Travel costs are significantly higher here than in most Central American countries, but cheaper than in the US or Europe. If you're arriving from inexpensive Central American nations such as Nicaragua, get ready to bust that wallet wide open.
Money Preferred Form
Any bank will change foreign currency into colones, but US dollars are by far the most accepted currency for exchange.
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Currency
- Name Costa Rican Colon
- Symbol ¢
The colón (plural colones), named after Cristóbal Colón (Christopher Columbus), comes in bills of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000.
Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 and 100 colones. Older coins are silver; newer coins are gold-colored.
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Changing Your Money
All banks will exchange US dollars, and some will exchange euros; other currencies are more difficult. Most banks have excruciatingly long lines, especially at state-run institutions (Banco Nacional, Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Popular). However, they don't charge commissions on cash exchanges. Private banks (Banex, Banco Interfin, Scotiabank) tend to be faster. Make sure your dollar bills are in good condition or they may be refused.
Changing money at hotels and travel agencies is faster and more convenient, though many charge hefty commissions. Street changers don't give better rates, and scammers abound.
Non-US travelers should buy US dollars before they arrive in Costa Rica. Carry your passport when exchanging currency and try not to leave the country with excess colones; it's difficult to buy back more than US$50.00 at the border or airport.
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Money Tips
You can pay for tours, parks, hotel rooms and large-ticket items with US dollars. Meals, bus fares and small items should all be paid with colones.
It's increasingly easy to find cajeros automáticos (ATMs). The Visa Plus network is the standard, but machines on the Cirrus network, which accept most foreign ATM cards, can be found in San José and in larger towns. Some ATM machines will dispense US dollars. Note that some machines, such as Banco Nacional, will only accept cards held by their own customers.
Holders of credit and debit cards can buy colones and sometimes US dollars in some banks. Cards are accepted at most mid-range and top-end hotels, as well as at top-end restaurants and some travel agencies. All car-rental agencies accept credit cards. Visa is the most widely accepted, MasterCard less so and Amex rarely. Some hotels might charge a 7% fee for using credit cards, in addition to government and service taxes.
Most banks and exchange bureaus will cash travelers checks at a commission of 1% to 3%. Many hotels will accept them as payment, but check policies carefully as some hotels do not. US dollar travelers checks are preferred. It may be difficult or impossible to change checks of other currencies. Amex checks are the easiest and quickest to replace in Costa Rica.
Sample Price Guide
- loaf of bread
- US$ 0.50
- litre of petrol
- US$ 0.65
- 1l of bottled water
- US$ 0.75
- small bottle of beer
- US$ 0.75
- cold coconut water
- US$ 0.50
- souvenir t-shirt
- US$ 8.00
- 2hr surfing lesson in Tamarindo
- US$ 30.00
Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$5-15 US$20-50 US$55-80 US$80+ Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$3-10 US$10-20 US$20-25 US$25+ -
Tipping
It is customary to tip the bellhop/porter ( US$0.50 to US$1.00 per service) and the house-keeper ( US$1.00 per day in top-end hotels, less in budget places). On guided tours, tip the guide US$1.00 to US$5.00 per person per day, and tip the tour driver about half of what you tip the guide. Naturally, tips depend upon quality of service. Taxi drivers are not normally tipped, unless some special service is provided. Upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill. If not, you might leave a small tip to show your appreciation, but it is not required.
