Useful information for newcomers
In this section, I have listed the most frequently asked questions by visitors with whom I've been in touch as a concierge or tourist guide:
1. Why Costa Rica?
Why did I chose Costa Rica? This is a question that has come up hundreds of times since I moved to Guanacaste. After 5 years here, of course these reasons have evolved a lot. But above all, and I admit it, I wanted to leave my country where the lifestyle no longer satisfied me, starting with air pollution, the hectic pace of life and the traffic jams that I had to endure every day.
I immediately found what I was looking for when I arrived here. The air is pure, time passes very quickly but slowly, and in terms of traffic, I have rarely been stopped for more than 20 minutes in a row on the road.
Today, it is rather the reasons why I stay that you have to ask me! Well, I would add: the friendliness of the Costa Ricans, the weather forecasts that I no longer need to consult, the tropical temperature of the ocean and the unlimited number of places to discover. You will see, you will also be seduced by this wonderful little country!
2. Why Tamarindo?
If you're accustomed to living in big cities, and are seeking a place to settle down, Tamarindo and its surroundings might be a good option for you. You won't be bored! Tamarindo offers a wide selection of restaurants, activities, sports and supermarkets.
If you're very sensitive to noise, simply avoid downtown. However, the areas around it are still wild and quiet.
The beach boasts gorgeous views of surrounding mountains, and the sunsets are absolutely spectacular. Nearby, you'll also love Playa Grande and Playa Langosta, which are very easy to reach.
In term of social life, Tamarindo is very multicultural and diverse. To meet people, just become part of the community, whether through volunteering or joining Facebook groups, and you'll surely find your crew!
Tamarindo has a reputation as a party town, where drugs and prostitution are prevalent (I've lived in Paris, Berlin and Singapore, so I might not be entirely objective on that point!). Indeed, if you're looking to party, you'll find some good options during the high season. However, during the low season, the town is very quiet and peaceful.
3. Getting around by car / parking
One of Tamarindo's biggest challenges in its frenetic development is its lack of parking space and traffic flow. The two main arteries can be clogged very quickly, due to the waste collection or deliveries from businesses in the area. Not to mention the untimely stops of taxis, colectivos and public or tourist buses. If you wish to stay in a city center hotel, choose hotels offering private parking. If you are only passing through, car parks are relatively easily accessible, except during exceptional events such as the end of year celebrations and during Holy Week. Parking spaces are usually on earthen spaces managed/organized by people wearing yellow vests with reflective stripes, called "Watchiman". They take care of the organization of these parking spaces and the security of your vehicle. For this service, they will ask you for a contribution between 1000 and 5000 colones, depending on your parking time. It would be wise to agree on the price with the guard when you park.
4. Colectivos and taxis, or buses, UBER?
If you don't have a car, getting around Tamarindo isn't complicated and can be affordable if you know a few tricks.
Taxis: they are recognizable, red in color. They are legal and will transport you wherever you want. Starting prices are around 2000 colones
Colectivos: These are generally illegal cars but widely used by locals, including expatriates. They don't go everywhere. You can use them mainly to go from Tamarindo to Villareal, and to Santa Cruz. You will recognize the vehicles generally in poor condition, easily recognizable because they are crowded and appearing with flashing headlights before stopping at the place on the side of the road where you will be. It is preferable to have a basic understanding of Spanish to ask or negotiate the price as well as indicate your destination.
Buses: It's the cheapest way to move. They are mosty used by locals and will be crowded after working hours. They are not the most comfortable, and very slow as they stop very often, but they go pretty much everywhere.
The main companies are: ALFARO, TRALAPA, transporte CABO -VELAS, transportes LA PAMPA.
You can find their schedules on the Internet.
UBER: This transportation mode is available in Tamarindo, and as you will notice on your UBER application, not many cars are available in Tamarindo in low season, but it's growing!
5. Cost of daily life
Many people are surprised at the high cost of living when they arrive in Costa Rica . Of course, as good expatriates, we sought to consume the same products that we had in our country. Know that these products are surcharged when they enter the country, as you will notice for any items that you will try to send to you from abroad. There are nevertheless ways to access very good local products, but you will have to change your eating habits if you have a tight budget. Personally, the first concession I had to make was on my massive consumption of cheese. However, I found a consolation with goat cheese, produced in many farms in Guanacaste, which is absolutely delicious. The verdurias offer many vegetables and tubers, the main crops of hot and dry regions. But you will see, your nutritional needs will be lower here because of the high temperature which does not require your body to defend against the cold by creating significant reserves.
6. How much tips you should give
The service charge (10%) is included in all the prices, whether directly on the menu, or calculated on the final invoice (always check!)
BUT, as Tamarindo relies heavily on American tourism, employees are accustomed to receiving tips from these clients, and their salary is negotiated accordingly.
The minimum wage in 2022 is around 3$ per hour. As you know, the cost of living is getting higher and higher in Costa Rica, especially in Tamarindo, it's highly recommended to support the local workers if, of course, you enjoyed the service.
Tipping between 5 and 15% is customary.
7. Connect Kolbi, Movistar, sim card
It is preferable to buy a SIM card if you plan to stay in Costa Rica for a few weeks . There are 3 main operators, Kolbie, Movistar and Claro. Personally, I started with Kolbie, which benefits from the best network coverage. You can reload your account at supermarkets (known as "supers" and "mini-supers") as well as at all places indicating the operator on signs at the entrance of the shops. If you live in Costa Rica, but you do not have the residence status, it is possible to have a subscription with Movistar, which you will pay for monthly.
8. Delinquency and security / Police
Tamarindo is generally a safe city to be in. Of course, it's important to use common sense and not leave your belongings unattended on the beach. Additionally, be vigilant if you are walking home alone at night. While the crime rate is the highest in Guanacaste, this is mainly due to the high attendance rate, which is also the highest in the region. It is therefore obviously proportional. Since my installation, I have witnessed and been myself a victim of "roundups" organized by thieves. In the same evening, hundreds of phones can be stolen by expert pickpockets. Please keep your phones and wallets in closed pockets and bags.
Petty thefs is very common when houses are left unwatched as well.
You can join a group on Facebook called Tamarindo Crime Watch, where the community reports robberies and all kind of delinquent acts.
An important fact: a police station was inaugurated in January 2021 in Tamarindo.
9. Ecology, recycling, beach cleaning
ADIT is the Tamarindo Community Development Association.
They are a non-profit community group, that aims to unite this multicultural community and advance its infrastructural, economic, social, and cultural development of Tamarindo.
They organize recycling campaigns every month, beach cleaning walks, and offer Lifeguard certification training.
You can find all the details by following this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aditambiente
10. Can I drink tap water?
Everybody will tell you for sure you can, BUT, the quality and the taste depends on where you stay in Costa Rica. Numerous quality control are regularly done to avoid any problems with tap water. In Tamarindo, 2 years ago, the water had a strong taste of chlorine. AyA improved a lot the quality recently, but if you have a sensitive stomach, prefer filtered water. I wouldn't recommend mineral water bottle just to avoid the use of plastic. But it's a good option when you travel, though.