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 exchange money 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.

Should I take cash to 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 it better to use cash or card in Costa Rica?

Cash is the most accepted payment method in Costa Rica. Especially if you're traveling in more rural areas where cards are not an option. The US dollars are also accepted in the capital but exchanging them to Costa Rican colones is best.

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.

Travel Tip Thursday - ? What Money Should You Bring? - ?? How to Travel Costa Rica

How much cash should I bring to Costa Rica for a week?

For a one week Costa Rica trip, I recommend to bring a round $300 dollars in US dollars cash per person.

Is the dollar strong in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica, though on the pricier end of Central American countries, has relatively low fares from the United States thanks to service from low-cost airlines. The dollar has seen a strong exchange rate since 2010, and hotel and food expenses can be kept under $50 per day.

Can I use my bank card in Costa Rica?

Bank or debit cards in an ATM are the recommended way to access your funds while traveling in Costa Rica. Except a few remote beach and wilderness areas ATMs are easy to find.

Will my ATM card work in Costa Rica?

ATM machines are a good option for withdrawing money and your debit card should work during your stay in Costa Rica (notify your bank in advance that you will be traveling to avoid unwanted fraud alerts). In Flamingo there are not many ATMs close to the homestays so you should prepare accordingly.

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.

How much cash can I bring to Costa Rica?

While there are no restrictions to importing and exporting local currency and US dollars, anyone with more than US$10,000 or equivalent must declare the amount they are carrying. Failing to declare may see your money being seized.

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.

Can you drink tap 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 I charge my iPhone in Costa Rica?

Can you use the iPhone in Costa Rica? Yes, you can connect the iPhone to a Costa Rican power outlet by using the correct power adaptor.

Are things cheap in Costa Rica?

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).

Is it better to use colón or USD in Costa Rica?

Is it ever better to pay in Costa Rican colones? Though most travelers get by only ever using USD when spending money in Costa Rica, it's a good idea to start your trip with a few thousand colones on you (say, $25.00 American dollars' worth, which is roughly 15,000 colones), ideally in small denominations.

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.

How much US cash should I bring to 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.

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.

How much money do you need for 2 weeks in Costa Rica?

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). Beachfront accommodations and high dollar activities like deep sea fishing will quickly push the budget over $2,500.