Food and Drink
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Super Ronny #1 or Super La Hacienda for better bulk prices.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Unimart.com (CR-based Amazon alternative) delivers via Correos de Costa Rica.
- Grocery Delivery
- Green World Store (organic and specialty groceries delivery).
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- La Lora Amarilla (iconic dance floor/reggae nights) and Somos.
- Local Brewery
- Butterfly Brewing Co. (located nearby in the jungle hills).
- Wine Bars
- Kika (live music and great wine selection by the beach).
- Street Food Stalls
- Argentinian Empanada stands along the 'Main Road' near Playa Carmen.
- Popular International Cuisine
- Zula Restaurant (highly rated Israeli cuisine near the beach).
- Best Food Delivery App
- No major apps; most restaurants offer WhatsApp delivery directly.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Casado (rice, beans, protein, salad) at Soda Tiquicia.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Eat Street (vendors like 'Happy Bowls') and Kook's Cafe.
- Best Dessert Spots
- The Bakery (Famous for Almond Croissants and Cheesecake).
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve (the first protected area in Costa Rica).
- Museums & Art Venues
- None in town; local craft fairs at the 'Feria de Santa Teresa' (Saturdays).
- Historical Sites
- The nearby village of Malpais (historic fishing roots of the peninsula).
- Religious Sites
- Iglesia Católica de Santa Teresa (small, community-focused).
- Annual Events
- Envision Festival (Uvita, but many nomads stop in ST before/after in March).
- Cultural Districts
- The 'Crossroads' (Playa Carmen) where local culture meets surf tourism.
- Theater Venues
- Occasional outdoor cinema screenings at Selina South.
- Local Markets
- Saturday Organic Market at Playa Carmen beach entrance.
- Music Scene
- Live acoustic sets at Banana Beach during sunset sessions.
- Street Art
- Murals on the facade of Somos and Eat Street.
- Cooking Classes
- Local 'Sodas' occasionally offer Tortilla making workshops.
- Art Galleries
- Art & Soul (local paintings and handmade jewelry).
- Historic Buildings
- Traditional wooden 'Tico' houses in the Back-Roads area.
- Local Heritage
- The 'Pura Vida' lifestyle - a focus on nature, surf, and slow living.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Montezuma Waterfalls (40-minute drive across the peninsula).
- National Parks Nearby
- Curú National Wildlife Refuge (abundant monkeys and scarlet macaws).
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The beach itself is the main thoroughfare; walk from Malpais to Hermosa at low tide.
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Vista de Olas (infinity pool bar overlooking the entire coastline).
- Birdwatching Locations
- The forest canopy behind Playa Hermosa.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- North Santa Teresa beach (check local fire bans during dry season).
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Correos de Costa Rica in Cóbano (15km away).
- Tech Repair Services
- Limited in town; most residents head to San Jose or use 'iFix' in Nicoya.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Selina Santa Teresa North common area.
- Language Classes
- Perfect Sunset School (Spanish immersion + Surf).
- Libraries & Study Spots
- No public library; Zwart Art Cafe is a quiet book-filled space.
- Community Centers
- The Santa Teresa Lifeguard association (community-funded facility).
- Gaming Lounges
- None in town; focus is on outdoor activities.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Not available; closest are in San Jose or Jaco.
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $4,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² studio = $192,000)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $128,000 in Manzanillo)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $270,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $180,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $336,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $224,000)
- Corporate Tax
- Progressive up to 30% depending on gross income.
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 15% standard rate.
- Tax System
- Territorial tax system (only income earned within Costa Rica is taxed).
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 25% for individuals.
- VAT
- 13% (locally known as IVA).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No, Costa Rica does not currently have CFC rules.
- Property Tax
- 0.25% of the registered property value annually.
- Property Transaction Tax
- 1.5% transfer tax + stamp duties (total approx. 2.4%).
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- 0% tax on foreign income for holders of the official Digital Nomad Visa.
Essentials
- City
- Santa Teresa, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
- Population
- Approximately 3,500 permanent residents
- Internet Speed
- Starlink and fiber optic now widely available, averaging 50-100 Mbps
- Currency & Banking
- Costa Rican Colón (CRC); 1 USD ≈ 505 CRC. USD is widely accepted.
- Tap Water
- Generally safe in main centers, but many nomads prefer bottled or filtered water due to high mineral content.
- Power
- 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets (same as USA/Canada)
- SIM Card
- Liberty (formerly Movistar) or Claro; available at San Jose airport or local 'pulperias'.
- Banking for Expats
- BNCR (Banco Nacional) has an ATM in town; Revolut and Wise work at most card terminals.
- Accommodation
- Selina Santa Teresa North/South for community; private villas for long-term stays.
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, card payments are standard in restaurants, but keep cash for small sodas and surf rentals.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb and VRBO are dominant; prices range $1,500 - $4,000/month.
- Budget Accommodation
- Somos Surf House (dorms from $35/night) or Don Jon’s Lodge ($25/night).
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Playa Carmen for proximity to shops, restaurants, and the main crossroads.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Playa Hermosa (North) for quieter atmosphere and high-end villas with better fiber connectivity.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Selina North (approx. $25/day or $250/month) with dedicated call booths and pool access.
- Best Cafe for Work
- The Bakery (fast Wi-Fi, great coffee, and AC) or Ani's Bowls (outdoor seating with reliable power).
- Networking Events
- Entrepreneur meetups often held at Somos on Thursday nights.
- Social Events for Expats
- Sunset bonfire sessions at Playa Santa Teresa; 'Santa Teresa Community' Facebook group.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No Uber/Bolt; use local WhatsApp taxi groups or 'Taxi Santa Teresa' (+506 8325-1010).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- ATV rentals are standard due to dirt roads; 'Pacific Dirt Road' ($50-$70/day).
- Best Beach Nearby
- Playa Hermosa for its wide sand expanse and beginner-friendly surf breaks.
- Top Regional Airline
- Sansa Airlines (flights from San Jose to Tambor Airport, 45 mins away).
- Top International Airline
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) served by United, American, and KLM.
- Highway Access
- Route 160 (unpaved in many sections) connects to Paquera for the ferry.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- No trains; the main bus terminal is San Jose's Terminal 7-10 for the direct bus.
- Public Transport Passes
- Cobano-Santa Teresa local bus ($2); pay cash to the driver.
- Regional Travel
- Ferry from Paquera to Puntarenas ($1.50 per person) to reach the mainland.
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Clinica Santa Teresa (24/7 emergency); major cases go to Hospital Monseñor Sanabria in Puntarenas.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Nalu (luxury studio) or Believe Surf & Yoga (drop-in classes approx. $20).
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Gimnasio Santa Teresa (Open-air weight room near Playa Carmen).
- Laundry Services
- Lavanderia El Sol; approx. $10-$15 per load (wash, dry, fold).