Can you use the US dollar in Costa Rica?

U.S. Dollars are Accepted in Costa Rica

For visitors from the U.S. there's no reason to change money in advance because dollars are commonly used in Costa Rica. The taxis out in front of the airport, the restaurants and hotels all accept dollars.

What is the best currency to use in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica's national currency is known as the colón (plural: colones), but dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and other places around the country.

Should I exchange money before I travel to Costa Rica?

In case you don't have any USD beforehand and no bank in your home country has Costa Rican colones, we recommend you to exchange at the airport to get some Costa Rican colones to start with.

Is it better to pay in dollars or colones?

US dollars are generally accepted by merchants in Costa Rica. In fact, many Costa Ricans hold their savings in dollars due to the currency's stability and status as an international reserve currency. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that you, as a traveler, should always use dollars throughout Costa Rica.

Will my debit card work in Costa Rica?

Travel card, debit card or credit card? Visa and Mastercard are most widely used in Costa Rica, with American Express cards coming in third. You may find ATMs and places that accept Discover cards, though Discover is overall rarely accepted.

Can I use US dollars in Costa Rica?

Do ATMs in Costa Rica dispense US dollars?

All ATMs will dispense Costa Rican colones and most will also offer you the choice of withdrawing US dollars as well. ATMs are quite plentiful in most of Costa Rica. Do not rely on merchants taking credit cards or especially travelers checks.

What is 2 mil colones in dollars?

2,000 Colones (2 Mil) PAPER MONEY = $4 USD.

How much money should I bring for a week in Costa Rica?

How Much Does Costa Rica Cost? A week of vacation in Costa Rica costs between $850 and $1,450 for an average traveler in mid-priced hotels, lodges or rental houses and doing standard tours (assuming double occupancy).

How much does a meal cost in Costa Rica?

While meal prices in Costa Rica can vary, the average cost of food in Costa Rica is ₡10,129 per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Costa Rica should cost around ₡4,052 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner.

Is Costa Rica expensive?

Costa Rica can be expensive. At least, it can feel expensive to Westerners who expect to be able to have the same buying power as in places like India or Thailand. Costa Rica is ranked as the most expensive country in Central America and the sixth most expensive in North America and the Caribbean (2015).

How much cash should I carry in Costa Rica?

We recommend that you bring around $50 to $100 US dollars in cash and a VISA or Master Card. There are other credit cards that are accepted, but VISA and Master Card are the most commonly accepted throughout Costa Rica. If needed, you can get a cash advance on a VISA card if you go to a large bank.

Is tipping customary in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rican eateries, tipping is optional, though it's polite to offer an additional sum if you feel your server exceeded your expectations or went the extra mile to ensure you were happy with your meal.

Can you drink the water in Costa Rica?

The short answer is yes. You can drink the tap water in Costa Rica safely in most every part of the country. In some rural areas, including the Caribbean and in non-touristy places, you may want to stick with bottled water.

Can you smoke in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is now part of the mounting list of Latin American countries taking a stance against the tobacco industry. The anti-smoking law requires all public places to be 100% smoke free; this includes workplaces, public institutions, bars, restaurants, bus stops and taxi stands.

How much does a Big Mac cost in Costa Rica?

According to the index, a big mac in Costa Rica costs 2,250 colones, which is $4.06 at the current exchange rate of 554.33 colones to the U.S. dollar. This makes Costa Rica the 4th most expensive place in Latin America to indulge in the golden arches' double decker burger.

Are groceries expensive in Costa Rica?

For 2 people living in a touristic area of Costa Rica, groceries are usually the biggest chunk of our monthly budget. Our average monthly budget for groceries in Costa Rica is around $500 USD for 2 people and 2 large dogs. Prices are always quoted in Costa Rican colones at the supermarket.

Will my cell phone work in Costa Rica?

The type of phone doesn't matter. It can be an iPhone or Android, Samsung, HTC, Blackberry, whichever, as long as it fits those three requirements. Make sure you call your home provider to see if your phone it unlocked and can accept international SIM cards before you leave.

Do you need an electrical adapter in Costa Rica?

​Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type, so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.

How much is a beer in Costa Rica?

How Much Does Beer Cost in Costa Rica? One beer from the grocery store costs about 720 Colones or $1.25 US. If you want to have a beer at a restaurant or bar, you can pay between 1,000 Colones ($1.75) and 2,000 Colones ($3.50) for Imperial beer which is the local Costa Rican light beer.

Should I carry cash in Costa Rica?

Using US Cash

US dollars are widely accepted in Costa Rica. Bring smaller bills like $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills. The bills will need to be in good condition as they will not be accepted if they are ripped or torn. The larger the bill, the more perfect it needs to be.

Is English widely spoken in Costa Rica?

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica: it's also the most widely spoken language throughout the country. Other languages spoken are English, Creole, and some Indian languages. All official business and major newspapers are in Spanish, whereas English is widely used in areas frequented by tourists.

Do Most restaurants take credit cards Costa Rica?

MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards in Costa Rica, followed by American Express. Most hotels and restaurants accept them, especially in touristy areas.