Town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Jacó
The closest surf town to San José: easy beach days, nightlife and cheap beginner lessons within 2 hours of the airport. Expect crowds, petty crime and a rowdy strip.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,630–3,940Comfortable, one person · ₡1.2M–1.8MDetails
- Value for money10/100Better value than 9% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Mar, 32°CDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is generally safe in Jacó; ask at rentals and use bottled water in outer villas.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$77–153Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and hotels.Details
Where to stay in Jacó
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Jacó center | Walkable beach, bars, restaurants and hostels |
| Playa Hermosa | Surf break just south of Jacó, quieter at night |
| Herradura | Marina area, calmer beach and higher-end condos |
Apps that work in Jacó
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Red taxis wait along the main strip; agree the fare. Apps work in town but are sparse after midnight.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and hotels. Carry colones for buses, taxis and small sodas.
- Currency: Colon (CRC). US$1 ≈ ₡456.71 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs dispense colones or US dollars; foreign cards need a four-digit PIN. Use machines inside banks or malls.
- Tipping: Restaurants add a 10% service charge by law, so extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers on tours.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted. SINPE Móvil transfers need a Costa Rican bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Bring an onward or return ticket and proof of funds; airlines often check before boarding.
- The officer sets your permitted stay at entry; overstays are fined about US$100 per month.
- The air departure tax (about US$29) is included in most tickets.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Kölbi has the widest rural coverage. Buy SIMs at the airport or any carrier store with your passport; prepaid monthly plans are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Costa Rica
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.