What currency is used in Costa Rica?

The official currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), shown with the ₡ symbol. US dollars are also accepted in many tourist areas.

Can I pay with US dollars in Costa Rica?

Often yes, especially in tourist zones, hotels and tours. But your change usually comes back in colones, and the rate the business uses may not be in your favor.

Should I exchange money before traveling to Costa Rica?

You don't need much beforehand. Withdrawing colones from an ATM on arrival, or paying by card, usually gives a better rate than exchanging cash at home or at the airport.

Are credit cards accepted in Costa Rica?

Yes — Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and tour companies. Carry some cash for buses, small sodas and rural areas.

How much cash should I carry in Costa Rica?

For most travelers, $50–$150 worth of colones covers everyday small expenses. Carry only what you need for the day and keep the rest on a card or in a safe.

Is Costa Rica expensive?

It's mid-range to pricey for Central America. Local meals, buses and sodas are affordable, while tours, shuttles and tourist restaurants add up quickly.

Do restaurants include tips in Costa Rica?

Most restaurant bills already include a 10% service charge. Extra tipping is appreciated for good service but is never mandatory.

Should I pay in colones or dollars?

Paying in colones usually gives a fairer rate. If a card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, decline and choose colones.

Are ATMs easy to find in Costa Rica?

ATMs are common in cities and larger towns. Some smaller beach and rural areas have limited access, so withdraw cash before heading off the beaten path.

What is the best way to avoid bad exchange rates?

Pay by card in colones, decline Dynamic Currency Conversion, use bank ATMs over street or airport exchange, and withdraw larger amounts if your bank charges fixed fees.

Costa Rica Money Guide: Currency Converter, Travel Costs & Budget Tools

The main tool

Costa Rica currency converter

Convert between US dollars, euros, pounds, Canadian dollars and Costa Rican colones — in either direction. Type any amount and the result updates instantly.

Amount

From

Exchange rates last updated —

Converted amount

₡51,000

100 US dollars

1 USD ≈ ₡510 CRC

Exchange rates are approximate and may vary by bank, ATM or card provider. Use them as a planning reference, not as a guaranteed rate.

Quick conversions to colones

What things cost

Typical prices in Costa Rica

Approximate price ranges to help you plan. Real prices vary by region, season and how touristy the zone is.

Item	Approximate price

Prices vary by region, season and tourism zone. USD shown at the current converter rate.

Plan your trip

Daily budget calculator

Estimate what your trip might cost based on how many people are traveling, for how long, and your travel style.

Travelers

Days

Travel style

Estimated cost per day

$260

≈ ₡132,600 per day

Estimated total trip

$1,820

≈ ₡928,200 total

2 travelers · 7 days · Comfort

Boutique hotels, guided tours, private transfers, better restaurants.

Paying for things

Should you bring cash or use cards?

Use both. Cards work well across most tourist areas, but carrying some colones is still useful for small expenses and rural areas.

Cards Widely accepted

Accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and tour companies.
Larger businesses and most tourist-area shops take Visa and Mastercard.
Pay in colones when the terminal asks — it usually avoids a worse rate.

Cash Still useful

Handy for buses, small sodas, parking, tips and small vendors.
Useful in rural areas and some beach towns with limited card access.
USD are often accepted in tourist areas — but change comes back in colones.

The short answer: carry some colones for everyday small expenses and rural stops, and use a card for hotels, restaurants and tours. Paying in colones usually beats letting a terminal convert to your home currency.

Tipping in Costa Rica

Tipping is appreciated, not required

Restaurants normally include a 10% service charge in the bill. Extra tipping is welcome for good service but never mandatory — tour guides, drivers and hotel staff are common recipients.

Extra tip calculator

The 10% service charge is usually already on your bill. This works out any extra you'd like to add on top.

Bill amount

Currency

Extra tip

Bill amount₡20,000

Extra tip (5%)₡1,000

Total with extra tip₡21,000

Tipping extra is always your choice. Many travelers leave a little more only when service stands out.

Getting cash

ATM fees & exchange rate mistakes to avoid

A few simple habits keep more of your money in your pocket and away from bad rates and fees.

Don't get caught out

Common tourist money mistakes

The most frequent ways travelers lose a little money in Costa Rica — all easy to avoid.

Cash on hand

How much cash should I carry?

For most travelers, carrying between $50 and $150 worth of colones is enough for everyday small expenses — adjust to your itinerary and comfort level.

City / tourism day

₡25,000 – ₡50,000

≈ $49 – $98

Cafés, taxis or Uber, a casual meal and a few small purchases.

Beach / rural day

₡40,000 – ₡80,000

≈ $78 – $157

Where card access is patchy: parking, sodas, gear rental and tips.

Family day

₡75,000 – ₡150,000

≈ $147 – $294

Meals, activities and transport for several people in one day.

Don't carry all your trip money in cash. Keep most of it on a card and in your accommodation's safe, and only carry what you'll need for the day.

CRMaps

Need an ATM, restaurant, tour or nearby service?

Use CRMaps to explore Costa Rica visually, find local businesses, open routes in Waze, contact places by WhatsApp and discover what's nearby.

Open interactive map Download the app Explore directory

Good to know

Costa Rica money FAQ

Exchange rates and prices are approximate. Banks, ATMs, card providers and businesses may apply different rates, fees or commissions. Always confirm final prices before paying. This guide is general travel information, not financial advice.