC. |
π° Tap Water | Not entirely drinkable; it's recommended to buy bottled water. |
π Power | 120V, 60Hz, π Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Claro and Kolbi are popular providers with good coverage in the area. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Visa, Mastercard, and some places accept US dollars. |
π Accommodation | Options range from luxury villas to budget hostels and Airbnb rentals. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards, but it's advisable to carry cash. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property management companies offer numerous listings. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Posada is a popular choice with beds starting at $15 per night. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Playa Santa Teresa area is recommended for its proximity to the beach. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Mal PaΓs is ideal for long-term stays, offering quieter surroundings and good internet options. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | The Hive, featuring high-speed internet and a community atmosphere. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Social, which offers reliable Wi-Fi and a productive environment. |
πΌ Networking Events | Frequent meetups and surf classes organized via local Facebook groups. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expat community potlucks and gatherings happening regularly, found in local groups online. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in nearby towns but not always consistently; local taxis are available. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Santa Teresa Rentals offers bikes and scooters starting at $10 per day. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Santa Teresa, just seconds away, known for its surf and sunsets. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines for domestic flights to San JosΓ©. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Juan SantamarΓa International Airport (SJO) is the primary international hub. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Road access is primarily via Route 160, which connects to larger towns. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; buses connect Santa Teresa to other regions. |
π Public Transport Passes | Buses are available for intercity travel, with no passes; tickets are paid per trip. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses travel to nearby Nicoya and San JosΓ© regularly. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | CIMA Hospital in San JosΓ©, 4 hours away, or local clinics for basic needs. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Institute Santa Teresa hosts various classes, suitable for all levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Karma Fitness offers gym access and classes; memberships start at $50/month. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; San Juan laundry offers drop-off services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Glovo operate in the area for meal deliveries. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado, a traditional Costa Rican dish featuring rice, beans, salad, and your choice of protein. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Organic offers diverse vegetarian and vegan meals in a cozy atmosphere. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | La Boulangerie is well-known for its pastries and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local Mercado Santa Teresa for fresh produce and budget shopping. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Supermercado Santa Teresa for grocery shopping and home delivery services. |
π Grocery Delivery | Walmart Costa Rica offers online shopping and delivery. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Enjoy nightlife at The Hideout and Kina Surf Bar. |
π» Local Brewery | Brew Rock, with local craft beers in a relaxed setting. |
π· Wine Bars | DiVino offers a selection of wines from various regions. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Taco and Fresco stalls are common for quick bites. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Zula offers Mediterranean dishes in a scenic setting. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the iconic surfing spots like Playa Hermosa and Montezuma Waterfall. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural art galleries can be found scattered throughout Santa Teresa. |
π° Historical Sites | Nearby historical sites include the town of Cobano. |
π Religious Sites | Iglesia de Santa Teresa is the main church in the town. |
π Annual Events | Feria de Santa Teresa, a local festival held annually in December, featuring music and culture. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The main street in Santa Teresa is lively with shops, cafes, and local artists. |
π Theater Venues | Local beach events and movie nights take place frequently. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Farmers' markets on Fridays are popular for fresh, local produce. |
πΌ Music Scene | Regular live music at venues like The Hideout and 2 for 1 Pizza. |
π¨ Street Art | Local artists often display their work on walls across the town. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Tamarindo Cooking Classes offers classes focusing on local dishes. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | The Sea of Art showcases local artists in an outdoor setting. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Old wooden houses and structures from the early 20th century can be found around town. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Costa Rican culture is celebrated through music and food festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Exploring Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is a must for nature lovers. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Corcovado National Park is a notable nearby option for biodiversity. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Various trails around the beaches and through the forests provide opportunities for hikes. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The lookout points offer breathtaking views of the coastline. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Nicoya Peninsula is rich in bird species, especially around local reserves. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas on Playa Santa Teresa allow for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Correo de Costa Rica handles regular mail and parcel delivery. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in Santa Teresa offer basic tech support and repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | The local community center occasionally provides ping pong tables. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Several language schools offer Spanish classes for foreign residents. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Local cafes and coworking spaces serve as popular study spots. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro de la Cultura in nearby Cobano is active with events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Casual gaming events are sometimes organized in community spaces. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Santa Teresa; nearby towns have basic gaming facilities. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $100,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $80,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $168,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $138,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $240,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $200,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% tax rate applied to dividend distributions. |
π¦ Tax System | Territorial taxation basis; income sourced within Costa Rica is taxed. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% maximum personal income tax rate. |
π§Ύ VAT | 13% standard VAT rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Costa Rica applies rules to limit tax avoidance strategies. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax is approximately 0.25% of property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Purchase tax is approximately 1.5% of the property value. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on foreign income for non-residents. |