San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua 🇳🇮
#741
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Juan del Sur is a coastal town located on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant surfing culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 15,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (US dollar is the local currency) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Claro and Movistar are the main providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted in most places; ATMs available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, guesthouses, Airbnb, and rental apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately; some places accept cards but cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals are available, typically ranging from $30 to $100 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like Casa Tota offer dorms starting from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The main beach area and Playa Maderas are popular among tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The area around the town center and beachfront offers numerous cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Surf Club offers a great environment for remote working. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Sorpresa is a popular spot with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The San Juan del Sur Community Facebook Group hosts various events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is not available; local taxis and tuk-tuks are common. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at various shops for around $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Maderas is a beautiful beach just a short drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | La Costeña provides regional flights to Managua. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Multiple airlines including American Airlines and Spirit fly into Managua. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Pan-American Highway connects to San Juan del Sur. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; buses are the primary mode of inter-city transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares are typically around $1 to nearby towns. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to Granada and Managua for around $2-$3. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Metropolitano Vivian Pellas in Managua is the best option. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Zen Yoga offers classes for varying levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms include San Juan Fitness with reasonable membership fees. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Several laundromats available, costing about $5-$10 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gallo Pinto is a traditional Nicaraguan dish not to be missed. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe de los Sueños offers a diverse vegetarian menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Nectar is famous for its delicious smoothies and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in town with fresh produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon ships to Nicaragua, but local options are limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets offer delivery, check La Colonia. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beach front bars like El Timón and The Lighthouse are popular. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | NicaBeer is a locally brewed option worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Pasión de Cristo offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors selling tacos and pupusas around town. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like La Casona serve a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Christ of Mercy statue overlooks the town. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | There are several local art galleries showcasing Nicaraguan art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old fishing docks and the original port from the colonial era. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia Santa Maria is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The annual Festival of San Juan features music and dancing. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The waterfront area is always lively and culturally rich. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local plays and performances are often held in public squares. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly artisan markets showcasing handmade crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars host live music, especially reggae and Latin bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals can be found throughout the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes offered by local chefs to learn Nicaraguan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Several galleries focus on local talent in the area. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old port buildings reflect the town's rich fishing history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals often celebrate the Nicaraguan identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Los Maribios volcano range offers hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve is accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic coastal paths are ideal for biking or walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points along the beaches provide stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | San Juan del Sur is home to diverse wildlife and bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several beaches allow bonfires; always check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and UPS are available for international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops exist for phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some bars feature ping pong tables for casual play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local schools and private instructors offer Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | There are few local libraries; cafés are popular study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The community often gathers for classes and local events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local bars might have gaming nights for social interaction. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are limited gambling options; nearest serious gaming is in Managua. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on Nicaraguan source income only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable as Nicaragua does not impose CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is 1% of the property's market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transfer tax of 1% applies, with additional fees. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No tax on foreign income, making it favorable for remote workers. |