Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Sámara
Calm, swimmable bay on the Nicoya Peninsula with surf lessons, yoga and a settled expat scene. Pleasant for slow stays, but far from a hospital and from Liberia airport.
At a glance
- Monthly budget$2,410–3,720Comfortable, one person · ₡1.1M–1.7MDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Mar, 34°CDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is generally drinkable in the village, but AyA took over the supply from the local ASADA in late 2025 and residents report unannounced cuts.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$66–120Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundWalking and bikesVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in most shops, restaurants and tour offices; carry colones for buses, markets and small beach vendors.Details
Where to stay in Sámara
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sámara village | Walkable beach town with restaurants, surf schools and hostels |
| Playa Carrillo | Quiet, palm-lined beach 5 km away; car or taxi helpful |
| Barrio Los Jardines and hillside | Longer rentals with ocean views, a short drive from the beach |
Apps that work in Sámara
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps. Use registered taxis in the village or book a shuttle through your accommodation.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work in most shops, restaurants and tour offices; carry colones for buses, markets and small beach vendors.
- 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 Sámara solo?
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Sources
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- CCSS (public health)
- Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport
- La Nación: Sámara water supply taken over by AyA
- Bus Costa Rica: shared shuttle Sámara to Liberia
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.