Services and Facilities in Samara

Services:

 
Public Phones
Beachside pay phones are located across the street from the police station near the cluster of street vendors.Most are operated by phone card, not coins; purchase a phone card in any pharmacy or grocery store in Costa Rica.

Cell Phones
Cell phone reception is good nearly everywhere in Playa Samara. There are a few dead zones directly on the beach, but other than that visitors can expect a dependable signal.

Internet
Wireless Internet is available at quite a few hotels and restaurants in town, including Cafe Hola. Intertravel Internet and Transfers is a computer cafe located inside the new mall, across the street from the bus stop. The Samara Beach Travel Center also offers Internet access. Prices at both places run $3 per hour, but this fare is lowered if time is purchased in bulk. International calls to the United States cost $.20 per minute. Both places feature 15 or more desktop computers in an air-conditioned environment.

Post Office
A small post office is conveniently situated near the main entrance to the beach and directly next to the police station, and across the street from the soccer field. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Tel. 2656-0368)

Facilities:

Banks
There is a 24 hour Banco National ATM next to the hardware store near the church on the road north of the main drag. The Banco de Costa Rica near the soccer field is closed for repairs with plans to reopen soon. There is a 24 hour ATM here that is often out of service.

Gas Stations
The nearest gas station is located 10-15 minutes eastbound, along the road to Nicoya.

Medical Facilities
The Centro Medico is a dental clinic, medical doctor, and pharmacy all rolled into one. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Tel. 2656-0992).

Police Station
The police station is located at the beach’s main entrance, in between the Sheriff Rustic Restaurant and the post office. They are open 24 hours per day (Tel. 2656-0436).