When planning a trip to Costa Rica, it’s helpful to think about money matters. How should you pay, how much cash should you bring, and what do you need to prepare before you leave? In this blog, we’ll share tips and practical information so you can travel well-prepared.

The main currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). However, you’ll often see the US dollar (USD), especially in tourist areas.

For small purchases, like in local shops, markets, or restaurants, it’s more convenient to pay in colones. They might accept dollars, but your change will likely be given in colones, often at a less favorable exchange rate. Paying in colones avoids overpaying.

Fun fact: The colón (plural: colones) is named after Christopher Columbus, who is called Cristóbal Colón in Spanish.

For larger expenses like accommodations and tours, prices are often listed in dollars. This is partly for convenience and partly because businesses sometimes prefer dollars, although colones are also accepted.

Euros are not accepted anywhere, and exchanging them at local banks can take a lot of time. To save yourself the hassle, it’s better to bring some dollars with you in advance.

Using a debit card to pay doesn’t usually work in Costa Rica. Credit cards, however, are widely accepted for payments in restaurants, hotels, shops, and gas stations. You’ll also need a credit card to rent a car and pay the deposit.

Cash is useful for smaller daily expenses, like snacks, souvenirs, parking fees, tolls, and tips. You might also need cash for entrance fees to national parks, local markets, or in remote areas without ATMs.

After a few days, you’ll probably notice you’ve collected a lot of coins. The coins in Costa Rica are quite large and heavy, so it might be a good idea to keep them in a separate pouch outside your wallet.

ATMs can be found in many places, especially in bigger towns and tourist areas. However, not all ATMs accept European debit cards. It’s also not uncommon for machines to be out of service or run out of cash. Don’t wait until you’re completely out of cash to withdraw more!

The ATMs at Banco Nacional (blue-green logo) or BAC San José (red/white logo) usually work best with European debit cards. At these ATMs, you can withdraw both colones and dollars. Keep in mind that some ATMs have limits on how much you can withdraw.

It’s smart not to carry too much cash, but make sure you have enough for a few days. Depending on the size of your travel group, budget, itinerary, and plans, you can estimate how much you’ll need. For example, an amount between 55,000 and 150,000 colones (around €100 – €275) is reasonable. Keep your cash safe in a money belt or split it across different parts of your luggage.

Tipping in Costa Rica is fairly common but not mandatory. Restaurants typically add a 10% service charge to the bill, which is considered the tip. You can check the menu or your receipt to see if this fee has already been included. If it hasn’t, they’ll likely expect you to leave a 10% tip. If you’re especially happy with the service, you can leave an additional amount, but it’s not required.

For guides, drivers, and housekeeping staff, tips are always a nice gesture and entirely up to you. If your tour guide was exceptional, you might consider giving an extra 2,000 to 3,000 colones. Similarly, for housekeeping, you could leave a comparable amount at the end of your stay.

In short, tipping is a personal choice but is always appreciated when you’re satisfied with the service.

1. Set up your bank card: Make sure to set your debit card to “worldwide use” before you leave. This prevents any surprises when withdrawing cash.
2. Bring a credit card as backup: Always carry a credit card for payments and car rental deposits. Ensure the card is in the name of one of the travelers, not someone staying at home.
3. Check your fees: Some banks charge additional fees for international ATM transactions. Check with your bank beforehand.
4. Exchanging money: Want to exchange euros for dollars or colones? It’s a lengthy process that requires a visit to the bank (with your ID). Save yourself the trouble if possible.
5. Use small bills: Costa Ricans appreciate small denominations, especially at local markets or in taxis, particularly if you’re paying in dollars. Bills of $50 and $100 are often not accepted anywhere.

With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your trip to Costa Rica, whether you’re paying in dollars, colones, or a mix of both.

Check out our travel blog for even more useful and fun articles about Costa Rica. We are Edventure Travel, a local travel agency with English, Spanish and Dutch-speaking travel experts. Explore our destinations and itineraries, or request your custom dream trip right away!