Costa Rica currency and money
Costa Rica currency: how to pay, tip, and exchange
The currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (₡, CRC). U.S. dollars are widely accepted too, but in our experience you’ll usually get a better deal paying in colones.
Should you bring cash? Will your card work? We’ve lived here since 2016, and handling money is easier than you might think. Here’s how we pay, tip, and get colones without any surprises.
🧾 Quick conversion cheat sheet
At roughly ₡455 per U.S. dollar
₡1,000
≈ $2
₡5,000
≈ $11
₡10,000
≈ $22
₡20,000
≈ $44
₡50,000
≈ $110
Rates change daily, so check a converter app before you go.
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Quick answers
Costa Rica money at a glance
Official currency
The Costa Rican colón (₡, CRC). Plural: colones.
Exchange rate
Recently around ₡450 to ₡460 per U.S. dollar.
Can you use U.S. dollars?
Yes, widely. You’ll usually get change back in colones.
Best way to pay
A no-fee credit card, plus some colones in cash.
Bills and coins
Meet the colón
Bills come in ₡1,000, ₡2,000, ₡5,000, ₡10,000, ₡20,000, and ₡50,000. ATMs usually give you ₡5,000, ₡10,000, or ₡20,000 bills. We had never even seen a ₡50,000 bill until recently.
Each bill is a different color and size, and every one features a native Costa Rican animal. We think it’s a really pretty currency. Coins come in ₡5, ₡10, ₡25, ₡50, ₡100, and ₡500.
💬 Sarah & Thomas tip
The ₡1,000 bill has a plastic-like coating, so it’s the one to bring to the beach for a snack. It won’t get ruined if it gets wet.
Dollars vs. colones
Can you use U.S. dollars?
Yes, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. But because shops don’t update their exchange rate as often as it changes, you usually get a better deal paying in colones. We think it’s best to switch at least some money into colones.
If you pay in dollars
Bring small, clean bills
Where you’ll need colones
Cash-only spots
Credit and debit cards
Paying with a card
💬 A true story
My dad paid for gas with his card here, and instead of typing ₡22,000, the attendant typed ₡220,000. Luckily he noticed, was completely embarrassed, and fixed it right away. Always check your receipt before you sign.
💬 Good to know
Thomas knows someone who got home to find extra charges on her card. It’s unlikely at reputable tourist spots, but keep an eye on your statements. More: common scams in Costa Rica.
Getting colones
How to exchange money
You have four options, and they’re definitely not equal.
Best overall
ATMs
They’re everywhere, and many let you choose dollars or colones. Check your bank’s international fees before you go.
Only if you need it
The airport
The exchange counter in baggage claim has poor rates. If you need cash right away, exchange about $50 and do the rest elsewhere.
Best rate
A local bank
Bring your passport and you’ll get the best rate. But be warned: we’ve waited an hour or more in line. That’s not a joke.
Plan ahead
Your bank at home
Some banks can order colones for you. Call a few weeks before your trip.
ATM tips
Using ATMs safely
💬 Sarah’s tip
If you travel a lot, I highly suggest a Charles Schwab High Yield Checking account. I switched years ago and wish I had done it sooner. They reimburse ATM fees and there are no monthly fees.
💬 Sarah & Thomas tip
We’ve never been robbed, but we still keep money in a few different places (pockets, socks, a bag) so if it ever happened, we’d only lose part of it.
Tipping
Do you need to tip in Costa Rica?
Tipping isn’t required, but wages aren’t high. If you have the means and got good service, it’s always nice. Here’s what we do.
Restaurants
10% included
A 10% service charge (“servicio”) is already on your bill. We usually leave a few extra dollars if we were happy.
Tour guides
Optional
If your guide was great, a small tip is always appreciated.
Parking attendants
About ₡500
Someone usually watches your car in parking lots. A little thank-you when you leave is customary.
Taxis
About 10%
Normal if you had good service.
💬 Good to know
Restaurants won’t bring the bill until you ask. Leaving it without being asked is considered rude, like rushing you out. Just say “la cuenta, por favor.”
Is Costa Rica expensive?
Yes, but there are ways to save
Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America, with many prices similar to the U.S. But we’ve traveled the country on a tight budget plenty of times, and it’s doable.
₡1,500
A cup of coffee
₡2,200
A local beer at a restaurant
₡1,200
A carton of milk
About $8
A casado at a soda
Typical prices; they vary by town and change over time.
Budget travel
How we save money
Transportation
Take the bus
Public buses are the cheapest option, though some routes are tricky. Our backpacking guide and destination guides have bus tips.
Hotels
Hostels and rentals
There are tons of hostels and affordable Vrbo listings. Our destination guides include budget stays.
Things to do
Free fun
The best free activity, in our opinion, is enjoying thousands of miles of beach on both coasts. See things to do.
Food
Cook or eat at sodas
Cooking saves the most (see our grocery store guide), and sodas serve filling casados for about $8.
Our final bits of advice
Money tips we swear by
Free planning checklist
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FAQ
Costa Rica currency FAQ: your questions
What is the currency of Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican colón (₡, CRC). The plural is colones. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.
Can you use U.S. dollars in Costa Rica?
Yes, in most tourist areas. Bring small, clean bills ($20 or smaller), and expect change in colones. You usually get a better deal paying in colones, and buses, farmers’ markets, and street vendors typically only take colones.
Should I exchange money before going to Costa Rica?
You don’t have to. We think ATMs are the easiest way to get colones once you arrive. The airport exchange counter has poor rates, so only exchange a small amount there if you need cash right away.
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
Tipping isn’t required. Restaurants already add a 10% service charge, and we leave a little extra for great service. Small tips for tour guides, parking attendants (about ₡500), and taxis (about 10%) are appreciated.
Are credit cards accepted in Costa Rica?
Yes, in most places. Small restaurants and vendors may be cash only, national parks are card-only, and rental cars require a credit card deposit.
Every money guide
More about money in Costa Rica
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