Tamarindo, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
#921
10.298412, -85.83995
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Tamarindo is a vibrant beach town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, known for its surf culture and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | 30-50 Mbps, with some coworking spaces providing higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 625 CRC. ATMs are widely available and debit/credit cards are accepted at most establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Kolbi, Movistar, and Claro, offering prepaid SIM options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco Nacional, Scotiabank, and international services such as Revolut are commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local hotels, Airbnb, and vacation rentals ranging from budget hostels to upscale villas. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, though small vendors often prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Tamarindo Backpacker and other small guesthouses offer beds starting around $20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Tamarindo offers flexible workspace options and various amenities for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Tico provides a relaxed atmosphere with good Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check the Tamarindo Expats Facebook group for regular meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various local events are organized through social media platforms and community boards. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Tamarindo, providing reliable transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Companies like Tamarindo Bikes and Surf provide bike and scooter rentals at reasonable rates. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Tamarindo, known for its surf-friendly conditions and scenic beauty. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sansa Airlines operates flights to and from regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | United Airlines and American Airlines offer flights to Liberia Airport, 1 hour from Tamarindo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via Route 21 connects Tamarindo with other parts of Costa Rica. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; buses operate frequently to nearby cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly through buses, which are affordable, costing around $5 to $10 for longer rides. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shuttle services and local buses connect Tamarindo to San José and Liberia. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Metropolitano in Liberia is the nearest hospital for emergencies. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Center Tamarindo offers various classes suited to all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Tamarindo Fitness offers gym facilities and personal training options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Spa offers laundry services with pickup and drop-off. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is widely used for food delivery in Tamarindo. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto, a traditional Costa Rican rice and beans dish, found at various local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Buddha Cafe offers an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panaderia Artesanal offers delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Tamarindo Night Market showcases various local food vendors and crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Tamarindo, but local services like MercadoLibre are also popular. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services like Supermercado La Bodega offer local delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The main strip along Tamarindo Beach is filled with lively bars and nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Costa Rica's Craft Brewing Company serves locally brewed beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | El Sapo offers a cozy setting with a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls along the beach serve local snacks like ceviche and empanadas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Sangria offer diverse international menus including Italian and Mediterranean dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Tamarindo Church and Las Baulas National Marine Park are highlights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Artisans in Tamarindo showcase local art; visit the local galleries. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The area is rich in indigenous history and has several ancient sites to explore. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The local church, Iglesia de Tamarindo, is a point of interest. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Tamarindo Art Wave festival celebrates local art and culture annually in March. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Tamarindo has a mix of local culture and expat communities with vibrant exchanges. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances often take place in local cafes and venues. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Tamarindo Farmers Market operates Thursdays, offering local produce and artisan goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can frequently be found at various bars along the beach. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals and street art by local artists decorate many buildings. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various local chefs offer classes in traditional Costa Rican cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries like La Paz Art Gallery showcase local talent. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Costa Rican architecture can be seen in the town square. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural heritage includes a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Marino Las Baulas National Park offers beautiful scenery and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Rincón de la Vieja National Park is about 1.5 hours drive, providing hiking and hot springs. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beach path along Tamarindo provides scenic views for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at ‘Sharky's’ offers breathtaking views of the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The estuaries around Tamarindo are great for spotting various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local courier services provide parcel delivery across Costa Rica. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tamarindo Tech offers mobile device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Tamarindo Community Center has facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish schools like Tamarindo Spanish School offer various levels of language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library provides a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Tamarindo Community Center hosts various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes offer gaming stations for casual gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in town, but nearby areas offer gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $68,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based system, taxing worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to domestic taxes for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 0.25% of the property's registered value annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1.5% of the property value. |