If you’re standing in line at a San José airport coffee shop or staring at a colorful plastic bill with a sloth on it, you’re probably wondering how the heck the money works here. Honestly, it’s a bit of a dual-track system. The official currency is in Costa Rica is the colón (plural: colones), named after Christopher Columbus. But it’s not just about the colón.
You’ve likely heard that U.S. dollars are basically a second currency in the land of Pura Vida. That’s true. It’s also kinda dangerous to rely on just that.
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The Current Rate: What’s a Colón Worth?
Right now, in early 2026, the exchange rate has been hovering around ₡485 to ₡495 per 1 USD. It’s been remarkably stable compared to the wild swings we saw a few years back. Bank of America and the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) have both been signaling that the colón is staying strong, which is great for the local economy but means your dollars don’t stretch quite as far as they did in the "old days" when it was ₡600 to $1.
Quick math for your brain: Basically, think of ₡5,000 as roughly $10. It’s a bit less than that in reality, but for a quick "should I buy this emanada?" calculation, doubling the first digit of the colón amount and dropping zeros gets you close enough.
The Cash in Your Pocket
Costa Rican money is beautiful. Like, seriously. It’s made of polymer—basically a thin plastic—so it doesn’t turn into mush if you go for a swim in Manuel Antonio with a bill in your pocket.
- The ₡1,000 bill: Red, features a white-tailed deer. Your go-to for coffee or a bus ride.
- The ₡2,000 bill: Blue, has a shark and a sea turtle.
- The ₡5,000 bill: Yellow, featuring a monkey. This is the "tenner" of Costa Rica.
- The ₡10,000 bill: Green, with a sloth. Everyone loves this one.
- The ₡20,000 bill: Orange, showing a hummingbird.
Coins come in 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 denominations. The 500-colón coin is big, gold-colored, and heavy. It’s worth about a buck. Don't toss them in the "junk" jar; they add up fast for parking or small tips.
Dollars vs. Colones: The Great Debate
Should you just carry dollars? Maybe. Most tourist-heavy spots—think high-end hotels in La Fortuna or zip-line tours in Monteverde—quote prices in USD. If a price is listed in dollars, pay in dollars.
But here’s where people get it wrong.
If you go to a local soda (a small family restaurant) and the menu says ₡4,500 for a Casado, and you hand them a $20 bill, they will give you change in colones. The "street rate" they use won’t be as good as the bank. You’ll lose a few cents here and there. Over a two-week trip, those "few cents" turn into a nice dinner you could’ve had for free.
Also, many smaller businesses and public buses only take colones. If you’re in a remote spot like Drake Bay or deep in the Osa Peninsula, cash is king and colones are the emperor.
Where to Get Your Money
Whatever you do, don't use those exchange booths at the airport. They’re a total ripoff. The spread is predatory. You’ll see them right by the luggage carousels—just keep walking.
- ATMs (Cajeros Automáticos): This is the best way. Use a bank-affiliated ATM like BCR (Banco de Costa Rica) or Banco Nacional. Most let you choose to withdraw in either USD or CRC. Note: Some ATMs shut down between 10 PM and 6 AM for security.
- Local Banks: If you need to exchange physical cash, go inside. You must bring your original passport (not a copy). Be prepared for a wait. Tico banks aren't known for being lightning-fast.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere now, even in small towns. Amex is hit or miss. Make sure your card has "No Foreign Transaction Fees."
A Quick Word on Tipping
Tipping isn't quite the same as in the U.S. At restaurants, a 10% service charge is usually already included in the bill. You’ll see "13% IVA" (tax) and "10% servicio." You can leave a little extra if the service was amazing, but it’s not required. For tour guides or private drivers, $5–$10 USD (or the equivalent in colones) is a standard way to say thanks.
Real Talk: The "Damaged Bill" Rule
Costa Ricans are extremely picky about U.S. dollar bills. If your $20 bill has a tiny tear, a mark from a pen, or is just really wrinkled, a shopkeeper will likely refuse it. It’s not them being rude; the local banks often won't accept "damaged" foreign currency from them. Keep your greenbacks crisp.
Survival Tips for 2026
- Notify your bank: Before you land, tell your bank you're in Costa Rica. Nothing kills the vibe like a frozen card at a gas station in the middle of Guanacaste.
- Small bills only: Don't even think about bringing $50 or $100 bills. Most places won't take them because of counterfeit fears. Stick to $5s, $10s, and $20s.
- The "Colón First" Rule: If the price is listed in colones, pay in colones. If it's listed in dollars, pay in dollars.
- Check your change: If you pay in dollars, always do the math on the colones you get back. Most people are honest, but mistakes happen when switching between two currencies in your head.
The currency is in Costa Rica is meant to be spent on experiences, not lost to bad exchange rates. Grab a few thousand colones from a BCR ATM when you land, keep your credit card handy for the big stuff, and enjoy the jungle.
Next steps for your trip:
Check your bank’s policy on international ATM fees today. If they charge more than $5 per withdrawal, it's worth opening a travel-friendly account like Charles Schwab or a digital bank like Wise before you leave. Also, download a simple currency converter app that works offline—it'll save you from doing "jungle math" when you're tired and hungry.