Travel money
Travelling to Costa Rica: colones or US dollars?
1 min read
What the official advice says
According to the Government of Canada's travel advice for Costa Rica:
the currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC);
US dollars are more easily exchanged;
Canadian dollars are extremely difficult to exchange;
credit cards are generally accepted;
at ATMs, cash withdrawals work with a 4-digit PIN only.
That last point often surprises people: if your PIN has five or six digits, ask your bank to change it before you leave.
What to bring?
Situation | Our advice |
|---|---|
Hotels, tour operators, car rental | Credit card |
Prices posted in US dollars | US dollars |
Sodas (small restaurants), markets, buses | Colones |
National parks, small rural shops | Some cash |
Many tourist prices are posted in US dollars. For local spending, colones are still handy. Paying in US dollars for a price posted in colones exposes you to the merchant's rate.
What about Canadian dollars?
Leave them at home, or almost. Since they're very hard to exchange there, it's better to exchange before you leave.
Getting your currency
We carry US dollars and Costa Rican colones at our Saint-Laurent, Laval and Brossard branches. Check today's rates and reserve online: both currencies can go in the same reservation.
Comparing sun destinations? See our guides to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Jamaica.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay for everything in US dollars in Costa Rica?
In tourist areas, often. Off the tourist track, colones are simpler.
How much cash should I bring?
Enough for small expenses and a reserve; your card covers most of it. Our method helps you put a number on it.
About the author
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