Handling money is one of the most crucial and important things to know before you travel abroad. Nowadays credit cards are the norm and cash is the atypical but in Costa Rica, it is still useful to have some cash on hand. Here is all you need to know about handling money in Costa Rica when it comes to local Costa Rican currency, exchanging money and using USD in Costa Rica.
This post was updated January 10, 2020.
Costa Rica Currency
The Costa Rica currency is the colon (colones plural), named after Christopher Columbus. The Costa Rican currency symbol is ₡, a c with two lines across.
Costa Rica Colon to USD Exchange Rates
The Costa Rica currency exchange rate changes constantly. Additionally, it is not the same in every bank or financial institution since the colón is not bound to the Central Bank of Costa Rica devaluations. Since 2006, exchange rates posted by the Central Bank are used as a reference. Costa Rica money exchange rates change daily due to this reason.
As of November 2019, the current exchange rate is around 570 Costa Rican colon to 1 USD. You will notice that many locals use a 500 to 1 exchange rate as it is the easiest to calculate but the rate has gone up quite a bit! 500 to 1 is no longer close to the correct exchange rate.
Tip: Make sure to always calculate the exchange rate when using USD because some locals may try to pull a fast one with the exchange rate and still use 500 to 1. If they give your change back using the 500 to 1 rate, you will be losing money (more on that in a bit).
Costa Rican Currency Bills and Coins
Colones bills come in 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000 and 50000. Costa Rican coins come in 5, 10, 25, 50 100 and 500.
Costa Rican currency is really pretty with animals and bright colors. It’s one of the most colorful bills in the world! And I love that each one has a different animal on it.
Interesting fact: The 1000 colones bill (red) has the national animal which is the white-tailed deer.
How to Quickly Calculate the Exchange Rate from Colones to USD
An easy way to quickly calculate Costa Rican colones to USD is by doubling the amount and taking out 3 zeroes. For example, 5,000 colones is roughly $10; 10,000 colones is roughly $20; 50,000 colones is about $100 and so on. Use this only as an estimate!
Is USD accepted in Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica does accept USD! And readily. This is because Costa Rica is a touristic country with United States citizens as their main tourists. Additionally, many American companies have headquarters in Costa Rica.
You will notice that many tours and hotels are quoted in USD and even some restaurant menus have prices in USD. This is very apparent in touristic destinations. And thanks to the increasing exchange rate, locals get more Costa Rican colones if they are paid in USD. For example, if you tip 5,000 colones it’s only about $8.80 compared to a $10 bill.
Additionally, nearly all tour companies and many Costa Ricans have a colones and a USD bank account. Mortgages, car and down payments are quoted and paid in dollars so it is a big deal when the exchange rate fluctuates a significant amount.
Because of this, you do not necessarily need to exchange money before traveling to Costa Rica if you already have USD. However, there are some exceptions which I will talk about below.
Costa Rica Money Common Question: How much cash should I bring to Costa Rica?
This depends on what you plan to do and where you are going in Costa Rica. Credit cards are accepted in Costa Rica nearly everywhere though so you don’t have to bring a ton of cash. However, some businesses touristic destinations may not accept credit cards. We found this to be very common in Santa Teresa, Samara and Tamarindo so keep that in mind if you plan to visit those destinations.
Most tour companies can let you pay by credit card or Paypal if you pre-book tours online. If you are booking the day of or last minute in person, some may only accept cash.
Our personal recommendation for using USD in Costa Rica: Bring small bills. It is very hard to break 50s and 100s in Costa Rica unless you go to the bank or a casino. Also make sure all the bills are in good condition – no rips, tears, misprints, stains, super wrinkled bills. Costa Rica is very strict on this and they will not accept any bill with a flaw. I once received a $20 bill from the ATM that had a tiny folding misprint and no one would take it except the bank!
For a one week trip, I would recommend to bring a few hundreds dollars in cash per person. When you first get here, exchange about $100 USD to Costa Rican colones. Then if you need to exchange more, you can do it later on because you don’t necessarily need to go to a bank to exchange money in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Money Common Question: When Should I Use Dollars or Colones?
Even though USD are accepted in the touristic destinations in Costa Rica, there are some places where it is more favorable to use one or the other. Remember, if you pay in USD, you will get your change in Costa Rican colones.
Pay in USD when things are quoted in USD. These are things like tours, private/shared shuttles, hotels, etc. Usually the more expensive products in tourism. This is the best currency to use in Costa Rica for these kinds of things.
If in San Jose or any of the Central Valley cities like Atenas, Grecia, San Ramon, Zarcero, pay in Costa Rican colones.
Use Costa Rican colones for smaller priced items quoted in colones. These are supermarkets, souvenir stores, farmers markets, street vendors, taxis, buses, gas stations and toll booths. That way you don’t need to worry about losing out on the exchange rate or having to calculate to the exact colon if you use USD.
If visiting more rural areas you should use Costa Rica currency. These are places like Bijagua, Bajos del Toro, San Isidro de General, San Gerardo de Dota, Tilaran, Cañas, Guapiles.
The buses that you pay when you get on in San Jose do not accept any currency except Costa Rican colones. Buses with long routes (like San Jose to Liberia or Puerto Viejo) must be paid in advance via credit card, USD or colones at the bus station. You can pay the toll booths in USD but colones is much more preferred because you won’t have time to see if they calculated the exchange rate correctly. If you pay the tolls in USD, make sure to pay in small bills.
You can tip in either colones or dollars but dollars are preferable in the tourism industry.
Where Can I Exchange Money in Costa Rica?
For the best exchanges rates in Costa Rica, go to the bank. You can exchange currency in Costa Rica at any of the banks like Banco Nacional, BCR, Scotiabank, etc. Make sure to bring your original passport (not photocopy) and write down how to ask in Spanish, “Yo quiero cambiar dinero” Do note not all bank tellers speak English and they will know you need to exchange money once you present the cash and your passport. You also need to know how much money you are exchanging.
You can also exchange currency at the airport in Costa Rica. Both the Liberia International and San Jose International Airport currency exchange is right when you exit customs and at baggage claim. You don’t get the best exchange rate so if you can wait until the bank, I would.
Hotels can also exchange Costa Rica currency for you. Usually only the big chain hotels can exchange money only like Marriotts or Hiltons, not the small family run inns, budget hotels or hostels.
You can exchange Costa Rican currency at the supermarket, gas stations or restaurants. If you pay in USD, they will give you your change back in colones. Just make sure to check the exchange rate as they should post a sign somewhere the exchange rate they use.
Can I Use Canadian Dollars or Euros in Costa Rica?
Canadian dollars, Euros, or any other sort of currency besides USD are not accepted in Costa Rica. Not all banks accept or exchange Canadian dollars or Euros either, very few do. Scotiabank usually is able to exchange currencies other than USD.
There is a currency exchange at San Jose and Liberia Airport that takes Euros, GBP, etc. In case you don’t have any USD beforehand and no bank in your home country has Costa Rican colones, we recommend you to exchange at the airport to get some Costa Rican colones.
ATM Use in Costa Rica
You can find ATMs in nearly every touristic town in Costa Rica (exceptions are Drake Bay). They are in English and Spanish and you can withdraw both Costa Rican currency and USD. This works for Canadian bank cards or other bank cards.
All banks have an ATM and they are available 24/7. We do recommend to withdraw money during the day and be cautious of people hovering about.
What Credit Cards are Accepted in Costa Rica?
Nearly all credit cards are accepted in Costa Rica. The exception is American Express which is accepted only in certain places so make sure to have a Visa handy. You will see pictures on the windows of stores of which credit cards they accept (but some are misleading so don’t always believe it 100%). Visa is the most widely accepted.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica but in some places, they are not. These are destinations like Samara, Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and some places in the South Pacific (Dominical/Uvita/Ojochal/Osa Peninsula) and some businesses in Tamarindo. Make sure you have plenty of Costa Rican colones or USD with you if you’re visiting those places. In rural, remote areas, it is best to use colones. This is especially present in Santa Teresa, they are known for being a cash only zone. Additionally, they only have ONE ATM in town so bring cash with you because there is always a long line.
If you visit during low season like September or October, some businesses will give extra discounts if you pay in cash. For example, we visited Manuel Antonio in Sept and Emilio’s Cafe was having a 50% discount for dinner, cash only (USD).
If you’re going souvenir shopping, usually they will give you a discount if you pay in cash so they don’t have to charge the credit card fee.
Important Things to Look Out For When Paying with Credit Card
Know which currency you are paying in when using credit/debit card!
Why?
Sometimes the vendor will ask you which currency you want to pay in: Costa Rican colones or USD. Make sure to tell them which currency and check the machine before entering your PIN number or pressing the yes button. However, not all vendors will ask you.
The vendor may instead enter the amount to charge in colones instead of USD and that’s a HUGE difference. So instead of being charged $10 USD, they charge you 10,000 Costa Rican colones which is around $17 USD. So always ask and make sure you know which currency you’re being charged in!
Debit Cards in Costa Rica
I used my debit card for a couple of years in Costa Rica before getting a credit card and it was fine. However, I don’t recommend it since there isn’t as much protection for debit cards as there is for credit cards. Car rental companies don’t normally take debit cards since the deposit takes 1-3 months to return compared to 72 hours for credit card.
Read more Costa Rica travel tips below!
Tips for traveling in Costa Rica on a budget
1 week Costa Rica travel expenses wrap up
Karen says
Im going to meet a friend in CR and want to confirm the rate before I go. She paid $160 USD for 67,000. Is this good?
Sammi says
67,000 colones and $160 USD? That is too much USD. 67,000 colones is around $117 USD.
Abhishek Yada says
Nice, was it an easy process at the bank. Did you have to wait in long lines or was it challenging to communicate in English with bank officials.
Sammi says
Not all bank tellers know English so when you go, you can ask if there is an English speaking teller.
Chris says
Three weeks ago I exchanged euros without any problems.
The money changer at the airport in Jan Jose gave me – as expected – a lousy rate of 534 colones per euro. Next day I went into the first bank around the corner of my hotel which happened to be a Scotiabank and they gave me 617 colones per euro, which was almost the advertised offical exchange rate by the National Bank of Costa Rica of 619 colones per euro for that day.
Barb says
Is there an ATM in or near Montezuma? We’re spending a week there in March… I haven’t been to CR in more than 20 years. I spent several months there that time, but this info has helped me prepare for how different it will be! (Last time I had travelers checks… that’s how long it’s been)
Sammi says
I would go to the bank and ATM in Cobano, the main town near Montezuma. I have heard that the ATM in Montezuma is commonly out of money.
Stephen Yourth says
Is the exchange rate from the ATM the same as the exchange rate of the bank @ the time u get ur cash?
yeison says
Hello Stephen,
Thank you for your comments, yes the exchange rate of any ATM machine is the official one by the bank.
Dan says
I went to a bank’s atm machine to get 20000 colones from my Canadian bank account and the fees were outrageous. In total I ended up paying about $10 in fees… $3 ATM fee from my bank and the rest in the CR bank’s fees. We brought Canadian cash with us and I tried exchanging at 2 banks, but neither would take it. I was told Banco Nacional will but have yet to try that.
Sammi says
You can also try ScotiaBank, I found Scotiabank tends to take more foreign currency other than USD.
Bethany says
This is very helpful information! We’re heading down there in a week and have enough cash in good condition, but can you specify about the folds? I tend to carry my money in a wallet that requires I fold it in half — should I avoid folding at all and keep the cash flat in an envelope?
Sammi says
Hi Bethany, sorry I should have been more clear in the post. The bill can’t have any misfolds which is a misprint. It is OK if your bills are folded in half or thirds from your wallet, just make sure there are no rips, tears, stains, any misprints or if it’s super duper wrinkled and folded like a ton of times and it’s about to rip. But normal wallet folds with clean bills are fine.
rob koene says
I’m staying Jaco for a month. where would mud baths or hot springs be close to my location?
Sammi says
There are some hot springs down by Dominical (1.5 hours from Quepos), as for mud baths the ones we know of are mostly up in Guanacaste.
Kristen says
Another credit card scam to add to your list…
We live in CR and recently played tourist with some friends in Manuel Antonio. My friends wanted to shop for souvenir gifts. My husband and I went along for the journey. A very charismatic, flamboyant man guilted us into his shop. Made us his best friend, told us he accepts credit cards and enthusiastically helped us around the store. It was chaotic but came off as enthusiasm. We like to support locals so we thought what the heck…we’ll get a shirt each. We were quoted prices in dollars ($12 for the tank top, $23 for the shirt) then he continued the enthusiasm as his sister rang us up for 36,000 colones. I’m trying to do the math in my head (I live here too so I’m used to the exchange rate and all that), he continued being a strong distraction so that I wouldn’t catch on to the scam. It wasn’t until we were driving north that it finally came back to me…36,000?! We paid $63 for some cheesy shirts are you kidding me?
Luckily, I know I can dispute the charge with my credit card and get the money back. How many tourists leave that shop (or shops…not sure how many shops run this scam) and not realize what transpired? The shop is Souvenirs Patty- that is how it appears on our credit card statement.
Sammi says
Yikes so sorry to hear that!! Thanks for sharing your experience and feedback though, it’s a good thing to warn tourists about!
Carla says
Hi I’ve relied on your blog for planning our trip to CR…thank-you! So informative and helpful!!!
Sammi says
Hi Carla, we are very happy to hear that! We hope you have a great time!
Greg says
Thanks for all the great advice. We are in the planning stages for a trip to Costa Rica next March.
We are looking in the Dominical/Uvita area. Thanks for all the info so far.
Lewis says
Your blog is the best, and we’re renting our SUV through you for our trip at the end of May 2019. You mention making sure you don’t get scammed on the exchange rate. If the math is not done correctly, do I just point it out to the cashier. It’s hard to imagine arguing at the check out.
Sammi says
Thank you for the kind words 🙂
Yes, make sure to check the current exchange rate and you find they didn’t calculate it right, point it out to them immediately. We’ve even pulled out the calculator on our phone and calculated it ourselves to make sure it was correct. Check if they posted what the exchange rate they use is, most supermarkets and gas stations do, but if you go to a small one or a more rural area, right now it is around 588 CRC to 1 USD.
Brad says
Hi, Can I exchange from colones to USD before leaving Costa Rica
Sammi says
Yes definitely, you can go to any bank or at the airport to exchange. Bank is a bit better.
Bonny & Joe Hillebet says
Hi Sammi and Yeison,
We are finally 2 weeks away from our trip to Costa Rica, and thanks to all your help, we are down to figuring out how many colognes we will need. Question for today: Is gas paid in colognes, dollars, or can it be paid with credit card, even? We are going to be arriving March 4, and leaving March 20, and will be driving from San Jose to Vera Blanca, to Monteverde, to Carara area, then San Isidro General area, then Savegre, San Gerardo de Dota, and back to San Jose during that time, spending 2-3 nights in each area. We are really excited about it, and all your information has been outstanding. We are renting our car thru your website, too. Thank-you so much.
Sammi says
Hi Bonny, you an read all about getting gas here: Costa Rica gas stations 🙂
Diane says
Thank you for the very informative information, I have really enjoyed reading your blog. We are headed to CR in a week and were planning to take a small amount of USD and withdraw as we need from the ATM. The exchange rate to purchase Colones in Canada is less favourable. Are the ATMs readily available? We land in Liberia and head to La Fortuna and would likely want to with draw some local currency in the first couple of days.
Sammi says
Hi Diane, ATM’s are readily available in Costa Rica and you will find ATM’s that are 24 hours. There is a currency exchange at the airport but keep in mind that most banks in Costa Rica don’t exchange Canadian dollars, only some of them do so to be sure, I would withdraw colones at the airport just in case.
Diane says
Thank you Sammi,
Our intention would be to leave our Canadian money at home. Please confirm, If we are using our Canadian ATM card, at all machines we would have the option to withdraw Colones or USD, have I understood this correctly? Do you know if they convert Canadian to Colones directly, or do they convert from CAD to USD and then to Colones?
Thank you
Diane
Sammi says
Hi Diane, that is correct all ATMS give you the option to withdraw colones or USD. I would think Canadian to colones would be just straight Canadian to Colones.
les says
With respect to exchanging money in CR, specifically Samara where we just spent January, the two local banks have no issue exchanging your Can for Colones and for a good rate as well.
We received the same exchange rate as available in the money exchange locations in Malls and better than at our Can bank.
All that is needed is to take your passport with you.
Heidi says
Do you know which if any banks in Playas Del Coco will exchange Canadian dollars? Last time in CR I had no issue exchanging at the Scotia Bank in Jaco but I see there is no Scotia Bank in Coco. Would much prefer to not have to get USD here in Canada before we leave and have to exchange twice.
Sammi says
None that I know of. There is a Scotia Bank in Liberia though, in the Santa Rosa Plaza.
Robin says
I am from UK and I got fees everywhere when I withdraw from ATM…
Just heard about one mobile application Fairswap to exchange cash.
Widely, you can post your need in foreign currency and if there is someone nearby facing the reverse need, then he can contact you and you will meet him and make the swap.
Could be a good way to change before travelling or get rid of some leftover after holidays.
Patsy says
So impressed with your blog! I’ve never seen another website about Costa Rica with so much info that is up to date and accurate and truly helpful. I’ve traveled to Costa Rica several times and have still picked up some great tips from your blog as I prepare for another visit. One question — do you have any info on moving to Costa Rica? I’ve wanted to do this for years and am now in process of gathering info on the specifics. My trip in 2 weeks is to visit potential areas to live. I would really appreciate any ideas or recommendations you may have. Thanks so much and keep up the great job!! You guys have the best job in the world! Enjoy.
Sammi says
Hi Patsy, thanks for your kind words! We just try to do our best to put as much helpful and up to date info as possible! As for moving to Costa Rica, that is a huuuuge topic so it depends on what you’re asking about (living, making money, daily expenses, finding rent, buying, etc.) and it depends on what stage of life you are at – single, retired, family, etc. I haven’t written any posts on it just because it’s such a big topic but my best advice is to first figure out how you’ll make money if you’re not retired because it’s incredibly hard to get a job in Costa Rica and the living wages are way lower so depending on your lifestyle, a lot of people don’t live here permanently because they can’t get a job or make/have enough money to keep living the lifestyle they want in Costa Rica. Good luck!
Sandy kolp says
Just want to tell you your site was very useful with our trip to Costa Rica this April. Had a great time and saw lots of animals. Keep up the good work. Sandy Kolp
Sammi says
Hi Sandy, I’m so glad to hear that and that you guys had a great time in Costa Rica! Thanks for reading!
Shahla Foote says
I found information you previded very helpful ! I’m leaving for Costa Rica some times next month and can use all the info comes my way .
Thank You ☺️
Sammi says
Hi Shahla! I’m happy to hear the information is useful! We hope you have a wonderful time and you can find a lot of information on this page: Costa Rica information
Jennifer Grundy says
Thank you for these tips.
Some restaurants give a price in colones and usd . Usually at the even dividend. C6000 IS 12.00
C10000 IS 20.00 ETC.
Is it cheaper to pay in colones?
Sorry, I’m slow in the numbers depth
Sammi says
Hi Jennifer, they need to change that because it’s not accurate. 10,000 colones is not $20, it’s around $17 so I would pay in colones, you’ll be losing money with dollars if that’s how they are going to charge.
Dong says
It’s good to know that one can withdraw both Colones and Dollars from the ATM. But which is a better deal? I am thinking that dollars may not needs currency conversion.
Sammi says
Either one is fine since the bank will use the accurate currency exchange rate for that day and it does also depend on your own bank if they have an exchange fee.
Lori says
Thank you for all of this info! I’m heading to Costa Rica later this month and this post was very handy. 🙂
Sammi says
You’re welcome, glad it was useful and have a great time!