City in Texas, United States
San Antonio
Affordable Texas city of Tex-Mex, history and the River Walk. Good for a relaxed week or budget remote-work stay; summers are brutal, transit is thin and you will often want a car.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,600–3,800Comfortable, one person · $2,600–3,800Details
- Value for money27/100Better value than 26% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 36°CDetails
- Air quality9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe; San Antonio Water System draws from the Edwards Aquifer.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$130–260Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless nearly everywhere.Details
Where to stay in San Antonio
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Downtown and River Walk | First visits: Alamo, hotels and walkable sights |
| Southtown and King William | Historic homes, art galleries, restaurants and cafés |
| The Pearl | Food hall, farmers market, riverfront and boutique hotels |
| Alamo Heights | Quiet, upscale and green; need a car |
Apps that work in San Antonio
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Taxis are scarce; apps are cheaper and easier. Avoid unlicensed drivers outside bars on weekends.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless nearly everywhere. Carry a few dollars for tips, parking and taco stands.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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- Washington, D.C.Capital city
Going to San Antonio solo?
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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.