Town in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Tamarindo
Guanacaste's busiest surf town: easy beaches, surf lessons, restaurants, a real nightlife strip and many expats. It is pricey, crowded in high season and hot, with petty theft on the beach.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,850–4,380Comfortable, one person · ₡1.3M–2MDetails
- Value for money6/100Better value than 5% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Apr, 36°CDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated but hard on the stomach for some; most visitors and locals use filtered or bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$88–164Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless are common in restaurants, supermarkets and surf schools.Details
Where to stay in Tamarindo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Tamarindo center | Walkable beach, bars and restaurants; noisy at night |
| Langosta | Quieter beach, villas and a calmer pace; short taxi ride |
| Playa Grande | Surfers, turtle nesting and fewer crowds across the estuary |
| Playa Avellanas | Surf and chill; taxi or car needed |
Apps that work in Tamarindo
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Sometimes available; supply is limited and varies by season |
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Taxis wait in the centre; agree a fare before you get in. Apps are unreliable, so book airport transfers in advance.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless are common in restaurants, supermarkets and surf schools. Carry colones for taxis, small sodas and 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
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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.