Costa Rican Currency and Exchange Rate

Costa Rica's Colon, plural form Colones, has been pretty stable in recent years between 550 and 570 Colones per dollar.

Exchanging at the Airport

When entering Costa Rica it's best to have only U.S. dollars, or a credit card which allows you to get cash from a "cajero" (see below). All other currencies require a trip to the bank to exchange. U.S. Dollars are often accepted even in small places.

Don't exchange in the airport -- either at the departure city or arrival city in Costa Rica. You can pay for everything in the airport area with credit cards or for things like tips, in U.S. dollars.

If you are being met at the airport by Serendipity, we can help with the exchange, or provide you with cash if you've pre-arranged an exchange with us.

Using Credit Cards

Credit cards work well in Costa Rica, even in small towns at super markets, restaurants, etc. The shop owner won't charge you more to accept the card, but your credit card company may charge a premium for foreign transactions.

Credit Card for Reserving Hotels

Hotels take credit cards for payment, however a credit card number given to a hotel won't hold your reservation. Credit card companies in Costa Rica require all credit card payments MUST have a physical paper with your signature to be valid. Because of this, phoned confirmations are not binding on you, and therefore many hotels (especially hotels near the airport) will sell a confirmed room to people with "real" money who show up. If Serendipity is arranging your accommodations, we prepay the hotel, and the hotel cannot cancel without major legal repercussions.

Cajeros - Getting Cash from Electronic Tellers

Cajeros, which are Electronic cash machines, are all over Costa Rica with populations of more than about 5,000 people. Most close from 10 PM to 6 AM, and on paydays almost all run out of cash early in the afternoon. Your credit card can be used to extract cash in Colons just as it works in your country.