Currency & Exchange
The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon (₡), code CRC.
What currency should I bring to Costa Rica?
Bring a debit or credit card with no foreign transaction fees as your primary payment method. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but you will get better rates paying in colones. The current exchange rate is approximately ~515 CRC per 1 USD (as of early 2026; verify current rate).
About the Colon
- Currency Name
- Costa Rican Colon (Colones)
- Symbol / Code
- ₡ / CRC
- Approximate Rate
- ~515 CRC per 1 USD (as of early 2026; verify current rate)
- Rate Range
- The colon has fluctuated between roughly 500-530 CRC per USD in recent years. The Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) manages a managed float exchange rate system.
USD is widely accepted in tourist areas, airports, and hotels. However, you will almost always get a better deal paying in colones. When paying in USD, businesses set their own exchange rate which is typically unfavorable. Change is often given in colones regardless of which currency you pay with.
Exchange Tips
Avoid airport exchange counters
Exchange counters at Juan Santamaria (SJO) and Daniel Oduber (LIR) airports offer significantly worse rates than banks or ATMs. Only exchange a small amount for immediate transport needs, then use an ATM in town for larger amounts.
Carry some cash for small businesses
While card acceptance has grown significantly, many small sodas (local restaurants), farmers markets (ferias), rural buses, and street vendors are cash-only. Carry a mix of smaller colon bills (1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000) for daily purchases.
Watch for counterfeit bills
While not extremely common, counterfeit colones and USD bills do circulate. Current polymer (plastic) colon bills in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 have security features including transparent windows, holograms, and color-shifting ink. Familiarize yourself with legitimate bills.
Negotiate prices in colones
When shopping at markets or negotiating services, prices quoted in USD are typically the 'tourist price.' Asking for the price in colones and paying in colones often results in a lower overall cost.
ATM Tips
Always Choose Colones
When an ATM or card terminal asks which currency to charge in, always choose colones (CRC). Choosing USD triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion with terrible exchange rates and hidden fees of 3-7%.
Use ATMs for the best exchange rate
ATMs (cajeros automaticos) connected to international networks like Visa/Plus or Mastercard/Cirrus offer rates close to the interbank rate. Withdraw colones rather than USD for the best value. ATMs are widely available at banks, malls, and gas stations.
Choose colones at ATMs and card terminals
When an ATM or card payment terminal asks you to choose the currency for the transaction, always choose colones (CRC), not USD. Choosing USD triggers Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which uses a terrible exchange rate and adds hidden fees of 3-7%.
Be aware of ATM withdrawal limits
Most Costa Rican ATMs limit withdrawals to 200,000-500,000 colones per transaction (roughly $400-$1,000 USD). Some ATMs allow multiple transactions per day. BAC Credomatic ATMs tend to have higher limits and are widely available.
Cards & Digital Payments
Bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card
Many US and international banks offer debit or credit cards with zero foreign transaction fees. Cards like Charles Schwab (debit, refunds all ATM fees worldwide), Wise (multi-currency), or credit cards from Capital One, Chase Sapphire, etc., save you 1-3% on every transaction.
Use SINPE Movil for local payments
SINPE Movil is Costa Rica's widely used mobile payment system linked to phone numbers. If you open a local bank account, you can send and receive money instantly by phone number. Many small businesses, taxis, and even farmers markets accept SINPE Movil.
Notify your bank before traveling
Inform your bank and credit card companies that you will be using your cards in Costa Rica. Unexpected foreign transactions may trigger fraud alerts and card blocks. Set up travel notifications through your bank's app or website.
Tipping Guide
10% Service Charge
A 10% service charge is automatically added to all restaurant bills in Costa Rica by law. Additional tipping is appreciated but not expected.
| Situation | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | A 10% service charge (servicio) is automatically added to restaurant bills by law. An additional 5-10% tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected. The 10% goes to the establishment and is shared with staff. Check your bill to see if it is already included before tipping extra. |
| Hotels | Tip porters/bellhops 1,000-2,000 colones ($2-4 USD) per bag. Housekeeping: 1,000-2,000 colones ($2-4 USD) per day, left on the pillow or nightstand. Concierge: tip for special arrangements. |
| Taxis | Tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Costa Rica. However, rounding up the fare is a kind gesture. For airport transfers or long rides, a tip of 1,000-2,000 colones is appreciated. |
| Tours | Tour guides typically expect tips of $5-20 USD per person depending on the length and quality of the tour. For multi-day tours, $10-20 USD per day per person is standard. Drivers should be tipped separately, around $5-10 per day. |
| Spas | 10-15% of the service cost, unless a service charge is already included. |
| Bars | 500-1,000 colones per drink or 10-15% of the tab. Not strictly expected but appreciated. |
| Gas Station Attendants | Costa Rica has full-service gas stations. A small tip of 300-500 colones is customary for the attendant. |
Tipping culture in Costa Rica is less aggressive than in the US. The mandatory 10% restaurant service charge means base tipping is already built in. Tips are always appreciated but you will not receive hostile reactions for not tipping extra.
Related Pages
Source: Exchange rates fluctuate; verify current rate at xe.com or bccr.fi.cr (Banco Central de Costa Rica)