{"id":3888,"date":"2025-07-10T09:58:06","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T15:58:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vamosrentacarblog.codegeniuscentral.com\/?p=3888"},"modified":"2026-02-26T14:49:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T20:49:33","slug":"costa-rica-currency-a-guide-to-handling-and-exchanging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/costa-rica-currency-a-guide-to-handling-and-exchanging\/","title":{"rendered":"Still Googling Costa Rica Currency? Here&#8217;s Your Real-World Money Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3888\" class=\"elementor elementor-3888\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d2a6a1 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6d2a6a1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d0316f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-n-accordion\" data-id=\"d0316f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;default_state&quot;:&quot;all_collapsed&quot;,&quot;max_items_expended&quot;:&quot;one&quot;,&quot;n_accordion_animation_duration&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;ms&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:400,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"nested-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-n-accordion\" aria-label=\"Accordion. Open links with Enter or Space, close with Escape, and navigate with Arrow Keys\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<details id=\"e-n-accordion-item-2180\" class=\"e-n-accordion-item\" >\n\t\t\t\t<summary class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title\" data-accordion-index=\"1\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"e-n-accordion-item-2180\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-header'><div class=\"e-n-accordion-item-title-text\"> Costa Rica Currency Guide: What's Covered <\/div><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class='e-n-accordion-item-title-icon'>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-opened' ><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-alt-circle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 137-111 248-248 248S8 393 8 256 119 8 256 8s248 111 248 248zM212 140v116h-70.9c-10.7 0-16.1 13-8.5 20.5l114.9 114.3c4.7 4.7 12.2 4.7 16.9 0l114.9-114.3c7.6-7.6 2.2-20.5-8.5-20.5H300V140c0-6.6-5.4-12-12-12h-64c-6.6 0-12 5.4-12 12z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class='e-closed'><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-alt-circle-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M256 8c137 0 248 111 248 248S393 504 256 504 8 393 8 256 119 8 256 8zM140 300h116v70.9c0 10.7 13 16.1 20.5 8.5l114.3-114.9c4.7-4.7 4.7-12.2 0-16.9l-114.3-115c-7.6-7.6-20.5-2.2-20.5 8.5V212H140c-6.6 0-12 5.4-12 12v64c0 6.6 5.4 12 12 12z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2180\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4445cd2 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4445cd2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"e-n-accordion-item-2180\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b66a764 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b66a764\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-81d7e6e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"81d7e6e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costa Rica uses both colones (\u20a1) and US dollars, with exchange rates fluctuating daily around 510-550 CRC to $1 USD as of 2024-2025, making it essential to know when to use each currency for the best value during your trip. While tourist services like hotels, tours, and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">car rentals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> typically quote prices in USD, smaller purchases at markets, sodas, and buses require colones for better exchange rates and convenience. Having both currencies plus a credit card gives you flexibility &#8211;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/key-facts-about-clearing-customs-and-immigration-at-san-jose-and-liberia-airports\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">withdraw colones from ATMs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the best rates rather than exchanging at<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/sjo-airport-confusion-solved\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">airport booths<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><p><b>Quick Facts:<\/b><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring small USD bills ($5, $10, $20) &#8211; larger bills are hard to break and must be in pristine condition<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/san-jose-stopover-city-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public buses in San Jos\u00e9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> only accept colones &#8211; no exceptions<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bank exchange rates beat airports by 5-8% &#8211; exchange just $20-50 at<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/sjo-airport-confusion-solved\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SJO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for immediate needs<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit cards are widely accepted, but some areas like Tortuguero and Drake Bay are cash-only<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Budget $300 USD cash per person per week, exchanging $100 to colones upon arrival<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><b>Top 5 Money Tips:<\/b><\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use USD for Tourist Services<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Hotels, tour operators, shuttles, and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/rental-quotes-exposed\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rental cars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> quote in dollars &#8211; paying in USD avoids conversion losses<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pay Colones for Local Purchases<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Farmers markets, taxis, sodas, gas stations, and tolls price in colones &#8211; you&#8217;ll save 5-10% using local currency<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>ATMs Beat Exchange Booths<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211;<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/importing-buying-cars-costa-rica\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banco Nacional ATMs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> charge the lowest fees and dispense both currencies at better rates than cambios<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Request CRC on Credit Cards<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; When paying by card, ask to be charged in colones to get your bank&#8217;s exchange rate instead of the merchant&#8217;s markup<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cash-Only Destinations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Remote areas like Osa Peninsula, Santa Teresa, and Tortuguero may not accept cards &#8211; plan accordingly<\/span><\/li><\/ol><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smart money management means carrying a mix of pristine USD bills, some colones for small purchases, and a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/rental-requirements\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">larger expenses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><p><b>If you need any help with a Costa Rica car rental, contact us now!<\/b><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a948509 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a948509\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-29f3da6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"29f3da6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can absolutely use US dollars <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/where-is-costa-rica\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">throughout Costa Rica<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 most tourist businesses accept them happily \u2013 but you&#8217;ll need <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Costa_Rica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costa Rican colones<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for local sodas, fruit stands, public buses, and that incredible roadside coffee spot locals love. Bring $300-500 in small <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/travel.state.gov\/en\/international-travel\/travel-advisories\/costa-rica.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US bills<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (5s, 10s, 20s) per person per week, exchange about $100 to colones when you arrive, and keep both currencies handy for the best prices and smoothest transactions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f30edb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7f30edb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Key Takeaways<\/b><\/h2><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">US dollars work everywhere tourists go, but colones get you better deals at local spots<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring $300-500 cash per person\/week in pristine small bills ($5, $10, $20)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exchange rate fluctuates daily \u2013 currently around 510-530 colones per $1 USD (September 2025)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ATMs dispense both currencies at major banks (Banco Nacional has lowest fees)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visa credit cards accepted widely; American Express only at high-end spots<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canadian dollars and Euros only exchangeable at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/choosing-the-right-international-airport-in-costa-rica\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">airports<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and select banks<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never accept torn or marked US bills \u2013 Costa Rica won&#8217;t take them<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80245f8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"80245f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/40-768x512.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-3890\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/40-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/40-350x233.png 350w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/40.png 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" title=\"\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1d2c115 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1d2c115\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>What&#8217;s the Official Currency of Costa Rica, and Can I Really Use Dollars?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Costa_Rican_col%C3%B3n\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costa Rican col\u00f3n<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (\u20a1) serves as the official currency, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Christopher_Columbus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">named after Christopher Columbus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but here&#8217;s what matters: US dollars function as an unofficial second currency throughout the country. Hotels, tour operators, and restaurants in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/ultimate-guide-to-tamarindo-costa-rica-surfing-hotels-restaurants-safety-tips\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and La Fortuna<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> quote prices directly in USD. Even gas stations near tourist corridors accept dollars, though they&#8217;ll give change in colones.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The col\u00f3n floats freely against the dollar, meaning exchange rates shift daily. As of mid-September 2025, you&#8217;re looking at roughly 510-530 colones per dollar, down from 560 last year. Banks post slightly different rates since the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bccr.fi.cr\/SitePages\/Inicio.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Central Bank provides reference rates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rather than fixed exchanges.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba41bc0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ba41bc0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>How Much Cash Should I Bring to Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start with $300-500 in US cash per person for a week-long trip, broken into small denominations. Those crisp $5, $10, and $20 bills work everywhere, while $50s and $100s often get rejected outside banks and casinos. Pack bills in absolutely perfect condition \u2013 no tears, stains, or even excessive creases. A tiny fold mark that seems insignificant back home? That bill won&#8217;t fly here.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ccc785 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6ccc785\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"773\" data-src=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Quick-Cash-Calculator-for-Costa-Rica-768x927.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-5242 lazyload\" alt=\"Infographic showing recommended US dollar amounts for Costa Rica trips: $150-200 for 3-4 day weekend trips, $300-500 for one week, and $600-800 for two weeks. Each amount shows the recommended breakdown of $5, $10, and $20 bills. Includes tips about bringing pristine bills, avoiding large denominations, and adding 20-30% more cash for remote destinations.\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Quick-Cash-Calculator-for-Costa-Rica-768x927.png 768w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Quick-Cash-Calculator-for-Costa-Rica-290x350.png 290w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Quick-Cash-Calculator-for-Costa-Rica-848x1024.png 848w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Quick-Cash-Calculator-for-Costa-Rica.png 847w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" title=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/773;\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e28be43 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e28be43\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For remote destinations like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/samara-a-hidden-gem-for-family-friendly-beach-getaways\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drake Bay, Tortuguero, or the Osa Peninsula<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, bump these amounts up 20-30% since card readers are scarce.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9dfbd66 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9dfbd66\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>When Should I Use Dollars vs. Colones in Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay in dollars for anything quoted in dollars \u2013 hotels, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/costa-rica-shuttle-services-essential-information\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">organized tours, shuttle services<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and most sit-down restaurants in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/top-activities-in-guanacaste-costa-rica-enjoy-the-best-of-the-golden-coast\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">beach towns<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You&#8217;ll avoid conversion confusion and typically get fair rates.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switch to colones for everything else: sodas (small local restaurants), fruit vendors, taxi rides, public buses, national park entrance fees, and toll booths. That \u20a13,500 casado lunch special? Paying with a $10 bill means you&#8217;ll get about \u20a12,000 back in change using the vendor&#8217;s exchange rate, not the \u20a14,500 you&#8217;d expect at bank rates.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dd89755 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"dd89755\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"664\" data-src=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Where-to-Use-Dollars-vs.-Colones-768x797.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-5243 lazyload\" alt=\"Infographic showing USD acceptance rates across Costa Rica destinations: Tamarindo beaches at 95%, Manuel Antonio at 90%, La Fortuna at 80%, Monteverde at 70%, Caribbean Coast at 60%, and San Jos\u00e9 at 40%. Each location shows when to use US dollars versus Costa Rican colones, with tourist services accepting USD while local businesses prefer colones.\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Where-to-Use-Dollars-vs.-Colones-768x797.png 768w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Where-to-Use-Dollars-vs.-Colones-337x350.png 337w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Where-to-Use-Dollars-vs.-Colones-987x1024.png 987w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Where-to-Use-Dollars-vs.-Colones.png 986w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" title=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/664;\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-57781d3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"57781d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Where Can I Get the Best Exchange Rates in Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banks offer the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gee.bccr.fi.cr\/IndicadoresEconomicos\/Cuadros\/frmConsultaTCVentanilla.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most favorable rates for currency exchange<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Banco Nacional, BCR, and Scotiabank all exchange dollars (bring your passport), with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bncr.fi.cr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banco Nacional<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> typically posting the best rates. Their ATMs also charge the lowest fees \u2013 about \u20a12,000 ($4) per withdrawal.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skip the airport exchange desks unless you&#8217;re desperate. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/key-facts-about-clearing-customs-and-immigration-at-san-jose-and-liberia-airports\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After clearing immigration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at both <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/liberia-guanacastes-white-city-capital\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liberia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/guanacaste-airport-your-gateway-to-costa-ricas-hidden-gem\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">San Jos\u00e9 airports<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you&#8217;ll find Global Exchange counters that handle USD, Euros, and Canadian dollars, but their rates run 5-10% worse than banks. If you&#8217;re heading straight to a rental car and then into rural areas, exchange just enough for immediate needs.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supermarket chains like Auto Mercado and M\u00e1s x Menos offer decent rates when you pay in dollars for groceries. Gas stations post their daily exchange rates on boards near the register \u2013 usually 10-20 colones less favorable than banks but convenient for quick conversions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8dda0d8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8dda0d8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-src=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/41-768x512.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-3891 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/41-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/41-350x233.png 350w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/41.png 1024w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" title=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-234df08 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"234df08\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>What About Canadian Dollars and Other Currencies?<\/b><\/h2><p><a href=\"https:\/\/travel.gc.ca\/destinations\/costa-rica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canadian visitors face limited options<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Only <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.davibank.cr\/personas\/default.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scotiabank<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and occasional Banco Nacional branches exchange Canadian dollars, and airport kiosks handle CAD at poor rates. Your best strategy? Bring some US dollars from home, then rely on a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for major purchases.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Request charges in colones when using Canadian credit cards \u2013 you&#8217;ll get your bank&#8217;s exchange rate from CRC to CAD directly, skipping the double conversion through USD that inflates costs by 3-5%.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Euros face similar limitations, though European visitors find slightly more exchange options at banks in San Jos\u00e9 and beach towns with Italian or German expat communities.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-135e6d3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"135e6d3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-src=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/42-768x512.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-3892 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/42-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/42-350x233.png 350w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/42.png 1024w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" title=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-91919da elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"91919da\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>How Do ATMs Work Throughout Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ATMs operate 24\/7 at all major banks, dispensing both colones and dollars (you choose). Daily withdrawal limits range from $500-$1,000 depending on your home bank, with local fees around \u20a12,000-3,000 per transaction.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aa8adcf elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"aa8adcf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"777\" data-src=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Know-Your-Costa-Rican-Currency-768x932.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-5244 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Know-Your-Costa-Rican-Currency-768x932.png 768w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Know-Your-Costa-Rican-Currency-289x350.png 289w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Know-Your-Costa-Rican-Currency-844x1024.png 844w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Know-Your-Costa-Rican-Currency.png 843w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" title=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/777;\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5cdc92a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5cdc92a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pro tip: Withdraw during banking hours (9am-3pm weekdays) when guards are present and machines get restocked. Avoid Sunday evening or Monday morning withdrawals at beach towns \u2013 machines often run empty after busy weekends.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-308d0c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"308d0c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Which Credit Cards Actually Work in Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visa dominates acceptance here, working at 90% of businesses that take cards. Mastercard follows at about 70%, while <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/en-us\/travel\/discover\/property-results\/dt\/2\/d\/Costa%20Rica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Express<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> only flies at high-end hotels and select tour operators. Forget Discover entirely.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always clarify the charge currency before swiping. Some payment terminals default to colones without asking, turning your expected $50 dinner into \u20a150,000 (about $100). Watch that screen carefully and ask &#8220;d\u00f3lares o colones?&#8221; if uncertain.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Debit cards work at ATMs but avoid them for purchases. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/rental-requirements\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rental car companies won&#8217;t accept debit cards<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for deposits since refunds take months to process. Hotels might accept them but you&#8217;ll sign waivers acknowledging the lengthy refund timeline.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7340cd1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7340cd1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>What Are Those Costa Rican Bills and Coins I&#8217;ll Handle?<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Costa Rica&#8217;s colorful plastic bills come in \u20a11,000 (red), \u20a12,000 (blue), \u20a15,000 (yellow), \u20a110,000 (green), \u20a120,000 (orange), and \u20a150,000 (purple) denominations. The red \u20a11,000 note features a white-tailed deer, Costa Rica&#8217;s national animal.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coins circulate in \u20a15, \u20a110, \u20a125, \u20a150, \u20a1100, and \u20a1500 denominations. Silver-colored \u20a1500 coins are hefty and valuable (about $1), while the smaller denominations barely buy candy. Many vendors round to the nearest \u20a15 since the tiny \u20a15 and \u20a110 coins are more hassle than they&#8217;re worth.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Old cotton bills are no longer accepted anywhere \u2013 if someone tries handing you a faded paper note as change, politely request current plastic bills instead.<\/span><\/p><h2><b>Your Money Game Plan for Costa Rica<\/b><\/h2><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s your practical approach: Exchange $100 at a Banco Nacional after arriving, keeping the rest of your pristine US bills secure. Use dollars for big tourist expenses and colones for authentic local experiences. Having a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/renting-a-car-at-liberia-airport-costa-rica-a-complete-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rental car<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> opens access to better exchange rates at banks in smaller towns versus tourist-trap currency desks.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hit an ATM every few days rather than carrying your entire cash stash. Mix payment methods \u2013 credit cards for hotels and upscale restaurants, dollars for tours and mid-range spots, colones for sodas and markets.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This balanced approach saves money and prevents those awkward moments when vendors can&#8217;t break your $50 bill for a $3 purchase. Plus, you&#8217;ll navigate from Tamarindo&#8217;s tourist scene to San Jos\u00e9&#8217;s local markets without constantly wondering if you&#8217;re getting ripped off on exchange rates.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to explore Costa Rica without money stress?<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/contact-us\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact Vamos Rent-A-Car<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to secure your vehicle and get insider tips on the best ATM locations along your route. Our team knows exactly which banks offer the best rates between the airport and your first destination.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a2316ee elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a2316ee\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-src=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/43-768x512.png\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-3893 lazyload\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/43-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/43-350x233.png 350w, https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/43.png 1024w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" title=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 640px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 640\/427;\">\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b15b51 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"2b15b51\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-98a2616 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"98a2616\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0e77ab9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0e77ab9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><b>What&#8217;s the best currency to bring to Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring US dollars in small, pristine bills ($5, $10, $20) for the best flexibility. You&#8217;ll use dollars for tourist services like hotels and tours, but you&#8217;ll need colones for local spots. Skip Canadian dollars or Euros unless you&#8217;re exchanging at the airport \u2013 only select banks accept them. Pro tip: $300-500 cash per person per week works perfectly, with about $100 exchanged to colones when you arrive for sodas, fruit stands, and those amazing roadside coffee stops.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>How much is $1 USD worth in Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As of September 2025, $1 USD equals approximately \u20a1510-530 colones, though rates fluctuate daily. Banks offer the best exchange rates, while hotels and tourist spots typically knock off 10-20 colones. That $1 is actually useful here \u2013 it covers a cup of excellent local coffee, a small empanada, or bus fare in San Jos\u00e9. Just remember the \u20a1500 coin looks substantial but only equals about $1, so don&#8217;t get too excited when you receive one as change!<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Is $20 a lot of money in Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends where you&#8217;re spending it. In tourist areas, $20 gets you a decent meal for one at a sit-down restaurant. But at a local soda, that same $20 (about \u20a110,000) buys lunch for four people with drinks included. A taxi from downtown Tamarindo to Playa Langosta? About $20. But drive yourself and you&#8217;ll only spend $3 in gas. This is why having both currencies helps \u2013 you&#8217;ll quickly learn where your dollars stretch furthest.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Should I use my credit card or cash in Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use credit cards (Visa works everywhere, Mastercard most places) for hotels, upscale restaurants, and tour bookings \u2013 but always confirm they&#8217;re charging in the currency you expect. Cash is king for everything else: sodas, fruit stands, taxis, park entrances, and anywhere off the beaten path. Places like Drake Bay or Tortuguero? Bring extra cash since card readers are rare. Never use debit cards for purchases, only ATM withdrawals \u2013 the refund process for holds can take months.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Do you tip in Costa Rica, and in what currency?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, tipping is appreciated though not mandatory. Restaurants automatically add 10% service charge to your bill \u2013 no extra tip needed unless service was exceptional. For tour guides, $5-10 per person for half-day tours works well. Hotel staff appreciate $1-2 per bag or per day for housekeeping. Tip in either currency, but locals prefer colones since they don&#8217;t have to exchange them. That friendly attendant who helps you park? \u20a1500-1000 (about $1-2) is perfect.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Can I use torn or damaged US bills in Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absolutely not \u2013 Costa Rica has strict standards for US currency. Even a tiny tear, stain, or excessive crease means rejection. Banks, stores, and hotels will refuse any bill that isn&#8217;t pristine. Those old bills crumpled in your wallet? Leave them home. That $20 with a small pen mark? Won&#8217;t work here. Bring only crisp, clean bills or you&#8217;ll be stuck with unusable cash. This applies everywhere from five-star resorts to roadside fruit stands.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Where can I find ATMs, and are they safe to use?<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ATMs are plentiful at banks in every town, operating 24\/7 with English menus. Banco Nacional offers the lowest fees (about \u20a12,000\/$4 per withdrawal) and reliable service. Stick to bank ATMs, not standalone machines in random locations. Withdraw during daylight hours when bank guards are present. Beach town ATMs often run empty Sunday nights and Monday mornings after busy weekends, so plan ahead. Having a rental car means you can easily hit ATMs in smaller towns where lines are shorter and machines better stocked than tourist areas.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Costa Rica Currency Guide: What&#8217;s Covered Costa Rica uses both colones (\u20a1) and US dollars, with exchange rates fluctuating daily around 510-550 CRC to $1 USD as of 2024-2025, making it essential to know when to use each currency for the best value during your trip. While tourist services like hotels, tours, and car rentals [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":3889,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[56,57],"class_list":["post-3888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-quick-reads","tag-costa-rica-currency","tag-costa-rica-money-exchange"],"modified_by":"Zachary","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3888"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3888\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7123,"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3888\/revisions\/7123"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3889"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vamosrentacar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}