Traveling to Costa Rica means figuring out how to handle money—whether it’s cash, credit cards, ATMs, or cryptocurrency. The local currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist spots. Each payment method has its perks and pitfalls. Here are 12 tips to keep your money safe and stretch it further.

1. Know When to Use Colones vs. Dollars

Pay in the currency the price is listed in. If a hotel quotes in US dollars, use dollars. If a local vendor asks for colones, use colones. This skips shady exchange rates. Dollars work in most tourist areas, but you’ll often get change in colones, so carry both. Check the Central Bank of Costa Rica’s website for the latest rate.

2. Skip Airport Money Exchanges

Avoid exchanging money at San Jose or Liberia airports. Rates are awful, and fees sting. You don’t need cash instantly since dollars and cards work in tourist zones. Hit a bank or ATM in town for better deals. If you’re desperate, hotels exchange cash, but their rates aren’t great either.

3. Use ATMs Wisely

ATMs offer solid rates for colones and are easy to find in cities and tourist hubs. Remote spots like the Osa Peninsula? Not so much. Stick to bank ATMs—like Banco Nacional or BAC San José—during daylight for safety. Inspect the card slot for tampering and cover your PIN. Fees can hit $4–$9 per withdrawal, though Banco Nacional often skips them for foreign cards. Check your bank’s international fees too.

4. Choose the Right Card

Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere, from small shops to toll booths. American Express is fine at fancy hotels or restaurants but spotty elsewhere. Discover and Diners Club? Barely accepted. Debit cards shine for ATM cash, while credit cards with no foreign transaction fees (think Capital One or Chase travel cards) are best for big buys like hotels. Tell your bank you’re traveling to avoid freezes.

5. Avoid Credit Card Surcharges

Some places tack on 3–8% for card payments to offset processing costs, especially smaller businesses. Ask about fees upfront. Use a no-fee card and always pay in colones—not dollars—to get your bank’s rate and dodge dynamic currency conversion charges.

6. Carry Small Bills

Bring US dollars in $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills, crisp and clean—no rips or scribbles. Damaged cash gets rejected. For colones, grab smaller notes (1,000, 2,000, 5,000) from banks or supermarkets. ATMs often spit out 20,000 CRC bills, which are tough to use at local shops or for tips.

7. Don’t Exchange Money Before You Arrive

Swapping dollars for colones at home or airports is a rip-off—bad rates, high fees. Dollars work in tourist areas, so bring $300 per person for a week and exchange $100 to colones at a bank once you’re here. ATMs can cover the rest if needed.

8. Stay Safe with Cash

Cash is fine in Costa Rica if you’re smart. Don’t wave stacks around—keep daily spending money in your wallet and stash the rest in a hotel safe or money belt. Split it across pockets or bags so you’re not wiped out if pickpocketed. For a group of four over two weeks, $2,500 total works, but withdraw as you go instead of carrying it all.

9. Watch Out for ATM Scams

ATM fraud’s uncommon but real. Skimmers or jammed slots can snag your card. Use ATMs inside banks or busy malls—harder to mess with. If your card sticks, stay put and call the bank. Skip dark or lonely ATMs, especially at night, and watch for lingerers.

10. Ask Guides for Local Tips

Tour guides know the money game—where to swap cash or find good ATMs. They deal with dollars and colones daily (and love dollar tips). Ask them for pointers, especially in small towns where options are slim.

11. Consider Cryptocurrency (But Be Cautious)

Cryptocurrency—think Bitcoin or Ethereum—is popping up in Costa Rica, especially in techy spots like San José or Tamarindo. Some hotels, eateries, and shops take it, but don’t count on it everywhere. Here’s how to use it:

• Check ahead: Look for “Bitcoin accepted here” signs or use Coinmap to find crypto-friendly places.
• Secure your wallet: Use a digital wallet like Coinbase or Trust Wallet with two-factor authentication.
• Mind the swings: Crypto prices bounce around—convert just what you need to spend.
• Factor in fees: Network fees can climb during busy times.
• Legal bit: Costa Rica doesn’t regulate crypto, but it’s legal. Treat it as a backup, not your main plan.

Crypto cuts out exchange hassles, but spotty acceptance and volatility make it tricky. Keep cash or cards handy.

12. Understand Tipping Customs

Tipping’s not required, but it’s nice—wages are low. Restaurants add a 10% service charge, so check bills before adding more. For guides, drivers, or hotel staff, 500–1,000 CRC or $1–$2 per person works. Use small colones bills—big ones are a pain to break.

Final Thoughts

Handling money in Costa Rica is simple with a little prep. Pack $300 in small US bills, swap some for colones at a bank, and lean on a no-fee card for most buys. Use safe ATMs, skip airport exchanges, and keep cash low-key. Cryptocurrency’s an option for the tech crowd, but it’s not ready to replace the classics. Follow these tips, and you’ll have more time for Costa Rica’s beaches, jungles, and sloths.