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Understanding currency in Costa Rica

Before planning activities like exploring Arenal Volcano, relaxing in the hot springs of La Fortuna, ziplining through Monteverde’s cloud forest, or visiting the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local currency and available payment methods. This will ensure a hassle-free trip and prevent any last-minute surprises.

For currency conversions, use a reliable currency converter to check the exchange rates between the US dollar, euro, and other major currencies with Costa Rican colón (CRC).

For more information about the Costa Rican colón, visit the Central Bank of Costa Rica’s official site.

Local currency

Costa Rica’s legal tender is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). You’ll often see it abbreviated as CRC, and the symbol used is ₡. Coins and banknotes of various denominations are widely circulated throughout the country.

  • Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 colones

  • Banknotes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 colones
     

Each banknote features images that celebrate Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and historical figures. Get to know them before your visit!

The 1,000 Colones Bill
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This bill features Braulio Carrillo, a former head of state, on the front and a white-tailed deer (Costa Rica’s national symbol) in a tropical dry forest scene on the reverse.

The 2,000 Colones Bill
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On the front, you’ll find Mauro Fernández Acuña, a prominent Costa Rican reformer, while the back showcases an underwater scene with a bull shark and coral reefs

The 5,000 Colones Bill
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This bill features Alfredo González Flores, a former president and reformer. The reverse side shows a capuchin monkey and a scene of a Mangrove.

The 10,000 Colones Bill
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The front features José Figueres Ferrer, the former president who abolished Costa Rica's military. The reverse side shows a sloth in a tropical rainforest scene.

The 20,000 Colones Bill
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This bill features Carmen Lyra, an important Costa Rican writer. The reverse side showcases a Vulcano hummingbird and an illustration of the paramo ecosystem from the Talamanca mountain range

Methods of Payment

In major tourist destinations like San José, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Jacó, and La Fortuna, you can pay for goods and services using both cash and cards. Most large stores, hotels, and restaurants accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express However, smaller shops or rural areas may only accept cash.

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Before using your credit or debit cards in Costa Rica, check with your bank about any international fees and ensure you have enough available funds. ATMs are available in most cities for withdrawing colones or US dollars, but confirm your card is compatible with local ATMs.

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Now that you're familiar with Costa Rica's currency and payment options, you can relax and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer!

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