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Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Sebastián, also known as Donostia, is the capital of the Basque province of Gipuzkoa. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 187,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; local banks include BBVA, CaixaBank, and Santander. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like BBVA and Santander are widely used; N26 is popular among digital nomads. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels such as A Room in the City. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway are popular. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like El Marquez de la Merced offer affordable options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town (Parte Vieja) is recommended due to its vibrant atmosphere. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Zurriola Beach area is preferred for its coworking spaces and vibrant community. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | HABITAT Coworking offers modern workspaces and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Concha provides great coffee and a sea view, ideal for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events occur frequently at local coworking spaces; check MeetUp for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The San Sebastián Expats group on Facebook hosts regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | FreeNow and Cabify are popular for on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | DonostiBike offers bike rentals throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Concha Beach, just a short walk from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Nostrum operates flights to neighboring regions. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Vueling and Iberia provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | AP-1 and AP-8 highways are easily accessible. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | San Sebastián's main train station is located at Plaza de Euskadi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Auzobus pass offers discounted travel throughout the city. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services connect to Bilbao, Biarritz, and other Basque cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Donostia is the main public hospital in San Sebastián. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Center Donostia offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and Duet Fit are popular gyms in the area. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Just Eat and Glovo are the main food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pintxos are a must-try, with places like Bar Nestor and La Cuchara de San Telmo. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Gozatu serve excellent plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Vina is famous for its cheesecake. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de la Bretxa offers fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Spain services the area. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Dia and Carrefour deliver groceries in San Sebastián. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Parte Vieja is lively with numerous bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gure Txoko is known for its local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Guria is popular for its Basque wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Kioskos around the beach serve great portable local eats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several Italian, Chinese, and Indian restaurants are sprinkled around the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Monte Igueldo offers panoramic views of the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | San Telmo Museoa showcases Basque history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old town with the City Hall is a significant historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica de Santa María del Coro is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The San Sebastián International Film Festival happens every September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zarautz and Getaria are nearby and full of cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Victoria Eugenia hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de la Bretxa is a vibrant local marketplace. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in many bars, especially in August for the Jazzaldia festival. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti is prevalent in the Old Town and along the waterfront. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cook & Taste offers excellent local cuisine classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Aranarte showcases local and international artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The City Hall building is a prominent historic landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Basque culture is represented through festivals, gastronomy, and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby parks include Parque de la Victoria Eugenia and Larrun. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Aiako Harria Natural Park is within a short drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along La Concha beach provides scenic walking and cycling routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints on Monte Igueldo are ideal for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular at the nearbyñ natural reserves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beaches allow for bonfires, especially permitted during summer. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos handle parcel deliveries in the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like ReparaTuMovil offer device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have outdoor table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Euskaltegi offers Basque language courses suitable for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca Municipal provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Centro Cultural Koldo Mitxelena hosting events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | RESTO Gaming Lounge provides space for gamers and events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Kursaal offers gaming experiences along with entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €160,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €228,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €162,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 19%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 47%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 21%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 10% standard rate. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Various tax incentives exist, including the possibility of lower rates for expats. |