Town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Uvita
A laid-back jungle-and-beach area on the southern Pacific coast, known for Marino Ballena National Park and whale-watching. Quiet, scenic and growing with expats; services are limited and rains are heavy.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,410–3,720Comfortable, one person · ₡1.1M–1.7MDetails
- Value for money17/100Better value than 16% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–AprWarmest: Mar, 32°CDetails
- Internet182 MbpsFixed broadband, Costa Rica medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated in town but quality varies in rural villas; most people use filtered or bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$77–153Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundLocal busYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in supermarkets and many restaurants, but small cafés, buses and taxis need cash.Details
Where to stay in Uvita
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Uvita town | Supermarkets, buses, banks and local life near the highway |
| Playa Colonia / Marino Ballena | Beach access, the whale-tail sandbar and eco-lodges |
| Ojochal | Foodie village about 20 minutes south, with expats and quiet villas |
Apps that work in Uvita
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Waze, Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No dependable ride apps. Taxis and hostel shuttles are standard; agree a fare before you go.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Costa Rica.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in supermarkets and many restaurants, but small cafés, buses and taxis need cash. ATMs are in Uvita town.
- 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.