Currency in Costa Rica
- Currency
- Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
- Symbol
- ₡
- ATM availability
- ATMs are common in towns and dispense both colones and US dollars; use bank machines for safety.
- Card acceptance
- Cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and tour operators; carry cash for small sodas (eateries) and rural areas.
Overview
Costa Rica uses the colón, though US dollars are widely accepted for tourism, hotels and tours.
Exchange tips
You can pay in dollars in many places, but you'll often get change in colones at a poor rate — paying in colones is usually cheaper.
Notes
A 13% sales tax and sometimes a service charge appear on bills. Keep small US-dollar notes for tips and informal vendors.