Costa Rica is all about pura vida-lush jungles, surf towns, and eco-lodges-but navigating money in Costa Rica takes a bit of local know-how. Currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), though US Dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas. However, paying in USD often leads to poor exchange rates and change returned in colones. This guide shows you how to get the best deal when paying, where to exchange money, how to use ATMs safely, and what currency mix to carry so you don’t lose out while enjoying the pura vida lifestyle.
How to pay in Costa Rica – cash or card?
Card is accepted at many places in urban areas, cash is preferred in rural areas. Foreigners might use a mix of cash and cards, with an estimated 50-60% of transactions in cash, especially for smaller expenses.
You can use cash for:
- Budget hotels
- Hostels
- Local tour operators (zip-lining, volcano treks, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities (widely practiced)
- Street food (sodas and food stalls)
- Small eateries / restaurants
- Sit-down restaurants (especially outside San José or beach towns)
- Small purchases
- Local expenses at grocery stores, local shops, street markets
- Local buses (intercity and rural buses are mostly cash)
- Local taxis (red taxis are cash-only)
- Mobile SIM and phone top-up
- Laundry services
- Nightlife / bars (local bars, beach shacks)
You can use card for:
- 4 and 5 star hotels
- Large tour operators (online or at hotel desks)
- Shopping at malls (San José and tourist hubs)
- Entry fees to national parks, attractions
- Airport transport (private transfers and airport taxis)
- Sit-down restaurants (in popular tourist areas)
- Upscale restaurants
- Online bookings for upscale hotels, flights, tours
- Spas (in resorts or tourist centers)
- Tailoring services (limited, but urban tailors may accept)
- Vehicle renting (via international or local agencies)
- Emergency medical clinics / pharmacies (especially private ones)
USD is widely accepted, and ATMs are plentiful. Still, having some Costa Rican colón is useful in rural areas.
What’s the best currency to take to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica mainly accepts its local currency Costa Rican Colón (CRC or ₡). Don’t be shocked with notes like ₡1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000! USD is also widely accepted across the country.
So, Costa Rican Colón is the best currency to take to Costa Rica and if not, you can take USD.
Where to get the local currency?
In Costa Rica, you can get the local currency in 3 ways. These are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange
Money transfer and local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Costa Rica
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Costa Rica
When withdrawing money in Costa Rica, majority of the ATMs will accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus and Maestro cards. Some of them Amex, Diners cards. Cards such as Discover, JCB, UnionPay, Rupay are not usually accepted by many ATMs.
Should I exchange cash before travelling to Costa Rica?
It’s a good idea to bring a small amount of Costa Rican Colón (CRC) or USD before your trip for immediate needs like taxis and snacks. USD is widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially in tourist areas, and many prices are listed in both currencies.
ATMs are abundant in airports, cities, and towns. Most machines accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards. Be aware of any international ATM withdrawal fees your bank may charge.
If you prefer to exchange money, it’s best to do so at local banks or authorized exchange houses (casas de cambio), which offer better rates than airport kiosks or hotels. USD bills should be in good condition-torn or worn notes may be rejected.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban or tourist areas, but cash is essential for local buses, rural vendors, and markets. Carrying both CRC and USD, along with cards, gives you the most flexibility during your stay.
Where to withdraw money?
The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Costa Rica are those owned by popular banks such as:
- Davivienda
- Banco de Costa Rica (BCR)
- Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR)
- Promerica
- Banco Popular
- Banco BAC
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Global ATM alliance: Global ATM Alliance is a partnership among many banks in the world to allow its customers to withdraw cash from all partner banks abroad without any ATM fee. Many banks in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Latin America are part of the Global ATM Alliance, including Bank of America, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and others. BUT, there is no local bank in Costa Rica part of this network. So don’t rely on this.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Costa Rica.
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Where to exchange currency in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, you can exchange currency at authorised currency exchanges, banks, airports, and hotels, the most popular being authorised currency exchanges.
Currency exchange bureaus, known as “casas de cambio”, are located in tourist areas, airports, and city centers.
Best-known locations for currency exchanges in Costa Rica are:
- San José: Avenida Central, Paseo Colón, and near major hotels
- Liberia: Around the airport and downtown
- Tourist hubs: Tamarindo, Jacó, La Fortuna
Group Global Exchange is a known currency exchange in Costa Rica.
Many exchange booths operate during business hours and sometimes later in tourist-heavy zones. Always check the posted rate and ask for a receipt.
- Banks Offering Currency Exchange:
Banco Nacional de Costa Rica
Banco de Costa Rica (BCR)
BAC Credomatic
Scotiabank Costa Rica
Banks offer secure but slower service. You’ll need ID (passport) for all exchanges.
💡 Tip: USD is widely accepted in Costa Rica, especially in hotels and tourist areas, but it’s a good idea to have some Costa Rican Colón (CRC) for small purchases, transport, or rural areas. Avoid exchanging money at the airport unless necessary.
Pro-tips:
Stay away from airport exchanges – Poor rates
Avoid the black market – Be wary of being conned.
Include fresh notes – If your notes are damaged or dirty, you can expect to pay more or less.
Is carrying money in Costa Rica safe?
Carrying a large amount of cash in Costa Rica is generally not safe. Carry only what you need for the day or a few hours. Tips for cash safety include:
Some safety tips for carrying cash while travelling in Costa Rica are:
Carry only the cash you need.
Do not keep all the cash in one pocket or wallet.
Put some cash in a safety belt or fanny pack.
Do not flash your cash.
When paying, do not remove or display your entire cash.
Keep wallets preferably in front pockets.
Cross-wear your purses if possible.
Hold your purses, wallets and bags close and tight on crowded streets and in public trains and buses.
When withdrawing cash, keep the cash low while you count it so people around don’t see it.
If you’re dining alone, don’t leave your wallet / bag unattented while you go to the restroom.
If sitting outdoors in a restaurant, don’t leave your wallets / bags on the table.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
