Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Playas del Coco
Guanacaste beach town with the closest dive shops to Liberia airport, cheap bars and a sizeable expat community. Beaches are modest; nightlife, traffic and dry-season heat define the stay.
At a glance
- Monthly budget$2,410–3,720Comfortable, one person · ₡1.1M–1.7MDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Apr, 36°CDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is drinkable in town, but supply can be cut in the dry season; many residents buy filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$66–120Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in most restaurants, dive shops and supermarkets; keep colones for buses, small sodas and some beach bars.Details
Where to stay in Playas del Coco
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Coco town centre | Walkable base near dive shops, restaurants and the beach |
| Playa Hermosa | Quieter beach stays, surf and dive resorts, short drive away |
| Sardinal and Artola | Cheaper long-term rentals, car or taxi needed |
Apps that work in Playas del Coco
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber Eats | Guanacaste listings centre on Liberia; coverage in Coco is thin, check the app |
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Red official taxis are common and use meters; confirm the fare for longer trips. Ride apps work but are thinner than in San José.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work in most restaurants, dive shops and supermarkets; keep colones for buses, small sodas and some beach bars.
- 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
Going to Playas del Coco solo?
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Sources
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport
- CCSS (public health)
- Delfino.cr: Hospital Metropolitano Liberia, May 2026
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.