Tamarindo, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#921
,
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Tamarindo is a coastal town located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, known for its beaches, surfing, and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with options for higher speeds available at some cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Costa Rican Colón (CRC). 1 USD ≈ 620 CRC. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink tap water; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B plugs used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar, offering prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International debit and credit cards are widely accepted. Banks such as Banco Nacional and BAC Credomatic serve expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels are available; prices vary significantly. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many establishments accept credit/debit cards, but it’s good to carry cash for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings often cater specifically to tourists and digital nomads. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Pura Vida is a budget-friendly option with dormitory and private rooms. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Playa Tamarindo area has numerous resorts, restaurants, and shops within walking distance to the beach. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying around Tamarindo Village for accessibility to coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive is a popular coworking space with high-speed internet, private offices, and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Tico offers a vibrant atmosphere and good Wi-Fi, ideal for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Frequent meetups organized through Facebook groups such as 'Tamarindo Digital Nomads' for networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular social events are hosted at local bars and cafes, where expats often gather. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Tamarindo, along with local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Various shops like Tamarindo Scooter Rentals offer bike and scooter rentals for easy navigation. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Tamarindo is a pristine beach popular for surfing and sunbathing right at your doorstep. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Nature Air offers domestic flights to various destinations within Costa Rica. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, Delta, and United operate flights reaching Liberia International Airport nearby. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Route 21 connects Tamarindo to major cities and attractions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses provide regional transport from the local bus terminal. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transportation is primarily by bus; passes are generally not applicable, pay as you board. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Tamarindo with Liberia and other major towns, offering affordable fares. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Metropolitano in Liberia is a well-equipped facility for emergencies. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga al Mar offers various classes and wellness retreats on the beachfront. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Swell Fitness is a popular gym in Tamarindo with a variety of workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats are available, such as Lavandería Tamarindo, for wash-and-fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is popular for food delivery in Tamarindo, with options from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Casado, a traditional dish with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and meat, is a must-try at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Nalu Health Bar & Cafe offers a range of vegan and vegetarian options in a casual setting. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelato Tamarindo provides delicious homemade ice cream and desserts right by the beach. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Tamarindo Farmer's Market provide fresh produce and artisan products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local businesses often set up online stores via social media platforms for deliveries. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some supermarkets offer delivery services, such as Auto Mercado in Liberia. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Bodega and Monkey Bar are popular nightlife spots for socializing and entertainment. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Costa Rica’s Craft Brewery located in nearby Liberia produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Pueblo Viejo is known for its extensive wine selection in a cozy setting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local taco stands and empanada vendors line the streets, offering cheap eats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tamarindo has various options like Italian, Mexican, and sushi restaurants throughout. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Iguana Sanctuary is a unique conservation area to visit, home to various iguana species. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Art of John is a local gallery showcasing works by Costa Rican artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the nearby town of Santa Cruz to explore local history and architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Tamarindo Church offers a glimpse into local culture and is worth a visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Guanacaste Day in July features local music, dance, and culture, celebrating Costa Rican heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The beach area is dubbed the cultural district where art markets and festivals take place. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Although smaller, local theaters sometimes host cultural performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Tamarindo’s night market and crafts market are popular for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live reggae and Latin music can be found in local bars almost every night. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local street artists often showcase their work in various spots around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with Gina offers classes focusing on traditional Costa Rican cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Pacific Coast Art Gallery features local artwork and crafts for sale. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old town area features traditional colonial-style buildings adding to local charm. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local culture is heavily influenced by indigenous roots and surfing culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Las Baulas National Marine Park nearby is great for wildlife watching, especially turtles. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Rincón de la Vieja National Park offers hiking and hot springs, about an hour's drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beachfront roads are perfect for cycling and walking, with stunning ocean views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Tamarindo estuary lookout presents remarkable sunsets and wildlife. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The estuary areas are excellent for birdwatching, with diverse species in their natural habitats. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Specific areas on the beach allow bonfires for evening gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available for package delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Tamarindo Tech provide repair services for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Tamarindo beach club often has tables set up for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish schools such as Tamarindo Spanish School offer intensive language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Cafes and coworking spaces provide quiet areas to study and work. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Tamarindo Community Center hosts various local events and social activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes may sometimes feature gaming nights for board and video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos within Tamarindo, but several are located in nearby cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $88,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $152,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Costa Rica has a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules apply to tax rates of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rate is 0.25%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transactions are subject to a 1.5% transfer tax. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Costa Rica has favorable conditions for digital nomads including tourism-based temporary residency options. |