Capital city, Costa Rica
San José
Costa Rica's capital is a practical base for airports, buses, clinics and coworking, with good cafés in Barrio Escalante and Escazú. It is not a beach town; expect traffic, petty theft and grey rainy afternoons.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,410–3,720Comfortable, one person · ₡1.1M–1.7MDetails
- Value for money9/100Better value than 8% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Apr, 27°CDetails
- Air quality29 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2020) · Very pollutedDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water in San José is safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$88–175Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in San José
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Barrio Escalante | Cafés, restaurants and a walkable food scene |
| Escazú | Expats, malls, gyms and long stays; car or Uber needed |
| Barrio Amón / Otoya | Hostels and old houses near the center; quiet at night |
| Sabana / Rohrmoser | Parks, running loops and apartments near the national stadium |
Apps that work in San José
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Official red taxis use a meter ('maría'); refuse flat prices. At the airport, use the orange taxi counter or the app pickup point.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Carry colones for buses, the central market, street vendors 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
Going to San José solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in San José meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Juan Santamaría International Airport
- Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT)
- Costa Rica Social Security (CCSS)
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.