U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica, so there is no need to exchange money immediately upon arrival. Should you need to make a purchase before reaching your hotel, you can usually pay in dollars. Bringing small denominations is helpful.
Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout the country. VISA and MasterCard are the most widely accepted, while some places may not accept American Express. Contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are also increasingly common in many establishments.
Cash can be useful for small purchases, tips, or when visiting more remote areas where card payments may not always be available. If you would like to have local currency, the easiest option is to withdraw Costa Rican colones from an ATM. ATMs are available in most cities and major tourist destinations.
While many places accept U.S. dollars, change is usually given in colones and exchange rates may vary slightly.
If you plan to carry U.S. dollars, make sure the bills are in good condition, as damaged or heavily worn bills are not accepted. Smaller bills ($20 or less) are generally more convenient. Many businesses do not accept $100 bills, and some may have difficulty providing change for $50 bills.
Having a credit card and a small amount of cash is usually all you need for a comfortable trip in Costa Rica.
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