Shopping and Everyday Services in Santa Teresa

Shopping in Santa Teresa

Shopping here means small boutiques along the main road: handmade swimwear, silver jewelry and designer clothing made locally. These are the ones we know.

Santa Swimwear

Swimwear designed and produced locally.

Yasmine Layani

Jewelry and designer fashion, with pieces inspired by Costa Rican nature. One of the best known shops in town.

Balu ST

Surf and beach lifestyle clothing with a tropical, colorful look.

Swell Santa Teresa

Fashion and lifestyle inspired by the local surf culture.

Jardín de Venus

Boutique, showroom and gallery with handmade designer fashion by Costa Rican designer María José Herrero, with made to measure options.

DKoko Bikinis

Surf bikinis made with sustainable fabrics.

Malie Jewelry

Handmade silver jewelry: necklaces, earrings and rings with natural stones.

Amor Salado

Products chosen for people who love the ocean, including its own surfwear line.

Selva Somos

Boho pieces with handmade details and natural fabrics.

Supermarkets and groceries

There are mini markets and supermarkets in practically every area, with fruit, vegetables, drinks and toiletries. They accept cards and colones. For fresh fish, go to the Malpaís fish market around midday.

Laundry

There are laundries in Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa, Montezuma and Cabuya.

Pharmacies and gas

Pharmacies are in Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen and Cóbano, and they keep normal commercial hours. Gas stations are on the way to Cóbano, so fill up there.

Banks and ATMs

BAC and Banco Lafise are in Playa Carmen, and Banco Nacional de Costa Rica has its branch in Cóbano. Hours and details are in our money and ATMs guide.

At the beach

There are no bathrooms, showers or lockers on the beaches. They are natural beaches, so use your accommodation or a café or restaurant on the main road, where they may ask you to order something. Parking is free at most beach accesses. Do not leave valuables visible in a car, ATV or UTV.

Plugs, maps and data

Plugs are type A and B at 120 V, the same as the United States and Canada. Google Maps and Waze work well across the area. WiFi is good in most accommodation and cafés, and for data on the move you can buy a local SIM or eSIM on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

Does town shut down in September and October?

Some businesses close for a few weeks, but around 80% keep operating normally.

Can I drink the tap water?

Generally yes at most properties. Each place has its own system, so confirm with your accommodation.

For what things cost, see our Santa Teresa prices guide.