San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua 🇳🇮
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Juan del Sur is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and surf culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 15,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-25 Mbps in most cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 36.39 NIO. Local ATMs are available, and credit cards are accepted at many businesses. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Claro and Movistar, offering good coverage in urban areas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC are available; Revolut and TransferWise are also popular among expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, budget hotels, and vacation rentals through Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; many places accept cards, but cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular; expect prices from $20 to $150 per night depending on the season. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel facilities such as The Naked Tiger provide affordable stays starting from $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | El Chill is a popular coworking space with reliable internet and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Sonrisa offers a great working environment with Wi-Fi and delicious coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Weekly meetups at El Coco Loco for digital nomads and expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Nicaragua Expats' provide information about community and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; however, Uber is not currently operational. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent bicycles or scooters at various shops along the beach starting at $10 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Maderas Beach is famous for surfing and is only a 15-minute drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca offers regional flights to nearby countries. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines provide international connections through Managua. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The town is accessible via the Pan-American Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; bus terminals provide transit to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate regularly to nearby towns; no formal pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shuttles to Granada, Managua, and other nearby cities are easily accessible. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The nearest hospital is Hospital San Juan del Sur for general medical care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House offers classes with stunning ocean views. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gyms like Fútbol y Fitness provide workout facilities for locals and tourists. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various local businesses, typically charging around $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo is a popular option for food delivery in San Juan del Sur. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Indulge in 'Vigorón,' a traditional Nicaraguan dish that includes yuca and pork. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Gato Negro offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulce Pan offers delicious pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like 'Mercado Municipal' provide fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is limited; MercadoLibre serves as the main e-commerce platform. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is limited, but local stores often offer delivery services for regular customers. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Central beach area comes alive at night with bars like The Surfing Turtle Lodge. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Nicaragua Craft Beer is available locally at various bars and restaurants. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine selection can be found at Bruno's Restaurant. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street tacos and quesadillas are popular and affordable at vendors along the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Beach House offer pizza, pasta, and international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Christ of the Mercy statue offers breathtaking views over the bay. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Cultural events are hosted at the Centro de Arte in San Juan. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The local church, Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, is a notable historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is a beautiful site for worship and history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of San Juan is celebrated every June with cultural activities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The waterfront is vibrant, filled with local artisans and street performers. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community events often take place in the Central Park. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Various artisan markets showcase local crafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is frequently played in restaurants and bars, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals line the streets of the town, reflecting local culture and art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered at Casa Oro for an authentic Nicaraguan cooking experience. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery of San Juan displays local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Local colonial architecture can be seen along the streets of San Juan. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The vibrant local culture showcases traditional Nicaraguan music and dance. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the nearby Las Salinas Nature Reserve, great for hiking and wildlife watching. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Masaya Volcano National Park is about an hour's drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Scenic trails abound, especially along the coastline and into the hills. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Mirador de la Cruz offers stunning panoramic views of San Juan del Sur. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Great for birdwatching at nearby lagoons and nature reserves. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated fire pits can be found at many beaches, perfect for evening bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services provide parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer electronic repair services, albeit limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local cafes and hostels have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools like El Bocadito offer immersive classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | There are few formal libraries; cafes and coworking spaces are popular for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community gatherings are often hosted at the central square. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; local cafes sometimes have consoles. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited availability; Managua has larger casinos if desired. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² in the city center. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² outside the city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² for a central 1-bedroom apartment. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² for a 1-bedroom outside the city. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² for a 2-bedroom apartment centrally located. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² for a larger apartment outside the city. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The withholding tax on dividends is 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Nicaragua uses a worldwide income basis for taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT at 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules exist but are less stringent compared to other regions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax system is filed based on assessed value, typically at a low rate. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A 1% transaction tax applies to property purchases. |